Frame Protection

BBH

Guys,

Have just bought an S2 frame and before building was looking to cover the paint with protective tape – any ideas which is best and where to buy from??

Many Thanks

cougie

You'll probably double the frame weight if you cover it ALL in helicopter tape mind you....

Monty Dog

Helicopter Tape on ebay is your best bet. It doesn't work so well on white paint / light colours - the edges tend to pick up dirt and this shows. Frame has to be very clean (degreaser) and be careful to avoid fingerprints. It tends to hold dirt a bit more that bare paint - it'll look dirtier quicker so best left to potential wear / rubbing / impact points.
Apply on a warm day and use a hairdryer to warm it up - you need to be pretty patient. I've recently done my new titanium breakaway CX travel bike - front / outside of fork blakes, chainstay, toptube cable runs, seatstays and other common cable rub points.

BBH

cheers guys, will hunt ebay now. Thanks for the useful info: re weight and fitting problems - much appreciated

rolf_f

You can get fablon for about a fiver for a huge roll at B&Q. It isn't as thick or tough as helicopter tape but it also shows up less on white frames and it's that cheap you won't mind changing it more often. Not sure how good it is in the more wear prone places though. I usually have a bit of helicopter tape on the drive side of the BB incase the chain drops off and finds its way past the watcher (which has happened!) and I wouldn't trust the fablon for that.

bobgfish

FAQ regarding Helicopter tape here. They also sell it.

http://www.justridingalong.com/content.php?pid=524

Been on my MTB since 2005 and still looks good. Peeled on the edges in a few spots with extreme bends or across rough welds.

Monty Dog

A roll of woodgrain Fablon would probably look hipster-groovey, retro-chic ar$e hangin' out your jeans cool 8)