When it comes to protecting a frame from possible damage when locking up, most people seem to go with some sort of hack that covers the frame. I for one wrapped my top tube with an old inner tube, and then accented it with some colorful tape - what most would call "horrid."
Others use old linoleum like was featured in a recent entry.
Here is one I came upon the other day that I had never seen before -
While I admire the thought, from my experience, as Duct tape wears the sticky substance can start to get all over stuff. If you wrapped this lock around your waste or any clothing, after a while I think the sticky residue might be all over the place.
Which also reminded me of another hack that is similar to the tape concept, but the corduroy would seem to be a far superior choice to Duct tape.
And finally, you can modify a chain/lock like the one I have that comes with a protective sleeve, but in this case the lock and links can rub holes in your clothing while riding. As I documented in an entry a while back, the leg of an old pair of jeans helps to prevent clothing damage if you wear your lock around your waist.
Does some of the frame saving techniques defeat the purpose if they are permanent or used all the time? Are there special occasions where the "frame savers" come off? Or is this exclusively for resale value?
Posted by: Matt B | 05/20/2011 at 08:40 AM
the ubiquitous old inner tube is always good for dressing a security chain. a step up from that would be 2-inch (50mm) flat webbing from an outdoor shop that sells climbing gear.
does anyone know a cheaper source for that type of webbing in short lengths?
Posted by: atom | 05/21/2011 at 11:54 PM