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.
Polyurethane Protective tapes vs. cosmetic vinyl wraps?
Some commonly confuse cosmetic vinyl wraps with polyurethane protective tapes (commonly known as helicopter tape). They are quite different for different applications.
Polyurethane tape comes predominately in rolls found in several thicknesses, widths and lengths. These can be purchased by the roll (you cut to conformity) or in purchase precut pieces to fit your bike. It’s a bit less expensive to buy and calculated length or rolls and trim the polyurethane tapes to fit.
I use two different thicknesses: 3M 8672 – 8 mils (my most common used) and 3M 8671 – 12 mils (thicker for most heavily impacted/wear spots). Concave & convex areas generally require thinner tape and a pinch of patience to appropriately contour to fit. The objective of a bubble-free, edge adhering tape is patience and paying attention to the details. Application techniques is a topic in itself and not addressed here. I will say to be well prepared before hand to have everything that you might need readily at hand. Plan your wetting agent, layout and application details. There is a learning curve, but to most, this will come quickly.
A few years back, John had this really well-crafted tip on his website. I’ve been using that tape since then and it’s been good to me.
https://theradavist.com/bike-hacks-protect-bike-paint-3m-vvivid-tape
I’ve had good luck with this. It comes off without residue if you want to take it off when running the bike without bags.