It offers decent defence against chain slap, stone and chip damage, and exposure to salty, slushy roads, solvents and frequent bucket washings have made no impression to date. Hardtails have no rear suspension and this can cause the chain to slap against the stay much more often and harder than a bike with rear suspension.

Lizard Skins - Merlin Cycles

Well, thus far it's done exactly what it promises, protecting my beloved livery from the occasional chain derailment/slap. What’s odd is we’ve been putting chainstay protectors on bikes for about 30 years, so it’s shocking that modern hardtails often don’t come with them. And rugged chainstay protectors can be made in minutes from old inner tube and cable ties for virtually nothing. Credit where it's due, the Lizard Skins frame protector does what it promises on the packaging and is better than some OEM factory fitted types. It fits perfectly on the chain stain and the chain doesn’t give a slap when rode on the mountains and bumpy roads.Chainstays and swingarms come all sorts of shapes and sizes so you need a chainstay protector that fits. No worries about peeling at the edges like adhesive patches, no gaps to collect dirt as with neoprene sleeves.

Lizard Skins Carbon Leather Chainstay Protector | REI Co-op Lizard Skins Carbon Leather Chainstay Protector | REI Co-op

Join me in discovering the thrilling world of biking, as I share insights, gear essentials, and personal adventures.This specific protector comes in lots of different styles including a clear protector or a black maze pattern protector. Deviating from direct, fairer comparisons, perhaps, many of us make our own chainstay protectors from tightly bound sections of scrap inner tube. This helps with adhesion, and means the protector is very difficult to spot – if that's important to you. Most are around 250mm long, but if this is still too short you can add another chainstay protector and cut it down, making it fit fully. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC.