Mountain Bike Frame Protection

Part of mountain biking is getting a little dirty. You can’t expect to never damage, dent, or crash your bike. But you can maximize your bike’s value with a frame protector. The heart of any bike is the frame – it is also the most expensive part.

So you always want to make sure you take good care your MTB frame while riding through the rocky mountain terrain. Whether you decide to go for a more chainstay protector or a seasonaire approach, here is our guide on making your mountain bike truly mountain proof!

All Mountain Style Frame Protection XL

All of the Mountain Style frame guards are an adhesive, semi-rigid PVC in a honeycomb. It provides protection from impacts and abrasions while mountain biking. They are extremely flexible and have been known to adapt to any shaped bike frame. They also come in several unique designs, making it a fun way to make your bike stand out.

The main feature of the All Mountain Style Frame Protection is the XL size that includes 10 different pieces. It is also extremely easy to install and allows repositioning while installing. Built with automotive-grade materials, it will not yellow over time. Lastly, this frame protector is a high impact and rub-resistant honeycomb to keep your frame protected at all times.

Shelter Off-Road Adhesive

Shelter off-road is an adhesive visco-elastomeric material designed to fit many different bicycle frames. With its 50 layers of energy absorbing netting and an optimized density, shelter off-road is a great and durable way to protect other parts of the frame.

Shelter frames are different from most traditional abrasion resistant materials due to they’re to absorb and dissipate the force of an impact. The Shelter-Off Road Adhesive frame protector is a 1-meter roll, 1.2 mm thickness, and 54 mm width. Its shock absorbing and abrasion resistant material makes it a very durable frame protector. The fabric is also made to not yellow over time even after many long rides in the sun.

ESI Silicone Tape 10′ Roll

ESI silicone tape is a multipurpose adhesive gel tape about 2 mm thick, which you can wrap around several different parts of your bike for extra coverage and protection. For example, you could wrap it around your chainstay to protect it and mute the noise. Or you could use it as an additional cushion, underneath handlebars, or even wrap items temporarily to your bike!

This Esi Silicone Tape Roll is very versatile and can stretch up to 300%. It is easy to wrap and remove, and leaves no damages to the bikes frame. There is also no residue or adhesive on the tape, as it bonds to itself.

Lizard Skins Protective Frame Kit

The main feature that makes The Lizard skin protective Frame Kit such a great option is its diversity. It comes with 2 large frame protectors, 3 small frame protectors, 2 large patches, and 2 medium patches. This allows you to choose where you want to add protection on mountain bike frame.

Race Face Chain Stay Pad

People hate ear-screeching sounds. And mountain bikers hate the sound of their chain slapping a chainstay on the rough ground. That is why they created the Race Face chainstay pad, so no matter the terrain, you can enjoy the sweet sound of silence as you ride. The Race Face Chainstay Pad closes with velcro, making it easy to put on and off. It is also made with Neoprene material making it very strong and long lasting. Its slight padding gives your bikes frame extra protection and comfort.

Bike Frame Protection Tips

Wheel Protection

Protect your wheels as well as basic MTB frame protection. If you are riding on rocky trails, your bike faces the risk of punctures from pinching the inner tube or putting a hole in the tire itself. The wheels of a bike are obviously a key component, so keep them protected!

Transmission Protection

The drivetrain on a bike is just like the Achilles heel on a mountain bike. As your chainrings are exposed to flying rocks and stones, the rear derailleur can easily get damaged. You can fit a bash guard to protect the chainrings and cranks to help against impacts.

If you are going on a road trip or overseas, it is nice to have a proper supply of spare parts just in case. Here are some supplies worth bringing:

• Cable ties
• Spare tire
• Chainring bolts
• Brake lever/shift lever brackets
• Brake mount for the frame
• Electric tape
• Inner cables
• Rear mech (worth installing a cheap model for your trip)
• Rear mech hanger

Benefits of MTB Frame Protection

Mountain bike frame protection is ultimately meant to prevent bike damage and increase its long term value. Here are some of the main benefits of a bike frame protector:

Long term value

Protecting your mountain bike frame ensures that your bike will stay in premium shape for a long time. But that’s not all- it also allows you to resell your bike’s frame at a significantly higher price than you bought it at. This is why a bike protector is a great long term investment.

Long lasting

Unlike some cheap alternatives, high-end bike frame protectors maintain their clarity and do not turn yellow in the sun. They are incredibly long-lasting, weatherproof, and waterproof.

Easy to clean

Unlike new paint, dirt and mud do not stick to MTB frame protectors. This makes it very easy to clean your protector after a long ride and always keep your bike looking new!

Easy to replace

If you are on a really rough ride and your bike takes an intense hit, your frame might get damaged. But don’t worry, they are extremely easy to remove and replace!

Conclusion

No matter where you live or where you ride, you need to be protected. You must take care of your mountain bike in order to get the most out of your biking adventures. With a subpar MTB frame, your bike will not ride to its full potential. Of course, you can’t avoid ever damaging your bike. But with a frame protector, you are maximizing its value and keeping it in premium shape.