I see pictures of bikes with this little thing on the top tube. What is it? It looks like its an inch or two long some looks like tape on the top tube. it's been bugging me and just wondering what it is.

it is a top tube protector...protects the tube if the bars were to swing around and whack it

Also handy for when locking up using the TT - my TT is scratched to **** from leaning the bike on wall corners/locking up.

got it, thanks guys. I was just baffled.

good call, i always lean mine against that spot
i should put something on mine...hmmm
it may be time for one of those fancy fabric ones...but the shorter version

Lizard Skins are good, too.

I stripped a My Little Pony one off an old bike in my aunt's garage.
It looks really funny riding around with it on my top tube.

its especially useful for keeping your risers from hitting your top tube.

Okaaay!?!

Zing.

i just use a bulge of electrical tape

ha ha, buldge

He's talking about the small protectors, not the top-tube cozys. So, I don't know how you guys are locking up in the 1-2 inch area of the top-tube.

so the cozy does it all then