Frequently Asked Questions

repair questions

Is my Bike worth repairing?

That depends on the value of a replacement frame.

A qualified repair is largely undetectable, so if you love your bike then there is no replacement value. A well-executed repair will bring it back to exactly how it was before.
Our advice is get a quote before you do anything.

Will my repair be safe?

The repairs are made to the specification of the component. Only qualified technicians should repair your bike. Unless otherwise stated, our repairs have an owner lifetime warranty and a one year warranty for the paint work.

Please contact us for full warranty terms and conditions.

Why is repair so expensive?

We would disagree!

A repaired warrantied frame is roughly less than half the cost of a mid-priced replacement frame. If you are looking for the cheapest repair quote, then this is one area you should not compromise your safety on. If you think it is too expensive, please ask us to explain.

How long does it take to repair?

The repair itself can take a day depending on the complexity of the procedure. However it is the whole process, such as data gathering through scanning and preparing the bike-specific-digital-repair files, curing times and inspection. Some repairs can be repeated to achieve the safety checks to pass QC.

In high demand periods there can be delays but we do our very best to get invoicing as soon as the above procedures are satisfied.

What parts do you NOT repair?

Before assuming you were told your bike was a write-off? Drop us an email at info@carbonbikerepair.co.uk or contact us through our request a quote form with some pictures first. In most cases, we can repair about 90% of a carbon bicycle safely. You will also be surprised at the cost saving. However ensure your carbon repairer is known in the industry before you take any advice. 

There are also occasions where some bicycles are blacklisted due to inherent design flaws. In other circumstances it is better to replace some components rather than attempt to repair them. CBR inspects each component before we decide to repair or replace.

Can you repair carbon wheels safely?

That depends on the value of a replacement wheel, that should be your first option.

Wheels are more complex and dangerous than frames when they fail. The tensions are great so a cautious review is undertaken before advising on a repair. Some wheels are very expensive to replace and in some cases are easy enough to repair. Others can be too risky to attempt a repair.

Your safety is always our top priority.

Can you repair carbon dropouts?

Yes we can!

Carbon dropouts are made with specific carbon fibre. The repair undertaken requires the correct tensile carbon otherwise it will not hold the rigours or gear shifting or derailleur removal. We cannot weld alloy dropouts in carbon frames.

Can you repair seat posts?

It depends where the issue is. Always ask regarding your specific issue.

restoration questions

How close do you get the restored part to the original?

Restoring bicycle paintwork is not like the auto industry where paint codes and suppliers are known. Even if paint codes are known, no two paints when mixed are exactly the same.
We colour match by eye and it depends on a number of factors:

  • Type of paints and lacquers used previously
  • Paint effects (gloss, matt, pearlescent, candy colours, metal flakes, glitter etc)
  • Age of the bike
  • UV exposure

Our QC policy is 95% – 98% unless we stipulate beforehand that designs or paintwork are simply not replicable.

In most cases, our restorations range between 98% – 100%. All artworks are original or precise replications which we create in-house. We have 30 years combined experience in the spray team. CBR’s reputation attracts clients and top race teams from all over the world.

How much does it cost to restore my bike after repair?

Prices range depending on many factors. There are cases where only a small top coat solves the issue or a holographic logo and metallic finish is required in one or two specific locations. Our paint restoration costs start at £150 per area and can vary based on the work we need to do, to achive a seemless factory finish.

Generally our cost provided is committed to when we have the bike. Often there are many efforts to pass the strictest QC inspection as each restoration is unique. In some rare cases the entire bike might need respraying. 

Fill in our request a quote form and we can assess your requirement.

Do your restorations have a warranty?

All our paint restorations have a one year warranty. Please contact us for full details.

general questions

How to Box Your Bike for travel
  • Create a ‘soft’ frame around the bike to avoid contact with the frame itself.
  • Covering the surfaces with non-abrasive padding to avoid abrasion and additional impacts.

Packing a carbon bike

Here we go:

  1. Wheels/ seat post/ pedals/ rear mech/ bars from stem cap off.
  2. Unscrew the hanger from the dropout instead of only removing the rear mech. Why? This is exposed to a corner impact and can damage to carbon dropout. The hanger itself does the damage.
  3. Cut lagging (shown in grey) to your frame tube size and duct tape the surface leaving the slit open. Label each one for easy re- fitting.
  4. Fit a dropout protector where required (shown in red). We repair 90% of chain/ seat stays as a result of not having a protector in place.
  5. Unscrew the stem cap and gently roll the bars around the fork until they fit nicely around the headtube and fork blade. Keep trying and eventually you will see how easily they can fit in this position. Don’t over bend the cables. The bars also act as a protection for the fork.
  6. Wrap the rear mech in foam and place the chainring on a sturdy foam base as you lock the frame in. Bottom impacts often bend the teeth. The base must withstand this. Replace after impact has damaged this base.
  7. Once you have stuffed as much of your kit/ helmet etc into spaces, it is time to fit the outer frame (shown in blue). I use duct tape covered polystyrene sections squeezed into the front/ back and top covering from the seat post hole to the stem. If your wheels fit either side of the frame then you do not need to pad the sides.
  8. Lastly DO NOT deflate the tyres completely. If you do the rims get a pounding from impacts. Semi deflated the tyres can also help absorb impacts and act as further padding.

It takes about 20 min to pack and 5 min + to unpack.

How do I get a Quote Estimate?

Please take images of the damage and email to info@carbonbikerepair.co.uk or use our request a quote form on our website.

Please try not to telephone

If I want to sell my bike what do I tell the buyer?

The buyer is free to contact CBR to ascertain the origins of the repair with your permission.

At CBR, our repairs, unless stated, have an owner limited lifetime warranty and our paintwork has a one year warranty.

Please see our full warranty terms and conditions.

If I am driving how can I find your premises?

It can be difficult to find us. If you would like to use What 3 Words our words are:

///jobs.zips.legs

https://w3w.co/jobs.zips.legs

Take the turn off for Alsford Timber and the D&T Car Wash. Access to the premises is to the right of the car wash entrance. This road takes you under the bridge. As you go under the bridge turn right and park outside of Unit 1A.

Please only park in bays marked ‘CBR’.

Is there public transport nearby?

Leatherhead train station is a short distance away.

We are a short walk from the station, approximately 12-15 minutes. When you get to the Majestic’s roundabout, take the first exit and remain on the left. You will see Key Drive Car and Van Rental and Alsford Timber, take this road and walk down to the D&T Car Wash. To the right of the car wash is the road which will take you to the Bridge Works Industrial Park.  Please follow any ‘CBR’ signs.

Where to ship or drop off my Bike?

Please refer to our dedicated page for shipping instructions: Delivery and Shipping your bike

current workshop lead times

1 Week

health checks

1 – 2 Weeks

carbon repair
(no restore – stripped frame)

5 – 6 Weeks

carbon repair & paint restore

Copyright – Carbon Bike Repair Limited

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