Frame Guard – Helicopter Tape
$3.50 – $4.50
The highest grade outdoor protective tape available (14 mil spec). Goes on clear with slight gloss finish – sold by the foot
14 mil Heavy Duty Outdoor Protective Helicopter Tape. Sold by the foot. Quantity 1 gives a continuous one-foot length, quantity 2 gives a continuous two-foot length, etc.
- Won't yellow over time.
- Exceptional paint protection.
- Protects against UV light, hot and cold temperatures, solvents.
- Resists erosion, abrasion, tears and punctures.
- Made from polyurethane (not vinyl or PVC); stands up to abuse.
- Extremely rugged; must be cut with scissors or razor knife.
- Durable, easy-release liner.
- Doesn't require solvent or heat to activate.
Why Protect your Frame?
Fabric/velcro from your gear can dull or even remove the paint from your bike. This is a result of rubbing from general trail chatter and is accelerated when dirt gets in-between your straps and your frame. To preserve your factory finish and prevent rub spots it's recommended to tape over abrasion prone areas on your frame. Helicopter tape is an effective and durable option that is easy to apply.
With carbon bikes this rubbing can remove the paint and expose the raw carbon of your frame (see product photo). If the raw carbon is exposed for any reason (rubbing or rock strikes) it's essential that you cover and protect these locations. Small rub spots on carbon are generally structurally sound, however if left exposed, these spots can absorb moisture which can diminish the carbon's structural integrity over time. Steel frames are also at risk for corrosion in places of worn off paint. Aluminum and titanium frames are generally inert to weather-based corrosion and any rub spots simply contribute to aesthetics.
**To conform the helicopter tape to curves, a simple notch at the apex of the curve works well to create wrinkle free adhesion (see product photo on top tube).**
Ralph (verified owner) –
Very good first impression (quality, ease of installation, ability to work with product)! I just installed the helicopter tape on my bike to protect bike shop decal, serial number tag, and front face of steering head tube. Protection strip over decal was peeling. The serial number tag was beginning to partially pull away from bike frame. Front brake cable wore thru existing protection and was beginning to remove paint. I had read on the internet people having issues with helicopter tape and other stick-on protection not sticking. I decided to call Specialized Bikes to get their recommendation. Specialized suggested Rockgeist. Specialized did not have experience with Rockgeist helicopter tape, but did report excellent experience with other products. I placed an order for 2 feet each of the 2″ and 3″ wide helicopter tape. I could not locate on website but was able to locate it by googling Rockgeist helicopter tape. Order arrived in 6 days. The 14 mil tape is heavy duty and smooth on the edges. People complained about other provider’s tape having rough edges. I cut out templates on paper, traced them on to the helicopter tape, then the cut out with scissors. Added a couple of drops of liquid kitchen soap to a spray bottle. Cleaned areas of the bike frame where tape was to be applied very well with isopropyl alcohol & allowed frame to dry. Once ready to install tape I sprayed the frame areas with the soapy water. I then peeled the backing from the tape and sprayed it with soapy water also. The soapy mixture allowed me to place the tape on the frame and still adjust the tape to get it right where I wanted it. I then used by fingers & paper towel to squeeze out any bubbles from under the tape. I then took a hair dryer and heated up the tape and squeezed tape again to get workout any remaining water or bubbles and to enhance the tape’s adhesion. The installed tape has sat overnight, and all are still stuck just as I left them. People commented about other providers tape starting to curl and unstick especially on curved surfaces after only a few hours.
Looking good for now! Hopefully, this tape will protect for years without needing replacement!