A tip, something I discovered today.

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Tim_B_172

New Member
Aug 26, 2009
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Who would have thought that the clutch cable could wear a hole in the paint? Well, here it is (see image). My advise would be to put something between the cable and the frame anywhere that a cable or wire touches the frame. I stuck some blue electrical tape over this wear spot, we'll see how it holds up.
 

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GearNut

Active Member
Aug 19, 2009
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Bummer! If it vibrates and rubs, it will wear.
I remember buying cheap plastic snap on cable guides years ago. I wonder if they are still available?
You might be able to find some automotive touch up paint to cover up that spot if you want to.
 

Tim_B_172

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Aug 26, 2009
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I've considered touching up the paint. My electrical tape thing was a quick fix, I'm thinking about getting a couple of cushion clamps. one that fits the frame and one that fits the cable to hold it out away from the frame. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner, I'm an aircraft mechanic and that's how throttle cables, mixture cables etc. are set up to keep them away from the steel tube engine mounts on a lot of light airplanes.
 

bairdco

a guy who makes cool bikes
Aug 18, 2009
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living the dream in southern california
nothing will work. over time, the paint will wear down, no matter what you use. i know this from my old bmx days. cables will wear through chrome if given enough time (probably wear through a couple cables first, but it'll happen.)

the best thing i've used is heat shrink tubing, but the only thing that'll really save the paint is to not let them touch at all.
 

GearNut

Active Member
Aug 19, 2009
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A clear sticker like the stick on rock chip protectors for auto and truck headlights and fog lights. Bicycle stores used to sell little clear strips to protect the chain stay from chain strikes. With some bikes costing 5 grand these days, I bet they still sell them.
 

2door

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Sep 15, 2008
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QUOTE=Tim_B_ I've considered touching up the paint. My electrical tape thing was a quick fix,


Unless you can find matching touch-up paint for your frame, Dupli Color automotive touch up comes in a wide variety of colors and its a good bet you could find a close or exact match.
The idea of using the clear stick-on paint guard is a good one. I just saw it at an auto parts store a week ago. It was meant to protect from rock nicks on body panels near the wheels. It's not completely invisible but would look better than scuffed paint.
Tom
 
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Kevlarr

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Jul 22, 2009
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Something I discovered a looong time ago, if plastic and metal rub together the plastic will win every time.