Whether you ride a road bike, mountain bike or just for fun, everyone wants to keep their equipment looking pristine, but rocks from the road, boxes from shipping, dangling locks or serious accidents can not only damage the life of your frame, but also its resale value.
How to make your frame look like new
There are several ways to protect your frame and keep your paint job looking good longer. Each method offers a different level of protection, and each method has different costs and effectiveness.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Paint protection film/invisible car cover applied to the frame can minimize paint damage and protect against damage caused by abrasion, stone splash and so on. The best frame protection film is made of polyurethane film, which is durable and flexible. And the part of the protective film can be cut according to the needs of the frame.
DIY protective tape
Sometimes called "racing tape," this tear-resistant, abrasion-resistant DIY tape provides basic protection from damage caused by tracks, rocks, and weather where cables rub against the frame.
It's often called "Helicopter tape" because it was originally designed to protect helicopter blades. Available in varying widths, 8mm thickness is common, but 14mm is also available. Needs to be cut to size, making it a good and economical option. The downside is that most of your bike may not be protected and will look shabby.
Hydrophobic coating
Hydrophobic coatings can provide a protective layer to the frame's paint, blocking dirt and water while preventing rust. Sometimes called ceramic coatings, they are applied directly to the frame and then left to dry.
Some quality products are sprayed onto the frame to provide temporary UV protection, preventing the paint from yellowing. This is a cost-effective solution and can also prevent minor damage.
For example, a 100ml bottle of invisiFRAME protective coating costs £15. It allows frames and parts to resist surface contaminants such as sweat, drinks and energy gels, as well as dirt and dust.
What to do with custom frame painting?
Protection is important, but so are aesthetics. If you choose a film, you'll want it to fit perfectly with your original paint job. Some brands offer custom films that can be designed to your paint and frame specifications. Whether you ride a Santa Cruz Jackal or a Brompton CLine, there's a model that'll fit.
Alternatively, you can spray your newly filmed bike with a protective coating product as an extra layer of protection and as a follow-up to the PPF film. One coat generally lasts six months.
What to do when you are ready to resell?
Like anything, a bike will depreciate over time. But when you remove the film, the paint underneath will be in near-perfect condition, free of unsightly scratches or chips. A well-maintained bike will retain its resale value, just like a car. You can easily recoup the cost of the film when you sell it.
Best tips for protecting your bike
Store your bike indoors if possible
If you store it outdoors, use a good, well-fitting, waterproof cover if possible
Clean it after every ride
Lubricate moving parts regularly
