Avoiding scratches on handlebars - possible?
 

Got a burning, er not that burning, question on my mind..

Is it possible to avoid or at least minimize scratches on one's handlebars from the attachment of aerobars etc?

Even if the aerobars don't come with shims, have you used your own improvised/home-made/bought shims?

I just fixed an aerobar onto my new Ritchey wing bars, and looks like they will be scratched :(

they're a tool, not a jewel.

don't want scratches? put the bars in a vitrine.

PDA Screen Protectors. Cut to fit.

Just wrap your bar tape all the way up to the stem ;)

Mine are scratched to hell from when I used aerobars for a very short period last year... I think it adds character... and reminds me that aerobars aren't neccessary on a road bike :)

Right, botto. Guess I was thinking of their resale value...\

jmarkley710, that's a new one...PDA screen protectors ..hmm

grahny, ok. how about the metal to metal contact between the aerobars and handlebars..that's the part where it will get scratched.

Got another questions...how tight does one have to screw the screws in? I turn it until it's snug then a 1/2 to 3/4 turn or so more for a strong fit.

I don't think there's really a good way to avoid it, unless you maybe wrap some electrical tape around the bars where the contact points will be or something. I did the same thing when attaching them (snug, then a little more so they don't slip)... of course, if either of those bars are carbon, then they should be torqued to spec just to be sure.