TrEX-e Boy

[Rorschach]

I've had the EX-e wrapped this week with a RideWrap and I'm happy with the install but not with the wrap itself. It's a matte wrap on a matte black frame, so seems to highlight every imperfection, particularly where the wrap goes over the decals and leaves a gap around the lettering. Still, I guess it's the way the frame is painted and I can't do much - if the decals were under clearcoat it'd be smoother.
Also going to tweak the motor settings slightly before I ride on the weekend

 

[beeb]

I've had the EX-e wrapped this week with a RideWrap and I'm happy with the install but not with the wrap itself. It's a matte wrap on a matte black frame, so seems to highlight every imperfection, particularly where the wrap goes over the decals and leaves a gap around the lettering. Still, I guess it's the way the frame is painted and I can't do much - if the decals were under clearcoat it'd be smoother.
Also going to tweak the motor settings slightly before I ride on the weekend

Got any pics? Some edging around decals is normal, but it should only just be visible. Other imperfections suggest the frame wasn't properly cleaned (2-3 per frame are probably acceptable, but if there's heaps not so much).

 

[Rorschach]

 

[Jabubu]

Who cares, go get some dirt on it!

 

[Rorschach]

Who cares, go get some dirt on it!

In all fairness, I don't clean my bikes so a layer of red dust will probably make it less of a visual issue

 

[Jabubu]

In all fairness, I don't clean my bikes so a layer of red dust will probably make it less of a visual issue

This is the way

 

[beeb]

Yeah that's not ideal, and surprisingly visible.

If you poke the edges of the decal, does it look like it's soapy liquid trapped under the wrap? I don't get why the outline is white otherwise...

The little bubbles on the side of the seat tube can happen during install when trying to stretch a piece and your fingerprints/skin oils react with the adhesive a little unevenly, but the couple of ripples on the front of the seat tube look like someone hurried the install a smidge.

 

[Rorschach]

Yeah that's not ideal, and surprisingly visible.

If you poke the edges of the decal, does it look like it's soapy liquid trapped under the wrap? I don't get why the outline is white otherwise...

The little bubbles on the side of the seat tube can happen during install when trying to stretch a piece and your fingerprints/skin oils react with the adhesive a little unevenly, but the couple of ripples on the front of the seat tube look like someone hurried the install a smidge.

There isn't any liquid trapped in there, it's just the step down between the decal and the downtube that it can't stick to. The effect on the downtube I don't mind so much as it outlines the letters a bit and almost looks deliberate, but the lettering on the top tube doesn't look great. I'm tempted to get a hairdryer on it and see if I can stick it that way

 

[Asininedrivel]

Don't sweat the stuff around the logos etc - same thing happened on one of my bikes and it can settle or mould over time. Seat tube looks a little bit more like I applied it though...

 

[Rorschach]

Don't sweat the stuff around the logos etc - same thing happened on one of my bikes and it can settle or mould over time. Seat tube looks a little bit more like I applied it though...

Good to know. I'll keep an eye on it

 

[leitch]

If you're really stressed about the lines around the decals, just take to it with a scalpel and cut the ridewrap out around the decals so they sit flush. The decals won't be protected but they'll protect the frame/paint underneath them same as the wrap. Can always buy fresh decals later if they get scratched up but unlikely that they'll end up that bad.

 

[Rorschach]

If you're really stressed about the lines around the decals, just take to it with a scalpel and cut the ridewrap out around the decals so they sit flush. The decals won't be protected but they'll protect the frame/paint underneath them same as the wrap. Can always buy fresh decals later if they get scratched up but unlikely that they'll end up that bad.

The downtube ones I'm not fussed on as given the large lettering they look OK, and the lighter outline makes them stand out a bit more.
The top tube ones might get the scalpel treatment though

 

[The Reverend]

Seriously, I'd leave it. If you start trying to make it perfect it'll drive you insane and likely not stick down as well as you need it.

As long as it's protecting the frame and doesn't look terrible you'll be having too good a time riding it to care.

 

[beeb]

The downtube ones I'm not fussed on as given the large lettering they look OK, and the lighter outline makes them stand out a bit more.
The top tube ones might get the scalpel treatment though

You can try piercing them the air pockets with a pin or needle. Chances of getting a clean/straight cut (without putting scribe lines into the carbon-fibre) of that Mylar type material with a scalpel is slim to none. If you just pierce a corner it'll leave a small mark but allow you to work the excess air out a bit more if it bothers you. Even if you get it all absolutely perfect it'll still look worse than an unwrapped frame, so I agree with @The Reverend - it's there for a purpose not an aesthetic. Neater is nicer, but perfect is near impossible.

 

[kten]

Seriously, I'd leave it. If you start trying to make it perfect it'll drive you insane and likely not stick down as well as you need it.

As long as it's protecting the frame and doesn't look terrible you'll be having too good a time riding it to care.

100% this.

 

[Rorschach]

Fair point guys. It's not the worst thing. I'll leave it

 

[Jabubu]

Fair point guys. It's not the worst thing. I'll leave it

Like you said, you'll get enough red dust on it not to care!

 

[The Duckmeister]

I'd leave it, the outline effect looks kinda cool.

 

[Rorschach]

Slight update to the specs as I'm running a Factory X2 now - hasn't blown up which is a good sign!
I've only managed to rack up 100km on the bike so far as most of my rides are 15km or so, but I'm really happy with it.
The only changes I am looking at are making changes for changes sake. I thought about a longer dropper but really don't think I need it. Maybe a different saddle if I get to it, something with a more pronounced tail like an Ergon
The brakes are brilliant, and the Deore drivetrain is fantastic for this bike. Yes, I could go lighter but I could drop more weight going for a dump before I head out and really the best performance enhancement this bike cold get is for me to drop 5kgs.
Even the Bonty tyres are a decent match for the bike, I don't feel the need to switch them out.
It does need a lightweight tube to go in the holder on the top tube though, that cheapy one looks toss.

 

[dancaseyimages]

Slight update to the specs as I'm running a Factory X2 now - hasn't blown up which is a good sign!
I've only managed to rack up 100km on the bike so far as most of my rides are 15km or so, but I'm really happy with it.
The only changes I am looking at are making changes for changes sake. I thought about a longer dropper but really don't think I need it. Maybe a different saddle if I get to it, something with a more pronounced tail like an Ergon
The brakes are brilliant, and the Deore drivetrain is fantastic for this bike. Yes, I could go lighter but I could drop more weight going for a dump before I head out and really the best performance enhancement this bike cold get is for me to drop 5kgs.
Even the Bonty tyres are a decent match for the bike, I don't feel the need to switch them out.
It does need a lightweight tube to go in the holder on the top tube though, that cheapy one looks toss.

View attachment 403274

Looks hot!
How is the ride wrap going? Still annoying you?