What is frame protection and do I need it?<\/h2>Frame protection will protect your bike from any unsightly dings. Invisframe<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>Not everyone will be bothered by the idea of their frame garnering battle scars from the trails, which easily occur from rogue rock strikes, branches and trail debris or crashes.\u00a0<\/p>
However, those who want to maintain their bike\u2019s resale value<\/a> or carbon weave will find peace of mind by applying an extra layer of protection.\u00a0<\/p>But what about my bike\u2019s awesome paintjob?\u00a0<\/h3>
For those who simply want to add a layer of protection without changing the look of their frame, brands such as Invisiframe or RideWrap provide a clear kit that protects and highlights the paint underneath.\u00a0<\/p>
If you want to spruce up your frame with some cool decals and designs, brands such as DYEDBRO offer a multitude of options, from tie-dye to flames and everything in between.<\/p>
Can frame protection keep my bike safe from UV and chemical damage?<\/h3>
Polyurethane films, used commonly for MTB frame protection, have an inherent degree of UV resistance. They will protect your bike\u2019s paintjob from the sun, preventing it from fading due to prolonged UV exposure.\u00a0<\/p>
However, polyurethane isn\u2019t completely immune to UV. Over time, the film itself can start to yellow, caused by an oxidisation process.\u00a0<\/p>
In general, polyurethane is also resistant to a long list of chemicals, such as many acids, oils and other workshop chemicals that your bike may be accidentally exposed to.\u00a0<\/p>
Protective coatings explained<\/h2>![\"GTechniq](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/10\/GTechniq2021080513.jpg\")
You can also buy spray-on protective coatings. GTechniq<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>As well as physical tapes and films, there are chemical options that will protect your ride.\u00a0<\/p>
While chemical coatings (often in the form of sprays) can\u2019t compete with physical protection when it comes to knocks and scratches, they leave a non-stick coating that lubricates and drives out moisture. Another benefit of protective sprays is that mud doesn\u2019t stick to them, meaning your bike gets less dirty and is easier to clean.\u00a0<\/p>
What kind of frame protection should I buy?<\/h2>
Frame protection kits commonly come in two forms.\u00a0<\/p>
Some brands, such as Invisiframe and RideWrap, provide custom kits for specific bikes and brands that offer near to total protection of the frame (up to 95 per cent coverage). While these provide maximum protection, they are expensive and can be time-consuming to install compared to hotspot-only kits.<\/p>
Hotspot-only kits often fit a wide range of frames and sizes. However, they usually only cover the key frame areas. Coverage will vary from brand to brand, but should include at least the top tube, down tube, seatstays, chainstays and seat tube.\u00a0<\/p>
Which level of coverage you go for depends on your budget, and whether you can find a custom full-coverage kit for the bike you have.\u00a0<\/p>
If you\u2019re struggling to find a full-coverage kit for your bike, you can combine a hotspot-only kit with a sheet of 3M paint protection film cut to size to fill the gaps.\u00a0<\/p>
Is frame protection safe for all frame materials?<\/h3>
Mountain bike frame protection kits are designed to be used on all frame types, whether carbon, aluminium or steel<\/a>. However, it\u2019s worthwhile to read through the installation instructions carefully.\u00a0<\/p>Some protectors will require a heat gun or hairdryer to activate the film\u2019s adhesive. Always be careful not to overheat your paint or frame because this could be damaging.<\/p>
What do I need to apply frame protection to my mountain bike?<\/h2>![\"Man](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/10\/Invisframe-frame-protection2023031919.jpg\")
It can be time-consuming to apply frame protection, but the right tools will help you do a great job. Invisframe<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>Applying mountain bike frame protection can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are installing a custom full-coverage kit. However, with a few basic tools and supplies (and a bit of patience) you should be able to do a great job.<\/p>
- Frame protection kit<\/li>
- Squeegee<\/li>
- \u200b\u200bIsopropyl alcohol<\/li>
- Lint-free or microfibre cloth<\/li>
- Spray bottle with water<\/li>
- Workstand (optional)<\/li>
- Heat gun or hair dryer (depending on kit)<\/li><\/ul>
How to install mountain bike frame protection\u00a0<\/h2>![\"Hand](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2024\/10\/Invisframe-frame-protection2023031921.jpg\")
You can use a hard piece of plastic to remove bubbles. Invisiframe<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>The installation process will vary depending on the protection kit you buy. Some kits are applied with a heat gun to activate the adhesive, while some can be stuck directly to the frame without heating, using a water and shampoo mix to delay the bonding until the protector is in the correct position and all air bubbles have been neatly removed.<\/p>
Below, we will outline how to apply a ready-to-go frame kit that doesn\u2019t require heat. Make sure you have a clean and preferably dust-free workspace for the installation. A proper workstand<\/a> will make the process a lot easier too.<\/p>It is important to thoroughly clean your frame before applying your frame protection kit, because any dirt or grease will negatively affect the adhesive and the overall finish of the film. For best results, clean the frame with \u200b\u200bisopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.<\/p>
- Clean and prepare your frame<\/li>
- Wet the frame area you are applying protection to<\/li>
- Place the film panel onto the frame<\/li>
- Use the squeegee to remove any water from under the film and smooth it down over the frame<\/li>
- Repeat until all panels are in place<\/li>
- Dry the frame with a lint-free or microfibre cloth<\/li>
- Leave for 24 hours and check all edges are pressed down firmly<\/li><\/ol>
Not everyone will be bothered by the idea of their frame garnering battle scars from the trails, which easily occur from rogue rock strikes, branches and trail debris or crashes.\u00a0<\/p>
However, those who want to maintain their bike\u2019s resale value<\/a> or carbon weave will find peace of mind by applying an extra layer of protection.\u00a0<\/p> For those who simply want to add a layer of protection without changing the look of their frame, brands such as Invisiframe or RideWrap provide a clear kit that protects and highlights the paint underneath.\u00a0<\/p> If you want to spruce up your frame with some cool decals and designs, brands such as DYEDBRO offer a multitude of options, from tie-dye to flames and everything in between.<\/p> Polyurethane films, used commonly for MTB frame protection, have an inherent degree of UV resistance. They will protect your bike\u2019s paintjob from the sun, preventing it from fading due to prolonged UV exposure.\u00a0<\/p> However, polyurethane isn\u2019t completely immune to UV. Over time, the film itself can start to yellow, caused by an oxidisation process.\u00a0<\/p> In general, polyurethane is also resistant to a long list of chemicals, such as many acids, oils and other workshop chemicals that your bike may be accidentally exposed to.\u00a0<\/p> As well as physical tapes and films, there are chemical options that will protect your ride.\u00a0<\/p> While chemical coatings (often in the form of sprays) can\u2019t compete with physical protection when it comes to knocks and scratches, they leave a non-stick coating that lubricates and drives out moisture. Another benefit of protective sprays is that mud doesn\u2019t stick to them, meaning your bike gets less dirty and is easier to clean.\u00a0<\/p> Frame protection kits commonly come in two forms.\u00a0<\/p> Some brands, such as Invisiframe and RideWrap, provide custom kits for specific bikes and brands that offer near to total protection of the frame (up to 95 per cent coverage). While these provide maximum protection, they are expensive and can be time-consuming to install compared to hotspot-only kits.<\/p> Hotspot-only kits often fit a wide range of frames and sizes. However, they usually only cover the key frame areas. Coverage will vary from brand to brand, but should include at least the top tube, down tube, seatstays, chainstays and seat tube.\u00a0<\/p> Which level of coverage you go for depends on your budget, and whether you can find a custom full-coverage kit for the bike you have.\u00a0<\/p> If you\u2019re struggling to find a full-coverage kit for your bike, you can combine a hotspot-only kit with a sheet of 3M paint protection film cut to size to fill the gaps.\u00a0<\/p> Mountain bike frame protection kits are designed to be used on all frame types, whether carbon, aluminium or steel<\/a>. However, it\u2019s worthwhile to read through the installation instructions carefully.\u00a0<\/p> Some protectors will require a heat gun or hairdryer to activate the film\u2019s adhesive. Always be careful not to overheat your paint or frame because this could be damaging.<\/p> Applying mountain bike frame protection can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are installing a custom full-coverage kit. However, with a few basic tools and supplies (and a bit of patience) you should be able to do a great job.<\/p> The installation process will vary depending on the protection kit you buy. Some kits are applied with a heat gun to activate the adhesive, while some can be stuck directly to the frame without heating, using a water and shampoo mix to delay the bonding until the protector is in the correct position and all air bubbles have been neatly removed.<\/p> Below, we will outline how to apply a ready-to-go frame kit that doesn\u2019t require heat. Make sure you have a clean and preferably dust-free workspace for the installation. A proper workstand<\/a> will make the process a lot easier too.<\/p> It is important to thoroughly clean your frame before applying your frame protection kit, because any dirt or grease will negatively affect the adhesive and the overall finish of the film. For best results, clean the frame with \u200b\u200bisopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.<\/p>But what about my bike\u2019s awesome paintjob?\u00a0<\/h3>
Can frame protection keep my bike safe from UV and chemical damage?<\/h3>
Protective coatings explained<\/h2>
What kind of frame protection should I buy?<\/h2>
Is frame protection safe for all frame materials?<\/h3>
What do I need to apply frame protection to my mountain bike?<\/h2>
How to install mountain bike frame protection\u00a0<\/h2>