What do I do with my injured tri bike?
Really interested on your advice about how to handle my predicament. Here's my scenario:
Crashed my 2012 Cervelo P2 a few weeks ago
Bought bike to local Cervelo dealer to have it looked over
What I'd thought was a cracked top tube seems to only be cosmetic (according to the LBS)
Entire front end needs to be replaced (shifters, break levers, bars)
Cost may be upwards of $1000
My homeowners insurance ($2500 deductible) probably isn't a great option
The crash was a bad one. Bike flipped multiple times and bounced around quite a bit at high speed. Because of this (and my injuries), I'm not 100% feeling comfortable about the thought of fixing the bike and riding it, even though they say the carbon is intact.
They contacted Cervelo, who is offering a discount on a new frame, but not a great one. An updated frame (P3) can be had for $2500. I called Cervelo myself afterwards to try to get a better deal, my LBS found out, and they got pissed at me! I can't win....if I were to do this, I'd still have to pay the LBS to strip down my old bike and salvage components for new frame, and then pay to replace the damaged ones. This doesn't seem to make sense, when you add those costs up.
So, I'm between a rock and hard place. Do I:
1 - fix my bike and hope I'll feel safe when it's complete - cost $800-$1000
2 - buy a new frame and move my components over + buy ones that need replacing. Total cost may be $3000 or more with parts and labor
3 - buy a new bike and trash old one
4 - buy a new bike, pay to have old one repaired and try to sell it ($800-1000 to repair) and then may be able to resell it for $1400
Leaning towards #4, but I'm a bit twisted over the entire thing. Any and all advice welcome!
Crashed my 2012 Cervelo P2 a few weeks ago
Bought bike to local Cervelo dealer to have it looked over
What I'd thought was a cracked top tube seems to only be cosmetic (according to the LBS)
Entire front end needs to be replaced (shifters, break levers, bars)
Cost may be upwards of $1000
My homeowners insurance ($2500 deductible) probably isn't a great option
The crash was a bad one. Bike flipped multiple times and bounced around quite a bit at high speed. Because of this (and my injuries), I'm not 100% feeling comfortable about the thought of fixing the bike and riding it, even though they say the carbon is intact.
They contacted Cervelo, who is offering a discount on a new frame, but not a great one. An updated frame (P3) can be had for $2500. I called Cervelo myself afterwards to try to get a better deal, my LBS found out, and they got pissed at me! I can't win....if I were to do this, I'd still have to pay the LBS to strip down my old bike and salvage components for new frame, and then pay to replace the damaged ones. This doesn't seem to make sense, when you add those costs up.
So, I'm between a rock and hard place. Do I:
1 - fix my bike and hope I'll feel safe when it's complete - cost $800-$1000
2 - buy a new frame and move my components over + buy ones that need replacing. Total cost may be $3000 or more with parts and labor
3 - buy a new bike and trash old one
4 - buy a new bike, pay to have old one repaired and try to sell it ($800-1000 to repair) and then may be able to resell it for $1400
Leaning towards #4, but I'm a bit twisted over the entire thing. Any and all advice welcome!
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Comments
I would scavenge the available parts from the old bike, get a new upgraded frame, or your #2 (if, of course, there are enough salvageable parts on the old bike to make it worth buying parts piece-by-piece instead of a whole group, which can be cheaper). I'm not sure I would invest in repairing the old frame. I'd throw it on Slowtwitch and be honest about the crash, and the diagnosis that it is not structural. Bikes/frames sell all the time there with this type of cosmetic damage. That would allow you to at lease recoup some of the cost of the new frame and necessary components without having to invest in getting the old bike repaired. Others may disagree, but this is likely the route I would take.
You can replace it with the EXACT SAME bike for ~$1,350. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-Cervelo-P2-Size-54-CM-/301728454258?hash=item46406ad672
So if you want to do it at minimum cost, just buy the same one on eBay. Then strip your old bike down yourself (pretty easy to take parts off). Sell everything useable piece by piece on eBay or Slowtwitch. Then sell your frame, but FULLY DISCLOSE that you laid it down. You can say that your LBS said it was only cosmetic, but only expect to get a couple hundred bucks out of it. All in, you're out ~$1,000 or less.
One of the statements is troubles me is that your LBS is "pissed" - may be time to find a new shop. That is silly and wrong! That alone, makes me pause and wonder if the level of trust has been compromised.
I am not comfortable with crashed carbon - it frightens me and I would forever question the strength and durability based on the recommendation of a LBS simply putting eyes on a bike.
What if you sent the frame/fork to a reputable carbon repair place (like Calfee for example?) and have them go thru the frame w/ a fine tooth comb? From what I have been told, they have machinery that can inspect/diagnose frames, parts, etc... in a way that no LBS can. Once you have confirmation - one way or another - you can move forward with a decision that carries more weight than the info from your LBS and you can weigh the pros & cons from there.
Bring your bike here - and I will strip it down for a nothing :-)
If it makes you feel any better, I feel your pain - went thru the very same BS last fall. Contacted Trek - and a replacement frame/fork for my TTX was over $4K (and that was with their crash replacement policy!)
Is it worth it to keep this as an exclusive trainer/back-up/sloppy weather/beater bike? Just thinking outloud...
Brad,
I hear on you the not feeling safe, so for me option 1 would not be there with out further reassurance. I know the guys at my LBS are pretty good but I'm pretty sure they are not crash or carbon frame experts. The only other thing I can think of is to send it in to Calfee to have it checked over. P2's are carbon correct?
http://calfeedesign.com/
I'm not sure what they would charge just to look it over but they do a lot of carbon bike repairs and if they say it's good to go then that might be enough for you. Of course that's another cost and some time in the process so maybe it's better to just put it on the trainer.
Brad - I'm in a similar situation after crashing my bike at IM Boulder. LBS says the frame damage is just cosmetic, but i'm taking this as an opportunity to upgrade. I'm in the process of cleaning up the the damage with some epoxy and touch-up paint, then my plan is to try and sell the bike, with full disclosure of the crash, and get what i can get for it. I have already placed an order with my LBS for a Felt IA10 that i plan on having built up exactly how i want it. If i can't get something reasonable, then worst case, i have a dedicated tri bike for the trainer!
I tried to sell it, but nobody wanted it, I now use it only for my trainer and bought a new one which I use for outdoor rides.
I think I like the idea of a dedicated trainer bike the best,many I could always sell it or tear it down if I change my mind. Unfortunately, my body is not healthy enough to try out different bikes or go for a fitting yet. Maybe this will be better, so I don't rush into anything. In the meantime, I'll look for options. This time of year, there are usually decent deals to be found on new bike leftovers.
Thanks again!