are you rockin' a frame pad, and why/not?

let's look at this logically. in the way of frame pads, the cost of materials alone will run upwards of seventy dollars. figure in the labor for reputable top-tube-pad-smith, and you're looking at more like two hundred dollars. for a mere thirty five you could pick up a kashimax top tube protector. i'd also suggest grabbing one of these while your at it.

the thing that prompted this thread was this nhttps://www.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/62362145.html

i don't see the point of them myself, but i'm curious whether other peeps ues them or not.

they seem a bit gaudy to me. i'd guess a better, more practical solution to be the standard electrical tape/tube apparatus.

I used one when I had a frame that was a little too big for me and I was scared of coming down on the top tube. Also, it made carrying my bike up the stairs to my apt more comfortable. I have a smaller frame now, so it sits in a box with a bunch of other unused stuff.

Wish I had one one Monday, I crotched myself slipping off the platforms.

Nope, just use bar tape.

I have one which I use on occasion. I guess I don't really feel the need for it. It's not like I go racking myself regularly.

man. i think these are FRESH! (might even start making my own for myself! ha!)

To understand this question we have to look back to the Civil War.

I don't use any fancy pad, I use standard pipe insulation, mainly for protection against the mtn bikes and beaters that are sometimes racked up next to(read: on top of) my bike. kinda like this:
https://doityourself.com/store/0679738.htm
Wrap it with a bit of electrical tape and you're ready to go. Protects the whole top tube while my bike is on the train. When I have my good bike I carry a couple of little pads for the seatstays as well.

If the top tube blows your confidence this easy you might be better on a ladies frame.

Uh...or you could pick up an old BMX pad for a few $$$.

Well, not a frame pad, but it looks like one. As to why? I had the leopard fur laying on the work bench, intended for another project that didn't happen. Got tired of moving it so I grabbed the Super77 glue one day and gave my bike a little extra style.

That's what I use when I pack my bike for airplane rides! It's awesome! I always take a few feet of the stuff wherever I travel.

I found frame pads more annoying than helpful. I got a reload and it is a bit too bulky for me. The Ramblin Worker things on craigslist seem super bulky around the top tube. Plus, for what its worth, if the guy making those is who I think it is, he seems like a dick.

do tell.....


and no haven't used a pad since my bmx days....

No pad. No need.

I had a friend make me one in exchange for painting her bike. It worked fine, but the novelty wore off and i never use it now.

I would think that the 'ghetto' factor of pipe insulation and duct tape would win out over custom graphics if I wanted one.

i think they only make sense if you don't have tape where your bars hit yer top tube. like on track drops.

I crocheted one for one of my bikes. It was initially just for decoration, then I decided to keep it on so I could just leave my street cuffs locked to it while I was riding & not have 'em scratch the frame.

i can't believe this is an actual question, no offense DF. why on earth would i put that on my bike? this is the ultimate in marketing. create something no one needs or wants and make people think they need or want it enough to give you money for it.

by the way, what do you all think about handlebar streamers? i'm thinking about manufacturing them.

i like my streamers pink with sparkles. maybe a handlebar basket with flowers on it too.

that's hot