Hi everybody,
I‘m finally ditching my pannier-setup and try to go for the classic bikepacking [seatpack, framebag, fork packs, handlebar]. As I do not want to scratch the paint off my lovely bike, I’m looking for a solution to apply frame-protection via foliage. Are there good “bulk”-tapes that have held up well and are easily applied and removed?
I think I’m reasonably well versed to cut it myself and can live with a non-perfect setup (as I’d remove it anyways).
I use the 3M protective film. You can get a bulk roll on Amazon in different widths and it is quite cheap. The result is not perfect, but I never notice it if don’t look.
Agree with the 3M recommendation. I used Effeto Mariposa initially - brilliant protection - but it was really hard to remove after it needed replacing. You can’t peel it off, it has to be rolled off with your thumbs and you will get blisters! The 3M looks like it may yellow over time a bit quicker but it can be peeled back off in one piece. Although the Effeto Mariposa is more flexible - so it can handle tighter radius and depressions / dimples in frame surfaces better.
I like ISC Racer’s tape. Probably similar to 3M. Available on Amazon. You can apply it wet to allow repositioning and then press the water out from under the tape. I like to wear nitrile gloves when applying it because if you touch the sticky side with your bare finger it will show the finger print.
I just use electricity tape (not sure if this translates well into English, but that’s what we call it in Dutch. Multi coloured, flexibel tape used to tape wires, you buy it in home improvement stores). It’s cheap and packs small. I double layer it where the bags touch the frame, triple or even quadruple layer if I expect rubbing. In a pinch once, I used it as bar tape on my aero bars. Very easy to remove. It doesn’t last forever, but it doesn’t need to.
PTFE or Teflon tape. Sounds like a good idea. Currently I’m also using 3M tape, works good generally.
I’ve used electrical tape to finish handlebar tape (although I now mainly use self- fusing silicone tape). By for frame protection, I use helicopter tape (ISC Racers Tape), which is clear, wider than electrical tape, and doesn’t leave sticky residue when one removes it.
Has anyone tried the Zefal Skin Armor tape? How is it to apply? Does it remove easily?
I can’t say I agree. Assuming you mean PTFE heat tape (rather than plumber’s tape), it is expensive and has poor abrasion resistance.
PU (helicopter tape) is cheaper, tougher and has very good abrasion resistance. PVC (Duct tape, electrical tape) is even cheaper, reasonably tough and has good abrasion resistance. Both are better choices than PTFE.
I’ve applied a pack of that Zefal frame protection to a frame but have never removed it.
It protected the frame well from the bags I’d borrowed and was easy to apply. Taking your time to apply to a clean surface leaves it almost imperceptible.
I’ve never removed it as it really does not have any negative effect on the appearance of the bike.