We specialize in 3D manufacturing and design. Our first product launch will be the Blade Guard Downtube Protector.

It is a modular downtube protector engineered to defend your mountain bike frame against high-velocity rock strikes and impacts. This can prevent carbon fiber delamination and lessen aluminum deformation.

It utilizes patent-pending Omni-Shield Technology, featuring a 72D outer shell, a 95A rubber barrier, and a variable-density progressive lattice infill to absorb and dissipate impact energy.

The interlocking tabs require some mechanical force to secure. Place the female end on top of the male end. Usually even pressure on a tabletop is enough to lock the two pieces together.

If needed, you can also use a firm stomp technique with clean shoes or a rubber mallet to ensure the pieces snap completely flush.

The segments mount to the frame using industrial-strength 3M 300LSE adhesive. Proper surface preparation with isopropyl alcohol is required prior to application.

Removal requires applying gentle heat to soften the 3M adhesive, followed by slowly peeling the segments away from the frame.

No way!

The 300LSE adhesive stays together like a gummy sheet. It will come off leaving your frame in it’s original condition.

All Aether Labs MTB products are 3D printed and proudly Made in the USA.

The Blade Guard is printed using standard engineering filaments and is available in matte and glossy finishes. We are always expanding our offerings so stay tuned!

The initial launch features 64mm and 84mm widths. Additional specialized width options will be introduced as production scales up.

Base Kits provide 5 middle and 2 sets of end interlocking modular segments. It also includes everything you need to install (tape & cleaner).

Booster Kits offer additional segments to extend coverage further up the frame or around specialized frame zones.

Yes. While the Katana line is a good all rounder, it is built for aggressive trail and enduro riding, future product expansion includes the Gladius line tailored for cross-country (XC) and the Claymore line engineered specifically for downhill (DH) park riding and E-bikes.

The interlocking modular segments are engineered for structural flexibility, allowing them to adapt seamlessly to complex shapes, bottom bracket curves, and clearance requirements around ISCG mounts for a flush, factory-molded finish on any carbon or aluminum bike.

Yes. E-MTB downtubes present unique challenges due to oversized profiles, underside hardware, and integrated battery doors. We offer custom kit options to ensure precise fitment and coverage over these specific frame configurations. Put in an order for a free quote and we will do our best to build something that matches your specific needs.

The guard underwent rigorous lab testing, including an air-cannon simulation launching a 1-inch metal ball bearing at 60 PSI to measure impact crater depth, alongside blunt-force hammer tests to verify underlying frame protection compared to top industry brands.

The data doesn’t lie, this guard is an absolute BEAST!

Unlike thin adhesive films, the Blade Guard Katana features a high-durability structured shell that absorbs high-velocity rock strikes and blunt impacts without cracking, compressing, or transferring energy to the frame.

The installation procedure is designed to keep frame surface temperatures safely below 60°C (140°F), never exceeding this maximum safety threshold. This range is well within the typical design limits of standard modern frames. To put this in perspective, leaving your bike mounted to the back of your car in a sunny parking lot will easily expose the frame to temperatures at or above this limit.

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No. If you are applying the guard to a completely flat section of your downtube, the installation is straightforward—no heat gun, hairdryer, or extra tape is required. You simply clean the surface, press the segments firmly into place with steady pressure, and wait 24 hours before riding to allow the adhesive to fully bond.

Heat and extra tape are only required when applying the guard to curved, contoured, or non-flat areas of the frame to help the segments conform seamlessly to complex geometries.