Can You Repair Carbon Fiber

A bike accident can leave a bike with busted bits, but that demand non be the stop. The broken pieces may not need to be discarded, as they may be fixable in the hands of proficient carbonologists.

"You tin can repair carbon, non all of it, only near of information technology," says onetime professional cyclist and CW columnist Rob Hayles.

Hayles started working with carbon before the Sydney Olympics in 2000 when he adjusted the handlebars on his bronze-medal-winning pursuit wheel. "Information technology's furthering my babyhood obsession of building with Lego. I've always been good with my easily and it is certainly possible at present to fix carbon," says Hayles.

"You have to have a little scrap of understanding as to the nature of the fibres and the lay-up; in general, virtually things are salvageable."

With a frame, there's a lot of expanse to piece of work with, simply there are limitations. Carbon, with all its qualities, likewise has its shortfalls. It's more liable to break in the event of a crash — more than so than a steel or aluminium frame.

A repaired headtube-downtube junction. Photo: www.carbonbikerepair.co.uk

Lightness versus strength

The frame needs to have a certain density to be bonded back into one slice, and that's 1 reason why the UCI stipulates a six.8kg minimum weight limit. As frames have got lighter, the tubing has got thinner, creating problems.

"When repairing a frame, you take to make the repair as skillful as, if not better than, the frame was originally, which means calculation textile," says Hayles.

Modern oversized tubing offers more surface area, just at certain zones of the frame — such as the bottom bracket — it is difficult to add more than material.

Wheels are another component that may undergo surgery to prolong their life. Again, wheels are expensive, so people want to repair them rather than put them out with the recycling. Safety can be a concern after repairs, and special care and expertise is needed with wheels.

"I repaired a Mavic disc and a Mavic five-spoke for Matt Crampton virtually 4 years ago. He's on the rail racing on them at the moment," says Hayles.

"I have done a few front wheels but if the damage goes on to the braking surface, you lot have to very careful. A rear bicycle isn't likewise much of a trouble, but a front wheel is affected more than by braking. A tubular is easier to prepare than a clincher. With clinchers, there are greater stresses on the rim from braking," he adds.

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"It'southward even possible to mend parts of broken forks, depending where the damage is. I've washed dropouts and a cracked steerer, but if it'south the fork blades, I'd recommend replacing them, as information technology'due south non worth the take chances. It'southward the aforementioned every bit stems and handlebars."

4Z8A9703 — A Coulee fork, post-repair. Photograph: www.carbonbikerepair.co.united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland

Our take

In virtually cases, it is possible to have a carbon bicycle frame repaired finer and safely, saving money in the long run. Simply sometimes it is not possible. If the bike is insured, then it's hard to see why you'd take the risk. Whatever y'all ultimately decide, seek professional person advice — this solution is definitely for professionals merely. Do not effort to repair carbon at home.

Aye: Richard Matthews, carbon composite specialist, Cervélo

"Repairing a carbon composite frame is definitely possible but it's a complicated process — one best performed by people with experience, knowledge and the correct tools. Original manufacturers and specialist composite bicycle repair companies are all-time suited to repair composite frames."

No: Claire Beaumont, marketing manager, Condor Cycles

Leggero has been with the team and under development for eight seasons — Condor'due south carbon Leggero has been under evolution for eight seasons

"Nosotros offer crash replacement at Condor. Most people who come to us with a broken frame take been involved in a serious collision with a car and the insurance visitor is paying for the damage. In which case, most choose a new frame — it'southward ever nice to get new things."