Before buying my Raven, I primarily rode my Italian racer and my 35-lb German city bike - each was perfectly fit to purpose. So I was accustomed to leaving the city bike wherever, locked and standing upright on its kickstand; and only taking the racer out for fast non-stop rides, never leaving it unattended.
With the Raven, though, I do long rides as well as transport around London, so I do end up locking it to street signs and Sheffield stands every now and again. But lacking a stand, I always struggle to find a way to secure it without leaning the frame against something, often marring the paint. (Never mind the unfortunate dent I now have in the top tube due to a topple inside my flat!)
My question is this: are there any special techniques, gadgets, or tips that anyone can offer about how to protect the frame finish when locking up?
Andrew