ISC Racers Tape HT2128 ISC Racerstape Surface Protection Tape / Helicopter Tape 2 " x 12', Transparent

I wanted to protect my new frame. I did not like the options through bike shops because of the brand logos or lack of being able to customize the size. I highly recommend ISC Racers Tape Surface Guard Tape 2" x 12' (HT2128). This 8mm thick stuff is just right, and it is outdoor grade. I had a hard time deciding on the thickness. The deciding factor was my call to the manufacturer who told me the thicker tape was less clear in appearance and the adhesion might be too strong (if/when removed). It could pull up paint or decals. I tried to find 3M's helicopter tape, but I learned it is special order with a minimum quantity of a case. Be careful if you think you found it. It might not be what you want, e.g. thickness, outdoor grade, etc. I did encounter a learning curve installing the tape. Tools I found useful were a hair dryer, slip spray solution (water and Dawn in a spray bottle), wet finger(s), patience, and careful planning. Be sure to work on a clean surface with a dust free environment. I found I liked the wet installation method best. It allowed me to play with the positioning or pull off the tape to redo it easily. Taking my time and smoothing out each section before adhering a bit more was crucial to an outstanding application. Keeping my fingers, the tape, and the surface wet with the slip solution kept finger prints off too. It also allowed me to work out imperfections, e.g. bubbles. The hair dryer came in handy to soften up the glue to remove the tape or work out bubbles. Be careful not to rub on the tape too hard while it is warm or it will stretch in that area. The heat is also enabled me to do the "form" fit over the rear derailleur by making the tape more pliable. I also rounded the corners on the pieces I installed. I thought this might make them less susceptible to coming off down the road with wear, cleaning, etc. The largest piece of tape I installed was over the top of my top tube. The most challenging piece was a single piece over a large portion of my rear derailleur. See pixs of both in the customer pixs section. UPDATE (12/7/12): My first call to the manufacturer was a wonderful experience. I just called a second time and had a very bad experience. The receptionist answered my call and was not willing to help - would not take a message, no advice on when to call back. Just said no one was available to help. Then she intentionally hung up on me! I revised my review down to 4 stars as a result. UPDATE (12/12/12): The manufacturer responded to my letting them know how badly their receptionist treated me. Then I was connected with someone that could help me with why I had called in the first place. Because of how the company handled the situation, I am revising my review back to 5 stars.

Purchased to protect a road bike. The material is easy to shape - be sure you have sharp scissors - and the application process is simple. Soap and water, squeeze out the bubbles, Bob's your uncle. So far, so good. I've been through some rain, grit, gravel, and brushed the chainstay with my heal a few times but the tape holds up just fine. Cheaper than the bike-specific kits stuff the shops sell and you get plenty of it.

Used this on my carbon bike frame to protect the frame in strategic areas and on the carbon seatpost. Easy to use fairly thick stuff easy to cut with scissors. The tape remains pliable after installed. Been using it for about 2 months now and seems to be holding up well on the right chainstay. A bit pricey but no more than other similar products out there.

I got this for a bikepacking trip around White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park. It's easy to apply: clean frame, spray with soapy water, and then the tape can be slid into just the right position before working out the excess water with your fingers. The tape has enough stretch to it that I was able to get it to sit flat around all the curves on the bike. After 100 miles of bouncing around with no suspension and sand everywhere, the tape was nowhere near wearing through. The tape sticks well enough to stay on but comes off clean when you're done with it. The shine blends in well with the gloss paint and it's hard to even see the tape without looking closely.

Worked like a charm to protect my new gravel bike paint. Watched a video on how to install and it was super easy. Can’t even see it on the bike! Be sure to use a spray bottle with water for application.

Easy to apply (bottom of bicycle downtube) if applied in a center strip and then smoothed outward. Adhered well and nearly invisible. Just as desired. Durability TBD, but others' experience suggests this is worth the extra money.