Essay: On the Bike Crash Outcome
No good deed goes unpunished as they say. A ride late last year started with good intentions and an alacrity to show off my cycling playground. Unfortunately it ended with bad manners and a broken bike. Having negotiated several options regarding a bike replacement, I started thinking how important knowing the process is for anyone in a similar situation.
How I got into the predicament was innocent. I encountered a rider looking lost in the opening miles of an event. She was furiously scrolling through her bike computer when I rolled up to ask if assistance was needed. After a bit of conversation, I offered to lead her around the course which I knew so well. I wouldn’t be offended if she turned the offer down out of comfort. Off we went as I pointed out local landmarks and got to know her.
Having unique knowledge of the course, I readily pointed out safety situations to Julie (not her real name). After she commented she had been in a couple of crashes with riders, I shrugged and rode on. Julie was given advance notice of climbs in preparation for the effort. I warned about technical descents, advising caution.
We approached the last mile where I pointed out my neighborhood. I mentioned we were close to the finish. I pointed out the horse farm my family visits regularly. As I had done with every turn throughout the day, I gave instructions to turn. The next moment I was on the ground, unable to breathe easily. She repeated, “I’m so sorry. I was looking at the horses.” As I pulled myself off the road, Julie gave the news I was hoping to avoid. She said, “Oh I broke your bike.” I was in pain, kept saying, “It’s fine.” The bike was remounted and I said, “I’m just going to go home.”
Some days later, I decided to reach out to Julie to see if she was ok. It was confirmed I had a broken rib. What followed was hardly the cheerful woman from the ride. She accused me of crashing her out, that I was to use my own insurance, and - most importantly - to never contact her ever again.
Not knowing what choices were available, I researched a carbon repair company in New York called Carbon Bike Specialists. They quickly responded asking for pictures. They then sent along a quote, saying seat stays are a common repair. Carbon Bike Specialists also pointed out they scan the bike for other areas of damage. They asked me to strip the frame of all parts and send it to their shop. This I mulled immediately. The shop claimed a 72-hour turnaround and a lifetime warranty. If I acted quickly, I’d have a repaired bike in about two weeks.
Meanwhile I tried going through my insurance to help defray the cost of the incident. At first I contacted my homeowner’s insurance. Anxious moments built up as the adjuster went through my policy only to leave me in disappointment. The adjuster then suggested excitedly that it would most likely be covered under auto and to go that route. Conveniently, I have the same insurance for auto and was switched to their department. Again, anxious moments built up before the adjuster came back with the same disappointing news. Who knows what I pay for in insurance?
Several years ago I worked at a bike shop and remembered a sales rep recommending the crash replacement service. The thought goes, “The company wants to keep you on their bikes. Always look for the crash replacement option.” And that’s what I did. I reached out to Giant to see what my possibilities were. Giant came back with an option rivaling the carbon repair route. One advantage with the crash replacement program - I knew I was getting a certified new frame.
When it came down to it, I decided to go with the crash replacement offer. While it was more expensive, it was an uncrashed frame under me. In both instances, the parts swap would cost the same, so I justified the menial extra cost as having a new bike.
During the first ride on the new bike, I couldn’t help but think of all the options that presented themselves: I should have taken her information regardless of how much pain I was in, I should have reviewed my insurance policy to see if bikes were covered, and I should have proactively followed carbon bike repair specialists just in case something does happen. I didn’t do that, but I figured to tell you.
Another quote I use often is, “Race what you can replace.” Even though I wasn’t racing, I couldn’t help but also think about the independent crit racers who crash out and are left looking for a new set of wheels. With aluminum bikes considered extinct from the peloton, broken carbon solutions will only multiply. It’s best to know how to navigate them in the off chance they are encountered.
