New bike, carbon frame....

I have always run a two inch(ish) wide strip down the underneath of the downtube from just below the headtube down under/to the BB. I have found that this has protected the tube from the small, annoying chips that you look at later and wished you had put something on it. Though a tad difficult I have always put some on the rear end and under the top of the forks (just below crown), in the 'U' to protect that old favourite stone chip area and always on the rear R/H chainstay.
Its a personal thing but I'm always happy I did it.

Regards

Trikeman.

I've not taped either of the carbon road frames. Don't ever remember hearing a stone hit the frame. I've got more scratches on the top tube from catching the cleats than on the down tube. Last year I did have a good collection of dead flies at one stage.

IME 23mm tyres don't really like gravel/loose surfaces. I learnt to pick a clean line soon enough, rather than just banging through with 2 inch gravel tryes and suspension as per mtb.

Just ride :-).

I'd love to hear the answer to this as well - my long and ocassionally gravel & pot-hole riddled commute has made me fearful of going the carbon route