Market data predicts carbon fiber bike sales will grow by around 15% per year through 2025, but what will happen to bike frames if they break? Cycle Inspect has introduced a new retail-based tool to diagnose these issues…

59.4 million carbon fiber framed bicycles will hit the market by 2025 if the aforementioned compound annual growth rate of 15% is accurately forecast. For anyone who thinks for a moment about the end of life of such products, this is a terrifying amount of carbon that could very well end up in landfill. Upstream repair and even diagnostics are not commonplace in the market, with consumers instead tempted by a new model year.

Lighter, stiffer, more comfortable – bike marketers have worked wonders to maintain the notion of N+1 rolling; this is the formula that describes our need to always add one more bike to the collection. But what if we could be more responsible and fix notoriously hard-to-work and retail bike-level hardware? First, we would need to accurately diagnose a problem that is sometimes difficult to detect, i.e. the initial failure of the material.

Cycle Inspect is a new-to-market company originally from Tasmania, but already in the US market with its own diagnostic tools and software, designed to help trained professionals assess suspected carbon fiber damage using ultrasound. It is now looking for international partners who want to become specialists in this hitherto niche service.

“Based on our own survey data, we found that 74% of riders would prefer their trusted local bike mechanic to carry out inspections, so we consider retail partners as our primary distribution channel. Our vision is to develop a global network of inspection centers through our retail partners, but for those retail partners to determine how the service is positioned, priced and presented to their customers,” said founder Michael Briggs at C.N.

At a time when bike retailers are rapidly adding products and services outside of the traditional, Briggs’ idea is to further embed customers on the idea that the local bike shop is truly invaluable and not just there. to sell you a shiny but expensive bike when a sustainable alternative now exists.

“First, we want to provide detailed bike inspection profiles to reduce the likelihood of ‘premature obsolescence’, which is when a carbon bike is deemed to have reached the end of its life too soon.” safe life”. Carbon is a remarkably tough material that can last for decades if properly maintained and repaired. We’ve also had discussions with a university here in Australia about applying new recycling techniques,” Briggs says of the conversation around repair and reuse as part of an effort towards sustainability.

The conversation has never been so heated on this point and, indeed, elsewhere in this issue you will find a careful examination of the sustainability reports of the major brands, while in January mechanics in the United States marked columns around the world with a petition calling for the production of the “bicycle-shaped object” to be stopped; it’s a cycle that can reasonably be considered designed with little care for life cycle and build quality.

Carbon fiber bikes are rarely in this category of “BSO” and are therefore worth fixing. It’s the myth that carbon is essentially irreparable, or that the costs of doing so will be prohibitive, that keeps many consumers from exploring the idea.

As for spotting the telltale signs, it certainly takes a trained eye. That said, obvious signs of delamination can be a clue that, upon closer inspection, may reveal fiber breakage. Many damages and flaws in carbon structures cannot be seen on the surface, nor detected by the common tap test that many cyclists may be familiar with. Some riders visually inspect their bike after a crash or impact, but damage is often transferred below the surface while the exterior remains intact. For this reason, those embedded in the high-end bike world have approved the idea behind Cycle Inspect and wish the upstart good luck.

“We have been fortunate to gain the support of a number of reputable organisations, institutions and public figures, which has been an incredible vote of confidence for us as well as a sign that there is a broad support for the introduction of a standardized solution for inspection and risk assessment in the industry,” says Briggs.

Phil Liggett was an early proponent, while organizations like Bike Exchange and Bicycle Network have also identified a need in this space. Deakin Universitywho Cycle Inspect partnered with for its initial research in 2019, offered support for the work being done by the company and the importance of raising awareness of the hidden dangers of damaged and faulty carbon.

“We went through several trials with mechanics at all levels – and were encouraged by the speed with which the trainees understood the information presented to them, grasped the important technical skills and applied them to their inspection,” says Briggs about hardware and software. package that Cycle Inspect is seeding with retail partners and brands.

So how does it work?

“Essentially, an inspection attempts to identify any damage or defect in a carbon bicycle part, i.e. anything that is likely to be different from what the manufacturer intended. The software compiles approximately 15 data points, including objective analytics data and contextual information captured directly from the customer. The algorithm (patent pending) sits behind this and evaluates these inputs, providing objective risk output and suggested courses of action instantly,” says Briggs.

Once scanned, these algorithms will feed data into a dashboard where risk assessment software can consistently and accurately automate the diagnostic process. For those who shudder at the word algorithm, there is nothing complicated about the process and the training is delivered through a platform that provides fundamental theory and content covering composite materials and repair, the theory of ultrasound and ultrasonic NDT (non-destructive testing).

“Completion of the virtual Cycle Inspect training (which includes both theoretical and practical components) allows trainees to obtain “provisional accreditation” where inspections are monitored and feedback is given before a “ full accreditation” is granted. The course content is aligned with international standards, but our accreditation is the first of its kind,” says Briggs, adding, “We believe that carbon inspections should be integrated into general service offerings and should also precede every sale of a used bike.

At a time when the global bicycle supply is turbulent and consumer spending is tightening, being able to diagnose and repair carbon fiber frames and forks may well prove to be a preferential option for the dealer, the consumer and the environment.

Briggs summarizes, “The main benefit of our solution is that stores have the ability to determine if a bike or component actually needs repair, saving time, shipping costs; and ensure a more positive customer experience for their customers. Our system provides guidance on what to expect in the repair process and, where possible, referral to reputable repairers in the area.

Now, most importantly, what is it going to cost a workshop willing to offer the service?

Cycle Inspect has put the total package at AUD1,500 (around £795, at the time of writing), which includes all e-learning, how-to documentation, live webinars and ongoing feedback/reviews, as well as accreditation once ready. Retailers have the option of pre-purchasing the technology package or opting for a monthly lease of $100 per week. Finally, an ongoing fee of $25 per week is charged for unlimited access to Cycle Inspect’s web-based risk assessment platform.

“We have developed a very cost effective solution where retailers/workshops can start making a profit with as little as a full bike inspection, or just a few spot checks per week,” concludes Briggs.

UK bike companies are invited to get in touch to become among the first to offer the service in the country. Email Michael here.

www.cycleinspect.com

Related: Could bio-based carbon fiber help the bike industry clean up?