pattrick

Recently picked up a new Domane. I have used every other frame material out there but have always stayed away from carbon fiber as too delicate for my needs. Now I find myself trying to learn how to maintain and care for the frame. My main question concerns helicopter/ protective tape. Is there any brand that stands out and if so where can I purchase it. Can you remove it easily? Some have said it is the only way to keep the frame from getting severely scarred up? Any maintenance tips? Time for this old dog to learn a few new tricks.

basscadet

I've put thousands of miles on my 2019 Trek Checkpoint SL6 (also carbon fiber) since last October. It has been through hell and back with me through every element and it is absolutely cosmetically spotless. These things are a lot more rugged than you might think.

aaronmcd

I've never maintained or "cared for" my carbon frames. They aren't fragile.

Boatdriver

I picked up helicopter tape from Amazon for my carbon Domane. I got both a shiny version and matte version. Matte works better on my paint job. I didn't go crazy, but put a bit where the lines in the front rub on the headset when turning, and my bike rack has an arm support that will occasionally bump against the front fork, so I taped there to avoid wearing off the paint. I didn't bother with the down tube or other spots that might be impacted by stones. I searched, but couldn't remember which tape I specifically ordered, but suspect they are all similar.

BluFalconActual

I was nervous about carbon frames for gravel use, but I have beaten the crap out of my Giant Revolt and it has laughed at everything I’ve thrown at it.

wheelsmcgee

I put some clear vinyl wrap tape on my warbird. From what I understand “helicopter tape” uses a stronger adhesive and would be more difficult to remove than vinyl wrap tape.

I put it in a few key spots based on where I’ve had paint wear and nicks on previous bikes: NDS chainstay, front of the headtube, top of the top tube. It takes a while to cut it to shape and apply it correctly, but I’m happy with the way it turned out. The one spot I feel it’s doing the most good is on the front of the headtube, where some of the cable housing rests against the headtube. I have experienced noticeable paint wear in other bikes in this area due to the movement/vibration of the housing against the paint.

Canker

ISC Racerstape You can look it up on amazon, comes in a bunch of different sizes. Tons of reviews you can read through most of which are bike people.

Now for areas that take a heavy beating on my mtn bikes I use mastic tape which is basically a piece of rubber with a sticky side.

also carbon fiber ain't so delicate

westrid_dad

This has worked well for me on both an aluminum frame, as well as carbon. I have not tried to remove it yet, though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

westrid_dad

This has worked well for me on steel, aluminum, and carbon frames. I have not tried to remove it yet, though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

csrpenfab

Totally agree. I've put over 3,000 hard miles on my Niner RDO and it's holding up just fine. It's a gravel bike, meant to be ridden and enjoyed. I was not worried about helicopter tape. I give it a bath every once in a while and it cleans up like new. The frame shows no sign of wear, and trust me I've put it through some tough muddy and rocky trails...


After a very muddy ride!

An hour later, post-bath...