Frame protection options

[ishaw]

I bought some heli tape ages ago but can't find it anywhere.

What's a good option to take up a new frame to keep it that way for as long as possible? Forks too.

Also looking for a decent chain stay protector. I bought a job lot off eBay ages ago and while they do the job, are cheap and cheerful and I'm wanting something of higher quality.

Not having the frame protected is stopping me adding to moving parts to the build, I have procrastinated long enough and want to get it done.

 

[Imlach]

I bought some heli tape ages ago but can't find it anywhere.

What's a good option to take up a new frame to keep it that way for as long as possible? Forks too.

Also looking for a decent chain stay protector. I bought a job lot off eBay ages ago and while they do the job, are cheap and cheerful and I'm wanting something of higher quality.

Not having the frame protected is stopping me adding to moving parts to the build, I have procrastinated long enough and want to get it done.

I've heard good things about Invisiframe. Probably quite dear and specialist though. I'd just go with heli tape.

 

[dyna-ti]

3M helitape is really expensive for what it is. Would a pre-cut kit suit ?
eg.
https://www.wiggle.com/p/nukeproof-reactor-alloy-frame-protection-kit

 

[d8mok]

I’ve had a couple done by shackwrap in Bury. Better than invisiframe in my opinion and almost invisible. Cost was around £200-250

 

[slackboy]

2nd for shackwrap - they did a brilliant job on my Yeti.

 

[dyna-ti]

I’ve had a couple done by shackwrap in Bury. Better than invisiframe in my opinion and almost invisible. Cost was around £200-250

Thats £240 too expensive for Ishaw

 

[Lucidone]

What's a good option to take up a new frame to keep it that way for as long as possible? Forks too.

The very best and inexpensive frame protection I've found cannot be beaten and it's commonly found - don't ride it!

If you must, I like helitape - the really thick 3M one. Ugly but effective.

 

[ishaw]

Thats £240 too expensive for Ishaw

It is, but only because in my opinion it's not worth spending almost as much on wrapping a frame as the frame itself cost. While it is new, it's nothing too fancy or carbon, just a very nice colour that will be very hard to touch up.

Not looking to do the whole frame, just main touch points and rubes to prevent chips and scratches from use.

I wish I could find my helitape as it was decent stuff when I used it on other frames.

 

[ishaw]

3M helitape is really expensive for what it is. Would a pre-cut kit suit ?
eg.
https://www.wiggle.com/p/nukeproof-reactor-alloy-frame-protection-kit

That's not a bad option. Though I think Armageddon may start if I used on on the intended frame as it says "kit is only designed to be fitted to the 2020-2022 Alloy Reactor models"

What happens if I step outside of the lines?

 

[d8mok]

It is, but only because in my opinion it's not worth spending almost as much on wrapping a frame as the frame itself cost. While it is new, it's nothing too fancy or carbon, just a very nice colour that will be very hard to touch up.

Not looking to do the whole frame, just main touch points and rubes to prevent chips and scratches from use.

I wish I could find my helitape as it was decent stuff when I used it on other frames.

I’ve had frames done in the high wear areas before. Issue is that once you remove the film it’s it’s pretty obvious where it’s been as that area is unmarked and unfaded.

It’s one of those things you either do properly / completely or don’t bother at all in my opinion.

Totally agree that it’s not wise to spend £250 on a frame wrapping it when it only costs around that much. But when a frame is £3k-5k it’s well worth it.

I’d simply not bother on a cheap frame and if the frame starts to look tatty after a while you can have it painted for less than £100 and give it a new life again.