mb2k
new member
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 23
Loc: Bay Area, CA
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I am posting this, for what it is worth, to remind everyone to ride safely. I just crashed my (just received in January) Dragonfly! (It has been the best bike I have ever ridden...sweet ride!)
I was coming downhill after a climb...in a remote part of town...and, missed seeing a car coming from the right. Reality was, I was planning on running the stop sign...since this was a remote area that I ride a lot. Unfortunately, couldn't stop in time. Nailed the left front fender of the guys car...threw me over...bounced on the hood...went airborne and landed on the asphalt on my back. Miraculously, ended up banged up a little, but, with relatively hardly a scratch...THEN, you check out the bike! The carbon wheel probably saved my life. It collapsed...but, took most of the impact. At first it looked like it was the only damage...but, the compression of the impact "shattered" the seat tube. Sad day!
So often we forget and think we're invincible! I am lucky to be alive. I am not sure a steel bike would of protected me as well. My LBS told me that in a similar situation when you KNOW you are going to hit...hit it straight on...the wheels are extremely strong perpendicularly...if you try and turn the wheel away...you lose that protection.
The only reason I write this is to say...slow down...don't blow through stop signs...and, ride for a long time!!! I WAS LUCKY!
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easypedaler
contributor
Reged: 02/08/04
Posts: 149
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Glad you made it through it but what about the bike. Is it going in for repairs????
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mb2k
new member
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 23
Loc: Bay Area, CA
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I'll have my bike shop send it back for inspection. I understand they will probably strip the paint to inspect it properly. I am not sure about any damage to the fork or ??? Calfee has a replacement guarantee...but, that might not cover accidents...
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Insightdriver
captain
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
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How about an update on you and your bike?
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mb2k
new member
Reged: 01/07/04
Posts: 23
Loc: Bay Area, CA
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Didn't expect to hear back on this again...
Calfee took a look at the bike...the seat tube was shattered. Obviously, the fork had to be replaced as a precaution. Craig called, asked a few questions about the impact...looked at the frame in detail, and, said it was repairable...and, I have to give the Calfee guys a lot of credit...the bike came back like new. No one, including the LBS, could see any hint of a repair. A BEAUTIFUL repair job! A perfect re-paint job! The repair ran around $800 including the new fork, seat-tube and repaint. A lot cheaper than a new frame...
The LBS also recommended replacing the stem and handlebar, which I did...I also replaced the seat, since the bike bounced on it a few times. All the other components were not damaged. But, the bike looks and rides great! Nice job...Calfee!
The bike took the impact that could of resulted in a few broken bones or worse! So, I was lucky! So, do I stop at all stop signs now after 6-7 months...no, but, you can damn well bet I slow down and make sure it's VERY clear!!!
Trust me...hitting a car broadside doesn't feel good! Ride safe!
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skagwayroadie
contributor
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 141
Loc: Alaska
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It is refreshing to hear a good outcome to a tough story. So glad to hear you are on the bike and not on a couch telling tall-tails about near death experiences and how you'll never ride a bike again. I sure had my share of near misses and I learned a lot. Riding recklessly is not something I do like days gone past...though that is not to say I don't push the envelope and scare myself now and again, but I definitely pay more attention these days!
I think stories like this does more positive things for Calfee than all the ranting and raving about how nice the bikes are, or how good they ride. Lets face it we all wreck now and again and knowing that the bike is very repairable makes the investment worth while. The fact that Calfee reparied it to the degree you say is simply awesome. I am impressed.
Thanks for sharing this with us!
Cheers...Mark
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Insightdriver
captain
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
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I for one, really sincerely and deeply appreciate your post. To get to know how the bike broke in this accident, how lucky you were and the repair experience is the kind of thing that shows just how great a Calfee bike is.
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