How And Where To Apply Frame Protection | Mountain Bike Maintenance

As mountain bikers, it goes without saying that our bikes are our prize possessions! We want to have an awesome time getting sideways on our bikes, but we don't want to put a big scratch in the paintwork by getting a bit over enthusiastic! So what can we do!? Doddy's got the solutions!
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3M tape goes by many names. 3M, Helitape, Invisiframe or frame armour. Whatever it's refferred to as by product variation, it essentially provides the same purpose. This is to protect your frame from superficial and cosmetic damage that could happen during everyday use, almost like a second skin for your bike.
3M or Helitape is great as, being see through, it doesn't affect the look of your bike too much! After a few months of riding you'll definitely be thankful its there and won't notice it at all! Some level of protection for your frame is a must if you're conscious of stone chips on your paintwork. Either as a happy owner or if you're always someone with re-sale value in mind, some level of frame protection is great for protecting your bike!
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Leave us a comment below!

[@knowwhey7559]

I always buy black bikes. That way I can fix any scratches with a Sharpie.

[@dudelivestrong]

Know Whey ohhhhhh what a great idea

[@Luca-ft1kv]

i just use black duct tape

[@DjZorlag]

​@@Luca-ft1kv I buy them grey. Gray duct tape is cheaper and more common.

[@Kev5565]

@@DjZorlag too much trouble, just cable tie old inner tubes over the whole bike. :-)

[@DjZorlag]

@@Kev5565 Nah, I prefer the tubeless setup. :)

[@olegpetelevitch4443]

From Australia took your advice and did my whole frame on my knew E bike ! With helicopter tape ! One thing if you have air bubbles use tip of needle and hair dryer to get it out little trick NOT MANY TELL YOU ! Thanks mate not many that care to tell you swat in the bike shops here !

[@garygilbert1127]

when paying 2 grand plus, bikes should come with frame protection as standard and on all carbon models regardless of price.

[@zyoungson]

Gary Gilbert most do ..

[@realtauks1940]

Yeeessss!!!!🤙🤙

[@shavedbird694]

They kinda do

[@ertai222]

True

[@davidmulhall.8711]

Totally agree 👍 2Gram & rest???? Irl Ď

[@neekaphillipstaliesintoo8790]

This would be an awesome idea for wheelchair frames! This is what I'm looking at, wheelchair frame protection as I don't want to ruin the paintwork getting it in and out the car.

[@Mars33172]

Just when I thought I have purchased everything I ever needed for mountain biking!

[@saeedasl8025]

Thank you a million for this video. I got a brand new full carbon cross bike and I'm gonna use it every day for my job. I was very worried about its beautiful orange body. I searched the whole city for some covering tapes and now, you gave me the clues. Cheers really.

[@flyingtiger4991]

Doddy !! (the famous off into the bushes .. LoL .. love that clip !!) Good tech stuff from the Dodster !! as always !! thumbs up

[@pioneer181]

Great video! Nice and informative , straight to the point and excellent explanation of why the protection tape was being fitted where it was.

[@andrefilipeasilva]

To my BMC TE01 frame I used Solidworks (you can use Autocad) to draw some shapes on a A3 paper and taking some measures on the frame at the same time. When completed I printed in true scale and cut those shapes and then used tape to secure them in place and check if it was ok! Then printed another sheet and with a marker I drawed the outlines of the shapes into the 3M Scotchguard A3 protective film and cut it. Worked out so good!

[@knobblyknob]

good man doddy, you bring a lot of technical skill to the channel.

[@tomashcroft1928]

Neils bike is beautiful 😮

[@bbarker5766]

Thomas Ashcroft I agree completely!!

[@garygilbert1127]

the kids will all be dumping their canyon strives and buying megas now

[@samuelnaidenov]

Very helpful as always!😃

[@msolopriv]

Well, this is something I was thinking about. Now I do have good guide, so tomorrow my bike will be pimped out. Thank you Doody.

[@HallMarc_Trails]

Useful & informative, thanks.

[@luciuswong9]

I'm so glad you guys made this video, I've recently bought a roll of helicopter tape and was wondering where to put it.

[@SamGoldenMan]

This is awesome I loved the last one I'm gonna get it

[@raulmontt]

Absolutely brilliant

[@kalenkonrad3946]

That headtube tape placement was awesome

[@AthelstanEngland]

Cutting round corners is great advice - thanks.

[@Nando_]

I covered all my before the first ride! it took me hours triming and sticking the film, but it was easy with the bike perfect clean

[@bakasahara1213]

im glad you are doing one of this... cos it always seems like there is more to be covered,,

[@Rockerrobin]

This is great for resell value my brand new bike with only an hour of riding already has the paint scratched from the cables running down the down tube.

[@charliejohnson9751]

Cool vid!!!

[@mtbowen363]

Getting this on my new bike that ive been saving for currently i have a appolo evade with disk brakes but its slowly breaking so im gonna get a btwin 520 so that i have a smoother ride when im out and about on my paperound and going on light offroad rides.😁

[@danrugbyman]

I'm so glad you're not using Ride Wrap! I knew there had to be any easier way to get this done

[@feliperiosutube]

Nice Oakley time piece 🤙🏼😎💪🏼

[@paulahamilton7290]

Crank boots are great as well!

[@DnBQemist]

I'd recommend using latex gloves doing this, keeps the oil from your hands off the frame/sticker kit!

[@adamputujose2509]

I think you do not have to wear rubber gloves

[@adamputujose2509]

You can wash your hand before apply this film

[@Shaharskywalker]

Thank that was very useful

[@piz83]

So when's Neil doing something nice for Doddy on his bike?

[@jasoncapecod]

It ain't a wedding dress..It's a mountain bike!!!! Let that bad boy get dirty and dinged up..shows that you ride it they way it's suppose to be ridden..HARD!!! Carry on , love the channel

[@fastemx]

Your half right but you got to remember that some of these bikes cost £5000+ so people gonna be scared to scratch it

[@nickclegg3528]

@@fastemx and when you re-sell you will get a lot more for it if it is in good condition.

[@johannklose9809]

I wish my girlfriend would know me as good as Doody knows Neil

[@robbiewhite3195]

I need your paint job video on how to fix scratches!!!!!

[@shayneoakes2514]

Nice vid thanks

[@bradleyhermes304]

0:43 CABLE TIES! Ever since Doddy's cable tie hacks video, I crack up every time he says "Cable ties."

[@marcushesketh5822]

I just watched trans world sports that featured Martin and it was amazing

[@norkisserrano]

Can you guys please do a review on that bike, the Nukeproof Mega 275. thanks in advance, I have been eyeing about this bike.

[@stefanmarkov5472]

I just want a full length video of Doddy doing a full bike service.

[@joski9030]

Helpful thanks

[@johngraham6506]

I still think 'Hey, let's make my bike ugly so that the next person can enjoy how pretty it is.' I say why don't I enjoy how pretty it is and the heck with the next owner. Plus battle scars come with memories!

[@JS-tb9hu]

John Graham true

[@zyoungson]

Some people like to update thier bikes often so having it in mint condition makes it easier to offload

[@ambrose8496]

Not true. Memories come with scars. ;)

[@GNX157]

On the 3M 8 mil it works and forms best by using a hair dryer or heat gun as you conform it to the curves of the bike.

[@jamiecarnegie1066]

Perfect timeing just about to get a pran new bike soon

[@Hilly0206]

I find that after 24 hours or so you can get rid of any trapped air bubbles by pricking them with a pin or similar and then spray the hole with a 50/50 water/isopropyl alcohol mix and rubbing the bubble with a rubber wedge, or even a Bic pen lid, will really get rid of the bubbles. I’d also recommend going around the entire edge of the decal to ensure that i is really adhered to the frame. This is especially effective on Invisframe.

[@GNX157]

Also put the mastic tape on the underside of the upper triangle where the chain clicks slap.

[@Salvotation]

I like my bike to look worn, I think it gives character and shows how I like to ride, or not ride in case of crashes!

[@williamkeys5701]

Cuts resale value though.

[@manuelcobian2355]

Nice bike

[@Ghrostillo]

Cranks!!!

[@jeancena8761]

Back of the seattube aswell.

[@louiepatrickaguila1521]

Neil's bike is gorgeous

[@robertzaldivar71]

How much is that frame protector cost?any links where to buy it?thank you so much and more power to you guys!

[@austrianfreeriders5957]

What to do when there are already some scars in the paint job? I have a black Aluminium GT Fury Team 2017 and it has some scars (only the paint job) on the upper tube.

[@patricksheard1648]

How many takes did this video have? No one can do this first time!!

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

Something for the GMBN Bloopers 3? :D

[@emberN]

I WATCHED LAST WEEK BUT I WAS LAZY SO IM TOO LATE. serves me right huhuhu!

[@nickwatkins5227]

Well done doddy when you come to Australia look me up and I'll let you patch my bike up good stuff YouYangs Australia 👀🇦🇺👀

[@WIPEYOURLENZ]

Does dirt and dust not stick to that mastic tape?

[@rezrov21]

What about removing the frame protection? I heard it can lift the paint.

[@Tom-nn9ey]

Hair dryer

[@Fred_the_1996]

@@Tom-nn9ey or a heatgun

[@tavisknibbs7909]

#askgmbn do you think you could do a review on the giant stance 2?

[@Dannyd135]

When it’s time to take it off does it ruin the paint or if there’s any stickers on the bike does appeal them off to

[@akinadom]

Probably more important as far as chain slap goes might be the seatstay above the cassette

[@kikoy08]

Go for bathroom anti slip tapes from 3M

[@mattsmit4588]

You mention the 3M self amalgamating tape for the chainstays, but doesn't this product only stick to itself. How did you get it to stick the the frame without overlapping it on itself. Are you using the 3M 2228 or 3M 2229 Mastic?

[@adamputujose2509]

If don't have a heatgun or hairdryer can i use the sun light in 5-10 minutes to heat the alloy frame before i apply the isoprophyl alcohol and apply the sticker?

[@wb3213]

I love the battle scars on my bike !

[@nobenchjawad]

Yo I have some hard scuffs on my bike cuz the chain came with contact in the metal under it so is there anyway to remove them?

[@PHesden]

This won’t damage paint when you remove? Thanks

[@stevenkilleen8149]

Just did my bike helio tape works so good cant see it well unless u got a few bubbles which it almost impossible too not have one lol

[@LJS1605]

Really regret not knowing this when i first got my bike

[@markcross109]

Does it loose its adhesive after time?

[@christianneal5832]

Will that downtube protector at the bottom fir the voodoo Zobop 2020 model

[@Gromcan]

can i apply protection on the surface with small pain chips?

[@koko-lores]

I think Neil will need a bit more than a few stickers to protect his bike from scratches.

[@snazpizaz7706]

diggin toons

[@seekerofclarity]

Wondering if dc fix will do the same job, probably way cheaper per m2

[@bignosejack4746]

what front sprocket size should i choose if i have a 8speed32T to 10 T cassette i have a 1x

[@johansetiady6289]

Before do frame protection, should the bicycle to be coated?

[@danielmilligan6696]

warmer feel to a carbon frame? it may feel warmer to your hand, but it's not going to feel warmer to an inanimate sticker! if the bike is at room temperature, it's at room temperature whether it is carbon or aluminium. The only difference that might affect adhesion is the surface treatment, ie whether it's glossy or matt.

[@ColeMarkusen]

Anyone else have a negative experience with the 3M mastic tape where both sides a pretty tacky and while it does quiet things down and protects the frame, it collects a lot of dirt and debris?

[@doge8676]

Can I put that on top of decals?

[@ronhau1542]

Ty great video!

[@Nairnster]

You say cheap. Can you post a link to cheap, genuine 3M mastic tape please?

[@natepalmer5714]

look on amazon

[@clmfilms8103]

I'm getting my first full suspension when they come in stock (a marin rift zone 29) (coming from a decent hardtail) and i want to keep the frame in good shape. I saw some protection tape for cars that looks like it's pretty much the same think, will this work? Thanks

[@gaspertolar7950]

yes you should be good most likely

[@momeet6965]

Two questions 1) can we use this method to apply stickers? 2) can we use the protection thing over stickers?

[@bengreen6597]

Yes and yes

[@dirtbagjoe9884]

CABLE TIES!!

[@maxkueppenbender2022]

Which kind of alcohol did you use? I didn't really understand.

[@edwardsmith1448]

You should do a 26 inch full suspension mtb bike giveaway. Mostly because I have crappy Walmart bike that doesn't even have a thread less head tube so I'm afraid to go on trails and the trails are to far away. The only berm in the area is in a tiny pump track my local bike shop so I would really like the bike to ride trails.

[@indigoboii]

just go to a moto shop and ask for it, i got 5 x A4 sheets of it for free. They have stacks of it, it comes free when they order boots or protective gear.

[@Juzbilly1]

Would the ppf rip the stickers off?

[@schustermedia5032]

rubber mastic tape doesn't have an adhesive? any help

[@Shmack_]

You can use those rubber things for your cables like $4 for like 10

[@zyoungson]

what if you have a matte frame ?

[@ntxtrance3802]

Is that just black electrical tape you used on the chain stays?

[@MorryB]

It's a self-fusing rubber mastic tape. Sold under various names including 3M 2228.

[@minethegap]

What’s Neil’s favourite song?

[@ParkImaging]

How in the world did you manage to miss the most-often nicked area of the bike... the bottom of the bottom bracket and underneath the down tube?

[@stevenkilleen8149]

Shit wish I live near me ur good at it I hate graphics always have since my motocross days kits are worse too me

[@paulahamilton7290]

Is it true that helicopter tape makes you jump higher?

[@ultravio1et]

how difficult is the tape to take off after a few years of use?

[@tandemwarhead]

I switch my 3M helitape once a season. It grips pretty well, but with some time and a hairdryer it comes off, usually by parts. Not telling you thats easy, but totaly doable and frame is 100% intact, so worth the hassle

[@mrwhale8813]

#askgmbn I would like to know how to get the protectors off. my bike has some protectors on from previous owner however it is peeling and very dirty so how do you get it off without leaving a sticky residue behind?

[@gingermattb]

MR Whale? Just pull back on itself slowly at an acute angle, maybe using a hair dryer on it at the same time. Clean any residue with isopropyl alcohol.

[@flyingtiger4991]

it may also be helpful to dab some iso alcohol around the edges letting it soak into and soften the glue a little.. works a champ for removing decals too... careful when cleaning off glue.. any dirt or sand embedded in the residue will effectively become sandpaper when rubbed, dab and peel and be patient

[@bartvanroy2562]

Can i use normal wd40 to clean the frame?

[@colinthompson5881]

Hope you said “It’s a wrap!” when you finished filming 😀

[@P4P5]

Invis

[@ageng.raditya]

Easy, Cable ties!