How to Create an Ultralight Chainstay Guard
June 8, 2008 by Carl Martens
Filed under Tips
Although neoprene chainstay guards provide protection and silence from “chain slap”, the problem with neoprene Velcro chainstays is that they come undone.
Using a combination of electrical tape and cotton adhesive handlebar tape you can create your own ultralight chainstay guard. Using the cotton adhesive tape will create an impenetrable seal to your chainstay, keeping water and dirt out, protecting your bike to the fullest extent.
We used Cateye’s Adhesive Cotton Handlebar Tape and 1-1/2″ width electrical tape. Start by wrapping the adhesive tape around the chainstay, doubling up over itself. Next proceed to wrap the adhesive tape around the chainstay moving from one side of the chainstay to the other, overlapping the the adhesive tape each time. To finish, seal the ends of the adhesive tape using the electrical tape. Wrap the electrical tape twice around the chainstay and the adhesive tape.
Total cost is roughly $6.00
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This post was written by:
Carl Martens - who has written 67 posts on Mountain bike product reviews, bike builds, trail reviews, forum, and tips – MTOBikes.com.
Carl H. Martens is founder of Made to Order Bikes, Inc. Originally from the burbs of Chicago, IL he now resides in the city of Roswell which is located just north of Atlanta. He enjoys riding Big Creek which is just down the road from where he lives.
neat idea. kind of like wrapping a hockey stick…I’d lap the tape by 50% so you get double thickness…cool
That is a really good idea, solves several problems with a little ingenuity. Looks like I have a project coming up.
You can also use an old tube. Cut the valve section off, and wrap it around like you would wrap the tape. Then either tape off the ends, or zip tie it. Some pro downhill guys put a layer of Velcro underneath to keep it even quieter.
I’d heard of using Velcro tape and seen it sold in bike shops. I am loving this site, Carl!
Blessings!
Lacy
I skip the handle bar tap and just go straight for the electrical tape for the whole project. I’ve been doing it for years. bomber.