Vinyl wrapping a frame - possible/ sensible/ affordable?

[ShampooEfficient]

I've noticed that a lot of the bikes I'm looking at through CTW come in only one frame colour - quite often white and other unbecoming colours. Depending on what I o for, is it possible to wrap a bike frame into something much more pleasing, like black or gunmetal? Or is it half the cost of a new frame to do so, or going to end up knackered in a matter of hours?

[Gizmo!]

Funny, I'm trying NOT to have a black bike.

I'd guess that something smooth-welded (or carbon) would be easier.

[deadtom]

dont know for sure, but frame wrapping is probably doable, but you could just go for a respray?

despite the very basic looking website, these guys are meant to be excellent, and are very well respected: http://www.argoscycles.com/

[The Stiglet]

deadtom said:

despite the very basic looking website, these guys are meant to be excellent, and are very well respected: http://www.argoscycles.com/

The stuff in their gallery is fantastic!

[SkinnyBoy]

I did this with a beech effect vinyl the sort of stuff you use on kitchen fascias!

[a11y_m]

SkinnyBoy said:

I did this with a beech effect vinyl the sort of stuff you use on kitchen fascias!

That's brilliant

Cheaper option than painting/Argos would be powdercoating. I've had a couple of frames done by a local place (just search online) for £50/frame including him masking off all the threaded holes for bolts, bottom-bracket, etc. Usually loads of colour options too - this is "Clio R27 anthracite alloy wheel" colour:



I'd be wary mucking about with a CTW bike though as you don't technically own it for the duration of the lease.

[ShampooEfficient]

a11y_m said:

That's brilliant
I'd be wary mucking about with a CTW bike though as you don't technically own it for the duration of the lease.

Aye, that's why I was thinking of a wrap. I might just wait til it is mine, then get it powdered...


Ta all!

[AyBee]

ShampooEfficient said:

a11y_m said:

That's brilliant
I'd be wary mucking about with a CTW bike though as you don't technically own it for the duration of the lease.

Aye, that's why I was thinking of a wrap. I might just wait til it is mine, then get it powdered...


Ta all!

Wimp - get it wrapped I've thought about it before, not sure how you'd manage to get a decent finish though, you'd have join lines all over it unless you did two sheets (one each side) and just had join lines top and bottom...