Frame protection kits

[anonymous-user]

Looking for some recommendations for a Santa Cruz Chameleon, don’t mind cutting it to suit frame but would like something that is tough and easy to apply

[Simon_GH]

I use copter tape to cover specific areas where cables rub etc. I haven’t protected an entire frame which may be what you’re looking to do.

[President Merkin]

You can get universal kits that require cutting or something specific for your bike:

https://www.invisiframe.co.uk/frames/santa-cruz/ch...

https://www.ridewrap.com/gb/en/products/santa-cruz...


Unsurprisingly, bespoke kits are more expensive but in my experience, if you're the kind of owner sufficiently motivated to protect their bike frame, then it's always the better option. Fitting any of these is painstaking, take your time, use soapy water, be prepared to spend time getting bubbles out!

[Harpoon]

I purchased 6m of this back in 2018 to use as frame protection

https://www.selfadhesive.co.uk/3m-8671hs-polyureth...

It's gone up a bit though - I paid £35, now £56.

IIRC, I used a 5p as a guide for cutting curved corners.

[pazza3]

I've used invisiframe on my (different make/model) bike 4 years ago, it's still going strong

I found a local bike mechanic who did the install to a much better standard than I would have managed. They supplied and fitted it.

[vxsmithers]

I looked at ride wrap, and should have bought it, but couldn't justify £200 on a frame that effectively cost me £350 (half price)

I also haven't seen a bike fully wrapped, so wasn't sure how well they turn out. Anyway, one ride in and it has a few scratches so i'm over it now!

[missing the VR6]

Invisiframe on last 2 bikes, works pretty well both times been professionally installed. Did Ride Wrap on my fiancés bike as they were the only brand, she installed it herself (far more patient and crafty than I) and it's holding up well after 6 months.

[Superlightdaa]

I've used an All Mountain Style frame kit for my MTB and Helicopter tape for my gravel bike. The copter tape is good value from Amazon but not as thick as the AMS kit.

[Bonefish Blues]

Clear Gorilla Tape, renewed as needed. Cheap as, tough, can put a double-thickness on if desired.

[Dannbodge]

Bought the invisiframe generic kit when I got my S-works.

It is genuinely invisible and seems to do a good job.

[SwissJonese]

Most bikes shops now offer to RideWrap bikes from new.

I have had bikes professionally protected using the excellent team at Essential Wraps (now Essential GFX) near Forest of Dean. It is a lot of work, but the frames look immaculate after 2 years of use, the wrap is really hard wearing so even with big offs the bike frames are protected.

They also fully wrapped my daughters full suspension bike to a different colour/design.

[ChocolateFrog]

I've used the Helicopter tape made by 3M. It's bloody expensive now though and can be tricky to apply.

Probably more cost effective to by half a metre of PPF.

[TT1138]

Both of my frames and forks have just been covered in PPF (supposedly 3M, although possibly not). About £7 for 3m by 15cm. That’s enough to do two bikes carefully, or one less so… Fitted inside the house to keep it pliable in the warm. Can be applied wet or dry.

Cheap, seems to work well, when it looks a bit tatty just peel it off and cut another section to size. Paint seems fully protected underneath, and I’m a bit particular about bike cleanliness and condition.

Ridewrap etc looks like a good product but from what I’ve seen their ‘full’ kits don’t really cover everything, with the PPF you can just cut it to fit any section you want. Plus they’re seriously expensive.

[MarkJS]

Invisiframe - and pay a pro who applies the stuff regularly to do it so it doesn't look like a pigs ear. It's very good stuff.

[anonymous-user]

Cheers all, I found this https://www.dyedbro.com/collections/frame-protecti... and being a massive bike tart bought some….

[Simes205]

pablo said:

Cheers all, I found this https://www.dyedbro.com/collections/frame-protecti... and being a massive bike tart bought some….

Another Chameleon owner here, never protected the frame!
What Chameleon do you have?

[ApriliaTuonoVeeFour]

ChocolateFrog said:

I've used the Helicopter tape made by 3M.

Ditto. I did the same.

[anonymous-user]

Simes205 said:

Another Chameleon owner here, never protected the frame!
What Chameleon do you have?

Basically this but without the Burgtec kit and Raceface stuff instead owing to supply issues. I really like the blue as it’s a bit less shorty than the yellow. Looking forward to some adventures in 2023.

[Simes205]

pablo said:

Simes205 said:

Another Chameleon owner here, never protected the frame!
What Chameleon do you have?

Basically this but without the Burgtec kit and Raceface stuff instead owing to supply issues. I really like the blue as it’s a bit less shorty than the yellow. Looking forward to some adventures in 2023.

Lovely!
I built up a new Carbon Chameleon frame (bronze / blue) from scratch during lock down, I took the last frame Stif had..
I ‘tried’ to use all the parts leftover after upgrading my other bike. That all went out of the window and I had to buy all new components…..

I find i take my Chameleon out more than my full sus, they are really fun bikes.

[Lotobear]

Just booked my Orange Alpine 5 29er for full Invisiframe - local shop (Invisiframe dealer) will do it for £150 all in.

Happy with that.