Here are some warning signs when looking for a trustworthy carbon repair service:
1 – ‘Pre-Preg’ Pre impregnated carbon fibre is used during the mould making stage of a frame. It is not suitable for repair in most cases.
2 – An autoclave (oven) is used to cure pre preg carbon fibre. This process can damage some graphics and components found on used frames. Autoclaves are usually found in manufacturer and fabrication plants. If the quote is cheap and they mention this – walk away..
2 – ‘Fibre optimisation’ A smart word for lining up the fibres to produce certain characteristics in the design of the bike. This should be a std process.
3 – ‘Space age technology’. No one outside of NASA or Surrey Satellite Technology, for example, know what their components are made of or how they produce them. Space ships and bicycles are different disciplines.
The best judge of a competent carbon repair service is to either visit the facility, ask your local bike shop, read reviews or speak to them on the phone. Your repaired bike must be in good order and within the manufacturer specification. If you can’t get that reassurance then keep searching!