“Crash” protectors?

STSKIDMORE

New Member
I was riding w my wife on our acoustic bikes last night (waiting for new Comos to arrive) and had a minor run in with a sidewalk and had a minor fall (hardly moving and not hurt). She hasn’t ridden in many years. Now in the sport motorbike world, there are “pucks” and clear vinyl you can put over vulnerable parts of your bike.
i looked around but didn’t find much that would be analogous to the bike world.
any thoughts? she would be upset if she dropped it and scratched it.
 
While sidewall and Cof testing: I’ve laid down my bike a time or six: not yet with the Vado. It’s challenging to get the frame without hitting something: usually just handle bars and pedals. Maybe do a vinyl wrap? Much more and you can point to and tell the story.
 
I was riding w my wife on our acoustic bikes last night (waiting for new Comos to arrive) and had a minor run in with a sidewalk and had a minor fall (hardly moving and not hurt). She hasn’t ridden in many years. Now in the sport motorbike world, there are “pucks” and clear vinyl you can put over vulnerable parts of your bike.
i looked around but didn’t find much that would be analogous to the bike world.
any thoughts? she would be upset if she dropped it and scratched it.

You can order clear protective film on Amazon to protect the paint.

If you have an exposed derailleur you may want to order a protective cage.


 
Yeah, the heavier a bike is, the more damage a tip-over is likely to do. My road bike can fall over and practically bounce when it hits, but I've also been worried about my Vado and am pretty cautious about where I park it etc.
 
I just ordered from clear 3M wrap from Amazon. It comes in a 12“ by 50” (I think) rolll and you cut it to size and apply. It was about $45
 
I also bought a clear protective film on Amazon to arrive Sunday, info below.
We have 2 step thru's and I'm constantly dragging my shoes across the paint as I climb onto the bike.
Maybe a bit underneath between rear of front tire and front of frame.
VViViD 3M Scotchgard Clear Paint Protection Vinyl Film (6 Inch x 60 Inch)
 
Good question about potential frame sliders to protect the bike similar to motorcycles. Think of bicycles closer to dirt bikes than sport bikes. The first thing to hit the ground (other than you) is the handlebar end. You can get heavy duty bar plugs usually used for BMX bikes, those help. I wouldn't worry about the rear derailleur, the cages make changing a rear flat not all that fun.
 
We used ODI bar ends on our first demo bike, worked like a charm and didn't stick out too much visually. Keep in mind the stock Specialized grips need to have the end cut out. I'd use the opportunity to switch to an Ergon grip or something with an open end, the bar end plug sits more flush in that instance.
 
Update from 6/18 post:
Applied clear product to 3 places. Lower section of step-thru where I always hit with my foot at front, lower seat post, front under handlebars where cables and brake lines rub paint when turning.
VERY EASY TO INSTALL. I spent 7 years in high school but didn't struggle a bit with it.
 

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