I work in the automotive industry...I get the scraps for vehicles that are wrapped in clear bras. So I use the Xpel automotive film....For the frames I protected so far, I learned you need to use water/rubbing alcohol mixture and heat to position and get the bubbles out and of course a little finesse. I measure out the tube I’m going to wrap and use cutting board to make precise cuts....The results look invisible and now I’m not worried about bags or leaning bike against things. And it was free.

Tip: use a hair dryer to stretch tape to obscure curves and angles.

Helicopter tape is good, but I cut old mountain bike tubes, and put them under the straps. Works like a charm.

Just keep in mind that this is a vinyl product. If you are storing your bike in the garage--no biggie. If you are only using a small patch--not a huge deal. But if you live in a tiny apartment you may not like the idea of a bike covered in a significant amount of vinyl a few feet away from you. I use clear silicon tape over my chain stay. It is bulky and heavier. But it totally absorbs any chain slap sound---no more chain slap cringes!

It called Leading Edge Tape and I've been using it for years for sea kayaks and bikes. Words of caution - 1) It will yellow over time from UV exposure. 2) When removing it from your bike use a heat gun/hair drier because if you don't it will pull the clear coat off with it. Once removed use goof-off to remove the remaining adhesive (wear gloves!). Lately, I've been using Xpel clear bra material bought by the foot. It doesn't turn yellow and is soooo much easier to apply and remove.

I just put some rubber stripes from an old inner tube on the velcro straps of my saddlebag with double sided tape. Amazingly it doesn't come off the straps at all even after several rides and so far I didn't get any scratches on the seatpost.

you can also just get some meguires 105 or 205 or any polish throw it on a microfiber and bring back the shine they're just small scratches in the clear

What I fear from using protective tapes, is when the time you remove it, leaves a different shade of color than the rest of the frame because the “untaped” part faded its color slightly.

add plastic wrap around mounting points ! zero rub and noise

Good video! Also can be applied to underside of down-tube, back of seat-tube, etc. to protect frame from rocks, gravel, and other debris. I have had 'helicopter tape' on my gravel bike for 3 years. The tape on down-tube still looks good. No tears or cuts on the tape.

I absolutely love functionality and pragmatism. And your videos/reviews are just that-100%! No unnecessary beating around the bush/nonsense talk. On point, clear, and understandable. I’ve already taken your advice and applying the same tape on my bike frame. Thank you for wonderful post !

I’ve used helicopter tape liberally on my commuter/gravel bike to avoid u-locks marks on the frame and fork.

Where was this stuff when I was transporting bikes on a really abusive car rack... this just saved me big money!

Great video Russ as usual. I got some of this stuff and wrapped my Cutthroat pretty liberally with it:

As always, a great and informative video, Russ! I bought some helicopter tape months ago after a "Dirty Betty" KZfaq recommendation. It was the same brand as you got, purchased through Amazon. I used it as well as some Revelate frame tape every where on my carbon gravel bike frame where bikepacking straps may go. The frame tape has no adhesive so can only be used where it can wrap around to stick to itself which obviously limits where it could be used but is thicker and perhaps easier to remove -- although it did look like you had any trouble removing the helicopter tape. Both tapes were easy to use and have held up so far on my overnight bikepack trips. I was not aware of that the helicopter tape could be applied wet. Will try that next time! Thanks.

Great video as always - Many thanks for producing and kindly sharing the wisdom. Best wishes and happy riding 🙏

I'm coming up on 1 year with my current bike; really wish I would have applied something like this it when it was new as it's developed some rub spots on it's paint in a few different spots. Thanks for bringing this tape to my attention. I plan to apply this to my current and future bikes.

A used Bike Friday I purchased last summer came with this tape applied in various locations (and on some components). Thought it was a bit strange, as I had never encountered this product. Removed some of it---total PITA--wish I knew about using a hair dryer! Appreciate the video on this topic and will reconsider the application of this tape, as I plan to use this bicycle on trail. Everyone's comments on this topic are helpful to my learning curve. Happy riding!

Hi Russ

Ok...lots of 'DIY' videos on KZfaq, but I find your's w comments the Very Best. Easy to understand & do! Glad I subscribe/support PLP. Thanks!!!