Introduction
A scratch on a carbon frame is both an aesthetic and potentially structural problem. Here's how to avoid them and what to do if they appear.
Main causes of scratches
- Inappropriate bike rack (bare metal hook)
- Poorly secured transport (bike rack with direct contact)
- Fall or impact
- Rubbing cables or housing
- Poorly adjusted bottle cage
How to avoid scratches
Storage
Use a wall mount with zero contact on the frame. Our David & Clément stands are designed never to touch the frame directly.
Transport
Use a bike rack that attaches by the wheels, not the frame. Add foam protection to contact points.
Preventive protection
Apply a transparent protective film (PPF) to exposed areas: chainstays, top tube, fork. Invisible and very effective.
What to do if a scratch appears?
Assess the severity
- Superficial scratch (clear coat): purely aesthetic, no structural risk
- Scratch in the paint: to be monitored, not urgent
- Scratch in the carbon: have it evaluated by a specialist
Repair a superficial scratch
For scratches in the clear coat or paint, a touch-up pen in the frame's color can hide the scratch. Carbon frame repair specialists can perform invisible touch-ups.
Conclusion
The best repair is prevention. Our David & Clément stands are the first line of defense against storage scratches.