When you buy a new bicycle, there are multiple things to be excited about, whether it’s the new gear system, the shape and speed of the bike, or simply the new paint. You may even think, can you get your bike wrapped to save it from damage, scratches, and stone chips?
Wrapping your bicycle is just as easy as any other form of wrapping, whether it be a car or motorbike, and it’s way cheaper and easier to do, given the small frame of a push bike. It will give your new bike that extra layer of protection and set you apart from the rest when it comes to style.
Want to know; can you get your bike wrapped? Then read on! We have all the answers to the question; can you get your bike wrapped
Can You Get Your Bike Wrapped?
When it comes to questioning whether can you get your bike wrapped, there are a few reasons that would make it worthwhile in the short and long term. A few of the major reasons are listed below:
Protecting Your Bike
One of the many reasons why people choose to wrap their bikes is because it gives you an extra layer of protection on your bike. New bicycles increase in price by the year, and if you are serious about protecting your investment, then a vinyl wrap acts like a small layer of armor on your new bike.
Wrapping your bike will protect it from all sorts of minor dangers on the road or along the track, such as rogue stone chips, chain slaps, scrapes, and even boot rubs. So if you want to keep your bike in tip-top shape, then investing in a wrap is probably a good idea.
An Extra Layer Of Safety
While getting out on your bike when you can is very enjoyable for most riders, being safe on the road or park is just as important as any other aspect. Thus, wrapping your bike can give it a reflective look from many angles, keeping other road users aware of your presence.
The material used in many vinyl wraps is a retro-reflective product made up of tiny glass beads that reflects the light to its source, whether it be headlights or flashlights. Thus, this kind of wrap can help you feel much safer if you’re out biking on the roads at night.
Customization
When you buy a new bicycle, a few ways can help you customize it to make it feel authentic to you. Vinyl wrapping can help you turn your bike into a piece of art that stands out in the crowd.
You may want to customize your bike for a few different reasons, whether the factory paint is a horrible color or to match it up with some of your biker friends to have an excellent team color.
When it comes down to it, it feels great to have something that no one else has. Thus, choosing an authentic wrap can help you feel like your bike is one of a kind and make your riding even more enjoyable. Now that you know the answer to the question; can you get your bike wrapped, lets go over how this can be acheived.
Can You Wrap Your Bike Yourself?
So when it comes down to whether or not you can get your bike wrapped, there are a few things first to consider. Can you wrap your bike yourself? Or does it need to be done by a professional?
When it comes to getting your bike wrapped, most people may assume it’s out of their league, especially if they’ve ever watched anyone wrap a car. It’s a lengthy process and often requires a lot of patience and time to ensure the finish is high quality. However, it’s certainly possible if you have some extra time and fancy doing it yourself.
Below is a simple step-by-step guide that can help you during the process of wrapping your bike. However, every frame is different, so you can supplement these tips with a video on the internet, as this will ensure you have all the knowledge needed to leave a good finish.
Supplies
The first thing you will need is a few supplies; the major items are listed below:
- General bicycle tools
- Rubbing alcohol
- Sponges and water
- Paper towels
- Measuring tape (cloth)
- Pocket knife
- Squeegee tool
- Straight edge
- Heat gun
- Your choice of vinyl wrap
Preparation
Once you’ve collected all of your supplies, the next step is to prepare the surface of the frame for the wrap. It is much easier to wrap your bike if the wheels are removed, as well as any attachments.
Then remove any stickers or decals with rubbing alcohol and clean the bike with your sponge and soapy water. Ensure most of the grime is removed, as the vinyl will have a hard time sticking to this.
Measuring How Much Material You’ll Need
When you begin to measure how much material you’ll need to wrap your bike, always allow for a little extra. The vinyl wrap will need to extend beyond the edges so that you have something to hold on to as you’re applying the wrap.
A good idea is around three inches extra in all directions; this ensures that you will cover all of the bikes and have a little extra in case of a mistake.
When it comes down to the overall measurement, simply measure the length and height of the bike’s surface area and remember your extra three inches. Once you have this measurement, you can multiply the two numbers, giving you the overall square footage. Usually, this amounts to around 40 square feet.
Wrapping The Bike
Now that you have all the necessary measurements, the fun part begins. It’s probably best to start with the straight and larger areas of the bike when wrapping, as this gives you some quick practice.
Apply each piece from one end to the next, slowly pressing it down firmly as you go along. If you run into a crease or a bubble appears, pull away the vinyl and reapply it even slower this time.
A heat gun can help you to smooth out the wrinkled areas if they appear. Just remember to take your time, don’t pull or stretch it too much, and the vinyl wrap will easily take to the bike.
Going around the curves may test your patience a little, but remain calm and when needed, use a utility knife to cut the vinyl to shape as this will help it to fold and attach properly. You may come across some screws on the bike, and the option here is up to you. Layover them or make tiny cuts.
After a few hours, you’ll have an answer to the question; can you get your bike wrapped? You’ll be left with a bike that is protected from the elements, road dangers, and even nighttime drivers. The vinyl can last anywhere from three to seven years; thus, the hard work is well worth it.
How Much Will It Cost To Wrap My Bike?
If you are curious about how much it will cost to wrap your bicycle, it often varies from bike to bike. If you’re planning on doing the work yourself, it could be anywhere from $100 to $250, depending on the amount of preparation work needed.
If you are using an older bike, you’ll likely need to sand and prepare the surface a little more than you would with a new bike. However, if you decide that the job is not for you and you would like to enlist the help of a professional, then the price will rise dramatically.
If you’re someone who has minimal prior experience working with bikes and decides to take it to a vinyl wrapping shop, you could pay up to around $500 and often more. So, if you have some spare cash to get rid of, go for the expert. But, remember, it could be an excellent opportunity to teach yourself a new skill.
Conclusion
So, now that you know the answer to question; can you get your bike wrapped are you ready to give it a go? You can follow the instructions above to cover your bike yourself, or you can always hire a professional to do the job.
