bmeans7

I just got a new bike and I'm wondering if it's ok to protect the frame with sealant/Helicopter tape. I know with some paint you need to let it off gas before you add any protection to it. Is that the same with bikes? Thanks!

Iride01 

It's your bike.

Some do and some don't. I'm in the "don't" group. If I'm going to use it, it doesn't need to look like a museum piece in mint condition. Though when I wipe it off, my 2 year old bike still looks new.

And how many bikes have you seen on display in museums with helicopter tape all over them?

Koyote

Plenty of people use helicopter tape; I do think it's advisable to wait a month or so in case the paint needs to cure. (Though it's likely that the frame was painted quite a few months ago, and so that is not an issue.)

But I'm with Iride01 - it's a bike, not a fetish object. Hell, my gravel bike has almost 10k miles, and has been ridden through some nasty stuff, and has only one or two tiny dings that I can only find on close examination. The helicopter tape reminds me of those ridiculous vinyl bras that some people used to put on the front ends of their cars: looks worse than a few chips and dings.

themp

I use protection(helicopter tape) where any brake/shift cables rub against the frame as I ride and turn. Mostly on the head tube. My chain stay came with helicopter tape already applied.

wolfchild

Pointless.

Erzulis Boat 

Never mind the internet bad-asses above, there is nothing wrong with keeping your shiny new bike in tip-top shape. The trick to applying "helicopter" tape is to round the corners on each piece that you apply. The more "round" the outer profile, the longer it will stay adhered.

Check it periodically when washing the bike, and you should get many miles out of an application. As to the off-gassing, most factory bike finishes are basically 100% dry when they leave the facility. I did let my 2021 Colnago frame sit for about a month before installing anything, but the paint was super fresh.

I used some tape where the cables meet the headtube.

50PlusCycling

If you ride your bike as bike should be ridden, it's going to get scratched up. Try as I might to keep a new bike looking new, if I ride it, it will get scratched. Though I keep my bikes stored indoors, they are ridden in the sun often enough that the anodizing on the aluminum parts becomes faded. Just go out and ride your bike, when it gets scratched up enough that you begin to think it looks bad, it's probably time to get a new bike.

qwaalodge

I think the added stress of keeping your bike scratch-free is not worth it. It can result to broken relationships, divorce, road rage, group ride rage, etc.

frogman

Nailed it ! I agree 100%

GlennR

Do you put a protective cover on your car?

indyfabz

My road bike has no scratches. It will turn six years old in a few months. But it's colored with Cerakote, not paint.

indyfabz

Maybe he doesn't own a car. Or maybe he cares a lot less about how his car looks. I am in the latter camp. My car will turn 6 in July. Mother Nature.is the only one who has ever washed it.

tkamd73 

I don’t have any new bikes, however a few of my restorations have new paint and decals. On the those, a narrow strip, of 3M leading edge tape on the road side of the down tube, and bottom bracket, works quite well, and unnoticeable.
Tim

tkamd73 

When I was stationed in CA and AZ I certainly did, kept the convertible top from rotting out in the sun.
Tim

easyupbug 

Wow, maybe better to post this question over on the Classic and Vintage forum where many clearly take pride in their bike's appearance.

Reflector Guy

One of the popup ads I used to see here often was for custom-fitted pre-cut clear tape protectant, for the downtubes, forks, chainstays etc.... Unfortunately I don't remember the brand name. Most likely aimed at mountain bikers and gravel riders mainly. I ride on the road so I don't see much besides dust. No rocks or brush. Obviously all bets are off if I crash.

pdlamb

I'm pretty much convinced it's impossible to keep a new bike or a new car from getting scratches if either is going to be used.

There are ways you can reduce the scratches. For a car, don't drive during rush hour, park it on the far side of the parking lot and walk, etc. For the bike, only ride it on pavement that's between three and twelve months old; always get off and carry the bike over gravel patches and potholes; don't lean the bike against anything, instead carry a flannel blanket to lay on the ground before you lay the bike on the flannel. Of course that reduces the utility of either.

mstateglfr 

Truckbed liners are an incredibly common purchase. Many vehicles have side molding/bump rails.

Erzulis Boat 

Small piece of clear tape to protect from cable rub. I use just enough to do the job. Scratches, paint dings, and chipping will occur no matter what you do, but eliminating cable rub is super easy. It's totally preventable, so why not?

70sSanO

You should put protection on the paint areas that are typically going to get scratched or scuffed.

It is your bike and if it is important to you, that’s all that matters. And if you don’t and get a chip it will be I should’ve…

You might check online about paint curing/out-gassing before applying the tape.

John

PeteHski

Some people actually do these days. It's gone nuts!

I certainly wouldn't cover a whole bike frame with "helicopter tape". If you use the wrong kind or apply it badly it can make an absolute sticky/gritty mess in the future - far worse than normal wear and tear. But I have used custom shaped Invisiframe kits (3M film) on carbon mtbs, which works really well if installed from new. Mainly to protect against gravel rash and rock chips etc. But I don't bother with any of that on my road bikes.

gpburdell

bmeans7 Unless it was just shipped to you from the manuf there's no reason to be concerned with paint ageing / outgassing. Not even sure that's a thing with modern paints? You should be good to go.

I put some strips on my bike in areas which would be more likely susceptible to chips/scratches but that is more intended functionally than aesthetically.

gpburdell

I did with my current car.

Prior car ended up with tons of ugly tiny paint chips thanks to all the sht thrown up by (or falling off of) trucks and construction trailers on the highway here. Ugly white flecks all over the front and it was a major PITA to keep fixing them. Next car got PPF immediately and is still pristine five years later. 100% worth the money in my situation. I suppose it may not be a concern for those who don't keep their cars a long time and don't drive major 5+ lane highways with tons of trucks and construction equipment traveling hither-and-fro.

George

Yes I put helicopter tape on the down tube. I took it off once, and it wasn’t a problem. I put fresh tape back on.

sdmc530

nah, I put those little clear tabs where the cable rubs on the head tube but short of that I just ride it.