Close Menu
    Bike Repair

    Can I repair this myself or do I need a pro?


    Had a few chain slips last ride and checked on my frame after to notice this bad boy. Got a quote for the repair from a local shop that’s about half what I paid for the bike a few years ago. I do all my work on the bike myself and have a solid head for general repair work, but this would be my first go at carbon repair if it’s even possible.

    The whole bit of damage here is about a dime size for spacial context, drive-side down tube just behind the chainrings.

    Worth giving it a go myself or leave this one to a pro?

    N+1 is also creeping into my head so this might be as good a time as any to upgrade.

    by Diddlesquig

    View 12 Comments

    12 Comments

    3. Namerunaunyaroo on

      I’ve done carbon repair before but that was I bike I fixed for my trainer. i.e: not actually moving 😂.

      For me, if it’s your pride and joy I’d get it done professionally. Additionally it’s in an area that would be a little difficult for a novice (well me anyway).

      It’s certainly a deep cut and I would get it looked at.

    4. CapUnderPantsRLZ on

      Sorry fella, but this is pretty much game over to this frame.

      It is known that where there is a scratch on a frame part it will brake in there is just a matter of time.

      In your case the frame has a hole already, the structural integrity of this frame is compromised.

    5. sketchycatman on

      The problem is it looks like building up any thickness will interfere with the chainring. Otherwise it would be an easy answer to try and repair.

    6. Remarkable_Salary_77 on

      Sorry not related to the damage but what do you think caused the chain slip were you going up hill at some force a lot?

    7. jackrabbit323 on

      So the high shop quote on repair, was the polite way of telling you they didn’t want the job.

    8. Solid_Intention4439 on

      Chain drops like this can look pretty nasty, but the core structure is probably still there and you could go about a DIY fix in two ways that I have experience with. In either case, I’m assuming you can remove the crank and have experience with epoxies and general shop class type stuff.

      First approach would be to sand away all the damaged carbon and then lay up sections of carbon wrapped in a compressive fitting (probably coils of electric tape, unless you have better equipment).

      Second approach would be to just contain the damage in epoxy (JB Weld if you must).

      That part of the bike is typically pretty thick. It’s not a lost cause.

    9. EasternComfort2189 on

      You can repair this yourself. Remove all the components from the frame, buy a new frame, install the old components on the new frame.

    10. seamus_cs on

      A quick hack job: apoxy it generously and wrap an inner tube around it to prevent future damage. Then ride till it breaks. That’s what I’d do. Then maybe get an aluminum frame next time

    Leave A Reply