blog – Carbon Bike Repair

What Can And Cannot Be Repaired On Carbon Wheels?

October 13, 2020/in carbon /by CBR

Whilst clearly we can repair most areas of damage on a carbon frame, can the same be said for carbon wheels? Carbon wheels are certainly a lot more subjective in terms of whether a repair is viable, but we can effect repairs to some areas.

The areas that we generally can’t repair are fracturing to the brake track (on a rim brake wheel), the bead area and spoke hole areas. As rider safety is our first priority, these specific areas are very difficult to test to the limits with non-destructive testing. As such, we do not undertake these repairs.

In terms of fracturing, we can generally repair any other area, as long as it doesn’t go into any of the above areas. We have successfully repaired many types of damage to rim fairings for example.

If you have cosmetic or other damage, we generally treat each case on its own merits. Perhaps email in with your issue first and we can advise from there.

We sometimes get requests where a brake track has warped after heat build-up going down a descent. We can generally help here but we need to ascertain how warped the brake track is and make a judgement from there.

So if you do manage to damage your carbon wheels, before you bin them or just go for a straight replacement, why not get in touch with us first to see if we can help?

Carbon Bike Repair Ltd

The Importance Of A Stripped Frame

October 2, 2020/in carbon /by CBR

If you have ever enquired for a quote or had a repair or restoration work carried out by CBR, you’ll know that we require a completely stripped and clean frame to work on. We can, of course, strip it for you. Yes, even little things such as bottle cage bolts, hangers, cable guides and bearings need to be removed! Whilst perhaps you might think of this as somewhat over the top with some of the modern designs out there (I’m thinking integrated front ends, frames with convoluted cable routing to name but a few examples), there are various logical reasons why this is required.

During the repair and restoration process, your frame is hung in various mounts to allow it to be worked on at different angles. Both the carbon and spray departments have specific jigs and during transitionary phases between and during each departmental stage, we employ storage racks. With the amount of frames we have here at CBR, we have to be extremely thorough and organized to run a coherent operation.

Your frame will be cured at various points during the repair process. We have a specialist curing system that allows a more efficient operation in that they cure quicker than just hanging them to dry for a few days. Curing may also adversely affect the finish on components left on the frame if it wasn’t fully stripped.

Your frame will also be going into a spray booth. When the spray team work, they have to carefully mask the entire frame, which is a time-consuming process. If components are not removed, it makes masking more difficult and there is a greater chance of overspray.

We hope this article has provided more insight into our processes and why we require a stripped frame. If you are unable to strip the frame fully yourself, we also have a fully equipped workshop here at CBR with Cytech-qualified expert mechanics. Alternatively, you could use your trusted local bike shop. If you are going to part-strip the frame yourself and let us do the rest, as some customers do, please note that we require the wheels if you would like us to set your gears and brakes up.

Supporting our NHS Heroes – 15% Discount!

May 11, 2020/in Special Offers /by CBR

Carbon Bike Repair Ltd are offering all NHS staff 15% off any carbon fibre repair, paint restoration and / or servicing.

The discount will be added to the final invoice. You will need to show us your NHS ID card to qualify for this discount.

This offer excludes any replacement parts or components, full resprays, courier / postage fees, and cardboard boxes.

This offer is only valid on authorisations received on the ‘final’ estimates (i.e. we have your bike in our possession and have seen the damage) up to and including 10th June 2020.

WE HAVE RE-OPENED!

April 28, 2020/in CBR News /by CBR

Having considered the amount of carbon work we have on hold, we have decided to re-introduce a small team to clear the backlog as quickly, and as safely as possible. Please understand that this lockdown has, and is still, causing some lead time delays. The good news is we are back and plugging through the workload. We can also mechanically service your bike without delay.

Please call (01372 372766) or email us (info@carbonbikerepair.co.uk) us if we can help sort your bike out before we get busy again. We are available from 9 am – 3pm, Mon to Fri until further notice.

If you have to visit us at our premises please can you call us ahead of time and we ask you to remain outside and a member of staff will attend to you. Please remember to practice social distancing of 2 meters at all times.

Wishing you all good health and happy riding during this lockdown!

CBR TEMPORARILY CLOSED

March 29, 2020/in CBR News /by CBR

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR, ROBERT GRANVILLE

Having explored every option, it is with a heavy heart that CBR will temporarily close due to the Coronavirus with immediate effect.

We will be closed for the remainder of the 3 week lockdown period as specified by the UK Government on 23 March 2020. The most important thing is for everyone to stay safe and well.

We will still be available via email so please contact us on info@carbonbikerepair.co.uk if you would like to pre-book or ask a carbon / paint question.

Please do not travel or courier any bicycles to us as we will not be available onsite to accept deliveries.

Please be assured that if you have any outstanding repairs or resprays with us, these have been placed on hold and will be completed as soon as possible on our return.

My team members and our customers health is of upmost importance and we thank you for your continued support and co-operation.

Please stay safe and I wish you all good health!
Robert

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM CBR DIRECTOR

March 20, 2020/in CBR News /by CBR

These are extraordinary and difficult times for us all on both a personal and business level. However, the most important thing is for everyone to stay safe and well.

I want to reassure all our existing customers and those of you who are finding us for the first time that Carbon Bike Repair REMAINS OPEN and fully functional at this time.

We are taking the Coronavirus (COVID-19) very seriously and we are following all guidance as outlined by the UK Government and Public Health England (PHE) to help prevent the spread of any infection. We have stringent cleanliness policies in place for all staff and visitors. Public Health England (PHE) has advised that people receiving parcels are not at risk of contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19). However as an added precaution we are disinfecting all bicycles on arrival and prior to dispatch.

We are here for carbon repairs, paint restorations and full custom resprays. Please also remember that we have a fully functional workshop with Cytec level 3 mechanics so we can offer servicing and maintenance for all your bikes.

I however, ask all customers that feel unwell or who have a new continuous cough or high fever or have been in contact with anyone who is unwell (however mild) to please NOT VISIT US at our premises! We can always correspond by phone (01372 372 766) or via email (info@carbonbikerepair.co.uk) and your bicycle can be shipped. We know many courier companies are still operating with their own measures in place.

My team members and our customers health is of upmost importance yet we remain focused on providing you with the excellent service you have come to expect from us and we thank you for your continued support and co-operation.

Please stay safe and if you can keep riding……….
Robert

Carbon Bike Repair Ltd

HOW TO SPOT A FAKE F10 PINARELLO

November 29, 2019/in carbon /by CBR

We recently came into the possession of a fake F10, so we thought we would share the differences with you. Please note that this is only one of many replicas flooding the market.

What’s so bad about a fake carbon bike then?

Carbon Bike construction is almost impossible to unpick. When layers of are sandwiched with inferior material to make it cheaper, you can see it until it breaks. We’ve seen mostly dangerous examples so I would question any seller of a high end bike where there is no paperwork.

Luckily it is pretty easy to spot the poor graphics against a real one.

Can you spot the fake? Look at the photos below.

TEAM INEOS F12 PINARELLO

August 14, 2019/in carbon /by CBR

At last we get to see the new F12, and what a beauty it is too!

Super light and stiff. The distributers in the UK have asked us to review some cosmetic damage which we can gladly help them with. The new Pinarrello UK are a fantastic team and their service is spot on from our experience. Chase them up for a demo of this beast. Honestly its another step up!

CAN YOU SAVE MY MARRIAGE!

August 14, 2019/in carbon, paint /by CBR

A customer from Greece asked us to save his marriage after he drove the bike into an overhead barrier, some of you might know that feeling!

Anyway, pictures paint a thousand words. Not only have we saved his marriage but provided him with a lifetime warranty to ensure he has a long and happy life!

CAN A MANUFACTURER REPAIR A BIKE?

August 13, 2019/in carbon, Insurance claims, Jobs, paint, Warranty /by CBR

Consider this – If you damaged your car door, and you have to repair it, who is best skilled to do the job?

The manufacturer uses machinery, materials and automation processes to construct an entire component, however the repairer is skilled to remove damage and restore utilising totally different tools and skills for the job.

In carbon it is much the same, bikes are manufactured using a variety of machinery to mould semi-complete components which require assembly as well as inspect for manufacture anomalies. The repairer is equiped to identify fracture anomalies, largely not experienced by the manufacturer. The repairer utilises a variety of diagnostics and localised repair processes, again, uncommon to the manufacturer.

The two skill sets are unrelated and should not be confused with each other.

Google Rating

4.8

Based on 82 reviews

Carbon Bike Repair

4.8

Raymond Rowles

12:06 16 Oct 20

Richard Binns

17:48 07 Oct 20

Excellent repair and service. Responsible priced and I still have my MTB.

Leonie Chettle

09:32 28 Sep 20

Fantastic service from Carbon Bike Repair to my much loved S-Works Venge frame. Always responsive, a very clear initial estimate with clear quote once the frame had been inspected and damage assessed. Bike returned with repair area totally invisible to timescale as originally quoted. A very happy customer and would gladly recommend to anyone unfortunate enough to damage their bike.

Chris Boulden

09:06 21 Sep 20

Had my chainstay repaired at the axel area after the carbon got chewed. It looked terrible prior to repair. I'm overwhelmed by how excellent the job was done. Fantastic work!

Rob Harrison

09:02 18 Sep 20

Dawson Hardiman

09:49 15 Sep 20

Yet more quality work. Unfortunately I've had to use CBR 4 times in 4 years, and can;t think of any aspect I can fault them on. From initial quote, clear process and comms, the repair itself, profiling, paint and then rebuild. I have asked them to do some or all of the above, and it is consistently first class. The team are friendly and knowledgeable My only disappointment is there is only one CBR, and they are busy, so you will need to wait for quality service!

Linda Worsfold

16:57 05 Sep 20

Great service very happy!

Naz Pambakian

06:53 30 Aug 20

Great service for bike repair following being knocked off bike. Absolute reassurance that bike is safe to ride which was most important to me.

Gavin Pledge

15:07 21 Aug 20

Jon Ryan

18:24 19 Aug 20

Amazing standard of work, very friendly and helpful team.

Andrew Taylor

15:19 17 Aug 20

They handled a bike evaluation for the insurers of a driver who hit me. This seemed fine and the evaluation was honest. But in the 8 months they had the bike I moved home and told them 3 times I'd moved when they arranged to send it back to me. Guess what address it still went to? My old one. Now I've got to arrange getting a huge bike box from an address at short notice.*Update - They rang up, apologised and took responsibility. Unusual for a company to do that and much appreciated. 1* increased to 4*.

Gerry Hamontree

03:11 14 Aug 20

B O

10:42 08 Aug 20

Carbon repair decent enough but rebuilding the bike including servicing was very poor and has left me having to pay again to have the service done professionally. Certainly would NOT recommend leaving your bike in the hands of their mechanics.Paid the deposit for the work to go ahead and was quoted 3 weeks. 7 weeks later I took delivery! Very unreliable and poor service. I would never return there.

tracey

09:36 06 Aug 20

Easy directions, friendly staff

Alastair Merrill

20:15 04 Aug 20

Expert carbon frame repairs! Excellent workmanship and service. Thoroughly recommended if you have a damaged carbon frame or component, or want the reassurance of a professional safety check if you've had crash and need your bike checked out.

Steve Maher

11:44 02 Aug 20

I was really pleased with the work and I thought they were professional from start to finish, with super fast responses to any queries. I hope to never need them again, but would go back.

nicholas wells

16:05 30 Jul 20

Fantastic quality of repair, cant believe what's been done to get my bike turned around in time for my holiday, would highly recommend!

JP Cleary

16:59 28 Jul 20

This is a very late review of work done to my Giant Defy about 3 - 4 years ago. The service from these guys was excellent and I did feel like nothing was too much trouble and they acted professionally but the paint finish on my bike was pretty poor, with overspray and underspray where you didn't need it. The pain was also brittle which meant it flaked off everywhere so we gave the bike the nickname Jolly Green Leper. I'm sure there painter was an enthusiastic amateur as the design was good but really not an ideal finish. Anyway, sorry it's late and I can see the guys have moved on since but review added for fairness and balance. I'd probably use them again tbh if they have changed their painter.

Cathy Robertson

16:49 27 Jul 20

I had the top tube of my LIv Langma repaired (via insurance), and CBC have done an amazing job. The paint job was complex, and the final result looks like new. Professional, prompt and friendly email contact throughout, and excellent customer service. Highly recommended.

Julian Shawcross

15:55 23 Jul 20

Almost new Trek Madone SLR7 Project One - snapped steerer stop and bad scratch / chipped paint on forks. My insurance co. told me that as my bike is almost new and due to the quality of paint that I need to send my bike to CBR as they are the best. Amazed when I got my bike back as it looks like new - I cannot see where the repair was at all - very very pleased.

George Yiannelis

10:17 17 Jul 20

I recently got my Cube Agree frame sprayed from the team @ Carbon Bike Repair. I found the overall experience from the initial assessment all the way to completion of the job first class. An absolute great team of extremely knowledgeable professionals and true fans of the cycling world that simply love what they do and delivery exceptional results! Massive thank you to the team for bringing my old looking bike into the future and look forward to doing business again with you soon!

Robert Taylor

09:05 16 Jul 20

I sent my Cannondale carbon knot 64 wheel to carbon bike repair as it had some nasty scuffing.The wheel returned back to me very quickly and the work they did was amazing i couldn't see the repair and wheel looked brand new again.Thank you everyone at carbon bike repair.

Jack Whitehouse

12:54 19 Jun 20

Kurt Wojtech

06:50 19 Jun 20

I couldn't imagine how the damage could be repaired and how the matt paint could be reconstructed.The result is a professional, excellent and outstanding work.They know what they're doing.100% recommendable!

Jack Spicer

16:55 26 May 20

Excellent quality of work. Bad customer service. Oscar was very rude.

Francis TREADGOLD

07:26 02 Mar 20

I put my bike in to CBR based on hearsay from 3 different friends who all called out the same name. I sent my bike in due to a 50kmh over the bars into the desert experience with a cracked top tube...and I am immensely pleased to say that it has come back, absolutely immaculate and as if nothing had happened to it. The workmanship is nothing short of top drawer, but for me, as I am living half way around the world, is the customer service I received. They kept it simple and did what they said they would do. Informed all the way from start to finish, and even when they were busy, they had time for a quick 2 minute call to answer a question of or 2. Impressive company to work with, and no wonder they are busy all the time. Chapeau to all of the team under Doug Addecott's leadership...thanks again guys..!! A big thumbs up from the Middle East..!

Steve Godfrey

20:30 12 Feb 20

Mike Laing

14:33 12 Feb 20

Had a small chip in the paint work but thankfully no carbon damage had the paint work done was blown away with the quality of the work done, Would highly recommend

Trevor Cammack

13:36 04 Feb 20

I bought my Wifes Cannondale to have her frame resprayed. The guys have done the most amazing job and the bike looks absolutely beautiful. I can't recommend these guys highly enough, a fantastic experience from start to finish.

Simon Goldsmith

08:55 23 Jan 20

Very professional, however I don't believe they take the proper time to diagnose when the lacquer (paint) has cracked, too quick to state it's a crack in the carbon.

Rob old

14:34 02 Jan 20

Threaded my carbon. They are now as good as new thanks to CBR. Saved me hundreds of pounds from if they needed to be replaced

James Luce

16:10 13 Dec 19

Good professional service but not cheap. The quality is visually good and I cannot see the join.

matthew tithecott

16:58 22 Oct 19

Oscar Mathew

11:50 06 Oct 19

My top tube was damage after an attempted theft. Repair organised through insurers, performed by CBR. Absolutely no sign of the damage having taken place now, as good as new. Fab result, great service. Before and after photos for comparison

Marc Baker

14:10 26 Sep 19

Professional, punctual and responsive.

Andrew Davis

22:36 21 Sep 19

Euan Jennings

18:19 17 Aug 19

Absolutely first class job they have done repairing my carbon frame after the top tube got damaged. Blended the repaired section in and can’t tell where it is. Amazing.

Neil Garnett

19:50 08 Aug 19

Fixed my carbon forks that well that I had to check photos to see where the crack was originally. Fast, efficient and superb work. Highly reccomend.

Tom Barker

14:11 07 Jun 19

Sent my frame in 2 years ago to repair the broken chainstay. The service was impeccable, the process was clearly outlined and all costs were upfront. The frame has been as good as new since and cannot recommend them enough!

Alister Beveridge

17:55 16 Feb 19

Well they fixed it and it looks great.

Stuart Dickson

21:03 24 Dec 18

Professionals at their game

Myles Gatherer

09:43 17 Dec 18

Brilliant customer service, fast turnaround and reasonable prices. Really pleased. Photo before repair.

Alan Hughes

12:10 01 Dec 18

Had the wife's special Canyon CSR repaired. They did a great job of the paint work.Kept the Matt paint.

Mike Benfield

08:34 20 Nov 18

I experienced what must be the epitome in great service - communication was excellent and very responsive, pricing was competitive and the repair job looked like the bike had never been broken. Have already referred Paolo and Mike to friends. You wont regret it.

Matthew Baldwin

10:01 11 Nov 18

Excellent service, I had an issue and they resolved it straight away.

Johnny Cairns

10:40 15 Oct 18

Excellent company, very professional job. Got my planet x exocet 3 fixed. Repair is excellent as it looks better than the original dropout did in the first place. Great to have the bike back again! Thanks😀

James Lewis

09:18 05 Oct 18

If you need your carbon bike repaired this place is fantastic. I've taken my bike here twice. Both times the team here have done a great job. I also had my bike rebuilt here too, the price for a rebuild is on par with other bike shops but the mechanics here are brilliant. They also offer custom paint jobs and refurbishment too. Keep up the top work!

SpanishOlive

21:07 17 Sep 18

Very helpful

paul hamblett

16:12 20 Aug 18

Dealt with CBR after crashing my road bike. The process with them was nothing but brilliant. Smooth efficient, professional, always responding super fast to emails. Everything I asked if them, nothing was too much for them. Would advise them to everyone. Thanks guys, special mention to paul.

Hashim Mohamed

19:35 24 Jul 18

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