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Sewn Bike Innertube Chainstay Protector

Sewn Bike Innertube Chainstay Protector
Used innertubes are fantastic for protecting your frame from chain slap. Wrap them around your chainstay to shield the paint from chips and dents, and help quiet chain rattle.

In the past, I would simply wrap the innertube around the stay, and zip-tie it on. While this method is quick and effective, it's not pretty. And let's face it, your bike deserves to look good. 

Let's make a better-looking chainstay protector by sewing on the innertube with a baseball stitch!
 
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Step 1Tools and Materials

Tools and Materials
You will need:
* Mountain bike inntertube
* Dental floss or upholstery thread
* Large sewing needle
* Masking tape
* Scissors
* Ruler
* Silver gel-pen, paint pen, or makeup pencil

Depending on the diameter of your chainstay, you may be able to get away with a road bike innertube, but chances are you'll need a mountain bike tube. If you're really lucky, you might find a latex innertube in fun colors! These are the best, and they're extra stretchy so you can safely ignore the road bike remarks from earlier.

You will need to mark on the tube. Silver gel pen really is the best, but a paint pen or makeup pencil will work. 
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8 comments
Aug 24, 2011. 2:42 PMAdvar says:
Much prettier than what I did- thin length of packing foam and duct tape.
Feb 23, 2011. 6:22 PMstruckbyanarrow says:
No need for a chain slap protector on a single speed but nonetheless a great instructable!

Good Job!
Jan 27, 2011. 12:46 PMBillBiker says:
One could get fancy and add snaps instead of sewing, BUT sewing is way more cheaper :)
Dec 11, 2010. 5:33 PMthatcherthatch says:
Why would you need a chain stay guard on a single speed with a tight chain?
nice work though! looks good!
Nov 15, 2010. 2:03 PMrhoddity says:
Oh, so THAT's what the thing on my new (old) bike is... Yours is way cooler though! Nicely done!
Nov 14, 2010. 5:03 PMbobby sissom says:
well done
Nov 14, 2010. 2:07 PMCulturespy says:
That looks great!

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Author:plasticvicar