Average Guy VS. Ride Wrap

The first episode in a new series where I tackle projects that I've been putting off due to intimidation.

A lack of experience can lead to self doubt, so let's start turning that intimidation into experience and see what happens. Watch and learn from my mistakes, and hopefully gain the confidence to try these things out for yourself.

Let's support each other and grow together!

[ZeeFrankensteel]

Great honest vid! DIY slip formula (taken from a pro applying 3M pro film, unavail to the public) is 600ml water, 400ml 70%isopropyl alcohol, 2ml baby shampoo. Or do the math for a smaller batch! It seems ridewrap may be a super wide 3M pro film custom cut by Ridewrap. The 3M scotchguard is available to public but not self healing and not as pliable but still very good. The 3M pro as well as ridewrap is self healing to some extent. I used the scotchguard with great results as I did not want as much coverage as the custom ridewrap offers. Cost me 20$, but if you want full coverage the Ridewrap is a really good price as it is a better coverage and is already cut, which saves a ton of time if you want ultimate coverage. It would be almost impossible for the DIY person to cut precisely like ride wrap does (actually impossible!) in a reasonable amount of time. If I was to fully cover, I'd go the Ridewrap, otherwise I had great success with the 3M. As for some bubles that I had on the top tube...I tried the pin needle poke, then let water out, , , , does not work that well. Then I used a syringe blood draw needle, made a hole like you would enter a vein, so not from the top but along the tube. Remove the needle, water comes out, and push and the rest comes out, no scar visible. I even removed bubble that were tiny this way, just to see what was possible. The syringe needle is the way to go, if you did not see the bubbles while applying the film. To see them better, shine a light along the tube, not from the top. You'll be amazed how much easier it is to see. All in all, faster with Ridewrap, more coverage. Longer with DIY, less coverage, cheaper. Also as on the first chainstay on this video, it seems the wrap will not adhere along tight bends, , , , you just need to massage the middle and remove water, then really go to the edges slowly, back and forth, it seems they do not want to bend, go back to middle, repeat the massage, eventually everything sticks in place, even when you think ''man it's not adhering'', it eventually does. If this helps even one person, great!

[ethanbenton]

I like how you say “vs” because you know it’ll be a battle.

[chrissywissythewishwishfairy]

Loved it. What a great idea for content. I suffer from being intimidated by jobs and suffering a lack of confidence.

[stevedawe]

I certainly appreciate your brutal honesty. I’ve tried to start my ride wrap about 5 times, but honestly super worried about messing it up.
Your video has given me the confidence I needed to at least attempt it.
Cheers, and keep up the good work!

[LAFooFrmLA]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been staring at my brand new Chameleon for a few weeks, my wrap should finally arrive tomorrow. Watching this makes me realize it’s worth the wait to ensure my bike stays looking beautiful

[monsieur-bissonious]

Love this video. Just bought RideWrap and am admittedly intimidated to do the install. Appreciate the notes, failures, and successes of you installation. Thanks for sharing and keep on shredding.

[BD]

Nice. I just did this about a week or so on my new megatower. It was definitely tedious and I was pretty intimidated starting out as well. I kept reminding myself to not rush and be patient. As the wrap went along I found myself figuring out better techniques for getting the wrap to lay how it was supposed to. In the end I had to make a couple cuts myself to get a small piece to lay right, but overall the whole thing turned out pretty dang good and I was pretty proud of myself. Lol. Great vid man.

[wakeupandbord]

Indefinite amount of frustration, you summed me up real fast. Still haven't ridden my brand new bike of 6 months, I think I need to step my game up and tackle this tonight!

[Gmork-The-Nothing]

Excellent video, great instructions. Footage iis perfect, and narration spot on. I'm thinking about getting one of these for new bike now.

[Operor]

You aren't actually an average guy. :) You did great. I've done many types of decals and wraps ( only one on a bike ) and its all pretty easy but I have previous experience putting vinyl on boats and jet skis. I love the idea of this series. Keep it up!

[marthagrant]

Watched your video yesterday and then went on to do an amazing job on ride wrapping my bike. I really appreciated your tips for knowing when the slip solution was too soapy. Thanks~

[Callsign_Zion]

Thanks for this great video! I literally have had my ride wrap sitting on a shelve for almost 2 years because I’ve been intimidated. Now this has given me the courage to attempt it. Right after I clean my SUPER dirty bike. Just a tip for someone getting a new bike. DON’T GET A BIKE WITH MATTE PAINT!!! You’ll hate how much dirt sticks to it.

[jereddennis]

Good vid. Doing the same for my Norco! Was wondering about the solution myself. Sic bike!!!

[CaliradoKid]

Nice work man. I definitely would have ended up with some of the ride wrap stuck to me somehow. No doubt. 😂

[jimm]

It took me a few hours to wrap my Hightower. The chain stays were the hardest part, and I made a minor relief cut too. The swoop between the top tube and seat tube was a challenge too. I agree the solution is important. I started with too little soap.

[michaelcallaghan]

Thanks! Have been sitting on a wrap kit for a while now, and putting off doing it. Maybe now I'll start!

[frediabolo]

I just applied the Bikeshield protection which is very similar. And the first piece was also a mess. I would really like to see a duplicate of one of the pieces as a practice piece in the kits. Anyway thanks for the vid.

[orangedogmusic]

Cool man. Thanks for the great tip tutorial for the ride wrap. I just got one for my new Stumpjumper and i'm ready to wrap. I think...Let the wrap begin.
Love the ride at the end man. My vote is to keep the series/channel pumping! I'll be back to share my experience in installing.

[RGCastro]

Good stuff! I hope to see more of this series.

[genegoesfast]

Good job Rich! It can be very frustrating for sure.