Snapped carbon steerer

nite_vision
nite_vision Posts: 4
edited December 2007 in Workshop
I recently when into the side of a car that decided to pull out in front of me.
My front wheel obviously hit his wing first and the impact snapped the base of my carbon steerer clean off and I crumpled into a heap on the floor.
Do you think I might have had something set up wrong?
The only other thing that happened is one of the arm rests of my aerobars snapped off and the left shifter twisted round?
Any suggestions on how I can check that everything else is ok???
Anyone else had their steerer tube snap?

Comments

  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    After colliding with a car it is hardly surprising that the steerer snapped, that is not something that they are designed to withstand. I had a similar accident in my youth and the steel forks didn't break, but they bent beyond repair.

    What is the rest of the frame made from? If it is carbon it needs a really close examination to make sure it is not damaged, if aluminium check for alignment and make sure the downtube is not creased just below the headtube. One note of optimism is that by breaking the forks will probably have absorbed most of the impact and protected the rest of the frame.
  • nite_vision
    nite_vision Posts: 4
    Rest is aluminium and a fast inspection suggests it's all ok
    I'm hoping as you say that the steerer took the brunt of it and the rest is fixable.
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    New fork sounds good. A good bike shop could give you at least an opinion
    about possible frame damage.

    Dennis Noward
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Check very carefully on the underside of the frame and the headtube / downtube junction - particularly to make sure that there are no cracks in the paint i.e. indicating movement. If the frame uses an integrated headset, also worth checking to make sure concentricity and roundness of the headtube using an internal micrometer. The fork breaking doesn't surprise me give the impact and the loading
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    If the car pulled out on you then presumably you are getting their insurance to pay (and if not, why not?) In which case if it were my bike I'd get a friendly bike shop to write the frame off given that sort of damage to the forks, as I'm not convinced I'd trust it. In any case get a shop to check over the whole thing - I reckon your bars could well also be damaged, and you don't want them breaking on you.
  • Steve I
    Steve I Posts: 428
    I agree with aracer on this one. Why should you suffer angst, pain, inconvenience and financial hardship due to some careless prick who could have killed you. I'd take the bike to a friendly shop and ask for advice. I'd also consult a specialist cycling solicitor.

    At the very least I'd want a new frame and fork, front wheel, handlebars and any items damaged cosmetically such as pedals and saddle. Also claim for damaged clothing and a replacement helmet as well as injury compensation. Assuming they're insured, screw them for all you can get. The other driver, insurance company and police won't give a toss about you, it's up to you to look after yourself.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Much what I was thinking, Steve. www.bikeline.co.uk are highly recommended.

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