Carbon wheel repair

So..... I'm smashing (literally) down my favorite descent. I don't get to ride it often because it's a dry ride only track... ie it's too steep and crazy to be ridden in the wet. I'm in the zone and fully flowing at pace.

I crank down the last bit of super tech and run a bit wide compared to my normal line. I'm on form so a just let it run and smash through the roots and hear a low crack..... I check the rear wheel and ah **** the carbon rin rim has been crushed in a couple of spots. Damn it. The rims are line 3 months old. I check the rear pressure. Way too low for the speed and size of the roots I'm hitting.

Righto. I need to keep these wheels going while I wait for a replacement rim. Time to bust out a carbon repair.
And here it is.


Offending root section that damaged the rim.


Rim damage


Sanding back to flush




Bits of carbon ready for layup.


Layed up and clamped with plastic cover foam strips with cable ties.



12 hours larer. ut of the foam press and ready for blending


Internal repair view

Blended, polished, tyre installed and ready to ride.






There was no problem seating the bead and the tire held pressure immediately. I went for a quick ride and smashed down some chunk including a pretty harsh square-edged concrete flight of stairs. Repairs have held. The wheel doesnt feel any different to the pre-crush wheel.

I'll be honest I'm pretty stoked how the repair came out. I was looking at the alternative of shelving the rear wheel until the replacement turned up in a month or so. Now I can schralp and shred with reckless abandon.

Now for the long-term testing.