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Chainstay Protector from a Tube

An old tube cut into a 1" strip and wrapped around the chainstay to quiet down chain slap.

I’ve been wanting a chainstay protector to cut down on the noise from chain slap, but I both didn’t want to pay for one. I also particularly don’t like how most aftermarket bike accessories come plastered with logos like this Lizard Skins-brand one. So, while waiting for my biking clothes to get through a late-night wash cycle I took an old tube, cut it into a 1″ strip, wrapped it around most of the chainstay on my bike, and cable tied it in place.

This idea was inspired by this photo of an On-One Inbred Summer Season 456 with what appears to use this same setup. I really like the minimal look of it.

To cut this piece of tube I stuck a piece of 1″ masking tape on an old tube, cut along both sides of the tape, squared the ends, then scrubbed off the non-stick powder from the tube with a sponge. It was wrapped so that what was the inside of the tube is facing out, making for a consistent gray look. I would have liked to wrap more of the chainstay, but with the rear derailleur cable running under the chainstay there wasn’t a lot of clearance. The area of the chainstay which had taken the most damage (and thusly chainslap) before is covered, so it should work well.

Chain slap is the clanking noise made when the chain bounces and hits the chainstay (or other parts) while going over bumps or drops. Not only does it make a loud clanking noise, the impact usually chips up the finish on the chainstay.

4 Comments

  1. Tu Diep
    Tu Diep July 21, 2009

    Sweet DIY about chain stay protector. I just followed your easy steps and created one in 5 minutes. Thanks.

  2. c0nsumer
    c0nsumer July 22, 2009

    Tu Diep: No problem; glad it helped. I think it’s always good to see worn out parts reused whenever possible. Ten months later I can tell you that it’s held up very well.

  3. steve
    steve August 5, 2011

    Great implementation. I would think that having an exposed derailleur cable in the same place that chain slap occurs would lead to a damaged cable. Seems like an odd design.

  4. Michael
    Michael May 29, 2015

    Great idea, i just purchased a giant Talon 4 a couple of days ago and will make one now in the morning. Thank You

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