If you are one of those cyclists who doesn’t mind if your bike looks like it was just salvaged from the junkyard then this review is not for you. However, if you take pride in your bike and want to protect it then you need to check out the Lizard Skins Clear Adhesive Frame Patches.
Lizard Skins Clear Adhesive Frame Patches On The Headtube
Lizard Skins Frame Patches are small strips of clear polyurethane with an adhesive backing—they are designed to attach to your bike frame to protect it from having your brake and derailleur cables rub the paint off. These patches are small (1.5×1″) and easily stick to your bike frame (just clean the area with the supplied alcohol wipe before application).
Who needs these patches? First, anyone with a carbon fiber bike. The brake and derailleur cables on my carbon fiber Trek Madone actually scraped the clear coat and paint off the frame and left it exposed—not a good situation. Second, anyone whose bike frame has a powder coating. I love my Surly Necromancer Pugsley, but its powder coated frame picks up scratches on a windy day and the area under the cables had the paint removed in under 500 miles of use! Actually, everyone needs these patches since your cables will eventually damage the paint on any bike (it is just a matter of time).
Lizard Skins Clear Adhesive Frame Patches On The Toptube
These patches are nearly invisible once they are on your bike frame. However, to show you what they looked like I shot these photos in camera RAW (DNG) and played around with the highlights and shadows to make them show up better. Once these patches are under your cables they are very difficult to see.
Lizard Skins Clear Adhesive Frame Patches retail for under $7.00 for a package of six. Lizard Skins also has a black “Carbon Leather Patch” that blends in well with black carbon fiber. Your local bike shop probably has these patches in stock, but if they don’t they can easily order them for you. The folks at Lizard Skins not only offer great products to protect your bike, but they also have cycling body armor to protect your knees and elbows (I am going to buy a set before winter comes and review them for you—they ought to be great for cycling on the ice).
Daniel Undem
August 31, 2012 at 8:07 AM
Currently doing a new build and was looking for a product just like this. You’re timing is impeccable.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 31, 2012 at 8:49 AM
Glad I could help!
lisamullis
August 31, 2012 at 9:25 AM
hmmm the Hubs just had a rebuild powder coated, maybe a package of these would be a good surprise. thanks.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 31, 2012 at 11:15 PM
And an inexpensive surprise at that!
brendaintheboro
August 31, 2012 at 10:40 AM
Just what I’m looking for. Thanks for posting.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 31, 2012 at 11:17 PM
You are certainly welcome!
bamboogirl
August 31, 2012 at 2:19 PM
“Salvaged from the junkyard” Hilarious!
All Seasons Cyclist
August 31, 2012 at 11:18 PM
Admit it, you’ve seen folks riding bikes that look like that!
Cary Gossett
August 31, 2012 at 2:21 PM
I’ve used Park glueless patches for this. Cheaper in some applications.
All Seasons Cyclist
August 31, 2012 at 11:19 PM
I’m sure the Park Tool patches would work for a while, but these polyurethane patches are a lot more durable.
Cary Gossett
September 1, 2012 at 4:20 PM
No doubt. I use Lizard Skins plastic patches for my Turner 4″ travel mountain bike where the cable moves up and down against the frame when the suspension is activated. The patches look no worse from 10 years use. I use Park glueless patches on non-suspended frames and have never had to replace one. Some are at least 10 years old. So for cost effectiveness, Park wins. Try ’em.
Cary Gossett
September 1, 2012 at 4:21 PM
Forgot. Another plus is that they are nearly clear and blend with the bike color.
All Seasons Cyclist
September 1, 2012 at 9:25 PM
Cary — thanks for the tip!
Jon
January 1, 2013 at 7:30 PM
For a more complete frame protection system check out Crankskins.com
This company specializes in this stuff. They have a way better selection. With different sizes, thickness, colors, reflective’s and more!