Bent handlebar :(

Glitterangel76

Hi,

Quick question, I had a little run in with a van last night.. short version is my handlebar on the left got bent in from the impact with the pavement, however I did manage to bend it back into place so I could cycle home.

I'm worried that it could be damaged underneath seeing as I managed to bend it back...can't see for the handlebar tape...Its a Lapierre Audacio 400 womens bike.

Should I be worried that it got bent and get it checked out or is it just one of those things and now that its looks like its back in place, will I just leave it?

If I do get it checked and it needs replacing, can I ask the van driver/company to replace it? He turned left in front of me, couldn't stop in time, so banged into the side of van and landed on the pavement.

If I was driving it would have been my fault if I hit him cos of not paying attention etc..but whats the rule with a bike vs Van?

Going to the Guards in a while to make a statement..not sure why but hey when in Rome and all that.

Morgan

I'd replace the handlebar - no question. Aluminium doesn't like being bent back into shape and it could fail on you later.

On the compensation issue - reporting it to the guards is a good first step. Did the driver stop at the time? Do you have any details (name, reg. number etc.)?

seamus

They're Ritchey alu bars, which basically means they're screwed. Once alu is bent, it's gone unfortunately. They might work fine for a few thousand more km or they might fail tomorrow. Either way they'll snap instead of bending, so you'll be better off replacing them.

Depending on what way you hit him, it would be worth getting a shop to check out your bike, your forks in particular, for any signs of cracks.

In terms of who's at fault, it usually depends on who was there first. If he overtook you before he turned left, he's at fault. If you came up behind him, then he has some liability for failing to check his mirrors, but it would be primarily your fault for overtaking on the left.

You don't mention any physical injuries though, so good to hear that you're presumably unscathed!

Glitterangel76

Hmm was kinda thinking the same..but just wanted to double check.

He did stop, was all apologies..said he didn't see me then pointed it out it cos I was wearing black..did point out it was a white bike and 5.30pm nice and bright etc etc

Nope no details except I know the name of the company van...I know i should have taken details but to be honest it was such a close call, I was just glad i could walk away with just a bruised elbow and shock.

Beasty

If it would have been your fault if driving, I think it would be difficult to argue anything different because you were on a bike. Did they indicate they were turning left?

Glitterangel76

seamus wrote: »

They're Ritchey alu bars, which basically means they're screwed. Once alu is bent, it's gone unfortunately. They might work fine for a few thousand more km or they might fail tomorrow. Either way they'll snap instead of bending, so you'll be better off replacing them.

Depending on what way you hit him, it would be worth getting a shop to check out your bike, your forks in particular, for any signs of cracks.

In terms of who's at fault, it usually depends on who was there first. If he overtook you before he turned left, he's at fault. If you came up behind him, then he has some liability for failing to check his mirrors, but it would be primarily your fault for overtaking on the left.

You don't mention any physical injuries though, so good to hear that you're presumably unscathed!

I kinda hit hit him sideways, so my shoulder etc took the brunt of it...figured it would hurt less than head on.

He went past me and then turned left, I was luckily slowing down cos of traffic lights ahead and as sooon as I saw him turn, I started breaking but not slowed down enough to stop the hit.

Only a brusied elbow...but boy does my upper body/arms hurt something cronic today..

Glitterangel76

Yes they indicated...does that make a difference?

IM0

the more you are saying the more it becomes clear it was your own fault. And replace the bars alum doesnt bend back into place without weakening, think Yuri geller with the spoons, the more you bend it the closer it comes to breaking.

seamus

Glitterangel76 wrote: »

He went past me and then turned left, I was luckily slowing down cos of traffic lights ahead and as sooon as I saw him turn, I started breaking but not slowed down enough to stop the hit.

Glitterangel76 wrote: »

Yes they indicated...does that make a difference?

No, not in this case. If he overtook you before turning, then he clearly thought that he could squeeze in, in front of you. Indicating probably strengthens your case more because it shows that he intended to turn in front of you

The Garda statement is a good idea. You'd be surprised how often people are all sweetness and apologies at the side of the road, but then change their stories when they get home and talk of "cycling maniacs".

blorg

If he overtook you and then immediately turned left it was almost certainly his fault. He has to make sure it is clear before making the turn. If there was a cycle lane 100% it was his fault but even without it sounds likely.

New handlebars are pretty cheap; as others have said definitely replace them, they are dangerous things to snap. And get the bike checked out. But if you are OK and there is nothing else wrong with the bike you are looking in the €50-80 range if you get the whole thing replaced in a bike shop (depending on bars.) Cheaper if you do it yourself with whatever bar is on offer this week, probably around €20 for bars and €10 for bar tape.

Point is it is not so much money that any rational driver would have a problem just paying it (when they could as easily be faced with damages of tens of thousands if you had actually hurt yourself.)

Glitterangel76

Thanks everybody for all the advice

The Guard I spoke too was lovely, did point out that I should have called them there and then, but understood why I didn't. She is going to call the company for me and see what the story is, as well check to see if the CCTV caught anything.

@Blorg..thank you so much, I was freaking out about how much new handlebars would cost so even if they don't pay I won't be too much out of pocket. Plus I can learn how to change handlebars

Have learnt my lesson now, even if there isn't any damage, exchange details and if needs be call the Guards.

Bluefoam

If you plan to change the handlebars yourself have a look at www.chainreactioncycles.com and don't forget to allow for new bar tape. They are good value and deliver quickly. Good luck with getting sorted.