Mountain bike frame protection is a great way of keeping your pride and joy free from scratches and damage for seasons to come.
This protection is an optional aftermarket product that takes care of the finish of your frame by covering the key areas with a thin adhesive plastic film.
While most of the best mountain bikes will come with moulded rubber chainstay protectors, we’re going to look into aftermarket frame protection kits and explore what they offer, whether they’re worth it and how to install them.
What is frame protection and do I need it?
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.
However, those who want to maintain their bike’s resale value or carbon weave will find peace of mind by applying an extra layer of protection.
But what about my bike’s awesome paintjob?
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.
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.
Can frame protection keep my bike safe from UV and chemical damage?
Polyurethane films, used commonly for MTB frame protection, have an inherent degree of UV resistance. They will protect your bike’s paintjob from the sun, preventing it from fading due to prolonged UV exposure.
However, polyurethane isn’t completely immune to UV. Over time, the film itself can start to yellow, caused by an oxidisation process.
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.
Protective coatings explained
As well as physical tapes and films, there are chemical options that will protect your ride.
While chemical coatings (often in the form of sprays) can’t 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’t stick to them, meaning your bike gets less dirty and is easier to clean.
What kind of frame protection should I buy?
Frame protection kits commonly come in two forms.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re 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.
Is frame protection safe for all frame materials?
Mountain bike frame protection kits are designed to be used on all frame types, whether carbon, aluminium or steel. However, it’s worthwhile to read through the installation instructions carefully.
Some protectors will require a heat gun or hairdryer to activate the film’s adhesive. Always be careful not to overheat your paint or frame because this could be damaging.
What do I need to apply frame protection to my mountain bike?
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.
- Frame protection kit
- Squeegee
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free or microfibre cloth
- Spray bottle with water
- Workstand (optional)
- Heat gun or hair dryer (depending on kit)
How to install mountain bike frame protection
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.
Below, we will outline how to apply a ready-to-go frame kit that doesn’t require heat. Make sure you have a clean and preferably dust-free workspace for the installation. A proper workstand will make the process a lot easier too.
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 isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
- Clean and prepare your frame
- Wet the frame area you are applying protection to
- Place the film panel onto the frame
- Use the squeegee to remove any water from under the film and smooth it down over the frame
- Repeat until all panels are in place
- Dry the frame with a lint-free or microfibre cloth
- Leave for 24 hours and check all edges are pressed down firmly
How often should you replace protective tape?
If you have invested in a quality frame protection kit, it should last for at least several years of regular use. Look for options with good warranties, guaranteed against cracking and yellowing.
Some tapes even have self-healing properties, where small scuffs or scratches can be removed by gently applying heat to the affected area.
How to remove frame protection
If you want to remove your frame protection for any reason, it’s important to follow the guidelines issued by your protector’s manufacturer. These instructions will vary, but here is a general guide to the steps you should expect:
- Start by peeling up a corner or edge of the film. Don’t use anything metal to do so, because it will scratch your frame paint
- Gently heat the film. This helps to debond the protective film from the frame
- Pull and lift the film, taking care to use consistent force
- Once the film is peeled off completely, use a mild adhesive remover on the residual glue
- Finally, give the frame a wipe with isopropyl alcohol
Frame protection tape alternatives
If you’re on a budget, there are cheaper alternatives to the specific frame protection kits mentioned above.
3M Helitape is a popular choice. It uses a similar Polyurethane construction to the best MTB frame protection kits and is commonly available in one-metre rolls that are 50mm in width.
Originally designed to cover the blades of helicopters, Helitape will provide adequate protection against knocks and scrapes. However, due to its unspecific size, achieving full coverage of a frame can be tricky. Also, Helitape might not give as clear a finish as purpose-made MTB frame protection kits.
