Frame vinyl protector for light gravel

8 replies · 489 views

Planesio
26 posts
#1May 5, 2021, 12:22 AM
Hello, I have a Specialized Roubaix that I plan to use for some light gravel, the future schock would be of some help. Since I would like to sell this bike in a few months, I was thinking of using a frame protector vinyl kit like RideWrap or Invisiframe. Does this makes sense in light gravel riding? or the frame protection vinyl is more of a Mountain bike thing

Regards
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Cnote5280
5 posts
#2May 5, 2021, 10:39 AM
I just did a tape job on my Ibis Hakka. I used RideWrap covered road/gravel kit and their road fork kit. Because they don't have a Tailored kit for my frame I also used some 3M Surface Guard tape. I think the 3M is the way to go. I'm going to pull the fork Wrap and replace it with the 3M only on the high risk areas. Both go on pretty easy, although it is time consuming. But I don't mind spending a day playing with a bike. On my last ride I could hear small rocks hitting the down tube and BB, but no noticeable damage any where. Dirt and mud washes off with ease. I did the tape thing because the bike was not inexpensive and I tend to keep things for long periods of time. Wish I knew about the 3M tape when I got my MTB back in 2013. Cleaning after a ride would have been so much easier. If you are going to be riding with a frame bag, using a little 3M on the areas where you might have some strap rubbing would be a good idea. I had some paint wear on a couple spots where straps did some damage on my Spot Wazee. Hope this helps out.

Eric
0
Planesio
26 posts
#3May 5, 2021, 12:45 PM
Thanks, so the 3M would a better option overall? I also read that RideWrap leaves some air bubble over the bike brand decals, did you find that to be true?

Regards
0
squak
51 posts
#4May 5, 2021, 2:30 PM
Planesio wrote:Hello, I have a Specialized Roubaix that I plan to use for some light gravel, the future schock would be of some help. Since I would like to sell this bike in a few months, I was thinking of using a frame protector vinyl kit like RideWrap or Invisiframe. Does this makes sense in light gravel riding? or the frame protection vinyl is more of a Mountain bike thing

Regards

Con-Tact adhesive clear vinyl liner is great for light frame protection. Easy to install, doesn't leave residue when you remove it and really cheap ($10 for 18"x20' roll). I've been using it on gravel and mountain bikes successfully for a few years. I especially like using it for bikepacking to protect the frame from bags/straps.
0
flowbie
22 posts
#5May 5, 2021, 3:15 PM
I used 3M tape I got from the auto parts store. Just give the section a wipe with IPA, peel a corner or side of the tape and smooth it out as you go. Hit it with a hair drier to get the air bubbles out and ensure a good bond. I just do the downtube, back of the seat tube, chain stay, and part of the top tube.
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Cnote5280
5 posts
#6May 5, 2021, 5:41 PM
Planesio wrote:Thanks, so the 3M would a better option overall? I also read that RideWrap leaves some air bubble over the bike brand decals, did you find that to be true?

Regards
0
Cnote5280
5 posts
#7May 5, 2021, 6:37 PM
The RW has quit a bit more stretch to it. So when working the soapy water mix out with the squidgy, it pulls and the edges you thought were set, aren't. The 3M did great. A couple passes with the squidgy and done. I did use soapy water to give me a little time to get the tape into the right spot. I custom cut pieces for the inside of the rear stays and down tube. I did't care for the ones that came in the RW kit. As to the air bubble and sticker issue. I don't have any stickers on the bike to cover. All the branding and logos are under the clear coat. I'm sure that anything that's not under the clear coat would be an issue for any tape product.
1
brian_m
14 posts
#8May 6, 2021, 10:13 AMedited
Doesn't look like InvisiFrame has a kit for the Roubaix.
They do have ones for the Diverge, and most of the MTBs of course.
https://www.invisiframe.co.uk/frames/specialized

I put an InvisiFrame kit on my Santa Cruz gravel bike. Fits well, even if unfamiliarity with applying such things led to one or two bubbles. I liked that nothing had to be custom cut and fussed with for hours.
0
bearlyfinish
49 posts
#9May 6, 2021, 12:53 PM
This is what I used:
https://www.amazon.com/ISC-Racers-Tape-HT3314-Helicopter-OG-HD/dp/B000QC6H90/ref=psdc_228921_t1_B000TPC7HU?th=1

The best way to apply this is using a wet method. Spray the bike, your hands and the tape with some water. Then apply the tape. Smooth out the tape with a credit card to get rid of all air bubbles. By doing the wet method, you have some time to make sure you get it all placed right.

The version I linked to is 14 mil and won't yellow. I bought a roll 2"x30' and have used it on all my bikes and still have 75% of the roll. I do the downtube, chain stays, seat stays, and anywhere a hose/cable might rub. I also placed some around the bottom bracket in case the chain drops.
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