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  1. #1
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    Chainstay protection?

    I'm building up a few bikes and am realizing that without chainstay protection they are going to look rough quickly. I love the bare metal look - does anybody have any recommendations for clear protectors? Maybe racer tape or similar?

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  2. #2
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    you can get clear 3M in 4" wide for 25$ at any autoparts store and cut it to whatever shape you want
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    you can get clear 3M in 4" wide for 25$ at any autoparts store and cut it to whatever shape you want
    That's a great idea, thanks! (Though I'm surprised you didn't suggest aquaseal?!) ;-)

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  4. #4
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    Yeah I wrap entire frames with the 3M, its not as good as ride wrap but it protects the stuff that gets scuffed and its only 25$

    AQS applied and left to self level out will also protect but I usually do that on foot wear

    like bellows protector on a tele boot
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  5. #5
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    Any clear protector you put on a chain stay is going to be covered in little tears and lube/dirt detritus halfway through the first ride. It will look worse than if you did nothing.

    Mastic tape will work better, but it's hard to make it look super clean.

  6. #6
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    I like the mastic/rubber electrical splicing tape. The stuff I have seems to be 3M 2242. Put in over the ends of crank arms too.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by jamal; 05-02-2022 at 10:57 AM.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    AQS applied and left to self level out will also protect but I usually do that on foot wear

    like bellows protector on a tele boot
    I'm just joking about the AQS. Like you (well probably not to your level of expertise) I use it for all kinds of stuff.

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  8. #8
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    Mastic - great, thanks!

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  9. #9
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    I wrapped my Ti stay with a road tube (cut in half) handlebar style. It looked pretty sharp due to the flat black. I've also done similar with black bar tape (didn't last as long, but easier to work with).

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  10. #10
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    I know it's not clear, but I've tried old tubes, mastic tape, spicing tape, helicopter tape, electrical tape..... nothing lasts longer and works better than this shit. It's fucking bulletproof.

    https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00008068/




  11. #11
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    I like it: " Chain, you want to hit the stay? Fine, motherfucker--deal with this sandpaper tape, then!"

    Take the fight to the chain.
    Last edited by climberevan; 05-01-2022 at 09:24 PM.
    ride bikes, climb, ski, travel, cook, work to fund former, repeat.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by climberevan View Post
    I like it: " Chain, you want to hit the stay? Fine, motherfucker--deal with this sandpaper tape, then!"

    Take the fight to the chain.
    You think that's bad, you should see the inside of my heels.

  13. #13
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    It's pricy as fuck, but the VHS Slapper Tape does a really good job of quieting things down and will definitely protect your stay. I put it on instead of the stock chainstay protector after I started peeling that up with my heels, and it's quieter. Unfortunately my heels are peeling it up now too, so probably will just go back to the original protector attached with fresh 3M double sided tape.

  14. #14
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    For the record: chainstays are *supposed* to look rough.

  15. #15
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    https://www.naturalcycleworks.ca/new...-sharkfin.html

    the shimano shark fin was a good way to protect the chain stay and it stopped chainsuck

    or the innertube wrap

    the last 2 expensive enduro bikes have had custom molded protection
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    https://www.naturalcycleworks.ca/new...-sharkfin.html

    the shimano shark fin was a good way to protect the chain stay and it stopped chainsuck

    or the innertube wrap

    the last 2 expensive enduro bikes have had custom molded protection
    My "cheap" enduro bike came with molded pro on the driveline-side. Although the chainstays are alloy, so who really give a f**k, right?

  17. #17
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    I use the old cut open inner tube wrap for chainstay protection. Two zip ties at the derailleur end and it stays in place nicely, and easy to replace when it gets damaged.
    Quote Originally Posted by powder11 View Post
    if you have to resort to taking advice from the nitwits on this forum, then you're doomed.

  18. #18
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    cheap, so only 4 figures ?

    I have no idea if molded pro is cheap or expensive but I've only noticed it on Yeti & SC

    guess they want to protect that expensive carbon ?
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    cheap, so only 4 figures ?

    I have no idea if molded pro is cheap or expensive but I've only noticed it on Yeti & SC

    guess they want to protect that expensive carbon ?
    I can't think of a modern full suspension mountain bike that doesn't come with molded chainstay protection. They all have it, regardless of whether they're carbon or aluminum.

    Aside from protecting the paint and the frame, a good chainstay protector makes the bike sooo much quieter.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    cheap, so only 4 figures ?
    Yeah... mid-4 figures.

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by toast2266 View Post
    <snip> a good chainstay protector makes the bike sooo much quieter.
    This is worth something, for sure.

  22. #22
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    using that for a while now on my trail bike chainstays and other contact bits. it is working beautifully.

    if using on seatstays, don't go to high up. it'll abraid your calves, depending on how you pedal!
    Florence Nightingale's Stormtrooper

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by El Chupacabra View Post
    I use the old cut open inner tube wrap for chainstay protection.
    Samesies
    Remind me. We'll send him a red cap and a Speedo.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by toast2266 View Post
    Aside from protecting the paint and the frame, a good chainstay protector makes the bike sooo much quieter.
    Seriously. It's not for the bike, it's for your ears.

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