Scratches!

[Kookas]

Do you bother trying to avoid them? Just today, I ran about fixing a long, deep scratch after I used an old decrepit bike rack. The problem is, such poor quality bike-locking points are everywhere. What if I absolutely have to lock it up and there's nothing but a decrepit bike rack, with its paint chipping and the bare metal exposed?

 

[Easytigers]

I'm a bit precious about making sure my bike doesn't get scratched (although it has a fair few small ones after 18 months commuting)...could you carry a bit of foam to put round the tube etc?

 

[Kookas]

I'm a bit precious about making sure my bike doesn't get scratched (although it has a fair few small ones after 18 months commuting)...could you carry a bit of foam to put round the tube etc?

I've heard of 'top-tube pads', and I could do. At my college I've just wrapped the part of the rack where I lock my bike (where it otherwise would touch the metal and scratch it) in insulating tape.

Most decent bike racks are coated, though - primarily so they won't rust, I think, but it also means they won't scratch the bike.

I think even locking up to street signs might be okay, since they're painted too.

 

[Pikey]

My summer bike is a bit of a princess, used to put insulation tape on her like you said above.
Now I just put helicopter tape on the usual areas that would rub when locked up, much nicer.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Helicoptor tape is the answer.

Have a look on ebay for a seller called paragon tape.

 

[Kookas]

I did see that stuff, but I was worried about making my bike look worse with it. But it turns out they also sell matte helicopter tape as well as the glossy stuff, so I've just ordered some.

 

[Pikey]

How can glossy be bad .

Gotta love that shine.

 

[Kookas]

How can glossy be bad .

Gotta love that shine.

The bike came in matte black, and I have to say, it looks nice. And when I'm walking up to it at the bike rack, it looks even better. I feel like it'd just look cheap in gloss, especially because it's black. Black just isn't meant to be shiny.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

A bike gets used a bike picks up marks dings and scratches, they're part of the bikes character and often a reminder of the rides and adventures you've shared. Theres nothing worse than a pristine bike that doesn't look like its turned a wheel in anger.

 

[Pikey]

The bike came in matte black, and I have to say, it looks nice. And when I'm walking up to it at the bike rack, it looks even better. I feel like it'd just look cheap in gloss, especially because it's black. Black just isn't meant to be shiny.

Fair play...

Gotta love the stealth look too!

 

[Candaules]

I was in New York a few years ago, and was surprised at how many people cycle there.
Many of the bikes were 'lagged', i.e. their frames covered with foam lagging (as used for hot water pipes), then wrapped with duct tape. They looked terrible, but were completely scratch-proof.