Frame/fork protection - worth it? Recommendations?
Discussion
Afternoon all.
In what will almost certainly be considered by the good lady friend a middle aged cry for help I have invested an absurd sum in a replacement for my neglected 20 year old Rockhopper.
Is it “worth” applying frame protection? Does anyone have any experiences or recommendations they would like to share? It seems like there are many self-applied options out there for generic strips. If I’m going to the lengths to apply something might it be an idea to stretch to a tailored “full” coating? If so should I consider getting that applied professionally? If so would anyone know of an outfit in the SE/London/Surrey area they’d recommend?
For reference the bike will get relatively light “young family” use but will be on and off bike racks and generally subject to typical abuse blamed on being a parent.
Also, any tips on how to justify or hide the purchase to the wife?
In what will almost certainly be considered by the good lady friend a middle aged cry for help I have invested an absurd sum in a replacement for my neglected 20 year old Rockhopper.
Is it “worth” applying frame protection? Does anyone have any experiences or recommendations they would like to share? It seems like there are many self-applied options out there for generic strips. If I’m going to the lengths to apply something might it be an idea to stretch to a tailored “full” coating? If so should I consider getting that applied professionally? If so would anyone know of an outfit in the SE/London/Surrey area they’d recommend?
For reference the bike will get relatively light “young family” use but will be on and off bike racks and generally subject to typical abuse blamed on being a parent.
Also, any tips on how to justify or hide the purchase to the wife?
All our bikes have some sort of frame protection, mine are both Invisiframe and I can't remember my fiancés, maybe ride wrap. Why would you not invest in protecting an expensive investment?
I found, going from bikes with powder coat to paint, paint isn't nearly as tough, it started marking within a couple of rides, so got it wrapped and has been fine.
I found, going from bikes with powder coat to paint, paint isn't nearly as tough, it started marking within a couple of rides, so got it wrapped and has been fine.
I partially protect mine, with 3M stuff (8671HS). It's a bit pricey and fiddly to do, but does a good job of protecting and blends in well if done right. There are a couple of bone fide suppliers in the UK, but lots of fakes on eBay.
I don't cover the whole thing, just the bits that get wear (e.g. inner fork legs and chainstays where mud might rub, downtube and back of seat tube where stones might flick, crossbar where long shorts(!) might rub). The list of locations gets longer with each new bike...
Word of warning; it's hard to tell which side is adhesive when it's off the roll, so check regularly if cutting asymetric shapes.
I don't cover the whole thing, just the bits that get wear (e.g. inner fork legs and chainstays where mud might rub, downtube and back of seat tube where stones might flick, crossbar where long shorts(!) might rub). The list of locations gets longer with each new bike...
Word of warning; it's hard to tell which side is adhesive when it's off the roll, so check regularly if cutting asymetric shapes.
It depends a bit on whether you're fussy about keeping it pretty or wanting to sell on in future (so keeping it nice and shiny pays off), if you are going to keep it forever and don't care about scratches there isn't much point.
I've done mine with Ridewrap, I got the full tailored kit for the expensive full suspension bike and generic kit for the hardtail.
It wasn't too horrible to fit (aside from a couple of bits for more complex sculpted shapes on the full sus bike), but did take a good few hours - take your time, you won't get a nice job by rushing it.
I've done mine with Ridewrap, I got the full tailored kit for the expensive full suspension bike and generic kit for the hardtail.
It wasn't too horrible to fit (aside from a couple of bits for more complex sculpted shapes on the full sus bike), but did take a good few hours - take your time, you won't get a nice job by rushing it.
Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 22 February 22:49
I deliberated over the cost of this when I bought my bike new. Mine is Invisiframed and I'm glad I did it. I found a discount code which brought the price down to around £60 for a full frame kit which is what prompted me to sort it, otherwise I would have left it. Crashed the bike after only a few rides and the frame was protected perfectly. Also managed to drag a chain stay down the side of a rough terracotta plant pot which would have certainly torn through the paint but the wrap protected it without fuss.
Highly recommended and I'll buy in future without a second thought.
Highly recommended and I'll buy in future without a second thought.
I buy a roll of £7 ‘3M’ (possibly 
) tape from eBay for any new frames or bikes. It’s about 15cm by 3m, and is enough to do everything, plus the forks with some left over. It’s not the fanciest, you have to cut it to shape but it seems pretty decent so far.
It adheres fine dry (as long as you do it on a warm bike, inside the house) and seems to provide pretty decent protection. It’s not as nice as the kits, but £7 was enough to do my new On One, plus most of the Brompton.
) tape from eBay for any new frames or bikes. It’s about 15cm by 3m, and is enough to do everything, plus the forks with some left over. It’s not the fanciest, you have to cut it to shape but it seems pretty decent so far. It adheres fine dry (as long as you do it on a warm bike, inside the house) and seems to provide pretty decent protection. It’s not as nice as the kits, but £7 was enough to do my new On One, plus most of the Brompton.
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