When the envelope full of Aether Labs MTB Frame Protection showed up, I was skeptical. I don’t have anything against frame protection—I’m a big fan of RideWrap and I’ve used a combination of mastic and VHS tape to protect bikes against shuttle rub and chain slap for years. But that experience made me skeptical. What use did I have for fancy, 3D-printed frame protection complete with pugilistic model names and warlike packing tags? 

And, on first examination, that trepidation held true. With the backing tape still on, the Aether frame protection didn’t seem like it would conform well to the tight compound curves that the most exposed parts of my bike are composed of. But my job is to test, not to make off-the-cuff judgements, so I installed Aether’s Saber frame protection on the bottom bracket area of the Taken Encounter and I was immediately impressed with how well it conformed to the shape of that bike, and how well it’s stayed stuck on. It’s noticeably more secure, and does a better job of conforming to the frame than any mastic tape I’ve used. Now, after a few months of using the Saber I’m convinced that if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection for your bike or, for other things in your life, Aether deserves a look.

Aether Labs MTB Frame Protection Details

• Models available: Claymore (DH and E-bike), Saber (All-Mountain/Enduro), Gladius (Trail/XC),
• Size: 64x228 mm, 5, 4, or 1.5 mm thick
• Weight: 50, 45, or 20 grams
• Price: $24.99, $19.99, $14.99

Aether Labs MTB Frame Protection Options

Aether makes three models of frame protection, which it calls Blade Gaurds: the Claymore, Saber, and Gladius. The Claymore is the thickest (5 millimeters) heaviest (50 grams) and most expensive ($24.99). The Saber is the middle ground at 4-millimeters thick, 45 grams, and $19.99, while the cross-country-oriented Gladius is the thinnest (1.5-millimeters), lightest (20 grams), and cheapest ($14.99). All three models come in 64x228-millimeter sheets that interlock so you can extend your protected area seamlessly. And all three models are available in a variety of colors.

Aether 3D prints each frame guard from two materials that are then placed on an adhesive base. The core of the guard is a “PA-TPU Matrix”; basically a soft, flexible layer that harder protective hexagons are printed into. This results in a bunch of hard “scales” that can flex around and conform to compound curves even better than flat tape typically would. The Claymore uses carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon scales, and the Saber and Gladius use 72D TPU/Nylon scales. 

In hand the Claymore feels really thick and somewhat bulky and the Gladius feels awfully thin, and not much more protective than mastic tape, while the Saber feels just about right for my perception of bike protection.

Installing Aether Labs MTB Frame Protection 

The installation procedure for the Aether frame protection is fairly simple, but worth doing right. First, make sure your frame is as clean as you can get it with soap and water. Then, test fit your frame protection and trim if necessary. Either warm your tape and frame with a heat gun or hair dryer, or leave it in the sun for a few minutes to get it nice and flexible. Wipe down your frame with the included alcohol wipe, and make sure everything’s lined up nicely.

It’s important to press down firmly on the whole guard as you’re installing it. The adhesive is activated by pressure, so make sure to press those edges, and if there are any areas that you’re worried about staying stuck, wrap the guard and tape with painter's tape overnight to help it stick.

Finally, give the guard 24 hours to cure before you ride it. Apparently this is an essential part of the adhesive process, so don’t do this in a hurry right before you leave for a ride. 

I threw the Aether Saber on the downtube/bottom bracket junction of the Taken, it conformed nicely to its tight compound curves, and didn’t require any tape to lock everything down.

Aether Labs MTB Frame Protection Performance

Does an alloy frame like the Taken need BB protection? Nah, probably not, but I have seen plenty of alloy frames dent in this area, and it seemed like a solid place to test the Saber’s chops. So far it’s done a great job of shrugging off impacts from rocks and logs, and most importantly, it’s still securely stuck to my downtube, without any peeling edges or corners.

That’s where Aether stands out the most from mastic tape or rubber pads from other brands. I’ve struggled to get rubber frame protection to conform to complex curves, and, more importantly, stay conformed to those curves over time. The unique dual-material hex pattern that Aether uses does a legitimately better job of conforming to fluid shapes than any other option I’ve used. And, anecdotally, it feels like it offers a lot more protection than any rubber tape I’ve used. That’s especially important on expensive carbon frames.

So if you’re looking to add a little more protection to your bike, Aether is a great choice. And I’ve been impressed enough with its flexibility and durability that I’ll be applying bits of Aether’s protectors to other high impact/high wear objects in my life, like parts of my truck bed, and junction of handle and tool head on some of my trailbuilding tools. It’s a genuinely nice bit of protection that transcends just keeping your bike tidy.

For Now

I’m always a fan of products that can win me over from my typically skeptical state. Out the gate, I wasn’t sure what to think of Aether’s frame protection, but installing and using it has left me thoroughly impressed.

Learn more: Aether Labs