teamtrinity

Hello!

I just got this for my car: https://www.sportrack.com/a30901lr/index.html

Any tried and true methods for protecting the top tube from getting scuffed up?

Thanks!

island rider

I wrap a clean rag or t-shirt under the hook. No issues yet.

Will G

Pipe insulation from Home Depot, etc. Cut a small piece, slide it over the top tube.

island rider

The hooks are padded anyway. You really don't need anything, but putting something in there makes me feel better.

Whatever you do, just make sure there is no dirt or rocks, etc between the hook pad and the bike and you should be ok. On the other hand, if you use dirty pipe insulation, or a muddy t-shirt, you get the idea...

ALSO - I pull/push those hooks down hard enought that I can see the tires start to deform where they are making contact with the loops that they sit in. Not sure if it's a good idea, or a bad idea, but (knock wood) my bikes have come out pristine.

Scooper

Maybe a top tube protector? Cordura material with foam rubber backing and velcro closures...

EvenKeel

^^^^ This. Works like charm.

Stickney

That. I let some air out of the tires as well (I had a tire blow while parked for lunch on a hot day).

I have no issues with a road bike, but with a cross bike (cables on top of top tube) I need to put some extra padding between hook and cables and frame.

JMR

I just do this... wrap the rag around the top tube before putting the bike on the rack.

Never had a problem either.

JMR

merlinextraligh

Magnum should fit.

It's a friggin tool not a jewel.




That said I use pipe insulation packing an S&S bike. But come on, the hook is already padded with a similar material.

DropDeadFred

looks like it has a protective guard on the top piece...I don't see what the issue is.

ahsposo 

Worry about it enough and an uninsured motorist will rear end you.

ahsposo 

What if it rains?

merlinextraligh

So definitely buy the UIM coverage up to your full policy limits.

Face Palm

Every hipster on a fixie in Brooklyn has a top tube protector. You can find them in every color and ironic pattern your heart can dream of. And Velo Orange even just released a leather one, if that floats your boat.

island rider

drive faster, create a vortex

KoolAidnPizza

Towel works fine and always ariund

Camilo

I have a carrier like this - different brand (Yakima) but same sort of padded brackets holding tight against the top tube.

The problem is that dust accumulates between the pad and the bike frame. Then, any little motion scuffs the paint on the top tube.

Using pipe insulation foam can work if it's perfectly clean and stays clean. But if dust will eventually go anywhere air can go, and the the pipe insulation will eventually be susceptible to the same problem, abrasive dust between it and the top tube. Plus, it doesn't fit well on odd shaped, non round top tubes like on my road bike.

For temporary/occasional use, simply put a piece of duct tape on the top tube to protect it.

For a long term solution, get some clear heavy autobody protective tape or film (available from many sources). Some of it is also marketed as frame protector. It is clear and virtually invisible on a glossy paint frame. I have a piece on my matte CF weave-look frame and while you can see it, it's really no big deal at all. I've transported the bike many, many times and the clear material is still good as new.

Tape - clear or duct - is the only thing I've found that guarantees to protect the frame. The rags and pipe insulation ideas do work, but eventually will cause the same abrasion from dust, in my experience. But I live in a dusty place, and do travel on gravel roads quite a bit. If you live in a place that's all paved and not dusty, you probably won't have the problems I do. On the other hand, you won't know if your techniques do or don't work until the paint gets scuffed and then it's too late. The tape (clear or duct) will never allow the paint to get abraded, no matter what.

If you never transport bikes with frames, get the kind of carrier that clamps down on the front wheel near the head tube, or the Saris that has plastic covers that hold the wheels. No chance of paint scratching.

Looigi

True. Also true for strap-on racks that rest on a vehicle's finish. The soft pads won't scratch the finish, but road dirt and grit that gets under it will.

speedwobbles

Count me in as someone else who has small scuffs on their top tube from a "padded" rack. Now I'd use a clean piece of cloth.