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.

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My Orbea Orca
My Stava
My Instagram

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

Yeah, flesh and bones heal themselves, for free.

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.

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Trek Madone 7.9 58cm 14.9lbs

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

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The Gram
The Men of Steel

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

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.

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.

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RESIDENT GRUMPY OLD MAN.

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.

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 :/

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Updated: Racing again! Thought this was unlikely! Eventually, I may even have a decent race!
Edit: 2015: darn near won the best South Island series (got second in age
-group)..woo hoo Racy Theremery is back!!

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



When did everyone on the internet become so precious?

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

Comprehensive insurance... Race and ride cover too.

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Skunkworks Bikes

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.