I have a Zipp sub-9 disc that was damaged in transit. Two dents in the carbon each about 2cmx4cm.
Any suggestions on how to repair this?
](https://flic.kr/p/ysNp4T)(https://flic.kr/p/ysNp4T) by (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63390070@N05/), on Flickr
](https://flic.kr/p/ys5EmV)(https://flic.kr/p/ys5EmV) by (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63390070@N05/), on Flickr
It looks to be a little warped and cracked in other areas too, or is that just a trick of the light on the dimples and panels?
A good question for Zipp. In the meantime, simply cover smoothly with tape/decals.
Looks like it’s damaged in more than just 2 places, but you’ve highlighted the two worst places?
I have repaired 3 carbon frames so far and have another one on the cards. I don’t do the repairs for anyone else to ride, so wouldn’t offer to repair those wheels. I’m not sure I’d even repair those wheels for my own use.
Home owners insurance? (that’s covered several of my damaged bikes)
The main issue for me is that it would be relatively easy to fix that damage, (compared with achieving human powered flight), even possibly making it structurally sound again. However, the additional weight of the repair, unless done extremely carefully, would risk either being so light that it’s not structurally sound or being safe but heavy. Given the rotation of wheels, extra weight will unbalance the wheel and possibly make it hump down the road. As wheels are pretty light, it wouldn’t take much to unbalance the wheel. Of course, the closer to the rim the weight is added, the more out of balance it will be.
IF you’re going to repair it yourself, I’d suggest a quality epoxy like West System, and use as little as possible. For those repairs, I’d mask the area you don’t want to get epoxy on, then dribble in some epoxy into the crack and wipe off any excess, then remove the masking tape and let set. I wouldn’t fill the dimple with epoxy or a carbon patch to get it smooth aerodynamically, as that would simply add more weight and unbalance.
Actually, as a mechanical engineer, a trigeek and having done a few carbon repairs myself, the more I think about it, just get rid of that wheel. If your insurance covers it, get a new wheel and cut that one in half so it can never be used by anyone. If insurance doesn’t cover a new wheel, be very nervous about repairing it yourself and possibly just bin it, suck it up as a learning experience (ie take better care of your wheels) and get a new wheel when you can afford it.
ZIPP does repair their discs but it will look awefull.
I had a small dent in my disc and was thinking about getting it repaired, after seeing the outcome i decided to just put a decal over it.
ZIPP does repair their discs but it will look awefull.
I had a small dent in my disc and was thinking about getting it repaired, after seeing the outcome i decided to just put a decal over it.
This is what I did with my Super9 as well, had an impact crack in the side during shipping, very similar to the first pic above by the OP.
I looked into getting it repaired, and it was stupid expensive (from Zipp) and yes, would look awful. So instead I put a Zipp valve sticker over it. I’ve raced on it all season, zero problems, cracks haven’t moved.
I had similar dents on my Super9. Zipp said it wouldn’t be an issue riding but potentially moisture could get inside if there is a crack, and that would cause the foam to mold if moisture went in. The repair is simply putting another panel piece and sealing it up. Like everyone said, it would look awful. They said it would be about $400-700 per panel piece. I simply used black electricity tape instead and ride with it multiple times without issue.I ended up selling the wheel later though.