The Art of Wheel Protection: A RideWrap Review
Imagine a world where your beloved carbon wheels remain pristine, untouched by the harsh realities of the trail. That's the promise of RideWrap, a unique wheel protection system that has caught our attention. In this article, we'll delve into the world of RideWrap, exploring its features, installation process, and the value it brings to mountain bikers.
A Brief History
RideWrap's journey began with a simple yet brilliant idea. One of the company's founders, a proud owner of shiny new carbon wheels, designed a custom protection kit for himself. Years later, the kit still looked pristine, leading the team to believe that this innovation deserved a wider audience.
The Science Behind RideWrap
At the heart of RideWrap is the Lotus 10 Film, a self-healing, hydro- and dirt-phobic film made from an impressive 77% recycled materials. Available in both gloss and matte finishes, this film is specifically engineered to withstand the unique challenges faced by mountain bikes. Unlike traditional automotive films, RideWrap is designed to protect against slower-moving, high-mass objects, like rocks kicked up by the wheel in front of you.
The 0.254mm-thick wrap consists of three layers: an acrylic adhesive base, a TPU layer that dissipates impact energy, and a ceramic-embedded exterior that heals itself and repels dirt and water.
Measuring and Ordering
Unlike frame and crank protection kits, which RideWrap offers for a wide range of products, wheel protection requires some pre-order measurements. The wrap covers the side of the rim, so you'll need to measure the distance from the outer edge of the spoke nipple to the bead where the rim curves. It's crucial to measure in multiple spots and on both sides of the rim, as spoke holes can be staggered.
Installation: A Surgical Precision
RideWrap recommends installing the kit on a brand-new, unridden wheelset to ensure a pristine surface. The process demands surgical cleanliness, with two rounds of washing and drying to ensure no grit or dust remains. Having installed several RideWrap kits, I can attest to the importance of this step.
The installation process is a bit trickier than expected, especially with the long, uniform-shaped pieces. I found success by 'splatting' the wrap onto the rim and then sliding it into place. This required a stronger mix of the installation solution to achieve the right balance of adhesion and maneuverability.
Personal Takeaways
What I appreciate most about RideWrap is its hydro- and dirt-phobic qualities. Mud and grime seem to slide off more easily, both during the ride and during cleaning. The wheels, with their constant spinning, appear to fling off grime, resulting in a noticeably cleaner ride compared to my non-wrapped gravel bike.
RideWrap is an investment, both in terms of time and cost. The kit for my RX880 gravel wheels, requiring 35mm of material on each side, cost $234.40 AUD. While it won't prevent catastrophic rim damage, it will protect against glancing blows and scratches, keeping your wheels looking fresh.
Conclusion
RideWrap's wheel protection system offers a unique solution for mountain bikers who want to keep their wheels looking new. It's an investment that, in my opinion, pays off in terms of protection and ease of maintenance. Whether you choose to embrace frame and wheel protection or not, RideWrap is an innovative product that deserves recognition in the mountain biking community.
