anyone know what is up with it? I've seen a few fixies around town with a pad 6" long or soe on the top tube about where the knees would hit...

i've no idea why these guys have it... also saw one guy today that fitted an old bmx grip there. :confused:

If you only tape the drops, as you would on a true track bike, then turn the handlebars all the way, you will get handlebar-top tube contact. Doesn't happen on the road bike, as there are cables stopping it from going the whole way. Could scratch the top tube, or if it was in a crash, cause a serious dent.

Fancy track bikes have something like this:
http://boren.nu/weblog/wp-content/img_0781.jpg

makes perfect sence. thanks!
:thumbsup: