Carbon bikes are fast, capable, and lightweight. When a frame inevitably takes a hit, the damage is now always obvious. A chip in the paint could easily be nothing, or it might be a sign that the structural integrity underneath is compromised.
Every bike we inspect at The Pro’s Closet goes through a highly detailed inspection process, and if we suspect carbon damage, we don’t guess; we verify. We’ve outlined how the carbon repair process works, from initial findings to our final listing, and why we trust Colorado-based carbon repair specialists, Broken Carbon, to bring frames back to safe, ride-ready condition.
Watch Our Carbon Repair Process
Carbon Repair Steps:
Step 1: TPC’s Multi-Point Inspection on Every Bike
After we accept a bike submission, the bikes are shipped to our HQ in Thornton, Colorado. Once unpacked and assembled, our mechanics run through a multi-point inspection, evaluating;
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Frame condition (specifically, all damaged or scratched areas, areas of high stress)
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Suspension function and hardware for MTBs
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Wheels, drivetrain, brakes, cockpit, and bearings
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General safety, performance, and wear
Our CPO process is highly meticulous, but at the end of the day, we are simply verifying what the bike needs, if anything, and either fixing or replacing any parts that fall below our standards.
Step 2: How We Diagnose Carbon Damage
Carbon can be damaged and fail internally, without any obvious cracks on the surface. If our expert mechanics notice something suspicious, like a weird scuff in a potential impact zone, a ripple in the finish, or any mark near a high stress point in the frame, we do additional checks.
Our most reliable tool in the shop is a carbon inspection hammer.
The Carbon “Tap Test”
When inspecting carbon damage, we tap the area with the carbon hammer and listen/feel for feedback:
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Crisp, sharp response typically suggests the carbon’s structure is sound.
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Dull, muted response can indicate the carbon is damaged (often this is internal delamination or crushing)
This test does not replace professional repair, but it serves as an excellent way to identify when a frame needs a closer look and potentially needs to be sent for further repair.
Step 3: When Carbon Needs Repair, We Send It to Specialists in Colorado
After inspecting the damaged area and verifying that the frame is not structurally safe, we send it to Broken Carbon, a Colorado-based carbon repair shop that has been repairing carbon bike frames since 2010.
Broken Carbon has completed thousands of repairs, and their work is backed by engineering expertise and decades of cycling experience. We partnered with Broken Carbon because their carbon repair is some of the best in the business, and we take our frames’ safety very seriously.
What Happens During a Carbon Frame Repair?
Every repair is unique. Broken Carbon evaluates the damage and will build a custom composite layup to restore the frame’s structural properties, so it will ride and perform as it did before the damage.
Key points in the repair process include:
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The damaged area is tapered into undamaged fibers for a smooth repair
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Cosmetic finishing ranges from simply functional to near undetectable, depending on the severity of the repair
How Much Does Carbon Repair Cost?
Carbon repair pricing depends on the location of the repair, severity, and finishing needs. With TPC, all prices are factored into the bike’s final cost, so there are no surprise charges when you purchase from us. That being said:
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Repairs are typically way less expensive than buying a new frame, or frame part (swingarms, linkage)
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Often, much less than crash replacement pricing
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Quotes are based on photos and repair requirements
Will the Frame Ride the Same After Repair?
According to Broken Carbon and the staff here at TPC:
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You won’t notice any difference in ride quality
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Broken carbon matches the layup to restore the frame’s original mechanical properties
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The frame will be as strong as when it was new, not stronger in most cases
An important note to mention is that “stronger than new” is not necessarily better. Broken carbon mentions that overbuilding a section of the frame can create stress concentration elsewhere on the frame, not meant to handle increased load, compromising the original durability.
Will the Frame Weigh More?
Broken Carbon notes that repairs will typically add 10 to 20 grams, essentially unnoticeable in real-world riding.
Warranty and Peace of Mind
Broken Carbon repairs are backed by a 5-year, fully transferable warranty. When you buy a repaired carbon frame or bike from The Pro’s Closet, we include all paperwork with your purchase, and we honor that warranty through them as a part of your ownership experience.
Why TPC Sell Repaired Carbon Frames
We’re picky about what we sell, especially when it comes to structural durability and the safety of our bikes and frames. We can’t catch all damage when a bike is submitted to us through pictures, so when we inspect in person and identify carbon damage, we make sure that the frame is repaired to the highest of standards. That means:
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We catch all potential issues early through our inspection
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Use proven diagnostic techniques like the tap test
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Partner with the best specialists who focus on structural integrity
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Provide documentation and warranty coverage so you can be confident in your purchase
Looking for a CPO Used Carbon Bike You Can Trust?
If you’re shopping for a used carbon bike, you shouldn't have to wonder what you're getting. At TPC, our process is designed to remove any uncertainty and deliver bikes that are safe, verified, and ready to ride.
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