How long will this take: 3-4 hours
Inside the box, you will find everything you need for a successful at-home DIY installation:
- Pre-cut frame protection pieces
- Installation diagram
- RideWrap Squeegee
- Installation Slip Solution Concentrate
- Pre-install cleaning wipes
- RideWrap microfibre cloth
- RideWrap sticker sheet
1. Wash your bike
It is important that the bike you’re wrapping is spotless. Ideally, you are wrapping your frame from day one. But if you have gotten out for a couple of rides, make sure to give your bike a thorough wash.
2. Remove the wheels, cable clamps, and manufacturer frame guards
Make sure to remove both the front and rear wheels, to make the placement of pieces easier. Remove cable clamps and the manufacturer’s frame guards, the protection kit has been designed to fit underneath providing extra protection. The wheels and guards are normally attached with either a 4mm, 5mm, or 6mm Allen key.
3. Use the RideWrap pre-install cleaning wipes to remove residual oil, dirt, grease, and any watermarks from washing.
Use the pre-install cleaning wipes that came with the protection kit to wipe down the frame to ensure there is no leftover oil residue, dirt, and grime that could hinder your installation experience. It is important to have a very clean frame.
4. Create your slip solution.
You must make your own installation slip solution. This step can take a couple of tries to get the concentration of the solution right. You will take the spray bottle and mix in one to four drops of the provided RideWrap solution concentrate. Depending on your frame and kit finish the solution mixture may need to be diluted or more concentrate added. For a guide on how to make the perfect slip solution check out our how to make the perfect slip solution here.
5. Reference the diagram to figure out the piece’s placement.
Use the provided bike diagram to figure out where you should place each piece. Start with piece one and work your way through the bike in numerical order.
6. Apply the install solution to both the frame kit piece and the frame.
Use the spray bottle to cover both the frame and the protection piece with slip solution. The more spray you use the easier it will be to position the protection piece.
7. Use features of the frame to line up each piece (aim for 3mm gaps between pieces).
Use curves, cable holes, and defining frame features to help line up each of the protection pieces. Once you have a few pieces lined up it is best to aim to have 3mm gaps between each piece for a consistent finished product.
8. If you’re having difficulty sliding pieces into position, use additional install solution to help position pieces.
Use additional slip solution or adjust the slip solution concentrate to help pieces slide into position or use some straight water to make the pieces adhere more quickly.
9. To lock pieces in place, use the squeegee to remove the install solution and air bubbles from under the protection film.
Use the supplied squeegee to remove the slip solution and air bubbles from underneath the protection film. Use long strokes that overlap the previous strokes. Try to start in the middle of the piece working your way to the side for the best squeegee experience.
10. Use the microfiber cloth to pull moisture out from the edges to increase adhesion.
The microfiber cloth provided with the bike frame protection kit will help pull moisture out from the edges of the protection film. This will increase adhesion and help get the edges to tack down.
11. Use gentle heat to dry the slip solution to help piece edges adhere to the frame.
For especially difficult pieces you can use light heat to help tack down the edges. The heat will dry the slip solution increasing tack. But make sure not to use too much heat as it can melt or damage the protection film. For more tips on how to use heat check out our article here.
12. Check over the bike to ensure all edges are stuck down, and no air bubbles remain.
After you think you have completed the installation, it is time to check over your work. Take a close look at all the edges and corners to make sure everything is stuck down and there are no air bubbles left over.
