RideWrap Wheel Protection: A Fresh Take on Bike Care
In the world of cycling, where every detail matters, I've always been intrigued by the idea of keeping my bike looking fresh and new. While some might scoff at the notion of protecting a bike from scratches and dings, I believe there's a certain satisfaction in maintaining that pristine look. And that's where RideWrap's Wheel Protection Kit comes in. In this article, I'll delve into the details of this innovative product, sharing my personal experience and insights.
The Science Behind RideWrap
At the heart of RideWrap is its Lotus 10 Film, a self-healing, hydro- and dirt-phobic film designed to protect bike components. Made from 77% recycled materials, this film is available in both gloss and matte finishes. What sets it apart is its ability to fend off slower-moving high-mass objects, like rocks and debris, rather than fast-moving lightweight objects. This makes it an ideal solution for wheel protection.
The film consists of three layers: an acrylic adhesive at the bottom, a TPU layer in the middle to dissipate energy from impacts, and a self-healing, ceramic-embedded, hydro- and dirt-phobic exterior. This combination provides a robust defense against the elements.
Measuring and Ordering
Unlike frame and crank protection, wheel protection requires a bit of pre-order measuring. You'll need to measure the distance from the outer edge of the spoke nipple to the bead where the rim begins to curve. RideWrap recommends measuring in multiple spots and on both sides of the rim, as spoke holes can be staggered. This ensures the right amount of coverage.
For my Shimano RX880 wheels, I measured 35mm on both sides. Inputting this along with the wheel size and finish into the RideWrap website, I received a custom kit within a few days.
Installation Process
RideWrap is best installed on brand-new, unridden wheelsets. I've personally installed five kits, and while the process is straightforward, I underestimated the wheel kit's complexity. The pieces are long and difficult to wrangle, requiring a bit of creativity to lay them neatly onto the rim.
I found the best technique was to splat the whole thing on and then slide it into place. This meant mixing the install solution stronger than recommended to achieve the right balance of skate and stick. RideWrap leaves the final piece a bit long, so you'll need to snip it to line up properly.
Dealing with Bubbles and Drain Holes
One challenge I encountered was dealing with bubbles. While RideWrap recommends waiting 12 hours before riding, I found that leaving the kit out in the sun for a while helped evaporate any remaining fluid and made it easier to adhere to difficult edges. However, I also had to carefully poke holes in bubbles and push out any trapped air or fluid.
Another consideration is drain holes, which are usually located opposite the valve or at a 90-degree angle to it. These holes allow water to escape from the rim cavity and prevent pressurization if your tape is leaky. While rare, there are videos online of carbon rims exploding due to blocked drain holes. I took the precaution of warming up the end of a pick and gently poking a hole, then using a heat gun to ensure the edges were stuck down.
The Value of RideWrap
RideWrap is an investment in both time and cost. The kit for my RX880 gravel wheels required 35mm of material on both sides and cost $234.40 AUD. While it won't prevent major damage from rocks, it will stave off glancing blows from debris, keeping your wheels looking fresh and new.
Personal Perspective
As someone who values keeping their bike looking fresh, I found RideWrap's hydro- and dirt-phobic qualities particularly fascinating. The film's ability to repel mud and gunk means less elbow grease when it's time for a scrub. While I haven't had a proper mudder yet, the wheels seem to fling grime off and come up cleaner than the rest of my non-wrapped gravel bike.
In conclusion, RideWrap's Wheel Protection Kit is a valuable investment for those who want to keep their bikes looking fresh and new. While it won't prevent major damage, it will help stave off glancing blows from debris, making it a worthwhile addition to any gravel bike enthusiast's arsenal.
