Carbon Fiber Bike Repair

Matt Appleman sands a carbon fiber repaired frame

DAMAGED – BROKEN – CRACKED – WHACKED

You might feel embarrassed, pissed, depressed or a little bit of each… your carbon frame is damaged.

That’s agonizing, but there’s a good chance that your precious can be repaired. The repaired area is strong and durable.

It’s a myth that carbon can’t be repaired. Carbon fiber is actually the most repairable material for a bike frame! Read more about the myth.

Matt Appleman has been repairing composites for 14 years and specializes in carbon bike repair. He’s seen all sorts of damage caused by crashes, cars, bike-racks, monkey-wrench-weilding-children and even the wind.

Before and after badly damaged seat stay with carbon splinters all over the place
before and after impact damage on down tube of Santa Cruz full suspension bike

ENGINEERING QUALITY, WITHOUT THE AWKWARDNESS

Engineers aren’t known for their people skills. Bucking that trend, Matt provides an uncanny dedication to good communication.

Appleman has helped over 1000 riders and bike shops across the country with carbon fiber repairs.

Matt Appleman cut his teeth as a composite materials engineer while building and repairing wind turbine blades and in the aerospace materials industry. This experience set the technical base for high strength + durable carbon bike frame repairs.

THANK YOU FOR GETTING MY BIKE FIXED IN TIME FOR WORLDS. THE REPAIR LOOKS GREAT, BIKE RIDES AWESOME.”

– TIM T

“GOT THE REPAIRED FRAME BACK AND IT LOOKS FANTASTIC. COULDN’T BE MORE HAPPY WITH IT!”

– JESSE S

“THANKS SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS SO QUICK AND PAINLESS, I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.”

– KELLEN G
Before and after Two carbon repairs to down tube and chainstay from chain damage
broken seat stay is now repaired with carbon fiber

No Paint

Ride that battle scar proudly

Repairs are sanded smooth with a no-paint, no-maintenance raw carbon fiber aesthetic.

Cost

Most repairs cost $400-500

The size, location, and squishiness of the damage affect the cost of repair.

Time

Turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks

Expedited 1-2 day turnaround for an additional $100. Same day repairs are available by quote.

Want a Quote? Start With Pics

Just a few pictures of the damage is all that’s needed to get a quote.

Use the form or send to matt@applemanbicycles.com

Once the images are received, Matt will evaluate your frame for carbon damage and send you cost, time, component removal and shipping info.

CARBON FIBER Bike REPAIR FAQ’s

Can carbon fiber be repaired?

You betcha! Carbon fiber is the most repairable frame material. Using high end carbon fiber and epoxy along with proper technique, repairs replace the damaged carbon with new, strong carbon. Frames repaired properly show no change in ride quality, strength, or stiffness.

How strong are carbon frame repairs?

Repaired areas of the frame are as strong or stronger than the original frame.

What is the warranty on carbon repairs?

Appleman offers a 10 year warranty on carbon fiber repairs. Work involving metal like adding cable stops or water bottle bosses are not covered under warranty.

The warranty is transferable to a new owner with proof of the original repair.

How do I know if my frame is damaged?

That’s a great question.

Visual inspection of the frame is the best way to find damage as it can almost always be seen.

The “tap test” is another good way to evaluate composite damage, but takes some nuance and experience. When tapping your frame with a quarter, a dull “thud” is not a good sign.

If you have any questionable carbon, send pictures using the form above or in an email and your frame will be evaluated.

What brand of bikes can be repaired?

Any brand of bike can be repaired. The important thing is that it’s made out of carbon fiber. Even carbon E-bikes can be repaired.

What type of damage can be repaired?

Almost any type of damage and almost every location on the bike can be repaired.

Fully snapped, cracked, impacts, scratches, gouged, dinged, roof-rack damage, water bottle bolt replacement, aerobar extensions (make them longer).

Do you repair carbon components?

No. It’s best to replace components like carbon handlebars , stems, rims, etc…

Do I need to remove all the components from my bike?

No! Clear access around the entire damaged tube is needed. Often, this is as simple as moving a cable, or removing the crank. When shipping your bike, removing as many components as practical will reduce shipping cost and minimize the possibility of damage.