Tip: use a hair dryer to stretch tape to obscure curves and angles.

I work in the automotive industry...I get the scraps for vehicles that are wrapped in clear bras. So I use the Xpel automotive film....For the frames I protected so far, I learned you need to use water/rubbing alcohol mixture and heat to position and get the bubbles out and of course a little finesse. I measure out the tube I’m going to wrap and use cutting board to make precise cuts....The results look invisible and now I’m not worried about bags or leaning bike against things. And it was free.

I absolutely love functionality and pragmatism. And your videos/reviews are just that-100%! No unnecessary beating around the bush/nonsense talk. On point, clear, and understandable. I’ve already taken your advice and applying the same tape on my bike frame. Thank you for wonderful post !

I just put some rubber stripes from an old inner tube on the velcro straps of my saddlebag with double sided tape. Amazingly it doesn't come off the straps at all even after several rides and so far I didn't get any scratches on the seatpost.

Good video! Also can be applied to underside of down-tube, back of seat-tube, etc. to protect frame from rocks, gravel, and other debris. I have had 'helicopter tape' on my gravel bike for 3 years. The tape on down-tube still looks good. No tears or cuts on the tape.

Great video Russ as usual. I got some of this stuff and wrapped my Cutthroat pretty liberally with it: - Bottom of downtube (don't want gravel chipping away at that map) - Rear triangle (where I sometimes lean the bike against bike racks, as I put my u-lock through the rear - Various spots where bags and straps rub on the frame I like to taper the edges of what I apply (snipping the corners with scissors). This keeps the corners from peeling up and it looks a little cleaner / less like packing tape. I also put some of this on my car trunk where my bike carrier contacts it. My car is black gloss so it doesn't stand out terribly, and I know I can always peel it up to reveal unmangled paint someday.

As always, a great and informative video, Russ! I bought some helicopter tape months ago after a "Dirty Betty" KZread recommendation. It was the same brand as you got, purchased through Amazon. I used it as well as some Revelate frame tape every where on my carbon gravel bike frame where bikepacking straps may go. The frame tape has no adhesive so can only be used where it can wrap around to stick to itself which obviously limits where it could be used but is thicker and perhaps easier to remove -- although it did look like you had any trouble removing the helicopter tape. Both tapes were easy to use and have held up so far on my overnight bikepack trips. I was not aware of that the helicopter tape could be applied wet. Will try that next time! Thanks.

Great video as always - Many thanks for producing and kindly sharing the wisdom. Best wishes and happy riding 🙏

Ok...lots of 'DIY' videos on KZread, but I find your's w comments the Very Best. Easy to understand & do! Glad I subscribe/support PLP. Thanks!!!

Hi Russ I've always used silicone tape. Very cushy and protective, stretches to conform plus you can usually find it in clear or black.

I'm coming up on 1 year with my current bike; really wish I would have applied something like this it when it was new as it's developed some rub spots on it's paint in a few different spots. Thanks for bringing this tape to my attention. I plan to apply this to my current and future bikes.

A used Bike Friday I purchased last summer came with this tape applied in various locations (and on some components). Thought it was a bit strange, as I had never encountered this product. Removed some of it---total PITA--wish I knew about using a hair dryer! Appreciate the video on this topic and will reconsider the application of this tape, as I plan to use this bicycle on trail. Everyone's comments on this topic are helpful to my learning curve. Happy riding!

Thank you Russ for another useful,great video. Neat tape. I'll have to give it a try on my Surly Ogre.

Where was this stuff when I was transporting bikes on a really abusive car rack... this just saved me big money!

That stuff is really sweet!! I've used electrical tape which works great when you can wrap it on itself but the headtube part it wouldn't work right. Thanks for this idea!

I’ve used helicopter tape liberally on my commuter/gravel bike to avoid u-locks marks on the frame and fork.

Agree with Rick. Use a hair drier which works amazingly. A great place to put it is on the crank to protect from over shoe rub

I have a Mongoose Guide, it comes with it's own framebag that bolts up to the frame, so luckily this is not a problem I need to worry about

I just taped my bike two days ago. I like your tape better. I wanted to be able to wet it. I still might try as a test. I got a bike fit yesterday and low and behold Breadwinner was next door.

Awesome tip thanks for this.

Helicopter tape is good, but I cut old mountain bike tubes, and put them under the straps. Works like a charm.

Always a good plan, but make sure that the frame is really clean. Also as others have said round the corners of the tape, square corners seem to more easily catch and lift. I have put a straight length along the top of the top tube as I often climb over the bike in that way and just a bit of grit and a heel catch on that top tube and you have some scratches that stares back at you for ever. I know that we have talked about frame and fork protection, but what about the other places where bags are strapped? The seat post, stem and handlebars? I will be applying the same protection to my seat post and what exposed bits of stem and handlebars are likely to get something strapped to them. I guess that spacers where a strap, paracord or elasticated cord might rub are less of a concern. If they get scruffy then a good reason to replace with stylish new spacers.

It called Leading Edge Tape and I've been using it for years for sea kayaks and bikes. Words of caution - 1) It will yellow over time from UV exposure. 2) When removing it from your bike use a heat gun/hair drier because if you don't it will pull the clear coat off with it. Once removed use goof-off to remove the remaining adhesive (wear gloves!). Lately, I've been using Xpel clear bra material bought by the foot. It doesn't turn yellow and is soooo much easier to apply and remove.

@peppermintp2610

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I recently purchased a used bike with this tape on in spots I wish to remove...annoying...will try using my hair dryer to make it easier. Happy riding!

@e.con0210

5 жыл бұрын

David Whitlock for $23/roll it’s easy to remove and reapply 1-2 years later.

Definitely going to check out that affiliate link. My matte frame is now gloss in select areas haha

My local MTB bike shops carry 3m or similar brands which you can buy by the metre, as well a number of local start ups are making pre-cut kits you can apply yourself, they can apply, or your LBS can apply, e.g., RideWrap et al. I did my stays and tubes to mitigate impacts, especially rock strikes on the bottom tube, has held up quiet well, and easy to clean. Hair dryer definitely helps, if a little slow, been meaning to look for a hear gun with a low temperature setting.

I have a Burley trailer, and the hitch has scuffed my chainstays. I'll apply some helicopter tape from now on.

We'll done demonstration of this idea. I have also seen self adhesive Velcro pads used to protect against paint abrasion, but those are definitely not clear.

I bought a roll of Scotchlite in the color of my Big Dummy frameset and essentially coated the whole thing in the stuff before doing the build. It works great as framesaver tape and no one can claim they didn't see me at night, even with a black frame. (It also helps cover over all the logos, so it's more about the function and less about bling branding (says mister snarky pants who loves unbranded gear!)) I also cut odd shapes out of the stuff in a variety of colors that get plastered all over everything in a playful manner. (Having experienced being broadsided by a car while riding my bike in my younger years has made me a little paranoid I suppose!!)

I think you might have an easier time getting the tape to conform to compound curves if you applied some heat to it, either a hair dryer on high or a heat gun.

Good one. Thanks.

Love the shirt! Just out of curiousity, what is purpose of the black tape on the middle of the top tube on the Salsa Cutthroat? Thanks! Btw I love the colorway!

I would not use duct tape because it may take off the underlying paint over time. I have ordered the Flectr product which seems to be based on helicopter tape but is pre-cut for you.

There is a brand from the UK called invis. They have precut frame protectors for various bikes and a generic one for bikes with straight tubes. More for the mtn bike market but works great

Good tip, automotive PPF would work also!

Thanks just ordered like 3M Helicopter Tape Bike >"Armor Paint Shield Heli Tape"< for my new Soma Saga Disc frameset and I sold my Surly LHT 52cm 26in wheels 2008 on 12-24-2020

I’ve used gorilla tape but have never removed it. A little worried about my Fargo since it is covered in gorilla tape. I’ve also used invis which uses wet on wet application. Getting a product perfectly cut is amazing.

you can also just get some meguires 105 or 205 or any polish throw it on a microfiber and bring back the shine they're just small scratches in the clear

I wanted to do this on my road bike, mainly for protecting against scratches from leaning, locks or maybe stones hitting against the downtube. However browsing amazon in germany for this stuff there was no tape that seemed to be decent. Any tape with more than 10 reviews had people claiming the tape would dissolve the upper layer of paint, and pull it off with the tape in case it is removed. Your tape is only availeable with high shipping costs. Is there any option for buyers in germany/ europe? And is the problem even real, but affects only bad tapes?

So I just bought a new salsa cutthroat 2020 and it has a matte finishAnd I was also wondering in the video if you use the .008 or the .014 thick racers tape TCS and if they make that in a matte finish so it wouldn’t stick out on the bike

I noticed you're using the ortlieb sattle- and handle bag (but not the frame bag for some reason). Currently in the market for bags - is there any reason you opted on for these ones in particular? I saw Maap has some coole looking Adipura and Restrap has some nice models too. I am so torn! Also size wise for the sattle bag. 😅 any recommendations? Great video btw. :)

Is there any reason you can't use an old inner tube as a barrier between the strap and the frame?

This is more about the tape than the frame bag. When I first got back into cycling I was fixated on a frame-bag but in retrospect it is the last bag I would put on my bike. It interferes with my water bottles so I would really only want a frame bag designed to replace water bottles, giving me high water capacity with some ice packs to keep my water cold. I have not seen any frame-bags that are quick detach so that rules them out for daily commuter, errand, or fitness bike applications. I won't give up on my frame bag - as a last resort for extra capacity - but I won't be using mine on a regular basis.

I know this is kind of an old video but does anyone know if this tape is strong enough to remove the bike frame decals? This would be a dealbreaker if there was any potential for that to happen.

P.S. don't forget to keep reminding people about your Route Guides!

Has anyone ever tried clear window-cling film as a frame paint protector?

I don't know about these two bikes but the paint on my Salsa Timberjack seems a bit soft and scratches too easily in my opinion. I don't seem to have the same problem with the paint on my Vaya.

add plastic wrap around mounting points ! zero rub and noise

Just echoing others on this- I used 3M clear tape used for clear bras and found it on Amazon in different lengths and widths. The video I found here on YT explaining on how to apply it suggests a water/soap mix for application and a water/isopropyl alcohol mix for final tacking. The application was as Russ described. It can be tricky and you want to be patient and do it when you aren't in a rush. Don't be afraid to rip off a section you don't like and start over to get the results you want. I used it on my down tube where it faces the tire and my seat tube where it faces the tire b/c my first ride on my new gravel bike I could hear tiny pebbles getting picked up and slung into the frame by my Panacer Gravel Kings. I imagined the paint getting shot peened over time. Now, no worries! On my ride Sunday I didn't hear the same sounds and the tape is holding well. On a side note I also started using a Meguairs ceramic/wax hybrid that makes blasting dirt off the bike easier and keeps it protected as well. I put more effort into my bike than my car! ;-)

Sounds like @David Whitlock clear bra tape is a better option. I have a steel salsa and in under 200 miles on gravel I have a few spots where the paint was worn completely off! Thank you for this video.

I use helicopter tape on the underside of my downtube. It's my miracle tape for the carbon frame.

If you have mounting screws. Cut off the straps and put two holes through the bottom. Use something like water bottle caps as washers and screw the bag down.

is it bad if i use electrical tape?

Much better using it dry and heating with a hair dryer to form it to the shape you need. I've just done my gravel bike this way and all is smooth.

And if you're on a budget. Handlebar tape also does a good job as a short term solution.

Hi Russ, just curious if you've applied and subsequently removed any of this tape to your Crust frame. I have a steel frame (Niner RLT 9 Steel) and I'm wondering if removing the tape after a few months of use affects the paint at all.

@PathLessPedaledTV

4 жыл бұрын

Haven't touched the tape since application.

For heavy-duty use or as a quick hack you can also wrap a piece of old inner tube around your frame/seat post. Moreover, it gives the bike kind of a Mad Max look.....

How does this differ from tent repair tape? Also, I'm wondering about all the Cordura out there. It seems like it's super durable (far more than the zippers and such). However, the weight sure adds up, esp. with all the pockets and dividers and such. And it's also very rough. How necessary is the toughness, really? Do people really treat their gear that roughly?

@PathLessPedaledTV

5 жыл бұрын

Well. It’s transparent, thicker, not textured and can be repositioned when wet. It’s not so much to protect the bags but the frame. I have a steel framed that have been worn down to the bare metal from constant abrasion.

Just keep in mind that this is a vinyl product. If you are storing your bike in the garage--no biggie. If you are only using a small patch--not a huge deal. But if you live in a tiny apartment you may not like the idea of a bike covered in a significant amount of vinyl a few feet away from you. I use clear silicon tape over my chain stay. It is bulky and heavier. But it totally absorbs any chain slap sound---no more chain slap cringes!

2:07 "always riding dirty" ;)

I want to follow up on the RE Load braaaap bag. It has a liner but the seams aren't taped "water resistant" but not watetproof. Have you had any experience with this bag in a downpour?

@PathLessPedaledTV

5 жыл бұрын

I've ridden in rain but not a downpour and it worked great. I think it does have the added advantage of being a roll-down top which has no seams like a zipper and just sheds the water.

Yo. Are you from Degrassi???

Do you spray it with water, or some kind of detergent in order to remove it? If water - doesn't the tape peel off on a rainy day then? Anyway, thanks for a good video!

@PathLessPedaledTV

5 жыл бұрын

It took a fair amount of concerted spraying and peeling force to get it to pull up. Something that wouldn’t happen on a bike ride.

I've used electrical tape. Strechy and comes off cleanly. No clear options though.

Pinoy right? Nice vid, you got my subscription! More power to you!!

@PathLessPedaledTV

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

Rogue Panda sends tape with your frame bag, enough so you can wrap the whole triangle for ultimate protection. Makes the tape less noticeable when you wrap the whole thing as well.

@PathLessPedaledTV

5 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome. Wish more brands did that.

I saw a vintage bike race by an ex World Champion who commutes on it. Entire frame was covered in helicopter tape and it was done so well that it was unnoticeable Just buy the 3m tape in bulk, so much cheaper than the supposedly bike specific versions And cover your decals with it

@retrolongboarderNZ

5 жыл бұрын

Agree, the 3M paint protection film is great. Buy in bulk and do the whole frame. I got mine in 600mm x 1m length, wet application and available in gloss or matt to suit your paint.

Another super informative video. Thanks. A little off topic, but don’t think I could add anything to the tape discussion...and I’m admittedly new to touring and bikepacking, why is everyone so excited to see more eyelets if you end up strapping everything to the bike anyway? In practice, do most people use the eyelets just for water bottles (unless you’re attaching a rack, obviously)? Don’t trash the newb, please.

@PathLessPedaledTV

4 жыл бұрын

There are more and more bags that strap to the bike via eyelets. Some frame bags don’t use Velcro at all.

@daniels6554

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the reply. Have you still experience rub with those bags using eyelets and so still need tape?

@PathLessPedaledTV

4 жыл бұрын

Daniel Sherer have used with top tube bags and no probs. Currently very few frames have direct mounting with frame bags. Only custom bikes and the new Marin Pine Mountain.

What I fear from using protective tapes, is when the time you remove it, leaves a different shade of color than the rest of the frame because the “untaped” part faded its color slightly.

@jouievillanueva6761

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah sir Ian! 😄

@doesntmatter9524

4 жыл бұрын

Unli Ahon Had the same thought. Maybe just remove the tape if you don’t use it anymore. Will probably keep the colour nearly the same

@jaspreetsidhu5708

4 жыл бұрын

Remove it after riding, constantly wash your frame and apply some wax to it. I haven't had any issues even if I've kept it on for a month the wax works wonders for protecting it.

@jaspreetsidhu5708

4 жыл бұрын

Actually not an issue. Before applying, wash and wax your frame. I've left mine on for close to a month. Took it off washed and waxed again and there was no difference.

@novacolonel5287

3 жыл бұрын

@@jaspreetsidhu5708 "Remove it after riding"? What the hell? My bike is my everyday vehicle, you don't remove the tires from your car after each trip, do you?

I wish i knew this years ago

Two drops of dish soap in the squirt bottle will help the air bubbles slide out and not interfere with adhesion .

@PathLessPedaledTV

5 жыл бұрын

Yep. Had soapy water in the bottle.

Wooo 1st LIKE!!!

Typically how often should someone change the tape...?

@PathLessPedaledTV

4 жыл бұрын

Once there are visible tears.

can i use normal tape

@PathLessPedaledTV

2 жыл бұрын

No. That will melt your bikes frame.

🚴‍♂️

Using helicopter tape with a strip of duct tape over the top is an idea?

@PathLessPedaledTV

5 жыл бұрын

Sure if you want that duct tape chic look :)

Just use regular tape. Make your bike ugly so people don't steal it