Can you get a carbon fibre bike repair?
Why Carbon Fibre?
Carbon Fibre has become one of the most desirable materials for performance cyclists as
- It’s ultra-lightweight
- Extremely strong
- Spectacularly stiff
Its tightly formed carbon atoms create the structure, which are then bonded together in microscopic crystals, and this is where the strength comes from. Using other glue-like materials adds additional strength to the carbon composite used for bikes and removes the ‘brittle’ feature of untouched carbon fibre. It’s improved over the last few decades, as designers understand the material better.
But can it be be repaired?
Carbon fibre bike damage
Making memories adventuring on your bike is life-changing. Don’t let damage to your bike steal those memories. Consider a repair completed by an expert and essentially providing a ‘new’ area on your bike, making it as strong, if not stronger.
Carbon has become one of the most reliable and desirable materials used for performance bikes. But it doesn’t remove the fact that it can still be damaged. Whether that be in a crash, the bike falling over, or even being crushed on a roof rack. It happens… and we aren’t short of stories.
Although, with it being such a mouldable material, it can often be repaired – depending on the extent of the damage. With the correct materials, tools, and a trusted expert, the bike or equipment can fill you with confidence and adventure again.
Carbon fibre bike repair
To repair carbon fibre damage, the frame or area will be sanded down, removing the damaged carbon, then the area will be cleaned up, and new additional layers of carbon fibre added seamlessly around the area – in a wrapping structure. Unfortunately, it does tend to come at a high cost as the experts able to perform the repair are highly trained, with specialist equipment.
However, if you have cycle insurance – they’ll often cover the repair cost if you opt for it. After all, it would be a shame to waste a superb bike over repairable damage. We know the sentimental value that bikes hold in our lives.
Bikmo’s chosen carbon fibre repair experts
With countless success stories and content customers, we are huge fans of ‘Carbon Bike Repair’ and ‘Target Composites’. Two of our most trusted expert repairers. They repair the carbon bike frame damage and inspect the damaged area using non-destructive testing for detection and can offer paint refreshing while your bike is there with colour matching.
Accidental damage claims
When a claim comes through for accidental damage, if it’s unclear that the damage to the frame is structural, we’ll often send it to our partners Carbon Bike Repair or Target Composites, for an assessment. We need to be certain it’s safe for you to continue riding. This might take some extra time, but it gives you peace of mind when getting back in the saddle. A little bit of enforced recovery never harmed anybody after a crash.
Once we have the report, we will discuss it with you and give you some options. If the frame is damaged and needs repairing, we’ll offer you to have it repaired or the option to replace it with a new frame.
We will never force anyone to choose the repair option, but we also understand that bikes can hold a high sentimental value. If it’s possible to preserve your frame, we don’t want to take that value away from you. It’ll be your decision.
Not insured?
It’s worth checking your home insurance policy, as it may not provide the cover you require, such as:
– Excess costs – home insurance excesses can mean it’s not worth claiming for your losses
– Maximum value – the maximum insured bike value can be as low as £500
– Away from home – there’s often an ‘abandonment clause’ that classes bikes as ‘abandoned’ after only a few hours cycling away from home
With Bikmo cycle insurance, designed exclusively for cyclists like you, you’ll enjoy comprehensive coverage for theft, accidental damage options, and more.
British Cycling members benefit from an exclusive 10% discount* on our policies. Whether you’re training for your next race, exploring new routes, or simply enjoying the ride, we’ve got your back every mile of the way.
Don’t leave your bike’s safety to chance. Get your discounted quote today and ride with peace of mind knowing Bikmo is on your team.
Why Bikmo?
🚴♀️ Tens of thousands of riders insure with Bikmo
⭐ Bikmo holds the prestigious Feefo Platinum Service Award for great service
🌎 Bikmo is a B Corp and 1% for the Planet certified, meaning we give 1% of our annual revenue back to good causes focussed on the environment.
Read more of our guides and blogs:
– Open Project – sharing our claim data with you
*Minimum premium £3.73/mo and policy wording applies. Terms and conditions apply. This promotion is provided by Bikmo Limited, 1 Minerva Court, Minerva Avenue, Chester, CH1 4QT who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ref: 745230.
