Frame Protection
​​Even entry level bikes are expensive. A few bucks will go a long way in keeping your bike looking new. 

Please note, these are affiliate links. ​

Top Pick: 3M VViViD Protection Film

I got a little carried away and covered nearly my whole bike with this stuff. I put it on the top tube, down tube, chainstay, and seat stay. I ride mostly dirt single track, and little gravel to get from trail to trail. So far, no scratches or chips. I also hose off my bike after every ride and the tape has been rock-solid, no peeling. If you plan to put it on your chain stay, you should use something else on top (like an old tube), as the chain will eventually eat through this tape. 

I recommend getting more than you'll need in case you mess up applying it. If you take your time putting it on, it's nearly invisible. Measure twice, cut once. 

Free: Old Inner Tubes

An old and well known bike hack. Simply wrap the tube around your chainstay/down tube and zip tie it in place. 

I used a tube on my chain stay and down tube (on top of the 3M Film). 

If you are new to biking or don't have used tubes, cheap off-brand tubes work fine, and you can get some extra tire levers and/or patches as a bonus!

Heavy Duty: 3M Mastic Tape

Thick rubber tape typically used for heavy duty electrical insulation - not your normal household electrical tape. It's basically a cross between an inner tube and electrical tape. 

Extremely sticky and waterproof. ​Great for chainstay and down tube protection. 

Most Expensive: Pre-Cut Frame Protection Kits

I've never used these, so I can't say how well they work. If you have an expensive bike or want something more user-friendly, these might be worth the extra cost. 

Chainring Protection: Funn Zippa Bash Guard

While technically not frame protection, a bash guard is a cheap way to protect both your chainring and bottom bracket. Most of us (including myself) don't ride trails gnarly enough to destroy a chainring, but I'd bet you've lifted your bike over a few fallen trees and hit your chainring in the process. 

The bracket is aluminum and the guard is a polymer similar to bike pedals, which we all know can take a beating. Why polymer? Metal will transfer all the impact's force to your frame, possibly damaging it; whereas polymer will absorb the impacts. As the guard is a sacrificial part, meaning it will take damage (instead of your bike), the kit comes with two guards.

If you aren't sure about adding one of these, ask yourself if you'd rather replace a bash guard or your frame. Probably not worth it for a $200 Wal-Mart bike, but I would recommend it for bikes more than $1k. This was my first upgrade on my first "expensive" bike.