What WeightWeenies Feel After an Accident

[ToffieBoi]

Hello everyone.

I wonder something, after I had a small accident a few days ago. I was really slow on a group ride when my handlebar stuck into my friends, and I fell down.

After I checked my bike, only damage was on my handlebar and tape. There is a little scratch at the end. Rest was good. My handlebar costs only 100 dollars for new, 3T Ergonova Pro. I started to think, what if I had a super light, 400 dollar handlebar and crack it on the same accident.

Same with wheels, or frame, saddle. Whatever

So I wanted to start that topic. I hope there will be funny stories about it, or maybe tips to protect bike.

[Ekorre]

You should always strive to land on your body to protect the bike

[Zakalwe]

Yeah, flesh and bones heal themselves, for free.

[BikeAnon]

I've resigned myself to the idea that one day I will have to replace my CF bar due to a fall.

Maybe the stem or fork, too.

I would replace any of them if they were at all questionable. Any accident worse than that might get into spendy territory, but that's part of the hobby, I guess.

Fortunately, right now we've slid into a time where lightweight parts availability is at an all-time high, and prices are at an all time low. My Look handlebars that are 5 years old can now be replaced for less than 1/4 what I paid, and the replacements would be lighter than what I have.

[Tinea Pedis]

Ride (and race) what you can afford to replace.

[User Name]

Hello everyone.
.......

so, your first thought after the crash was that it gave you an excuse to upgrade a component to something lighter a more blingy? Good stuff. I say your thinking is fine

[marcelflash]

I broke my femur bone 2 months ago and only my STI shifter and my saddle was damaged.
While I am revalidating I am upgrading the bike with shimano 6800 group wih pedals new toupe pro saddle and jagwire pro cables.
This way I have someting to do while I Can`t ride.

[Juanmoretime]

Some weight weenie parts stand the test of time. My 8 year old AX Lightness Sprint has hit the ground a few time and keeps on going. My Zipp SL bars of the same vintage have done the same and are still going strong. Everything can fail in a crash. We are talking about way more force than the part was designed to take.

[davidalone]

working in healhcare, (research), the argument of 'flesh and bones heal themselves for free' is a stupid one.

ride and race what you can afford to replace. 'healing' is never free. temporarily, yes. but it may have consequences further down the line you aren't aware of.

[theremery]

Took the dog for a run the other day (me on my bike....dog on the lead)....was going swimmingly until he heads to the far side of the lamp post.....Zipp SL bars....toast. Dammit :/

[User Name]

working in healhcare, (research), the argument of 'flesh and bones heal themselves for free' is a stupid one.

ride and race what you can afford to replace. 'healing' is never free. temporarily, yes. but it may have consequences further down the line you aren't aware of.

[Zakalwe]

Christ, it was a tongue in cheek follow up to this previous tongue in cheek post:

You should always strive to land on your body to protect the bike

When did everyone on the internet become so precious?

[spdntrxi]

Yeah, flesh and bones heal themselves, for free.

you have a nice medical plan, my friend. My ACL cost me over $6k

[sugarkane]

Comprehensive insurance... Race and ride cover too.

[eric]

My last crash, now some 7 years ago, had me going face first into the pavement at 35 mph. It was downhill on a group ride and someone on the front slammed on the brakes at the same time I was looking off to the side.

My new that year bike, when we recovered it later from the fire dept, was fine except for a few small scratches on a shifter and derailleur. I'm still using the carbon bars and the components from that bike. The frame failed due to an unrelated issue some years later.

Even with insurance I ended up paying medical expenses out of pocket that cost about as much as two top end road bikes. I had a lot of dental surgery and orthodontia. I'd had preferred the bike had been completely destroyed and I'd only had road rash.