FAQ: BICYCLE FRAME REPAIR

Find out what you need to know about repairing carbon fiber bike frames, including repair methods, and long-term durability for repaired bicycles.

How strong is a properly repaired carbon frame compared to the original?

• A correctly executed repair is typically as strong as, or stronger than, the original surrounding material.

How do you repair a damaged carbon fiber or composite bike frame?

• Damaged fibers and resin are removed and replaced with new carbon plies, layered and bonded with epoxy, then cured and finished to restore structural integrity.

What types of damage (cracks, delamination, crushed or punctured tubes) are typically repairable?

• Most cracks, delaminations, and localized damage can be repaired, but severe buckling or heat-damaged areas may not be safe to fix.

How can I tell cosmetic damage from structural damage?

• Cosmetic scratches usually affect only the paint or clear coat, while structural damage often shows as cracks, soft spots, or deformation in the carbon itself.

Can you repair snapped or fully fractured carbon tubes?

• Yes, a broken tube can often be repaired by internally sleeving it, and then wrapping it with new carbon layers to restore strength.

Will a repair add weight, or change the bike’s stiffness, or ride feel?

• Repairs add only a few grams of material, and generally do not affect stiffness or ride quality.

What is the life expectancy of a carbon fiber bike frame after repair?

• A properly repaired frame can have a service life comparable to that of an undamaged frame.