IS MY BIKE WORTH REPAIRING?
Most bikes are worth repairing. Why scrap it when you can fix it? Bike manufacturers & bike shops want to sell new bikes but we believe in keeping good bikes on the road. In most cases, the damage is repairable. We don’t repair handlebars, stems, forks, wheels and only do repairs that will repair safely.
WILL THE REPAIRED BIKE BE SAFE TO RIDE?
We only make repairs that will be safe. If the bike or component is beyond saving (this is only in the minority of cases) due to safety, we won’t repair it. Once we take on the job, our repairs will be made to take the structure back to its original characteristics – as designed stiffness and flex.
HOW DO YOU ASSESS MY BIKE FOR DAMAGE?
Damage on a bike frame is assessed by multiple methods including ultrasound, visually and by acoustic tapping techniques. In essence, it is the experience of the carbon fibre specialist who has gained this experience from the repair of thousands of carbon fibre bike frames repaired, and also by designing and building bike frames.
Circumstances of how the damage was sustained and knowing the failure modes at play result in the damaged areas being located. Often the extent of the damage is not fully revealed until the damage carbon fibres are exposed. Knowing when there is a possibility of failure in compression is key to identifying the extent of the damage. Tools such as ultrasound machines are used to assist with the identification of damaged areas, but this is just one tool in our diagnostic toolset.
DO YOU USE AN ULTRASOUND MACHINE TO TEST MY FRAME?
Damage on a bike frame is assessed by multiple methods including ultrasound, visually and by acoustic tapping techniques. Tools such as ultrasound machines are used to assist with the identification of damaged areas, but this is just one tool in our diagnostic toolset.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE BIKE INSURANCE?
In many cases, damage caused by accidents may be covered by your bike insurance company. When you submit an enquiry, please let us know if you have bike insurance. We are accredited to work and assess bikes for several insurance companies. We can also work with other third party insurance companies (e.g. car insurance or your home and contents insurance) by providing detailed assessment reports.
DO YOU USE GOOD QUALITY CARBON FIBRE?
The aim of the repair is to replace the damage carbon fibres layer for layer using the correct weight/ply and weave. Pre-preg (Pre-impregnated carbon fibre) is used to ensure the correct carbon fibre to resin ratios are maintained throughout the composite matrix, in order to maintain the same design characteristics. The resin and process used is the most important factor here.
Pre-Preg carbon fibre is applied & cured to form a strong thermoset bond. Unlike wet resin carbon fibre, Pre-preg carbon fibre is lighter & stronger as the Carbon Fibre to epoxy ratio is controlled. Carbon fibre repair is as strong as the original part due to the use of aerospace quality products and processes.
WHY SHOULDN'T I JUST REPAIR IT MYSELF?
You’ll find on youtube many examples of DIY kits being used. Would you want to trust your life with something that can be very dangerous? Knowledge of composites takes many years to acquire. Poor quality repairs can easily delaminate and fail. This puts you at serious risk of injury or even death.
AREN'T ALL CARBON REPAIRERS JUST THE SAME?
No. If your carbon repairer is fully qualified in repair, then this is who you should trust.
Many Carbon Repair shops are popping up. Many have started a repair business and moved into bikes. It’s the wrong way around. You can’t just get the experience on day one. Do you want to be the guinea pig and have the repair fail? With this in mind, it’s quality and safety that are #1. We are fully trained and insured in carbon repair, with access to the best quality tools and processes to deliver Australia’s most trusted Carbon Fibre repair.
WILL THE REPAIR BE THICKER THAN BEFORE?
No. We match the carbon layup & layers including orientation so that the repair is smooth to touch – as close as you can get to the original. We use pre-preg carbon fibre to ensure maximum strength, whilst retaining ride feel and matching the repair to the visual characteristics of the bike.
DO YOU REPAIR CARBON WHEELS/RIMS?
A qualified yes. It depends on the nature of the damage. Surface damage yes. Structural damage to the braking surface is a cause for concern. Chinks to the rim are generally ok to repair. Pulled spokes, Nomex discs are good to repair. Custom or replication of wheels stickers is available.
DO YOU REPAIR FORKS, STEMS, SEAT POSTS, HANDLE BARS, SHOES?
Usually forks, stems, seat posts, handlebars and shoes are not repaired because they are replaceable items and it’s usually more economical to do so. However, if the damage is non-structural, repairs are possible.
CAN YOU GUARANTEE A PAINT MATCH?
We cannot always get an exact a paint match, nor is this guaranteed. We prefer to try and keep your frame as original as possible i.e. keep the paint repair area as small as possible. We match the paint by eye and experience and generally get good results. However, please note that not all items of surface treatment are paint. Some effects come from water transfers or tiny manufacturer marketing writing may be unachievable by airbrushing. Depending on the size, type and placement of repair, a full paint match is not always possible. We will discuss your options at the assessment stage and design a paint solution.
DO YOU HAVE PROBLEMS MATCHING MATTE PAINT?
Matte colours are (e.g. matte black frames) are impossible to match easily as a small area cannot be dealt with without repainting the whole bike for an even all over finish. Blending paint is possible however blend lines may be present and it depends on your expectations of the final finish. This is all best discussed in person at the assessment stage on drop off so that we can agree on a paint solution.
HOW DO I GET MY FRAME TO YOU?
For local repairs, delivering the bike to the factory unit in Somersby, NSW and picking up ensures a personal service and the cheapest repair price. For those customers unable to do this, deliveries by courier can be arranged.