Ynotnow

Just took delivery of my first road bike after two decades of mountain biking.
I'm super excited to learn a new discipline and hope the learning curve isn't too steep.

I will say, the good folks at Lynskey turned out a quality bike. Fit and finish is immaculate, and the welds are absolutely beautiful.
I either lucked out and got the best welder they have on staff, or they have a bunch of welders with phenomenal skills on the payroll.

Anyways, here it is, complete with the freshly installed ghetto chainstay protector.
Is there a better (and more aesthetically pleasing) solution in the road bike world?

bampilot06

Congrats. Always wanted a Ti bike.

Bald Paul

Yes, none at all, or at least something clear.
Cyclistick Chainstay Protector Set of 3 - Clear Film Road Cycling Bike | eBay

phrantic09

I bought a kit from these guys

https://www.ridewrap.com/us/en/bike-...ke-protection/

works great

datlas 

Ti chainstay don’t need no stinkin’ protector. Keep it naked and proud!

Ynotnow

Appreciate the replies folks!

I use Ridewrap on all my mountain bikes, but the idea of wrapping these spiraled tubes gives me a headache just thinking about how difficult it would be LOL.

MidTNBrad

Congrats! And yes, the Lynskeys know how to build bikes!

SoSmellyAir

Very nice Lynskey! What learning curve? You probably have superior bike handling skills from mountain biking already.

If your derailleurs are setup correctly the chain should not drop all that often, but yes, there is: ISC Racers Tape HT2308 ISC Helicopter-OG Surface Guard Tape (8 mil Outdoor Grade): 2" x 30 ft, Transparent: Automotive Tape: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Ynotnow

That looks like it'd fit the bill nicely!

Do you happen to know if that product allows a "wet" installation or is it "stick it on and hope you got it right the first time"?

SoSmellyAir

It is the latter.

PeteHski

I would use a strip of automotive PPF (wet fit type). It will be invisible and prevent any scuffing.

texbiker

Nice bike choice. Welcome to the Lynskey community. I ride a Lynskey Helix as well, I also owned a R300 in the past. Which group did you get?

Ynotnow

Gorgeous bike!
If I had to do it over I would have gotten the etched logos like you, since the decals on the downtube kind of obscure the spiral.

I got the Sram Force AXS. It is buttery smooth too, so I'm glad I went that route.
For added insurance I added the Sram chain spotter to hopefully avoid any chain drops to the inside.

Spoke with the folks at my local Trek dealer yesterday to get an estimate on an Aeolus RSL 37 wheelset which will shave off a pound.
Just trying to decide if the juice is going to be worth the squeeze, but heavily leaning towards it, even if it's purely for the aesthetic appeal.

texbiker

I got the SRAM Rival AXS eTap. The electronic shifting is so nice. My R300 had decals. You might like the ICAN Cycling Alpha 50 wheels that are on my bike. The price is very attractive. I have about 8000 miles on two sets; my other road bike is a Cervelo Caledonia.

Ynotnow

I truly appreciate the input!!
I'll check ICAN out once I get in for the evening and see what the price comparison is.

I will say that the Trek warranty is incredible if they actually stand behind it.

mstateglfr 

- Always like the look of Helix frames. The twist is just cool. No idea if its better or worse than regular tubes, but its certainly a standout feature!
- Its a road bike, you dont need to worry about chain slap. You use it on paved roads and pedal constantly- there should be very few times where the chain is slack enough to slap, especially since the road will be smooth.
- Its a titanium frame that isnt painted, you dont need to worry about chain slap.
- If you want something that isnt clear, then consider Nubaum cotton tape. It comes in a ton of colors. Personally though, I would go for no protection or clear protection.

Ynotnow

Much appreciated!

I'd never actually ridden a road bike before a few weeks ago, and that was just test riding in a parking lot.

I'm so used to it being a necessity on a mountain bike that I didn't stop to think it might not be the case on the road.

The rear derailleur has a fairly stiff clutch too, so I imagine that lessens the chain bounce even more on pavement.

Zaskar

Congrats! That's a pretty badass ride ya got there.

Ynotnow

Thanks!!
I'm pretty excited about the maiden voyage once the weather breaks.

I've only been able to go up and down my dead end street a few times, but was impressed by how quick and nimble it is.
Up until now I have been using my Santa Cruz Blur to ride paved surfaces, and I thought it was fast.
Compared to this thing it's a brick 😂.

Zaskar

I'm in the SAME boat! Monday was New Bike Day for me. I've yet to ride the bike. It's KILLING ME!

Zaskar

as mstateglfr said, chan slap really isn't a thing on the road (my gravel and mtn bikes are a different story). The only reason to protect that area on a road bike is lube/dirt/grime from the chain. And, that's really only an issue for matte paint. And really, it just requires some degreaser. So yeah, no protection for that Ti frame is my vote.

Cue the "... and that only happens if your chain has too much lube, etc." in 3... 2...

Ynotnow

Congrats on your new ride!!

Feel free to post up a photo in this thread since I do enjoy seeing other people's bikes and how they have them set up.

Ynotnow

I wax my chains on all my bikes so no worry of lube residue.
I'm thinking it's getting unwrapped when I get home tonight LOL.

Zaskar

Not my first road bike, but definitely a first in disc brakes on the road, Di2, totally hidden cables/hoses/lines. Oh, and not being a black road bike, that's a first in a long time.

Ynotnow

That thing is a freakin jewel!!

I don't see any disappointments in your immediate future 😁.