How to protect your bike from scratches

Our bikes are our pride and joys, so protecting them is high on the priority list. While more serious damage can be critical for a bike, aesthetic damage is simply just irritating.

Scratches fall at the top of this irritation list, partly because they’re so hard to avoid, but also because they can ruin the pristine paintwork on a bike. While it’s impossible to completely avoid scratching a frame, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid them.

Here are our top tips for avoiding a scratched frame.

Protect the frame

Most problems in life can be solved by addressing the root cause, and it’s no different when it comes to preventing scratches.

Scratches are caused by abrasive objects rubbing up against a frame, and these come in all different shapes and sizes. It could be one of your frame bags rubbing up against the paintwork, small stones flicking up and hitting the frame, or worse still, self-inflicted damage by being too brash when cleaning the frame.

While the latter can be remedied by a little more caution, the others require a layer of protection, usually in the form of clear protective tape or vinyl wrap. These come in all shapes and sizes and, as the oft-stated saying goes, cheaper isn’t always better. More expensive products are likely to offer stronger protection, while also having more of a frame-friendly adhesive - some cheaper options could even damage your frame when it comes to peeling them off.

These strips can be placed anywhere across the frame, like on the top tube where a bag is located, or on the chainstays to stop any chain damage.

Clean your bike with caution

Now, it’s time to head back to the aforementioned cleaning damage that can be caused by particularly abrasive brushes or other cleaning products.

That’s why it’s best to always use a soft sponge or cloth that won’t scratch the paintwork.

Always rinse the frame before wiping it to remove any larger dirt or grime too. If you don’t, it will essentially act like sandpaper, grinding down the paintwork.

• Read more: How you might be damaging your bike when you clean it

Use a ceramic coating

Often overlooked, ceramic coatings can also be a handy addition to a bike. Ceramic coatings make the surface of your bike hydrophobic, meaning it will repel dirt and therefore be easier to clean.

As an added bonus, there’s less chance of rubbing dirt or grime against the frame while cleaning it.

Ceramic coatings won’t, however, offer protection against larger objects or impacts, such as stones, so are best used in combination with the other methods in this list.

Be wary when using tubeless tyres

Tubeless tyres have become hugely popular as they offer an extra layer of puncture protection in the form of sealant.

• Read more: Everything you need to know about tubeless tyre maintenance

This sealant fills smaller holes in a tyre, but it is not infallible and is helpless against larger holes and tears, as many riders find out when they and their frames end up covered in sealant. That leads to a big mess which isn’t always easy to clean up, especially if dirt has mixed in with the sealant, leaving a hazardous mixture caked across your frame that could leave it laden with scratches.

Combating this treacherous scenario can be tricky, but it will be made much easier with the help of a specialist sealant cleaner. After softening the sealant, you should have a much easier job cleaning the frame, although you’ll still need to be wary of any dirt or grime.

For more maintenance tips and how to guides, check out our dedicated How To section the GCN website

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