Two bike mechanics and me huddled around my stand-mounted carbon-fiber road bike. We’re taking turns running our fingers horizontally across the right side of the top tube not far from the seat post. Consistent with impact. Jun 27, 2017 My carbon fiber road bike had a pretty serious gouge in the downtube from dropping the chain. It happened years ago and I’ve ridden it probably 15,000+ miles since then without issue. I figured since my frame hadn’t broken in the intervening years, the damage wasn’t structural. It was, however, an eyesore.
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Carbon Frame Repair Review
'My Carbon bike frame got a hole in the seat tube from a bolt failure. Don's Bicycle did a great job repairing it. They were reasonable on cost and quick with repair. Thanks for great Service!'
-Chuck Horne
Can you fix a Carbon fiber bike that is cracked or broken?
Yes, you can! The process of repairing a carbon fiber bike frame that is cracked, damaged, or split is to lay new carbon fibers and epoxying them in the same direction as the original fibers. The end result is a stronger bicycle frame than the original build at a negligible weight gain.
We've helped tons of folks in our local and massive California cycling community (We're located in Rialto, CA) get back on the road after their bicycle frames sustained damage. Our customers were really excited about the quality of the work, on both the actual frame repair and the finish quality of the paint job. You can see example jobs below.
We are currently pausing this service during COVID-19.
We will resume doing this amazing work as
soon as we can.
Carbon Frame Repair Details:
Carbon Fiber Bike Frame Repairs
Do you need to get your carbon fiber bike frame repaired? Are you wondering if it is possible to get that crack in your frame repaired?
Cracks Happen
Carbon Fiber frames offer so many upsides for biking. They're lightweight, stiff, and in many ways, super strong. They can crack, break or fail though if the frame gets dinged in the wrong place, or if you were just unlucky.
Recent Frame Repairs include:
- Cracked Downtubes
- Damaged Top Tubes
- Cracked Seatstays and Broken Chainstays
- Cracked Headtubes
- Damage sustained due to Car Rack Snafus.
BMC Broken Chainstay Before Repair
Repaired and Repainted BMC
Trek Broken Chainstay Before Repair
Difficult repair that was executed beautifully
Cracked Specialized Tarmac Seatstay before Repair
Cracked Specialized Tarmac SeatStay after Repair + Repaint
Before (Broken Top Tube)
After
Black marks above letters is shipping material residue.
We are currently pausing this service during COVID-19.
We will resume doing this amazing work as
soon as we can.
The price is determined by the type and severity of the break. and complexity of paint scheme.
We'll remove all components from your frame in order to complete the repair and then professionally build your bike after the repair is completed.
If you ship us just the frame, this fee will be waived.
How does Payment Work?
Great Question! When the work is complete on your bike, we will send an invoice via PayPal. Once the invoice is paid, we'll ship it back to you
How much weight will the repair process add to my frame?
We typically see negligible weight gain with an average of less than 12g of additional weight.
How will my bike ride when you're done?
We line up the carbon fibers in the same direction as your frame and keep the same shape as your frame thus leading to a ride that is the same as before the frame damage occurred.
What types of Frames and Brands can you fix?
Carbon Fiber Road Bike
If it's a Carbon frame and it's broken we can fix it. We routinely repair all types of frames (Mountain Bikes Road Bikes and Cyclocross bikes). We also repair all brands of carbon frames.
Do you repair Carbon Fiber Bike Parts?
That is another great question and the answer is no, we don't. We don't fix carbon fiber seat posts, cranks, wheels, and handlebars because the replacement cost of the part is often far lower than the cost of repair. We say go for the new part in that situation. We don't repair wheels (even though the replacement cost is higher than the repair) because the forces exerted on the rim and the need to get the wheel balanced perfectly preclude a carbon fiber repair.
What is the typical Turnaround to get my Bike frame Back?
Depending on our workflow we average 2-6 weeks to get you your frame back.
Is Repainting the frame included in the price?
When you send us pics of the bike, we'll respond with an estimate that is determined by (among other factors) the complexity of the paint scheme that needs to be repainted. Our paint jobs rock.
Is the Carbon Fiber Frame Repair Strong?
So glad you asked! The section that we repair will be stronger than the rest of your bike's frame.
Yes! Time and again we encounter the myth that carbon fiber, once broken, is done for good. One of the reasons carbon is so incredible is because it can be repaired unlike any other bike frame material. The repair will always be as strong as stock, even stronger.
This is why we guarantee our repairs for as long as you own the bike.*
A full frame inspection is the first step in all of our bike repairs. We examine each compromised area to assess the full extend of damage to the underlying carbon. Only then can we decide on the best course of action and provide an estimate of cost. This is included within the price of every repair.
If you require a full frame inspection without repair, we can provide this service for $50.
*Turnaround time is two weeks or less without rush service.
Basic Repair - $500
Our most popular option. Carbon repair including a simple paint job. One colour match with a protective clear coat finish. No logos, lettering, or graphics restored. See below for more extensive paintwork.
If multiple repairs are necessary on the same frame, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc, repairs are all half price.
For example, a bike with three repairs would cost:
$500 - First Repair
$250 - Second Repair
$250 - Third Repair
_________________
$1000 - Total
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A Trek Domane receives the full treatment and has all of its graphics restored over a top tube repair.
Includes carbon repair with restoration of full colour logos, lettering, and graphics, with a protective clear coat finish. This is a restoration of the repair area only, not a full frame paint.
Here is a breakdown of our restoration pricing:
Carbon repair including one colour: $500
Additional colours: $50 ea.
Logos, lettering, graphics: $100 ea.
Custom made designs: $100+
As every restoration is unique, an exact cost estimate can only be determined once we assess the bike frame. Please inquire.
Combat Repair- $300
Our most straightforward repair with a faster turnaround time. This repair is as strong as any other, just without the finishing paintwork. You will see a raw carbon lamination, with a protective resin coating. Not pretty, but gets the job done.
Hardy split cane rod serial numbers diagram. *Unlike our painted repairs, we do not extend a lifetime guarantee for our combat repairs. The resin coating is UV sensitive and does not provide the long term protection to our laminations that paint and clear coat finishes do.
Rush Service - $200
For those who need to get back on the pedals ASAP. Guaranteed four business day turnaround if the bike frame is received before Tuesday, 10am.
How To Tell If A Carbon Fiber Bike Frame Is Cracked
We also repair carbon rims & wheels of all types. Akin to our combat repairs, you will see a raw carbon lamination with a protective resin coating.
Due to the thin construction of these wheels, we must build up enough carbon to ensure the safety of the repair. This results in a raised lamination which may be felt if placed on a brake track.
*We do not provide a lifetime guarantee for wheels, although hundreds have been repaired without issue.
Disclaimer
The extent and location of damage may affect the aforementioned prices; these costs represent the average repair.
We cannot guarantee a “perfect” colour match in our repair paintwork. Factory colour codes are impossible to acquire, therefore we mix our own paint to achieve the closest possible match. Although we are very good at this, you cannot expect an exact “back-to-stock” finish.
Email info@robertscomposites.com
Include photos of the damaged frame, the repair option you think best suits your needs, and a phone number we can reach you by.
You will receive an estimated repair cost and timeline typically within 48 hours.Fill Out the Bike Repair Form
Upon receiving a reply from us, fill out the Bike Repair Form and include it with the frame you ship to us, or bring it with you when dropping off the frame in person. Having all the information complete and accurate on the form will speed up the final repair time.
Prepare Your Frame for Repair
Once you have carefully read through and filled out our Bike Repair Form, you must strip down your frame completely. This means that all parts are taken off the bike (ie. cranks, derailleurs, cables/housing, cable stops, wheels, etc) so that nothing interferes with our repair. Below is an example of what we want to see.
If you cannot bring us a stripped down frame and have not contacted a bike shop to do so, we are able to disassemble and reassemble your bicycle for a $100 fee. This does not include a bike tune, we will simply put the parts back on your frame.
Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike
4. Send us your frame
Drop-off
All drop-offs at the shop are preferred before noon, unless you have previously contacted us to make an appointment. Ensure your frame is properly stripped down and the Bike Repair Form is attached.
Shipping
Securely pack up and send us your frame. Ensure your frame is properly stripped down and the Bike Repair Form is attached either to your bike or the inside of the box. For complete info on packaging and shipping frame, please see Shipping Info.
Once all repairs are complete we will notify you and send a final invoice (including shipping costs if applicable).
We kindly ask that you remit payment at your earliest convenience. We accept cash, credit, debit and also Interac e-transfers or cheques.
Still Have Questions?
Tell If Carbon Fiber Bike Cracked Windshield
Try checking the Frequently Asked Questions section before contacting us directly.
Best Carbon Fiber Road Bikes
Looking for Some Examples?
Tell If Carbon Fiber Bike Cracked Skin
Take a look at our gallery of carbon bike repairs.