$dangerous carbon fractures$

THE HIDDEN IMPORTANCE OF THE SEAT TUBE

August 8, 2017/in carbon, tech /by CBR

You shouldn’t accept ridicule from cyclist who think they know just how important the seat tube is on a bike. For example, did you know that currently the humble seat tube is one of the most design focused areas on a carbon bike (I refer to established brands). Granted the new Cervelo P5x TT bike has done away with it but if you are a UCI compliant cyclist the seat tube is here to stay. Why so important? The biggest gains on UCI compliant road bikes these days comes from a more comfortable bike. Advances in aero tubes, BB stiffness and weight are well developed compared to rider fatigue. This is the no 1 enemy of competitive cycling. Trek’s development of the ISO Speed system in the Domane and Madone 9 is an obvious example of minimising rider fatigue without compromising frame stiffness. The genius of the Madone 9 with it’s internal flexi tube and external aero cover allows relative comfort on a sprinters bike. Another myth is that thin seat stays provide a softer ride. The purpose of the seat stay is to push back (stay) the over-flexing seat tube. It does not allow the chain stays to flex as some think. The new thinking is to design the frame around the seat tube!

The more relative point from a carbon repair perspective is if you find a fracture anywhere on your seat tube, you should seek advice immediately. The seat tube flexes like a bow when stressed. Any flaws or cracks in the tube could compromise the structure of the whole frame. A bit like a house of cards.

Google Rating

4.8

Based on 174 reviews

Carbon Bike Repair

4.8

1712321180

1708005133

I'd like to thank Rob G and the team at Carbon Bike Repair for the excellent repair work and service they provide.My Trek Domane SLR Gen4 had a cracked chain stay and some other cosmetic issues. I opted for the full restore which I felt was reasonably priced.Communication with the team throughout the process was outstanding and I couldn't be happier with the result which included a fairly priced courier shipment back to the UAE. The bike looks like new.I will happily recommend them to any who may require this typr of service.

1707166608

I got knocked in November and whilst the broken bones were the main priority, I was so impressed with the way CBR took the worry out of the damage to my bike. The liaison with Tanita was exceptional, keeping me up to date with the process of working with the LBS to strip the frame, checking the frame for damage and then necessary repairs. The bike came back good as new without a scratch on it. The team that worked on the bike took pride and care in their work. I cannot thank them enough and highly recommend CBR.

1706978029

Had a really nice experience dealing with CBR. They did a repair on a nasty damage around the bottom bracket of my bike caused from a chain slap. Communication was very easy, turnaround quick and repair looks amazing even though I opted for no paint restoration. Cost was very reasonable too. Recommended

1706462348

Great company to do business with very professional customer service was very good the work I had done respray my frame top draw job I would have no hesitation to recommend this company many thanks again

Jonathan Holmes

1705484118

Thank you so muchGreat repair, great delivery, first class customer serviceDefinately will pass word amongst my cycling groupBrilliant, Thank You

Massimo Moretti

1705410051

If you own a carbon fiber bike and you need it inspected or repair I could not recommend CBR more. Clear prices, updates and skilled team.

1705242657

Did a great job on a bike frame for me. Kept updated every step of the way and a first class job.

1704203293

I used Carbon Bike Repair to fix my Orro Venturi (after running out of patience with Orro Customer Services who weren't interested in communicating, despite the bike being in warranty). There was a small crack in the drive side chainstay. In addition, there were some scuff marks around the bottom bracket from a dropped chain, albeit these were cosmetic.The repair to the chainstay is immaculate. I'm lucky that the bike is matte black so I didn't get it painted, but you have to look very hard to notice any difference.Here's the extraordinary part; I didn't ask for the BB scuffs to be addressed and yet they have seen to them, too. That's the kind of service delivered by a company which values its craft, and its customers. I'm absolutely delighted.If that wasn't enough, the ticketing system and communication is brilliant, quoting straightforward, and people proactive. Finally, I had my frame dropped off to Head for the Hills in Dorking so I could grab it on a Saturday. It's a lovely little shop with friendly, enthusiastic staff and well worth a look.

1703670177

Quality carbon workmanship

1699521036

My Bianchi Specialissima took a tumble and mangled the top tube.CBR were great, kept in touch throughout their thorough procedure and got my frame back to me quickly and efficiently.I was really pleased with the result and despite the complex paint I’m not sure I’d have any idea there had been an issue if I hadn’t seen the initial aftermath of the cat based trauma!Perhaps a bit spendy but that was to be expected given the paint.Thanks so much, would thoroughly recommend!

Justin Milligan

1698750757

They did a fantastic job on my chain suck damage. The price came in within the budgeted range and it looks fantastic. Comms all the way through were spot on too. Thanks guys - great job!

1697619915

Extremely professional and friendly staff who know everything about carbon repairs.Their work is first class, and as a bonus they were more than willing to give me a tour of their facilities which was most interesting.Thank you very much

1697122405

Fantastic job against very tight deadlines to repair cracked seat stay before huge race in South Africa. Tanita & Martin were very helpful and communicative, juggling jobs to accommodate my needs, and I would definitely use CBR again (let's hope I don't need their services soon 😉 ). Highly recommended.Also, the bike arrived back by courier with much better packaging that I used to send my frame to them. 👍I didn't get the frame repainted - no time!

1696364231

Recently used these guys to repair my carbon Trek mountain bike. Can't have asked for a better service. The repair was done very well and in such short notice so that I could use the bike for a trip I had planned. All the team that I spoke to on email were helpful. Highly recommend.

1695065285

Good professional service but massively overpriced.

1692881917

I just wanted to thank the Team at CBR for great advice and excellent work to repair and rebuild my bike following a very nasty collision. Great detail to their work and the bike feels as good as new. A huge thank you to everyone who helped on this project.

1690800320

awesome repair. can't tell where the damage was....thank you

1688136959

Carbon Bike Repair are magicians! I can't think of a bad word to say about all my experiences in dealing with them and in fact spend most of my time telling everyone how amazing they are. I've had a previous frame that I thought was a write off be bought back to life and most recently a very short time frame save on my pride and joy. None of the repairs are visible. For a measure of how far they will go check out You Tube - Francis Cade's ride across America and see how they saved Justins recumbent in a Texas car park. Thank you CBR!

1687785879

These people are outstanding. Saved my wheel and did it with such efficiency, the communication and costs are fantastic

1686219080

Excellent and expert advice and examination from Tanita - she took time and care.

SarahFee Matthews

1683287985

Damaging my beautiful 18 month old Cervelo P Series time trial bike was far more traumatic than finding myself sliding across the road. The service at Carbon Bike Repair is fabulous. From the moment they had my bike to when I collected it their communication was excellent at every stage of the process. The portal they use keeps all emails, photos, reports, quotes and receipts in one place.The bike is a stunning metallic greeny blue - they said they’d do their best to match the colour.The result is excellent and unless you knew I’d had a nasty scrape on the top of the front fork you’d never spot it.Thanks for a fabulous job.

1682405369

Fantastic, efficient service and and an amazing end finish to disc wheel repair. I dealt with Tanita who was superb!

See all reviews Write a review