Crash advice please

Glassback

Well its finally happened. A car pulled out, into the side of me, when I was turning right at a junction. Thankfully we were both going slow so I wasn't injured, my bike however got hit on the down tube and forks. I have taken it to my LBS and they can repair the buckled wheel. The problem is that they can't say for sure that the carbon frame hasn't been damaged where the car struck it on the down tube. There is a scuff on the down tube but I can't see any cracks. The driver has admitted it was his fault and will pay for the repairs, but I don't want him thinking i'm taking the p*&@ by saying the frame "might" be damaged. Should I get a new frame or just hope that this frame isn't damaged?

Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers

antsmithmk

I would seek the advise of another LBS. Then do as they recommend. If it's all mights and maybes, I would get a new frame. You don't want to be having doubts at the back of your mind descending.

sloppyschleckonds

Avoid right turns

unixnerd

For 3 quid a month you can join British Cycling, you get liability insurance and legal cover. Cheap peace of mind and handy for situations like this. Don't risk riding on a bad fork, replace it.

frisbee

A LBS can't tell if a carbon frame is internally damaged, I don't know why people always recommend that they inspect it.

I don't know if any of the carbon repair specialists can do non-destructive testing.

MountainMonster

frisbee wrote:

A LBS can't tell if a carbon frame is internally damaged, I don't know why people always recommend that they inspect it.

I don't know if any of the carbon repair specialists can do non-destructive testing.

They won't be able to tell if it is internally damaged, but if they are good with carbon they know the signs to look for and make a decision whether it is worth risking.

Jharrah82

It may be worth talking to the manufacturer's customer service department. They would likely be about to provide guidance.

hstiles

An LBS should provide a written report for around £20 and, typically, where there has been an impact to the frame or collision, they will recommend replacing frame and forks; you simply don't what stress the impact will have placed on the steerer tube, down tube and forks.

Whether he thinks you are taking the mickey or not is irrelevant. You have been to an independent shop for an assessment. If he or his insurer disagrees with the LBS report they can pay for the frame to be X-rayed.

Mikey23

Sounds like he is intending to settle privately without going through his insurance. Probably doesn't fully appreciate how much bikes cost to repair and replace. I wouldn't get too emotional about. He hit you, was in the wrong and it will cost. If you had been driving a car it would have cost him a whole lot more. I personally wouldn't take the risk

craigus89

Glassback wrote:

The driver has admitted it was his fault and will pay for the repairs, but I don't want him thinking i'm taking the p*&@ by saying the frame "might" be damaged.

I wouldn't worry about that. He has admitted liability, your frame could well be damaged.

Get it replaced.

If he didn't want to spend the money replacing it then he shouldn't have hit you.

gozzy

Mikey23 wrote:

Sounds like he is intending to settle privately without going through his insurance. Probably doesn't fully appreciate how much bikes cost to repair and replace.

The taxi driver that hit me, bending the rear triangle and wheel on a 531 frame, thought I was taking the piss when I said it'd be £400 quid to repair, or £1500 quid for a new bike. That was the point that I thought, I'm going to get lawyers involved and let his insurance pay up.

Bozman

I'd get two assessments, then give the guy the two valuations and give him the chance to pay. If he finds the bill too expensive he'll have to use his insurance, if he messes you about get a solicitor.

As mentioned, more than often drivers just don't realise how expensive bikes can be, Joe Bloggs gets knocked off his EPS Parlee with Lightweight wheels and the driver will think that a couple of hundred quid will sort it, a bike's a bike in his world.

sungod

as above, don't assume the driver will just cough up once they cost is clear - a few years ago a van reversed up the road into me, wheel+fork were trashed, once they found out it was over 600 quid the on the spot offer to pay turned into several weeks of calls and reminders of the alternative (i.e. i call the lawyers), but i had witnesses etc., commercial vehicle so either direct or via insurance i was going to get paid

make sure you get insurance details, and write up detailed notes of what happened while it is fresh in your memory (including what your were wearing, did you have lights, etc.), takes photos of all damage, if you had a gps running, save the data file

you do not have to file a police report, but it doesn't hurt

prepare for the worst, hope for the best!