Lately I've been seeing ss and fixed bikes sporting these ugly and ridiculous top tube protectors. What the hell are these things for? Do they actually protect the top tube? The rider? Or are they just another absurd and cultish fashion statement? In all the years I've been riding (and crashing) I've never, ever found the need for one of these things. Do I need to run out and get one now?

Theyre for jokes.

you so crazy.

yes you won't be able to ride without one.


but really, stop worrying about it. just don't get one if you don't like it.

they are there to protect the toptubes from your mama

If you ever pick up a Thai hooker you DAMN well better have one.

they act as magic carpets when a rider is in a tight spot

I dont know maybe "protecting top tubes"

I dont get why so many people post stupid questions.

you let your girlfriend sit on the padded top tube when you give her rides to the store.

+1
they help out with general sexual activity on your bike.

Reading this guy's actuall introduction post and see that he is a serious biker that is genuinely curious, i will tell him that ttps are pretty much for one, if not all, of the following reasons...

1. protect your frame while locking up
2. protect your frame from your swinging stem and drop bars in a crash
3. looking cool last year
4. protect your nuts in a crash
5. get your bike flamed on in the internet.

welcome.

6. if your frame is big enough a top tube protector makes a nice knee rest for seated skids (if you are into that kind of thing)

My top tube was getting prone to knicks and scratches when locking up, so I just invested in a top tube protector. Sue me because mine is camo.

And the part about it cushioning my balls is definitely a plus.

Now what I don't get are those actual "top tube protectors", the kashimax type. 35+ for a bronze shim encased in rubber that only protects one spot. Very prone to getting jacked I might add.

I was wondering, what methods do you guys employ to secure your top tube pad to your bike in case of theft? I was hoping zip ties would be sufficient. Or maybe just threading a lock cable through the pad lock loop.

lol. i've only ever heard of one top tube pad being stolen by someone they didnt know.

shhh! you've just revealed my secret trick to attracting the ladies

oh my bad broseph, i do the same thing, cept i use griptape.

interesting, sounds like a good way to spice things up with me and the mrs.!

they are to protect your knees from hitting the top tube, when you are trying to perfect your aero position by bringing the knees toward the center of the frame during the spin. most fixed freestyles don't care about cycling form though, so it goes without much use.

a minority believe they are to prevent scrapes from objects and handlebars, these people are few and far between.

the bottom doesn't need a tube protector?

I'm going to now jack every top tube pad I see. Then sell them BACk to the original owner on eBay.

it keeps peoples voicebox from wearing out while they yell " I am a ******! see me skid!"

because, you know, the toptube protector does the talking for them

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that if your nuts are actually making contact with the top tube...protected or not...it is going to hurt A LOT.

best reply.

They were invented by Shants.