Reputable Bike Mechanic/Shop in Essex??

ScreaminWargasm

Hi All,

As per subject, I need a decent bike mechanic or reputable shop that can check over my Cannondale SuperSix following a fairly serious accident.

A van pulled out of a side road into my path causing me to hit him at a fair old speed of at least 20+mph.
I was taken straight to hospital from the scene and as yet, I have not had a chance to check the bike over myself but have been advised by a friend that the front wheel (Shimano RS80) is buckled and there are some scrapes to the paintwork near the chain stay that are showing the Carbon. Other than that, I'm told it looks ok.
The bike is only 6 months old and hasn't been used a great deal at all due to the crappy weather we have had recently.

Prior to the crash, the bike looked like new however, my concerns are that there is likely to be damage to the frame and forks as a result of the direct front impact with the van.

I would idealy like it to be replaced as I would not be confident descending a hill at 40mph on a Carbon bike that may have hidden damage.

Any ideas where I could get a proper safety inspection or a mechanic that would advise it to be a write off??

I don't trust the likes of an Evans Cycles store due to previous experiences with them!!

Thanks

Paul 8v

Sorry to hear that :-(

Flitch bikes in Great Dunmow are good, speak to Pete ;-)

Flitch Bikes
Unit 14
Flitch Industral Estate
Great Dunmow
CM61XJ

(01371)872272

ScreaminWargasm

Thanks for the reply mate, I shall give em a call.

Balaclavas

John down at Chelmer Cycles in Chelmsford are worth a bell too. They're Cannondale dealers, so should be able to sort out any returns / crash replacements. [url][/url]http://chelmercycles.co.uk/shop/[url][/url]

Bar Shaker

If it's Cannondale, I would also go to John at Chelmer Cycles.

ScreaminWargasm

Thanks guys,

I have rung Chelmer Cycles as it's closer for me. They will carry out an insurance inspection for me when I'm feeling well enough to get it to them.

Mick

NewTTer

Mick
You could also try Cycles UK in Leigh, I know they are a chain however Chris May who is the manager there knows his stuff, he is a top guy, rides with us quite often and does most of the local races. They are also a Cannondale dealer, I am sure he will do an insurance inspection for you too, if not the other shouts for Chelmer Cycles are spot on, although he can talk the back legs offf a donkey lol

ScreaminWargasm

Thanks mate, I shall give him a call. That's even closer for me.

Mick

giant_man

NewTTer wrote:

Mick
You could also try Cycles UK in Leigh, I know they are a chain however Chris May who is the manager there knows his stuff, he is a top guy, rides with us quite often and does most of the local races. They are also a Cannondale dealer, I am sure he will do an insurance inspection for you too, if not the other shouts for Chelmer Cycles are spot on, although he can talk the back legs offf a donkey lol

You're not kidding! nice bloke though ...

crispybug2

NewTTer wrote:

Mick
You could also try Cycles UK in Leigh, I know they are a chain however Chris May who is the manager there knows his stuff, he is a top guy, rides with us quite often and does most of the local races. They are also a Cannondale dealer, I am sure he will do an insurance inspection for you too, if not the other shouts for Chelmer Cycles are spot on, although he can talk the back legs offf a donkey lol

+1

Yep, Chris is a top guy!!

ScreaminWargasm

Just an update on this, I called Cycles UK who said they can't really check Carbon frames and it needs to go to Cannondale for a full inspection.

I contact Cannondale who say they have no way to carry out a proper inspection for cracks or fractures to the frame and any signs of paint damage should be treated as though a crack is likely to develop and therefore advise replacement. Also warranty is now void as a result.

I've had a good look at my frame and have found a deep scrape/gauge, exposing fibers so I have sent photos etc to my solicitors to add it to my claim. The bike was only six months old and hardly used due to the poor weather!

Looks like I'll be buying a new bike for when I'm back on my feet. Have my eyes on this at the minute:

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3107

Mick

MarkMcp

Does anyone know if John is still at Chelmer Cycles ??