Protecting the underside of the down tube?

[SavagePower]

Hi, I have a few retrobikes and want to protect the underside of the down tube - what is best? I heard some certain tape is good? The 'ping' from small stones etc 'hurts' me :evil:

Thanks

Ps: I'm waiting for the first person to write 'don't ride them'

 

[xerxes]

Re:

Helicopter tape: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw= ... p;_sacat=0

 

[Ollie]

Re: Protecting the underside fo the down tube?

Helicopter tape is a good method.

I use a section of inner-tube on my Orange five, cut and cable tied on. It can be easily removed for cleaning also...

 

[SavagePower]

Re: Protecting the underside fo the down tube?

Thanks guys! Any particular helicopter tape the best? Cheers

 

[jimo746]

Re:

only ride them on soft trails with fluffy marshmallow stones

In true "retro" times things like this were never an issue, but progress can sometimes bring about good things, heli tape for one.
I prefer no particular brand of tape.

 

[SavagePower]

Thanks dude!

 

[scant]

I've tried helicopter tape & its okay for small impacts, but if you live & ride somewhere very rocky (eg brecon beacons) the the thicker rubber downtube protectors by companies such as trek & santa cruz might be a safer bet.
theres lots of different versions on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/downtube-protector

 

[SavagePower]

I've tried helicopter tape & its okay for small impacts, but if you live & ride somewhere very rocky (eg brecon beacons) the the thicker rubber downtube protectors by companies such as trek & santa cruz might be a safer bet.
theres lots of different versions on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/downtube-protector

Thanks pal, it's going on some bikes that if I ever sold them the new owners may want it removing so I need something that can be easily removed and leaves no trace. I shall check those out. Thanks again.

 

[scant]

no probs. most of them attach via double sided tape. so when it comes to removal gently heat the protector with a hairdyer & peal it off. it leaves behind the sticker like residue, which can be removed with WD40

 

[JonTom]

Re:

I was thinking of using handlebar tape - the thick spongy stuff that roadies use.

Lots of colours too - including carbon effect and cork finish.