[MrB]

I've been checking out these forums for a while now and I keep seeing bikes with either foam or something else wire tied to this part of the bike. The sample I'm showing here appears to have electrical tape. What is the reason for doing this?

 

[TreeSaw]

That's just protection from chain slap. When you're riding agressive trails (bumpy) your chain may hit the frame and it will knick the crap out of your paint.

 

[MrB]

That makes perfect sense. Probably why I didn't think of it.

 

[FBTMILF]

I hate using electrical tape because it always leaves that nasty adhesive on the frame and its a pain to get off. You can buy a stretchy guard for it or you can use like an old tube and zip-tie it on or use a piece of an old tire and zip-tie it on.

 

[S.K.C.]

Like TreeSaw said, the chain will scratch up the paint on the chainstay (metal tubing that run parallel to the ground at the back of the bike).

In some situations, the chain will not only damage the paint, but it will damage the metal frame tubing as well - this is especially pronounced in full suspension bikes where you have a lot of movement in the rear end.

This stuff works great:

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=35067

OR you could try something by a company called Lizard Skins:

http://lizardskins.com/products/?type=mountain&product_line=chainstays&PHPSESSID=e66d071528df582f7e0e37f96552a6ad

 

[MrB]

Thanks SKC. I'm in the Woodbridge area. Do you have a favorite LBS you could recommend? I've heard great things about Bike 'N Gear in Somerville and Andy's in Linden.

 

[S.K.C.]

Hey cool - my grandparents are from Perth Amboy!

Hmmm... I don't know of any shops first hand in your area, but ordering online isn't that much more expensive.

Try one of these guys - they are all reputable:

http://www.jensonusa.com/

http://www.pricepoint.com/

http://www.speedgoat.com/

 

[Diablo13]

That is to protect that part of the bike from chain slap so the chain doesn't chip the paint when you are riding your bike on rocky or bumpy terrain.

 

[jeff da grom]

hey man... they're called chainstay protectors and they do exactly what everyone else says. they come in various materials, kevelar + neoprene are the most common.

 

[MrB]

thanks guys.
I think this thread can be closed. My question keeps getting re-answered.

 

[ÆX]

thanks guys.
I think this thread can be closed. My question keeps getting re-answered.

if your embarrassed just EDIT then delete. i do it all the time!

b/c that was one heck of a newbie question! LOL

 

[MrB]

i'm not embarrased at all. I just thought it odd that the same answers keep being posted over and over again.
thanks.