Scratch Protector??
 

I've got a question for y'all. My brother recently acquired a 2012 Scott CR1 Comp and he was wondering if there is an adhesive type clear patch to put on the downtube, wheel side much like what goes on the chainstays. Is it worth bothering to look into such a deal even though it is a carbon frame? What's your opinion?

Packaging tape. Better get a helmet mounted mirror too.

It's a tool not a jewel. Ride it.

My main concern was that we have a few new roads coming in and there will be tar that will stick to the frame from new asphalt. Cleaning that off my aluminum bike was a bear and what cleaners would be suggested that won't damage any resins or make the paint flake?

:popcorn

Heh.

throw on a few coats of car wax to make cleanup easier.

Lizard Skins http://store.lizardskins.com/t/mount...-gear/compound make a nice downtube protector, but as with others, a bike is just a tool, ride it, and it will get scratches and dings, just take them as a positive sign that is it is being used for the purpose it was bought for.

I covered most of the frame with a 3M product. The material is similar to the "clear bra" used on the front of a car. I measured the surfaces I planned to protect, brought them to Tankslapperz.com (as he was local) and he sent them to me in the mail for $20.00. They apply easier to an unbuilt frame as cables and components make it hard to access. They come in shiny and matte finishes and have lasted well for a year and a half.

Rhino line it

I use Bikeshield. Really great product I found at my LBS. It's like very thick Saran wrap. Stays on but comes off without leaving residue when you don't want it anymore.

I use it to protect the carbon frame from tie wraps, and to protext my GPS's screen.

Go to your local pool store and ask for clear adhesive liner patches. They come 5 x7, ina pack of 4 for like $6.00 . It will peal right off when you want to remove it.
As for clean up. Tar and bug remover I think its by Turtle wax. Mineral spirits should work .
Carbon is potted in epoxy. Once it is cured thats it, it wont soften, or melt. Unless you are Cleaning it with a strong acid.

Shelter tape... Geat stufff. http://www.cantitoeroad.com/shelter

Treat it like a car, which costs many times more than a bike. Wash it, put some wax on it, and use bug and tar remover to get crud off.

Do you see cars with plastic wrap all over them?

Excellent feedback! I'm seriously looking into that LizardSkin type adhesive. I might just try the wax on my aluminum frame and see how that does. I never thought about waxing it!

The problem with all those plastic protectors is they cut easily and look bad. Paint is pretty strong and will look good a long time. You probably are better off just getting touch-up paint that matches and cover any little nicks with a dab of paint. Plus wax helps protect.

Yeah. I use chip-protector film (AKA "clear bra") I get at the auto store.

Plasti-dip

Here's what I use, http://www.racerstape.com/heli.html

I detail cars as a hobby, so I use the same wax on my bike. If you put a few light coats of wax on before the season, you should be able to use basic quick detailer after every ride to keep it clean. Check out autogeek.net.