We talk through our road and gravel bike custom and universal PPF kits, why they’re needed and how to fit them.
Road and gravel bikes might not take the same hits as full-sus downhill rigs, but they’re far from safe from wear and tear. They’re also a serious investment and one we know you want to keep looking—and riding—at their best. More miles and more days in the saddle make for extended exposure to grit, stones, and debris, while gravel riding throws unpredictable terrain into the mix. Over time, even the smallest chips and scuffs can dull your frame’s finish and cause more than aesthetic damage to a super lightweight road bike… that’s where a custom invisiFRAME PPF kit comes in.
We offer tailored protection for everything from carbon road frames to stacked gravel setups, backed by the likes of former pro road racer and content machine Phil Gaimon, plus ultra endurance athlete César Merás. Back in September, he took on the challenge of Badlands - an 800km gravel race, with 16,000m of climbing through the Gorafe and Tabernas Deserts. The ride was fully unsupported, so the bike (and kit) were tested to the max. We made sure César’s prized 3T Bike had a full invisiFRAME PPF wrap to protect the carbon frame from the harsh environment and constant rubbing from bag straps.
We’ve also developed invisiSAFE - discreet reflective strips (available in 3 sizes) that attach to your wheel rims for night rides and increased visibility over winter. We’ve had some great feedback from road cyclists, gravel riders and bikepackers alike, so well worth a look.
What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)?
Paint Protection Film (or PPF), is a premium quality automotive film, which was first developed to protect car paint from stone chips, scratches, UV rays and abrasion damage. The film acts as a protective barrier, and while we can't promise that it’ll protect from any big hits or deep scratches, the protection kit will minimise general trail/road wear, scuffs, abrasions, stone chips, plus storage and transportation mishaps.
Paint Protective Film (PPF):
- Non-yellowing & stain resistant
- Helps maintain your bike’s resale value
- Self-healing
- Easy to fit at home
- Award-winning XPEL protection
- Over 40,000 custom options available
Yes, we sell bike wash and other aftercare products, but your bike deserves more than just a hose down after a long ride. With a Custom PPF Kit, you’re looking at up to 98% frame coverage, whereas Universal Kits are designed to target the biggest, most exposed areas of your bike to deliver coverage where it’s needed most. On top of that, we offer a full range of cable rub patches and other add-ons to give your bike complete protection. For riders that want to protect the critical areas of their bike but don’t want to invest in a full coverage solution, the Prime Protection Kit is well worth checking out.
Why Road and Gravel Bikes Benefit from an invisiFRAME Protection Kit
Road and gravel frames don’t face the same heavy hits as mountain bikes, but they’re more likely to be ridden all-year-round and for much longer. That means grit, stones and debris getting kicked up from the road, while gravel—especially bikepacking—brings a whole new set of challenges: hundreds of miles, rough terrain, rubbing straps, and more.
An invisiFRAME Protection Kit acts as an invisible barrier between the unrelenting elements and your bike’s frame, forks and cranks. By guarding the most exposed areas of your bike it prevents cosmetic damage from turning into bigger problems, giving you peace of mind that your investment is well protected. We also understand that you want your bike to retain its resale value, so you can inevitably buy another (higher spec) one down the line… with an invisiFRAME PPF kit, we guarantee you’ll get a better deal when it comes to trade-in.
“I love a clean look, and I respect a custom paint job. But the same way a fancy violin dies if it’s not played, I also believe that I bike is meant to be ridden hard and often. invisiFRAME lets me live in both of those worlds at the same time, so I’m not afraid to throw it on the car, into a bike bag, or into a corner.” - Phil Gaimon
Custom vs. Universal PPF Kits
At invisiFRAME, we offer two levels of protection to suit varying frame setups and budgets: Custom Kits and Universal Kits. Both utilise the same industry-leading XPEL paint protection film (PPF) commonly found on super cars and in the highest levels of motorsport.
Custom Kits are bike-specific, precision-cut to wrap around the unique contours of your frame. Again, they offer up to 98% coverage to provide maximum protection across your frame, forks and cranks. If you’re unsure whether we stock a custom kit for your bike, chuck us an email and we’ll see what we can do. Custom kits are available in gloss or matte finishes, and we’re in the process of growing our road and gravel offering as part of our wider 40,000+ custom PPF kit lineup.
Universal Kits focus on the most high-risk areas: top tube, down tube, seat tube, and chainstays. They’re designed to fit almost any frame (in varying sizes) and are perfect for riders who want targeted coverage without investing in full-frame protection. Plus, our universal range includes cable rub patches and crank/fork protectors, so you can add extra shielding where it’s needed most. DIY Application vs. Professional Installation
Fitting an invisiFRAME Protection Kit to your road or gravel bike doesn’t need to be intimidating. The kits are designed with riders in mind - pre-cut, labelled, and supplied with clear instructions—even a squeegee—so you can go after that pro-level finish from home. With a clean workspace (could just be your kitchen), a little patience, and a steady hand, most customers find the process surprisingly straightforward. The payoff? Long-lasting protection against scuffs, scratches, and the grit that comes with endless miles on tarmac and singletrack.
That said, if you’d rather hand things over to an expert, invisiFRAME works with a wide network of professional fitters who can apply your kit for you. This is a great option if you’re short on time, want absolute peace of mind, or simply prefer to leave the finer details to someone who’s done it hundreds of times before. Simply type out your address into our Find a Fitter page and check out the interactive map. We’ve got partner bike shops in the UK, Europe and the US so you’re bound to find one close by.
The Long-Term Value of invisiFRAME PPF on a Gravel or Road Bike
When it comes to road and gravel riding, it’s the little things that add up… grit under your wheels, sand on your frame, tiny scratches from everyday use. An invisiFRAME PPF kit quietly takes the hit for you, letting your bike keep its good looks while you focus on the road ahead. Think of it as insurance for your frame: invisible, durable, and designed to keep your bike performing and looking its best, mile after mile.
About invisiFRAME
invisiFRAME is the industry leading bike protection brand and uses PPF (paint protection film) to create an invisible barrier between your bike and the elements. Protect your investment and keep your bike in pristine condition so you can spend more time out riding without fear of damage.
Using specialist XPEL Film, invisiFRAME can protect your bike from trail & road debris, travel damage, uplifts and general wear & tear. What's better is it's self-healing, non-yellowing and easy to fit at home. We offer both custom fitted and universal kits with maximum coverage for frames, forks and cranks.
You Ride It, We Protect It
