Real-world opinions on RideWrap vs invisiFRAME

[dotcodotuk]

I've wrapped a bunch of bikes with invisiFRAME but never touched a RideWrap kit in my life and as I'm about to need to buy something to protect a frame and its forks, I'm looking for some real-world opinions on the differences between the two brands from people who have actually used them both.

I can't say I have ever been disappointed using invisiFRAME, but you don't know what you don't know... right?

So if you've got experience with using the two kits on the same frame or two bikes in your collection, let's hear it! And feel free to opine if you found their fork/crank/whatever kits better than the other brand.

And please try not to argue... unless you know something deeply technical about the products used in their kits and why one is superior to the other... it's all just, like, your opinion, man.

Also wondering if anyone knows what products Shack Wrap and Snakeskin use. I'm assuming they have a licence to print out kits from one of the two brands, but if you know which one I'd be curious to find out...

 

[Powerslider]

I only used Ride Wrap but Invisiframe is an XPEL brand and that points to their film being high quality. There’s an XPEL shop in Scottsdale and I know they’ll custom cut/install frame protection. I’ve considered them for replacing the damaged OEM film on my Levo.

 

[TQFreak]

I use regular helicopter tape. It is the same stuff, just cheaper and you can cut any shape you want from a big chunk of material and you do not depend on what those companies have in stock.

 

[Powerslider]

I use regular helicopter tape. It is the same stuff, just cheaper and you can cut any shape you want from a big chunk of material.

I wonder if @Greg Watts knows if helicopter tape is the same stuff as the films Ride Wrap or Invisiframe use.

 

[Greg Watts]

I wonder if @Greg Watts knows if helicopter tape is the same stuff as the films Ride Wrap or Invisiframe use.

The short answer is: they're in the same family, but they're not identical. Helicopter tape (also called leading edge tape or 3M 8591) is a polyurethane film originally designed to protect helicopter rotor blades from sand and debris erosion. The branded bike kits from RideWrap and invisiFRAME also use polyurethane film (PPF), so the base chemistry is the same. Where they differ is in the details. The bike-specific films tend to be thinner (typically 150-200 microns versus helicopter tape which can be 200-300+ microns), have better optical clarity, and crucially have a self-healing clear coat layer that lets minor scratches disappear with heat. Generic helicopter tape usually lacks that self-healing top coat, and because it's thicker it's noticeably harder to conform around compound curves without bubbling or lifting.

As you flagged, invisiFRAME uses XPEL film, which is one of the premium automotive PPF brands. XPEL's stuff has excellent self-healing properties and UV resistance, which matters if your Levo spends any time in that Scottsdale sun. RideWrap uses their own proprietary film sourced from a different manufacturer. @ntm95 actually compared the two directly and found RideWrap is thicker and more durable against rock impacts, while invisiFRAME is thinner and easier to apply on compound corners because there's less material fighting the adhesive. That trade-off tracks with what you'd expect.

So @TQFreak's approach with generic helicopter tape will absolutely protect the frame from chips and scratches, and at a fraction of the cost. But you do sacrifice the self-healing clear coat, the optical clarity, and the ease of wrapping tight curves. For a quick chainstay protector or shuttle pad it's perfectly sensible. For a full frame wrap where you want it to look invisible and last years in desert UV, the branded XPEL or RideWrap film earns its premium. On that note, @Rod B. mentioned a completely different approach for the really heavy impact zones: rubberised stair tread tape that survives hard rock strikes better than any PPF. Not pretty, but effective if you're battering the downtube.

I've got quite a bit of community data on application tips, pricing, and which kits cover forks versus frame-only if you want to dig further into the specifics.

 

[TQFreak]

I am not sure about optical clarity, I found helicopter tape on Amazon, maybe that is "special" helicopter tape because of it looks exactly like on the picture Powerslider posted with the same clarity and appearance. The thickness of the tape I found on Amazon is 8 mils.

I used this one

Regarding durability and appearance changing - I commuted a bike wrapped with helicopter tape mostly in the rain almost daily for many years here in Pacific Northwest and in the places where my legs rub the frame the tape looks almost like new (actually just like new, I simply do not see the difference between the new applied tape and the old tape in the spots where I rubbed it for many years).

This frame on the picture is wrapped with 8 mils helicopter tape I found on Amazon. The same tape is applied on the display screen. I do not see any issues with clarity. You can even clearly see the forged carbon through it and the logo. The fork is also wrapped with this tape and you can see through it no problem.

If those fancy brands would sell their film in bulk for cheaper price I would certainly give them a try.

 

[Highland Wheels]

Invisiframe is better IMO. I've got ride wrap on my Forbidden and it's peeling on some of the edges all ready and doesn't look great. My Deviate is Invisiframed and still looks like the day it went on.


I'll be replacing the ride wrap after the winter months, Xpel stuff is proper top quality regardless of the application it's used on and I just don't see the ride wrap being the same quality when you have them side by side.

 

[5Tuey]

Go for invisiframe. I’ve fitted loads of invisframe kits and they all fit much better than the ridewrap.

1. The ride wrap has too much coverage so it’s really hard to get right.
2. Because they are going for such high coverage they push there luck with the capability of the film and it just lifts and starts to look tatty.
3. All the invisi kits have had more than enough coverage and I’ve never had one lift at all. Plus the film is better quality.

I’m not in the bike trade but worked for years wrapping vehicles and vinyl signs so I know what I’m doing. Hope that helps.

 

[MINO]

Curious to know if anyone has tried the German ride wrap Unleazhed? it's a stick on protection film that doesn't require a squeegee and water but its a generic fit rather than a custom frame fit. After getting a quote for RideWrap + installation of $400 and kinda being talked out of it by the Bike Shop i thought perhaps this might be an easier alternative as a DIY...FYI i have never done a ride wrap so i guess i don't feel comfortable doing it to a new bike incase i stuff it up. Perhaps i'm over complicating it in my head as i'm sure its not that hard just time consuming.

Unleazhed XXL Mountainbike Rahmenschutzfolien

Komplett Bike Lackschutz von Unleazhed! Schütze dein Ober- und Unterrohr, sowie deinen kompletten MTB Hinterbau. Made in Germany! Riesige Auswahl!

www.unleazhed.com

 

[wb3jma]

Frankly neither, I use AMS it's the thickest stuff out to deflect stone strikes. It's drawback is getting all air out of it.

 

[RoJo]

I've used ride wrap 3 times, invisiframe once, all recently.
Precious little difference in application or performance.
I have a slight preference for ride wrap as their fitting guide is much better and quicker to follow, and their customer service is excellent.
Without knowing the tech specs to me there feels like there is zero difference in the end product, longevity or performance.

 

[Murphius]

Invisiframe and Xpel are way better than the film Ridewrap uses when it comes to installation and staying adhered. Ridewrap lifts/doesn’t adhere well around more complex/curved geometries.

 

[Svarun]

I bought a Ridewrap's kit for my wife's Trek Fuel eXE, selected the exact model and size through their interface, received a kit for a carbon eXE that is just different enough it wouldn't fit precisely. Wrote to them and sent the kit back, they wouldn't accept the package at their Swedish offices (they serve EU) and I got it back. No answers to my attempts to contact them through email. All in all, I spent 90€ for nothing, including return postage, so I'm steering clear of them from now on.

On the other hand, fitted two Invisiframe kits, they have both been perfect.

 

[TQFreak]

Xpel is actually cheaper even than helicopter tape! I would certainly try it instead of helicopter tape. I am not sure how they saved money, but the thickness is the same as the helicopter tape I used (8 mils)

Found this one

They even offer installation gel! So you do not need to mix water, alcohol and dishwashing soap.

This

If you want to purchase a precut wrap kit you better to make sure the wrap kit seller also shows not only size and model of the bike frame, but also year. The same frame can go through some changes over the years while manufacturers can call it the same model and size. If the wrap kit seller does not provide frame year information you better to stay off.

 

[TQFreak]

Curious to know if anyone has tried the German ride wrap Unleazhed? it's a stick on protection film that doesn't require a squeegee and water but its a generic fit rather than a custom frame fit. After getting a quote for RideWrap + installation of $400 and kinda being talked out of it by the Bike Shop i thought perhaps this might be an easier alternative as a DIY...FYI i have never done a ride wrap so i guess i don't feel comfortable doing it to a new bike incase i stuff it up. Perhaps i'm over complicating it in my head as i'm sure its not that hard just time consuming.

Unleazhed XXL Mountainbike Rahmenschutzfolien

Komplett Bike Lackschutz von Unleazhed! Schütze dein Ober- und Unterrohr, sowie deinen kompletten MTB Hinterbau. Made in Germany! Riesige Auswahl!

www.unleazhed.com

That is most likely vinyl film (you can tell by the simple single curvature geometry it is wrapped around, the graphics and the way they apply it). Vinyl film is not as durable as helicopter tape and will likely start pealing off after some time. But this is a trade off for the graphics it offers.

 

[steve_sordy]

I have just read this and members are using two different thickness measurements some talk about 8 mils, others of 150-200 microns. Just by looking at the numbers used, I would assume that a mil is bigger than a micron.

I associate a mil as being 1000x the size of a micron. That would, make the 8 mils quoted to be 8000 microns, which does not sound correct at all!

Help, anyone?

 

[Murphius]

I have just read this and members are using two different thickness measurements some talk about 8 mils, others of 150-200 microns. Just by looking at the numbers used, I would assume that a mil is bigger than a micron.

I associate a mil as being 1000x the size of a micron. That would, make the 8 mils quoted to be 8000 microns, which does not sound correct at all!

Help, anyone?

Ignore AI. I’ll probably stop reading/contributing to this forum because of it. It generates a ton of useless information we all have access to via our own means and dilutes the discussion.

 

[steve_sordy]

Ignore AI. I’ll probably stop reading/contributing to this forum because of it. It generates a ton of useless information we all have access to via our own means and dilutes the discussion.

I recognised the film sizes in the post by our resident AI, Greg. I did not recognise the film sizes quoted in the post by @TQFreak. Are you trying to tell me that @TQFreak is an AI, or that he was using AI to generate his post? If so, how could you tell?

PS: I have used the "Ask Greg" feature and it found something for me that I have been looking for, on and off, for four years without success. It is developing very rapidly and being changed in response to Forum feedback. Don't give up on it, work with @Rob Rides EMTB to improve it.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

It generates a ton of useless information

Hi Murphius, do you have any specifics that I can look at that you've seen? Happy to work on it.

 

[Wah]

I wrapped 2 Canyon Strive ONs because of a warranty replacement. For the first bike I figured I'd try invisiframe because until then I had only used ridewrap. Invisiframe sent this big blank sheet with no markings on it, and crappy 2 page instructions that included pictures of a generic frame showing generally where that piece should go and a 2nd sheet that showed which cutout referred to which piece. Awful. Its like they didn't even try to make it easy to install.

Ridewrap uses 3d CAD images of the actual frame with color shaded sections, numbers printed directly on both the instructions, and the film which is also shaded in blue outlining each part so it is easy to find the corresponding piece.

I think ridewrap cost like $10 more but the frustration of looking at one sheet, then another, then trying to find the "shape" (on a blank sheet!) that matches the shape on the diagram pisses me off even thinking about it right now.

IDC if one is marginally better than the other, a hard fall into rocks will F shit up no matter what film you use.

Ridewrap for me, no question.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I've been using RideWrap on my bikes, both the tailored and covered kits... though in my conditions, lots of rocks the film doesn't stand up to crashes/drops into rocks.

Sure, the superficial scratches and marring are kept away, but the films are very thin. On my most ridden bike (long travel enduro) after a proper season the frame bares many scars and the film is tattered up.

I was of the mindset, if I'm dropping 5, 6, 8k on a bike... what's $150 in film.

The films definitely help keep the paint looking fresher and how it holds up depends on how often you drop/crash and if the terrain is particularly rocky.

I've used the AMS honeycomb films too, in certain areas and those I've torn through too... YMMV.

 

[steve_sordy]

................. Invisiframe sent this big blank sheet with no markings on it, and crappy 2 page instructions that included pictures of a generic frame showing generally where that piece should go and a 2nd sheet that showed which cutout referred to which piece. Awful. Its like they didn't even try to make it easy to install.
...........................

That sounds awful! I would have been very unhappy with that response.
I struggle to believe that Invisiframe could get get so well known with a service like that. In fact, it sounds like a scam.
Are you sure that you had contacted Invisframe and not some website passing themselves off?

 

[Dax]

The invisiframe kits I’ve bought have been pre-cut to fit the bike. Helitape is much more of a pita because you have to cut it to shape as well as try and stick it on the bike without bubbles.

 

[Twisted Fork]

I have just read this and members are using two different thickness measurements some talk about 8 mils, others of 150-200 microns. Just by looking at the numbers used, I would assume that a mil is bigger than a micron.

I associate a mil as being 1000x the size of a micron. That would, make the 8 mils quoted to be 8000 microns, which does not sound correct at all!

Help, anyone?

8 mil is 8 one-thousandths of an inch = approx 203 micrometers (0.2mm) or 203 microns (same unit of measure, just shorthand).

 

[Wah]

That sounds awful! I would have been very unhappy with that response.
I struggle to believe that Invisiframe could get get so well known with a service like that. In fact, it sounds like a scam.
Are you sure that you had contacted Invisframe and not some website passing themselves off?

It was from Invisiframe uk

 

[Mcharza]

Curious to know if anyone has tried the German ride wrap Unleazhed? it's a stick on protection film that doesn't require a squeegee and water but its a generic fit rather than a custom frame fit. After getting a quote for RideWrap + installation of $400 and kinda being talked out of it by the Bike Shop i thought perhaps this might be an easier alternative as a DIY...FYI i have never done a ride wrap so i guess i don't feel comfortable doing it to a new bike incase i stuff it up. Perhaps i'm over complicating it in my head as i'm sure its not that hard just time consuming.

Unleazhed XXL Mountainbike Rahmenschutzfolien

Komplett Bike Lackschutz von Unleazhed! Schütze dein Ober- und Unterrohr, sowie deinen kompletten MTB Hinterbau. Made in Germany! Riesige Auswahl!

www.unleazhed.com

I was wondering why no one has mentioned this before. I have used it to protect my DH bike. It felt good quality and was pretty easy to install. How will it last? We'll see next summer.

 

[Polar]

At least I'm very happy with the support from Invisiframe UK since my bike was wrapped without the original protection taken off and it looked ok but not as perfect as I was expecting.
I contacted Invisiframe, they told me that it is advised to remove the original protection first and they sendt me a new kit for free without me even asking for it since it obviously was my bad.

 

[Triman]

Has anyone tried the dirtspecific frame wrap/decals?

 

[mtnrider]

I've never used invisiframe so can't comment on that brand but I have used ridewrap on 2 bikes and have been completely satisfied with the results, coverage, and protection. I've never had pealing issue with it.

.

 

[steve_sordy]

8 mil is 8 one-thousandths of an inch = approx 203 micrometers (0.2mm) or 203 microns (same unit of measure, just shorthand).

AAAAARGGGHHH!! One was imperial and the other metric!! So obvious, thank you!