How We Installed the RideWrap Kit on The Mondraker Crafty XR: A Step-by-Step Journey

As proud owners of the Mondraker Crafty XR, we knew that protecting its sleek design and high-performance frame was a priority. After some research, we decided to install a RideWrap protection kit to shield the bike from the inevitable wear and tear of aggressive trail riding. What followed was a rewarding, detailed process that not only made the bike more durable but also allowed us to better understand its design intricacies. Here’s a blog detailing our experience!

1. The Decision to Install RideWrap

The Mondraker Crafty XR is a serious investment—both in terms of money and performance. With its carbon frame, advanced suspension, and cutting-edge geometry, this bike is built to tackle tough trails. However, those same trails pose threats to its pristine frame in the form of rock chips, mud, and scratches.

A particularly rocky descent could leave a few marks on the frame, so we realized we needed to protect our bikes long-term. We turned to RideWrap, a brand known for its high-quality frame protection kits that offer full coverage for frames and components without detracting from the bike’s sleek aesthetics.

2. Preparation: Gathering the Essentials

Once the RideWrap kit arrived, we took inventory and made sure we had all the tools required for a successful install:

• The RideWrap kit for the Mondraker Crafty XR
• A spray bottle with water and dish soap solution
• Microfiber towels for cleaning and drying
• A squeegee (provided in the RideWrap kit)
• A sharp blade for any necessary trimming
• A hairdryer to make the wrap more flexible in tough-to-reach areas

We also set up a clean, dust-free workspace, which is crucial for applying the wrap smoothly. Any debris on the bike’s frame can lead to bubbles or improper adhesion.

3. Step One: Cleaning the Bike

We began by thoroughly cleaning the bike. Using a mild bike cleaner and rubbing alcohol, we meticulously wiped down the frame and components, paying extra attention to areas that would be covered by the wrap, like the down tube, seat stays, top tube, and chainstays.

Ensuring the bike was completely dry and dust-free was critical. Any leftover dirt would have caused bubbles under the film, and nobody wants that!

4. Step Two: Unpacking and Organizing the RideWrap

The RideWrap kit had pre-cut sections specifically designed for the Mondraker Crafty XR. Each piece was labelled to fit a specific area of the bike, which made the process much easier. We laid everything out, matching each piece to its corresponding section on the frame. This organizational step saved us a lot of time and hassle later.

5. Step Three: Applying the Wrap

This was the moment we had been both anticipating and dreading! We started with a soapy water solution, spraying it onto the frame and the sticky side of the wrap. This solution is key, as it allows the wrap to be repositioned if you don’t get the alignment perfect on the first try.

We began with the down tube—arguably the largest and most vulnerable part of the bike. We carefully aligned the wrap with the tube and used the included squeegee to work out any air bubbles. Starting from the centre of the wrap and pushing outward in smooth strokes, we made sure that no air or water was trapped underneath.

The down tube was a relatively simple part to wrap, and it gave us some confidence moving forward.

6. Step Four: Tackling the Tricky Areas

As expected, the seat stays, chainstays and areas around the suspension linkage were more challenging. These sections involved multiple curves and required patience. We found that spraying more of the soapy solution made it easier to reposition the wrap in these tricky spots.

Here’s where the hairdryer came in handy. By gently heating the wrap, we made it more pliable and easier to work around corners and tight spaces. It also helped in smoothing out any stubborn bubbles or folds.

We were particularly careful around the rear shock and pivot points, as these areas experience a lot of movement and needed to be wrapped perfectly. With some persistence, we managed to get a snug, bubble-free application on these difficult parts of the bike.

7. Step Five: Trimming Excess Wrap

Once all the major pieces were applied, we went over the frame to check for any excess material hanging over the edges. Using a sharp blade, we carefully trimmed the excess wrap to create clean lines. Be careful during this step—you don’t want to nick the frame!

8. Step Six: Final Touches and Curing

With the RideWrap now fully applied, we used a microfiber cloth to press down all the edges, ensuring they were securely adhered to the frame. The next step was simply letting the bike rest for 24 hours, allowing the wrap to be fully set.

9. The Finished Product

After a day of letting it cure, the bike looked incredible! The gloss finish of the RideWrap blended seamlessly with the paint job, and the matte areas added a subtle, professional touch. Best of all, the frame was now well-protected from the elements and impacts that come with hard riding.

We took it out for a spin on a particularly rocky trail, and the peace of mind knowing the frame was protected made the ride even more enjoyable.

10. Key Takeaways

• Patience is key: Applying RideWrap, especially on complex frame designs like the Mondraker Crafty XR, takes time. Don’t rush it!
• Use the soapy water solution generously: It makes positioning the wrap much easier and helps avoid bubbles.
• Tackle difficult areas with care: Areas around the linkage and curves are more complicated, but a bit of heat and extra patience will help get things right.
• Trimming excess wrap requires precision: Be mindful of the frame as you cut away excess material.

Conclusion: Was It Worth It?

Absolutely! Installing RideWrap on our Mondraker Crafty XR was a solid investment in keeping the bike looking and performing like new. The process took a few hours, but the result was a protected frame that we could confidently take on any terrain. Plus, it was surprisingly rewarding to go through the process and see the transformation.

If you’re looking to keep your Mondraker Crafty XR (or any bike) in top condition, we highly recommend installing a RideWrap kit. the protection and long-term value it adds to your bike are more than worth the effort!

Have a look at our other invisiframe blog on a road bike HERE