[joshua79109]

I'm wondering if I should get a Bash Guard and a Downtube cover.

I ordered a new bike a week ago. It'll be my first full suspension and my first 1x chainring.

The vast majority of my riding will be at Palo Duro Canyon if that helps with anyone that happens to be familiar. There are large rocks, etc but I'm not sure the
Bash Guard and a Downtube cover are necessary.

I've thought about the added weight and I don't think I mind that if they would be helpful.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Lojack]

I assume your bike is aluminum--most carbon bikes have a downtube protector already. I put clear frame tape all over my bike to protect from scratches, shuttle/rack rub, and cable rub. Pinkbike just had an article on that (see the comments as well): https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-7-films-and-tapes-to-keep-your-bike-shiny-and-new.html

It is a tragic thing when a new bike has cable rub marks that rub the paint off.

But note that these won't protect your frame from a a big impact like a rock strike. It is a bit alarming when you hear your first loud ding when a loose rock whacks your frame. I have a Lizard skins carbon leather on my downtube, but it is barely thicker than simple frame tape- -To get more serious protection some people try to make there own out of kydex:

https://forums.mtbr.com/intense/primer-downtube-protector-1067632.html (or google kydex downtube protector).

I put an MRP bashguard on my bike: https://mrpbike.com/pages/bash-guards and one year later after riding on a lot of rocky PNW trails it barely has the sligthest scuff. But it only takes one unlucky rock and you need a new chainring, so I am happy I have it. The weight is negligible.

 

[joshua79109]

I assume your bike is aluminum--most carbon bikes have a downtube protector already. I put clear frame tape all over my bike to protect from scratches, shuttle/rack rub, and cable rub. Pinkbike just had an article on that (see the comments as well): https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-7-films-and-tapes-to-keep-your-bike-shiny-and-new.html

It is a tragic thing when a new bike has cable rub marks that rub the paint off.

But note that these won't protect your frame from a a big impact like a rock strike. It is a bit alarming when you hear your first loud ding when a loose rock whacks your frame. I have a Lizard skins carbon leather on my downtube, but it is barely thicker than simple frame tape- -To get more serious protection some people try to make there own out of kydex:

https://forums.mtbr.com/intense/primer-downtube-protector-1067632.html (or google kydex downtube protector).

I put an MRP bashguard on my bike: https://mrpbike.com/pages/bash-guards and one year later after riding on a lot of rocky PNW trails it barely has the sligthest scuff. But it only takes one unlucky rock and you need a new chainring, so I am happy I have it. The weight is negligible.

Thank you.

It is aluminum