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I'm looking for ideas for permanent down tube armour on my Intense Spider. It's the only thing on my frame that I'm disappointed with.
At the moment there's a flappy piece of thin rubber that has already started falling off. I'll upload a pic of it later to show what I mean.
I need to fashion something that can be cut around the cable exits under the BB, and extends a little up the down tube. Ideally looking for something to be as neat as possible.
Any had to do similar?
Do Rockguardz not make a guard for it?
I think they do one for the Recluse, but I'm 50/50 if it's the same frame.
If they do, then I could re-glue the rubber and use one of those I suppose?
Old tyre and zip ties.
If there is a protector that's falling off, then I had success with Freesole (PU glue) to stick mine back on.
I'm trying to avoid the Mad Max look to be honest 🙂
To be fair, I'd hardly call it a protector. it's just a flappy piece of thin rubber that's barely held on. I'll probably glue it back for now, but something like the Rockguardz or something made out of thicker rubber would be good.
I use a trek remedy 29 2014 DT protector on my transition patrol/scout/suppressor. works very well.
https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/trek-m219/frame-protectors-t577
Ah that looks like a good idea. Was it easy to mold into shape and stick down?
Rockguardz if they do it +1
I'm looking at getting some rubber mastic tape, any feedback on that folks?
"I’m looking at getting some rubber mastic tape, any feedback on that folks?"
I have used it (I think it was Gutter Seal) on an Orange Crush, but it can look tatty after a while. As long as you are happy with tatty or replacing it.
I made one out of an old bit of 3 inch square downpipe,cut in half lengths ways with a layer of bubblewrap inside of it-for when I occasionally go to ride rocky areas .
I’ve done my Liteville which has a round downtube with shed gutter down pipe cut length ways. Think it’s 2” diameter.
Kydex?
I'm going to look into the Recluse/Spider fitment for the Rockguardz. Failing that, I'll look into the Trek one posted above.
Ideally, I want something that molds to the down tube. If I can trim it and make it look like a good fit, then it's a bonus!
I watched a vid on the Kydex stuff earlier. Looks a bit faffy, but could be an options (just need to find a heat gun).
what your after is the lizard skins leather stick on thingy.
The Lizard skin stuff could be an option, especially if I can re-glue the original "flap" back on and then add to it?
My recommendation is a strip of Hydroturf cut to size. I found the most cost effective way was to buy a long strip from ebay, meant for a Mercedes vito bumper, then you've got enough for two bikes.
It's brilliant stuff!
All the VW Transporter nerds use it on their bumpers too. It even looks quite cool!
My rockguard has a fair few big impacts on it, I'm pretty sure a rubber strip or a tyre wouuld have done nothing to prevent the big jaggy bastard rocks from transferring impact into my carbon frame.
+1 for Kydex
I made one very similar to that pictured on the link below. Pretty nice to work with and pretty cheap. Results look factory fitted. I put some silicon sealant under mine to stop the grit and muck getting under it. Will shrug off rocks all day long.
https://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=189473&pagenum=416
I've ordered some glue and one of those lizard skin things for now. If I can get hold of a heat gun, I'll probably have a go at the Kydex stuff.
Might need a few bits as I'm not the most skilled with crafting materials 🙂
Thread ressurection. @chrisridesbikes did you lay the hot kydex directly on the frame to shape it or put some protection between them?