Cracked Top Tube
3:48 and 65+ miles into my ride today I was "running the gauntlet" through a one-block section of road where all the soccer parents park their cars on the shoulder, pull out into traffic without looking, make illegal u-turns, etc. I was riding cautiously through here as usual and was mindfully watching a line of cars opposite me make left turns across my lane. Everything was going fine until one guy didn't see me and gunned a left turn. I rode like crazy trying to avoid crashing into him - and I guess I was successful there - but I went over my handlebars.
Most importantly, I am (or will be) perfectly fine. The worst injury is a jammed elbow that, three hours after the crash, is not so moveable, but I had full range of motion immediately after crashing so I'm sure it'll be okay in a few days. I also have one really bitchin' raw, red contusion on my right hip. And I did hit my head going down and dented the helmet but head and neck are painfree so I'm sure I'm good there.
The bike is a different story. Initially it seemed to be okay but then I noticed feathered cracking in the top tube. I took it to my LBS and they confirmed that the carbon is cracked. The clear coat is cracked for about 3 inches right down the seam of the top and there is other feathered cracking to the right of center.
I then contacted the other LBS that sold me the bike. Both LBS guys confirmed that the top tube doesn't take much stress and, as long as the crack doesn't get bigger, I am temporarily okay to keep riding.
Long term options are:
1. Send the frame for repair. Estimated cost is $600 and two months at minimum. Two months! No. No no no no no.
2. Look into Scott's crash replacement program and see if I can get a new frame. Estimated cost is $850 plus about $200 in labor.
3. Buy a new frame at retail. Estimated cost is $1500-2000? Plus labor.
LBS is going to call Scott first thing Monday to see what they can do about the crash replacement program. The guy who caused the accident was very apologetic and seemed decent. We exchanged info and I have his license plate. At the crash, I told him that I'd take the bike into the shop to see if it needed repairs but barring that I"d just need $30 for a new helmet. Uh, oops. I guess I need to give him another call today.
I'm less concerned about having the bike for IMLP - I know I can get things straightened out in the next 7 weeks. But I'm supposed to go to the rally on Thursday and, you know, I have, like, a ton of biking to get in before now and Placid. I'm not really sure what to do about that and I'm frustrated because at this point there isn't anything that I can do or any decisions that I can make. Grr. And I've also spent so much money and so many hours tweaking the fit and the hydration and nutrition set up and it's all working so well...and now this. But that last gripe is just venting...I did it once, I can do it again.
So if any of you have thoughts or advice - mostly about what to do about the rally this weekend - I'm open. Thanks for listening!
Comments
Suzanne,
I'm soooo sorry to hear about your crash. Glad you're ok and hope you're not too sore tomorrow.
I suggest telling us what size bike you ride. You might be suprised at the lending generosity of the nation.
Dave
Suzanne- DAMN!! So, so sorry. Glad you are alright other than bumps and scrapes. Personally, I would go the safest route for repair/replacement.
What size bike are you riding?
Suzanne, sorry to hear about your crash!
What size bike do you ride?
I know that Calfee has a good size side business repairing the broken frames of other manufacturers. Pretty sure he can fix it for much less than those prices you gave but not sure about the turn around. Sawiris, WB, has a good relationship with him and I might be able to work something with him to speed things up?
In terms of borrowing a bike...I'm game and all but I know I'm prone to overuse injuries and am sensitive to position changes. So what would that mean if I were to ride 150-200 miles on back to back days on a strange bike? This is my first Tri bike so I don't know how alike they all are...?
Ok, pretty sure Calfee would give Rich a better price but dunno about the turn around time.
As luck would have it (sorta), I have a 48cm (I think ) tri bike, Calfee, that I had built up for Joanne many, many years ago. Probably never been ridden. No seat and seat post and you'd want to move your seat and bar system over to this bike. I'll go out in the garage and confirm the size and can call Rich about the Calfee, though I sure he wouldn't know anything until Monday.
Another option would be to search Craigslists for a used tri or road bike that you can at least train on and, if worse came to worse, race on. Just measure all the cockpit dimensions of your current set up, take your aerobar system off your bike, saddle, etc. Then you can usually get your cockpit close enough on if you can find a 48cm tri or road bike. It's just saddle height, saddle fore/after, stem length, vertical drop of the front end, etc.
Things to measure:
Suzanne- Are your wheels 650s? I have a Kestrel KM40 sans wheels. It is a 51cm, but perhaps would work with a shorter stem. Is just hanging up, so if you need to borrow, you are welcome to it. Is circa late 2001, but in good shape.
Whoa Suzanne, that's nasty in so many ways. I'm very glad you're OK, but the next few days I bet you're sore-er than you might think. But it's only that, thank heavens. The nation will get you through--so much info your way already. You'll be fine in the end, but no doubt this is a crappy hiccup in the training. Keep us posted on all issues--how you feel and the bike.
Suzanne -- I'm glad you are okay. Take care!
And keep us posted on parts needed for Suzanne's new/borrowed bike. I know I have lots of random spare stuff in the triathlon closet.
I have a 51cm tri bike and a 49 cm road bike---both with 700c wheels. You are welcome to borrow either or both for the LP rally. PM me if you're interested---then I'll bring both to rally with me. I'm good with riding either bike as I won't be in my 12 week Race Prep yet---so whichever bike works best for you if you need it.
@Suzanne
I just sent in my Cervelo road bike to Calfee - they said it would be less than 6 weeks for repair and return.
They have been great so far. I sent pictures and they gave me a price quote based on the photos. My frame will require only minor patch but with paint was $300. There work is guaranteed for 5 years. There was a recent write up in Velonews. Last month (June) I think.
Hope this helps,
Tom
Suzanne- Oh No!!! Glad you are ok, except the bumps and bruises. Yes, you will be more sore next few days- get started on the ibuporfen or naproxen, IMO, on a scheduled basis and ice that elbow.
So many good words of advice from the nation. Things will work out.
Thanks for the suggestions and offers of help! You guys are the best. I'm going to sleep on this for a night or two and figure out what would be the best option. And Beth, no offense, but I'm worried about any bike parts you may be offering. Has your GPV been near any of them?
Suzanne
Wowsers, glad you are safe and hope elbow is okay. I have had a crack in my top tube on my road bike now for 3 years, no worries (closer to seat post), but only YOU can decide if it's rideable. If you ride a road set up for the rally, you'll be fine for sure, just not fast. But you'll get the miles in and know the course well...plus be waaaay faster on race day. When do you arrive in LP? High Peak Cycles is a great shop and Brian (owner) is a friend...you might be able to rent a bike from them (Altho 48 is a stretch) for the weekend, and they could size you set you up from there, no worries. You'd only bring your saddle and pedals, etc....
P
The rally this weekend is almost definitely out and IMLP is....we'll see. Right now I'm feeling pretty Zen about the situation - if I can't race in July then maybe Chesapeakeman in September. Mostly I'm disappointed at the thought of not getting to share the experience with my great new EN friends.
Finally, I spoke to the guy who caused the accident and he remains really decent. He's promised to pay for a replacement frame and any out of pocket medical expenses so I'm planning to move forward on getting a replacement from Scott.
Thanks again guys - it means a lot to be able to share here and get so much support!
P
That is such a bummer! I was looking forward to meeting you at the rally this weekend. Better to get your health in order though. I hope that the elbow heals quickly.
Sucks about the elbow and the frame. Heal fast!
Suzanne-
I am sooo sorry to hear about your elbow, and your frame. We will miss you for sure in LP this weekend as well as race weekend.
Great attitude about the whole thing. let me know if I can do anything, i'm not that far away!
first reaction:
next reaction:
If you end up doing CheesyMan I will be there with my cowbell to cheer for you! and you can bet I'll go ride out there (or wherever) with you - to gear up for IMFL.
I'm glad you're okay, glad it was a break (heals quick) - you'll probably need PT out of the split to get range of motion back.
Very glad to hear the motorist is being cool...
Let me know if there's anything I can do... Silver Spring isn't THAT far away...
That totally sucks! I don't know how long it takes for something like that to heal but I will keep my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery and perhaps you can still do IMLP.
Anywho, I am glad you are getting a new bike taking care of asap. Let me know if there is anything I could do to help.
Heal fast!
Wei
Suzanne, email me if you want me to talk to Rich about working with Calfee on your repair.
Okay, here's the update:
Scott has a 2009 frame for $915, so I'm moving forward with that replacement since that seems to be the easiest and fastest solution.
The radial fracture is slight - either a small hairline or compression fracture. I am out of the sling and will regain full range of motion in about 6 weeks. No PT necessary. To quote my orthopedist, I just have to "suck it up." This is why I love this guy! Pain is my only limiter, so as soon as I can extend the elbow enough to swim, I can swim. I can run. I can bike on the trainer for two weeks and then I can get back on the road. IMLP is a go.
I am also seriously considering coming for the Rally. I called off the dog sitters when things looked dire, so I'm trying to reset those arrangements. Provided I can figure that out, I'm bringing my trainer, maybe my broken bike, or maybe I'll take Kitima up on her offer? It would need to be a tri bike though as I need to rest on the aero pads. I tried calling High Peaks but no one's answering - does anyone know if they have Computrainers there?
AWESOME NEWS!!!!!!!!! We'll miss you cheering for us at Eagleman- but totally understand why you'd rather be up in NY with your fellow IMLPers! So happy for you!
Super news! Still sux to go through the elbow and bike hassle--still sorry about that.
be careful if you go... I would have a hard time resisting the temptation to test things out and head outside...
maybe you can get a special medical dispensation to swim with floaties at IMLP.