Meet Hernan Montenegro | Composites Engineer and Technician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hernan Montenegro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hernan, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Probably the main thing that outsiders don’t know about my industry is that carbon fiber can be repaired (in most cases). As a composites engineer and technician, it does take considerable knowledge and experience to properly and safely repair carbon fiber. However, we confidently give a life time warranty on our repairs as we know that they have been done correctly.

Decades ago, when carbon fiber was just coming available in bicycle frame production, the technique and skill had not been developed in the industry to fix carbon fiber damage. This led to manufacturers offering a discount to customers who had damaged their frames and needed a replacement. In the past 20 years or so, composite repair has developed for the industry. Even though there are only a few repair shops in the world that can properly make the repairs, it is something that is possible. Slowly, but surely, consumers are becoming aware of carbon fiber repair. Generally speaking, the repair is stronger than new, only adding a couple of extra grams of material.

The bicycle manufacturers, however, would much rather have the damaged frame cut into pieces and (photographed for proof ) so that they can sell the customer another frame at a reasonable discount – usually 20% off MAP. This is bad for the consumer, the dealer, and the environment. The consumer now spends thousands to buy a new frame, the dealer for the brand doesn’t get an opportunity for a new sale as the consumer gets the replacement frame directly from the manufacturer, and the old frame that could be repaired now ends up in a landfill where it may never decompose. In the automotive industry, a claim needs to be just a little more expensive than the value of the vehicle. Our repairs start at under $300. Most of the frames that we repair are worth well over $1,000 – so the investment to repair a damaged frame, is generally far below the cost of buying a new one and throwing the old one away.

We really care about the environment. We’re always looking for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle here at MMFG. Not just from a cost or profit perspective, but because we really believe that we can help save the world. We might be a little bit biased, sure, but we feel that the best way to save the world is to ride a bike. From the physical and mental health that it promotes, the reduction in carbon emissions and traffic/congestion as a transportation alternative, etc., bikes can save lives. We do all we can to keep them on the road. We want future generations to be proud of the work that we’re doing today. It’s a responsibility that we take seriously.

What should our readers know about your business?
In the beginning, it’s HARD! You really have to be determined to make it. You have to make a lot of sacrifices, and be really careful about your money. I remember selling a lot of things that I owned, bikes I loved, to make rent. I was lucky that my Mom still lived here in LA and I would help her with her daycare business and she would cook for me. I was smart to keep my overhead and fixed expenses SUPER LOW! I rode my bike everywhere. I didn’t have a car. I didn’t go on vacation. When I made money, I saved it and reinvested it in the company. You have to know it’s not going to happen overnight, and even as you get successful, you can’t lose focus or get fiscally irresponsible.

We’re excited about our brand Agaromba that includes a crash repair and our custom MMFG bikes and bike shop on 1st street here in Boyle Heights LA.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Santa Monica for sure! I love riding in the Santa Monica Mountains either on a gravel bike, a road bike, or a mountain bike. Go on a ride and get a coffee.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Spencer Cannon, Kim Mieto, and My Dad.

Spencer was the one who told me that I should do my own thing. He believed in me and gave me the nudge to start MMFG. I was inspired by him and what he created with Ritte Cycling.

Kim, my wife, has always supported me, especially during the early years when it seemed like it wasn’t going to happen. She is also great at recognizing when I need self care and tells me to go on a ride!

My Dad is an incredible person who I’ve always looked up to. He has literally made just about anything that you can think of including a helicopter that he has flown from just looking at pictures of them.

And a special shoutout to everyone who has supported MMFG over the years!

Website: https://www.montenegromfg.com/

Instagram: @montenegro_mfg