Note: You are reading a series of posts that first appeared on craftster.org. I recently deleted my craftster account (in an attempt to consolidate my internet exposure) and I am therefore posting all of these old projects on bad dirt designs… for posterity.
September 1 2008
Bike Polo is pretty big in my city, and the gang here threw a tournament this summer called the NSPI (North Side Polo Invitational). We had teams from different cities, and it was really super fun.
Bike Polo is played by some pretty hard core bike fanatics (messengers, hipsters, roadies, etc) and a lot of them play on fixed geared bikes.
Now, of COURSE you have to get your fixie tricked out with the coolest accessories… Hence the birth of the Top Tube Protector. Basically, this is a cozy for your bike to protect it from scratches when you lean it against posts, or when you lock it up with your bike chain.
This is my version of the Top Tube Protector. I made three super girly ones as prizes at this year’s NSPI, wanting to give them to an all-girl team. The girls who received them liked them (I think) and I’m really pleased with how they turned out.
I made them reversible because the fabrics I used were just so cute. The bright yellow is an oilcloth, and would work well in rainy weather; the checkered pattern has a nice gold touch to it that really stands out on a bike. I also embroidered NSPI on them, to make them more legit!
Usually Top Tube Protectors are fastened with velcro, but I used a reversible zipper, which I think is a stroke of genius! The protectors are finished with bias tape. There’s some batting in there too, for added gushy-ness.
Photos:
