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Frame protection

Old 04-25-22, 07:14 AM
  #1  
Bimmer69
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Frame protection

Any recommended methods for protecting frames against nicks and scratches?
I’ve seen wraps and ceramic coatings but wondering what everyone else does.
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Old 04-25-22, 07:16 AM
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George
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Helicopter tape
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Old 04-25-22, 07:57 AM
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2" heli tape (aka paint protection film).
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Old 04-25-22, 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Bimmer69
Any recommended methods for protecting frames against nicks and scratches?
I’ve seen wraps and ceramic coatings but wondering what everyone else does.
I use paint and clearcoat to protect my frame from nicks and scratches.
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Old 04-25-22, 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by mstateglfr
I use paint and clearcoat to protect my frame from nicks and scratches.
I don’t use paint. No worries about scratches.




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Old 04-25-22, 07:23 PM
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I just put some electrical tape on the head tube.
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Old 04-25-22, 07:38 PM
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If you really don't want your bike to acquire any nicks and scratches, you shouldn't ride it.
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Old 04-25-22, 07:44 PM
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Pristine carpet queens are for collectors. Be a rider.
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Old 04-25-22, 07:47 PM
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Scratches and dings are marks of honor. It shows you use it.
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Old 04-25-22, 07:55 PM
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I ordered a pad for the top tube of my Long Haul Trucker, since I would be leaning it on various things. The first trip to the grocery store, the bike slipped as I was loading the groceries in the bags, and the top tube scraped across a rusty sign post, which was a stamped piece of metal, and left an inch and a half long scrape. The bike was less than a week old. The pad came later. The scrape was touched up with a Sharpie marker. Still there eleven years later. Doesn't bother me.
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Old 04-26-22, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by cyccommute
I don’t use paint. No worries about scratches.
I agree completely. I've been on Ti frames since 1998 and not a scratch to worry about. That said, it's a tool, not a jewel.
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Old 04-26-22, 09:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Bimmer69
Any recommended methods for protecting frames against nicks and scratches?
I’ve seen wraps and ceramic coatings but wondering what everyone else does.
What kind of a bike are you talking about and what kinds of surfaces are you riding on?

For something that's going to stay primarily on pavement, I don't worry too much about protecting the frame other than the drive-side chainstay and points where cable housings or brake lines might rub through the paint/finish. For these areas, I use some clear Lizard Skins frame protection stickers.

If you're talking about carbon gravel or mountain bike, I'd probably use something a little more heavy-duty on the underside of the down tube to provide a little bit of protection from rocks that get tossed up.
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Old 04-26-22, 01:30 PM
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It’s a gravel bike but will mostly be ridden on pavement.
I’m more concerned about scratching and scraping from handling and transportation.

I’ve ordered 30 ft of 8 mil helicopter tape so that should do it.
and yeah I get it, bikes are meant to be ridden and should acquire signs of use. Mine will certainly do that.
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Old 04-26-22, 06:09 PM
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A bike is a tool. Tools wear. Tools get dinged and tools get lost, stolen or even broken. Enjoy riding the bike and don't worry about the dings. If you must worry, and if it's a road bike, then yes, a protective film is a good option. If it's a mountain bike, a cut up old tire taped under the down tube and bottom bracket will protect that area pretty well but looks kinda ugly....or cool as heck depending on who you are as a rider!
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Old 04-26-22, 08:00 PM
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If you want to be both a collector and a cyclist, then keep the mantle-piece hanging on a wall and get a bike to ride you are not worrying about scratching.
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Old 04-27-22, 03:46 AM
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PeteHski
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Originally Posted by Bimmer69
Any recommended methods for protecting frames against nicks and scratches?
I’ve seen wraps and ceramic coatings but wondering what everyone else does.
Since you mentioned it above, it is worth noting that ceramic coatings do NOT provide any protection against nicks and scratches. A wrap would though. On my carbon mountain bike I applied a custom Invisiframe wrap (see link below), which is really effective against gravel rash and looks great i.e. invisible! They sell generic kits too. I don't bother with frame protection on road bikes though.

https://www.invisiframe.co.uk

Last edited by PeteHski; 04-29-22 at 03:49 PM.
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Old 04-29-22, 03:06 PM
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Failing eyesight works for me, and low personal standards.
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Old 04-29-22, 10:48 PM
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Get a shipping box from your LBS and keep it in there.
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Old 04-30-22, 07:53 AM
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Bimmer69
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Makes it kinda hard to ride that way
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