Cracked Carbon Seat Stay

[henry saunders 3]

Hi All I am wondering if anyone has any idea of weather it is possible to fix a a crack in the carbon on a seat stay.the frame is a S-works tarmac and i dont want to throw it away!!! the crack is hairline and goes 3/4 of the way round the tube, is it possible to re laminate it etc?? any thoughts would be appreciated!thanksHenry

[James Addis]

Have you crashed it or is it on its own also i think its a new frame

[henry saunders 3]

It was damaged in transit, rest of frame is mint!!

[James Addis]

i would say carbon frames are like motorbike helmets, so id say its a new frame job or you could maybe get away with resin assuming the weave isn't damaged but its a risk at the end of the day

[James Addis]

PS dont use epoxy resin

[Known by my posts [FBF]]

Contact Specialized if you are lucky they will do a "Crash replacement" they are usualy very good re damaged frames.

[Jorrin Peereboom]

It should be quite possible to fix it using prepreg carbon mats and resin. There is a place called Carbonology that does repair kits. But, it won't be a new bike again, you will need to know what you are doing and be good at doing it.

[rower]

Why no to epoxy resin JA?That is what I would have thought would work. Had a hole in my boat repaired with that. But that is more of a waterproofing thing I guess - not sure whether it would be structurally strong enough for a bike??

[Jorrin Peereboom]

Nope. Definitely not by itself. You need to lay some extra carbon matting over it if there is indeed a crack, as this is what makes up the structure of the frame.

[James Addis]

rower wrote (see)Why no to epoxy resin JA? That is what I would have thought would work. Had a hole in my boat repaired with that. But that is more of a waterproofing thing I guess - not sure whether it would be structurally strong enough for a bike??well not saying it isn't as such but as a general rule its not recommended if i remember right its how it sets and the flexibility

[Daniel Cox]

It'll look ugly too.

[R3]

You will be able to get that repaired like new it will just take a while a a few quid. If seen pics of seat stays snapped in half, and top tubes cracked which look like new and from feedback have not effected the ride.Try Argos cycles (in bristol i think), or do a decent web search. Boat builders might also be a place to look for carbon technology.

[Martin Moore]

Argos do a nice line in refitting front mech's to carbon, so will almost certainly be able to help.Phone 0117 9724730

[Ifor Powell]

I have used the Carbonology tube repair kit sucessfully.  Takes some time but a lot better than shelling out on a new frame. 

[Ashley Webster]

Hi Henry,Is this a new frame or a used one?The reason I ask is that you say earlier that it was damaged in transit.  If it is a new frame sent by dealer or manufacturer, it's simply a case of replacement under warranty or carriers insurance, surely?Good luck with it, whichever route you go.

[henry saunders 3]

hi All Many thanks for all the advice.The frame is secondhand, and the damage was caused in transit before i owned it.I have found a company that looks like they will make it like new for approx £100.I definatly wont tackle it myself!!.Thanks again for all the help!!Henry