Frame pads

i want to get a frame pad but dont want to pay $15 for a reload one with another $15 on top for postage.
my only reason for wanting one is that ive got those metal holes on the top of my frame for the back brake cable to go through and they look stupid without a brake.

i was thinking of using pipe insulator foam tubes cable tied on, but i can only buy them in packs of 5 and they are huge!

anyone ever made a pad or know of where to get them online?

thanks

brick lane bikes or here or i have a black one you could swap for something

i cant really get to brick lane bikes???
i looked at that one on ebay but dont think the camo would suit my bike its red!
does your black one cover as much of the tube as the reload one?
i have only just started cycling so dont know of anything i could trade for it?

Where abouts are you? Shop near me sells pipe insulation foam at 80p a for a meter length. Just bought some to day to pack up a bike for travel.
It is pretty bulky as you say. I'm guessing Stefs one is a reload one, they do several coulours.

Stef, I got stuff I would swap for your black one. But i understand joe-b has first dibs.

yeah the insulation is a bit of an overkill!
i found on sjscycles.co.uk they have velcro frame padding that comes in a 5ft roll
but i only need a piece to cover my top tube grrr!!!

Hey Tommo, where did you get the pipe insulation? I am taking my bike on a plane for the first time in 10 days and want it to be as cosy as possible!

I got it at a local hardware shop in Palmers Green, N. London. They do one for 15mm and one for22mm pipes. The 22 clamps most steel bike tubes tightly the 15mm is pretty useless for bikes unless you want to do the rear stays. there meant to be 60p and 80p respectivly for one meter lengths, but at the till they usually all work out at 60p. If I can help you out getting some let me know.
Oh, it cuts beautifully with a sharp blade.

Cheers Tommo, reckon I'll roll into a hardware store near me and see if they do the same thing. But, knowing where I live it'll probably be twice the bleedin' price!

My plan at the moment is to take off the chain and cranks & pedals, put pipe insulation round all the tubes and stays, then a layer of bubble wrap around the lot. I can't decide whether taking the handlebars off is necessary or not, i think not.

I've travelled with my bike numerous times (US, Africa, Europe) and the pipe lagging is a good idea. TBH though, i would leave the chain and crank on. Go down to your LBS and ask for the plastic fork dropout protectors that come with new bikes, they'll have tonnes knockng around. Take your front well off and use the fork dropout protector. Leave the back wheel on but put the front in a wheel bag - I've got a spare if you want to borrow it. Take the handlebars off (if you have a stem clamp that allows it) or turn the handlebars by 90 degrees. Buy yourself a bag of zip ties. You can secure the lagging with these and use them to secure things so that they don't move. The trick with the pipe lagging is to protect the frame for bagging on the handlebars etc. The bag/box you put it in will save it from most of the damage. Oh, take your seart post out too, I've seen a carbon one snapped from being left in.

Hmmm, I was going to leave both wheels in and not put the bike ina bag. I read some advice on another site which suggested that being able to roll the bike makes the baggage handlers happy and less likely to throw it around. Seemed to make sense to me...

Now I don't know what to do. Has anyone here had experience with flying a bike as described above, without a box / bag?

Thanks,

m

My understanding is that they wont let you take it on a plane without the 'appropriate' bag/box. I took mine to Kenya in a cardboard box and believe me the box was pretty much useless after two flights. Seriously get a bag or cardboard box (you can get one free from your LBS).

I packed mine in a cardboard bikeshop box from Oz to Uk. The skewer was fscked, but small price to pay.
Pad out whatever you end up using with wood/padded material, especially the stays and fork. Disconnect your derailer if using one too - just unscrew it.