Making your bike theft-resistant

Maybe, but he doesn't actually say that, everyone's just inferred it. My inference was that he wanted to mask the components to keep them nice and shiny so that the resale value was higher. For example, you'll get a better price for a bike if the paintwork's not chipped.

I think it's a bit of both actually; I'd like to mask it primarily so that it isn't stolen or vandalised, and the protection wouldn't hurt either. The main thing for me is to have a bike that is a joy to ride for a few years without having to worry about where I lock it up. When I'm ready to move on, I'd like to have a head start on the cash for my next bike (or even go for an all out swap).

Also, I want to do my bit to limit the production of low quality bicycles that don't push the cycling industry to drive down prices and increase performance of what is deemed to be on the "premium quality" end of the product range. Anyway, I'm getting a bit sidetracked... It seems I might try electrical tape with a few tyre tubes.