Associate
- Joined
- 29 Jan 2006
- Posts
- 639
- Location
- Exmouth, Devon
The accident
Out on my road bike at the end of 52 miler: I had a green light, was in the correct filter lane (for going straight) but a car violated my right of way (the learner driver didn't even look) and took me out from the side while making a turn. I managed to get unclipped and kinda hop and stumble off of the bike, but was pushed with it under the front bumper.
The damage, myself:
Pulled a muscle in my chest some how and my left knee hurts. Will see a physio. Was in minor shock for a while but coming to terms with it now. It would appear I got off VERY lightly but I hope there is no lasting damage to my knee.
And the bike:
The frame is slightly bent, the right hand seat stay having been pushed out of shape. Its a write off. Also my front wheel was badly bent, my left brifter scratched / torn up pretty bad from being pushed along the tarmac and my 4 day old bar tape was ruined.
The driver stopped and her front seat passenger husband got out, asked if I was ok and was generally very decent about it. We exchanged details and I will be forwarding to him the damage report I have asked my bike shop to prepare. I dont think he's going to be difficult about it but I will be seeking legal advice. He might change his mind when he realises its not a department store bike he wrote off and sees the price.
Complications
Im pretty gutted right now. The prospect of many weeks with no cycling whilst I wait for my replacement bike is going to be hard. Ive been working so hard on dropping weight and getting fitter; all in preperation for next years race season. To make matters worse, in a check up at A&E after the accident I was told that the twinge in my knee is probably due to a bruised ligament. As said above, I'll be seeing a physio for a detailed analysis.
With the prospect of 4-6 weeks of no cycling, how many weeks worth of cycling might I expect to require afterwards to regain my lost fitness?
If I can't get a white Bianchi again...
For around £1000-1300; what bikes might I consider if I cant get a Via Nirone again in white? The 2008 models are either all Celeste or all silver. As much as I love it, all Celeste is just OTT for me and I really dont like Silver bikes.
To give some idea of what I want:
Components: It should have 105/Ultegra though I would consider similar Campagnolo / SRAM offerings. I had an FSA 53/39 crank with 105 12-25 cassette.
Wheels: Open Pros with 105 hubs is what I did have and I would happily have them again. I weigh 175 pounds at 5'10. This was dropping fairly fast but might go up again. Immediate priority is durable training wheels that can survive some pretty bad roads, but have light clincher rims. Some what race ready is a plus, but with this setback, I might just defer that to 2009 and spend a year or so doing sportives, audax and perhaps some time trails in order to enjoy myself.
For the pricepoint, I want something that will not have a highly aggressive geometry. I liked my Via Nirone for its long distance comfort and responsiveness. Put it this way, I want to be comfortable doing 150 mile rides, but I also would like some stiffness and equal if not better responsiveness for racing.
I like the Italian bikes mostly. Pinnerello and Cinnelli are the only two I can think of off-hand. Something with a bit of character but subtle. Aluminium with carbon forks. Carbon seat stays for comfort unless the aluminium frame is designed well enough to offer comparable comfort.
Its been a pretty sucky day.
She was a good'un.
Out on my road bike at the end of 52 miler: I had a green light, was in the correct filter lane (for going straight) but a car violated my right of way (the learner driver didn't even look) and took me out from the side while making a turn. I managed to get unclipped and kinda hop and stumble off of the bike, but was pushed with it under the front bumper.
The damage, myself:
Pulled a muscle in my chest some how and my left knee hurts. Will see a physio. Was in minor shock for a while but coming to terms with it now. It would appear I got off VERY lightly but I hope there is no lasting damage to my knee.
And the bike:
The frame is slightly bent, the right hand seat stay having been pushed out of shape. Its a write off. Also my front wheel was badly bent, my left brifter scratched / torn up pretty bad from being pushed along the tarmac and my 4 day old bar tape was ruined.
The driver stopped and her front seat passenger husband got out, asked if I was ok and was generally very decent about it. We exchanged details and I will be forwarding to him the damage report I have asked my bike shop to prepare. I dont think he's going to be difficult about it but I will be seeking legal advice. He might change his mind when he realises its not a department store bike he wrote off and sees the price.
Complications
Im pretty gutted right now. The prospect of many weeks with no cycling whilst I wait for my replacement bike is going to be hard. Ive been working so hard on dropping weight and getting fitter; all in preperation for next years race season. To make matters worse, in a check up at A&E after the accident I was told that the twinge in my knee is probably due to a bruised ligament. As said above, I'll be seeing a physio for a detailed analysis.
With the prospect of 4-6 weeks of no cycling, how many weeks worth of cycling might I expect to require afterwards to regain my lost fitness?
If I can't get a white Bianchi again...
For around £1000-1300; what bikes might I consider if I cant get a Via Nirone again in white? The 2008 models are either all Celeste or all silver. As much as I love it, all Celeste is just OTT for me and I really dont like Silver bikes.
To give some idea of what I want:
Components: It should have 105/Ultegra though I would consider similar Campagnolo / SRAM offerings. I had an FSA 53/39 crank with 105 12-25 cassette.
Wheels: Open Pros with 105 hubs is what I did have and I would happily have them again. I weigh 175 pounds at 5'10. This was dropping fairly fast but might go up again. Immediate priority is durable training wheels that can survive some pretty bad roads, but have light clincher rims. Some what race ready is a plus, but with this setback, I might just defer that to 2009 and spend a year or so doing sportives, audax and perhaps some time trails in order to enjoy myself.
For the pricepoint, I want something that will not have a highly aggressive geometry. I liked my Via Nirone for its long distance comfort and responsiveness. Put it this way, I want to be comfortable doing 150 mile rides, but I also would like some stiffness and equal if not better responsiveness for racing.
I like the Italian bikes mostly. Pinnerello and Cinnelli are the only two I can think of off-hand. Something with a bit of character but subtle. Aluminium with carbon forks. Carbon seat stays for comfort unless the aluminium frame is designed well enough to offer comparable comfort.
Its been a pretty sucky day.
She was a good'un.
