My new Madone - you will NOT believe what happened to me!

[MtnBikerChk]

(sorry if you seen this before but I just had to share)

Picked this up Monday morning (DH and I took the day off to ride). I picked the colors on Trek's project one website too!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/madone/IMG_4548.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/madone/IMG_4550.jpg

SRAM components.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/madone/IMG_4551.jpg

Soooo....of course we had to go for a road ride today! 1.9 miles into the ride, a 20 year old driver in the oncoming lane was waiting to take a left turn in front of us. She turned just as we got to the road. We were "chugging along" at about 18 MPH. There was no avoiding the car. I slammed on the brakes, skidded, went down, and crashed into the side of the car. I got a little banged up on my right leg. Nothing major. Tetanus shot needed. New bike, 1.9 miles, old: DESTROYED. Frame snapped in four places.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/madone/IMG_4558.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/madone/IMG_4559.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/madone/IMG_4563.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/madone/IMG_4567.jpg

The driver was cited for making an unsafe turn. The cop said her insurance will pay for a new bike. I'm damn lucky to have been able to walk away.

I've got Powerball tickets so pray that my luck is still running strong!!

[sbctwin]

Oh, my...I am glad you are okay...but, your beautiful new bike...:eek:
Like I said, I am so glad you were able to walk away with just scrapes...

[pfunk12]

I'm so glad to hear that you are okay! But your poor Madone! :(:mad: It was such a beautiful bike. But again...I'm glad that you are fine.

[malaholic]

That is horrible!! I'm so glad that you don't seem to be too badly injured. Was your husband also involved in the collision or was he far enough behind to be able to stop? Hope he is doing OK also.

You must feel sick about the fate of your brand new bike. :( It was a really gorgeous ride, and I hope you don't have too many issues with her insurance so that you can get it replaced quickly and up to all your original specs.

[gnat23]

Well, that's one way to uh BREAK IN your new bike. :( :( :(

-- gnat! (So glad you're ok!!!)

[solobiker]

Oh my gosh:eek::eek::eek: I am glad you are okay, but your poor bike:eek::(

[tctrek]

Bikes can be replaced... you on the other hand are not replaceable. Thank goodness you are ok. Make sure their insurance company gives you another Madone just like that beauty!

[sfa]

I'm so glad you're o.k. and the bike was the only casualty! But holy cow, I'd be so pissed about that! The insurance company had better pay for the full replacement value!

Sarah

[Aquila]

Echoing the others: glad you're okay, really sorry about your bike.

I bet she looks more carefully next time!

[Beane]

Bikes can be replaced... you on the other hand are not replaceable. Thank goodness you are ok. Make sure their insurance company gives you another Madone just like that beauty!

+1!

[NoNo]

How did you escape injury if the bike hit hard enough to snap in 4 places? Someone was looking out for you. I bet that young driver learned a lesson she'll carry with her forever.

[Biciclista]

geez. Glad you're ok!

[bmccasland]

MBC - that just sucks. :mad: Glad you'll heal. One small itsy bitsy bright spot.. Since your bike was new, the insurance company can't say much about depreciation.

So you're callling your LBS to order a new one tomorrow, right? :cool:

[KnottedYet]

How did you escape injury if the bike hit hard enough to snap in 4 places? Someone was looking out for you. I bet that young driver learned a lesson she'll carry with her forever.

Carbon fiber. It absorbed the impact by breaking spectacularly. Goooooood bike! Extra love in that bike's direction!

ETA: be sure to replace your helmet, too. Another designed-to-be-disposable item which sacrifices itself on impact.

[divingbiker]

oh, my.

[Kelly728]

Wow, glad you are ok and that her insurance will cover that bike.
Poor bike...At least you can say you got 2 new bikes in one week?:confused:

[OakLeaf]

Oh, man, that stinks.

So glad you're okay!

[Aggie_Ama]

Glad you are ok! The bike is replaceable but you aren't. ;) It is still a beautiful machine.

[GulfCoastAmy]

How awful! Thank God you are ok.

[deeaimond]

thank goodness you're safe! :D

ps, would you keep your 1.6mile old bike? I would, just to show it for generations to come...

[kenyonchris]

So sorry, I know firsthand (having recently destroyed my new bike) that it SUCKS....but you can replace it and make it even better!!
Good for the cop to cite the driver, lots of times on accidents they don't (for a bike v. car accident I will cite either party that is at obvious fault....that is just way too close to a fatality for me)....
Make sure you get a copy of the CFS (probably no official report, but there will be officer notes on the call sheet)...he probably gave you a "report" or "call" number. It just says he was there and an accident involving you did occur.
GLAD YOU ARE OK!!

[Mr. Bloom]

As a fellow Madone owner...I still say - I'm glad it was the bike and not you!

Wow!:eek:

[MtnBikerChk]

Thanks everyone - I still choke up when I talk about it and it helps so much to have so many good vibes coming from all directions :)

Your questions - let's see:
1. I picked up a copy of the police report today and he got it SPOT on. I sent that along with the receipt for the bike and computer today.

2. how did I escape injury? LUCK! I remember grabbing the rear brake as hard as I could - I don't remember if I hit the front at all but I'm sure the rear skidded around in front of me as it locked out and hit the car first - that explains the impact to the rear triangle. Then my shins hit the car and or bike. I have no road rash and no bruises that would indicate I hit the ground. It's very odd - I wish I could remember but it all happened so fast. I have a nasty bruise behind my left leg (I'm guessing from the seat or top tube) and my right knee has a big bruise and a few cuts on my right shin and my right elbow is bruised - not sure if you can picture that impact. I never hit my head or my neck. My clothing isn't ripped and my shoes are ok. WEIRD!

3. I think my next madone will be a different color - I start to tear up when I look at the pieces in the back of my car (it folds up very small now LOL)

4. I've already spoken to the shop (several times). At the first sign of low balling I'm calling an attorney - I'm not in the mood to mess around :)

[OakLeaf]

I remember grabbing the rear brake as hard as I could - I don't remember if I hit the front at all but I'm sure the rear skidded around in front of me as it locked out and hit the car first

Some panic braking practice is in order, whenever you get your new frame and feel good enough to try it.

Remember that 70-75% of your braking power comes from your front brake.

[redrhodie]

You must have been so mad! I would have had to be restrained!

I'm sure you're devastated, but you really are lucky.

[indigoiis]

That really sucks, but I am glad you are okay.
Yesterday on my commute, a delivery truck did the same thing - oncoming lane, left turn into a driveway in front of me. I was just riding in front of the driveway when I noticed he wasn't stopping or slowing down! My first instinct was to brake but I stood up and started to sprint all while yelling HAY HEY HAEYYYYYYYYYY!!!! He just missed clipping my rear tire. It was so scary I shook for the next five miles.

It taught me that now I have to look at ONCOMING traffic, too. Because obviously he wasn't looking.

I'm glad you're okay - and that you're getting a new bike!

[MtnBikerChk]

Some panic braking practice is in order, whenever you get your new frame and feel good enough to try it.

Remember that 70-75% of your braking power comes from your front brake.

I wanna say that I just couldn't get my left hand to the brake fast enough - but I don't really remember. Either way, I was headed for impact!

[spazzdog]

It's good that you came through relatively unscathed... sorry about the Madone though.

Do you get to keep the pieces? It might make an interesting piece of art...

Looking forward to pics of the soon to be new bike!

Take care! spazz

[Andrea]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/mtbbaboon/madone/IMG_4567.jpg

Hey, I think your low limit screw is a little off...



(kidding... glad to hear you're ok)

[arielmoon]

OMG! I am so glad you are ok. :) Sorry about the beautiful Madone! :(

[papaver]

bummer.

[lunacycles]

Carbon fiber. It absorbed the impact by breaking spectacularly. Goooooood bike! Extra love in that bike's direction!

Are you seriously suggesting that the frame breaking into 4 pieces is a sales point for carbon fiber? And are you suggesting that if it hadn't she would have been hurt? :confused:

It is a huge bummer, but good to hear there is insurance to cover it.

[Tri Girl]

HOLY SMOKES:eek::eek::eek:
I'm so glad you're ok, but it pains me to see your bike so torn up. Better the bike than you. I'm just soooooo sorry. :(

[smilingcat]

4. I've already spoken to the shop (several times). At the first sign of low balling I'm calling an attorney - I'm not in the mood to mess around :)

I think that is a wonderful approach. Be nice but firm at first; but, if they start the non-sense immediatly have a lawyer intervene. you may want to drop some suttle hints that you can play hardball. Afterall, it was a brand new purchase that you were looking forward to and enjoying. Only to have it ruined is more than enough for anyone to have a BAADDDD MONTH or more. Emotionally I would be so angry if that happened to me.

Even though you claim no injury, you should be careful. Sometimes injuries from wrecks don't show up for few days.

And like everyone else said, Really happy for you that you came out without too much injury.

smilingcat

[runningteach]

I'm so sorry but thank goodness you are OK. What a beautiful Madone. I hope the insurance company doesn't give you any problem.

[lunacycles]

Knotted Yet said

Carbon fiber. It absorbed the impact by breaking spectacularly. Goooooood bike! Extra love in that bike's direction!

ETA: be sure to replace your helmet, too. Another designed-to-be-disposable item which sacrifices itself on impact.

Then I replied

Are you seriously suggesting that the frame breaking into 4 pieces is a sales point for carbon fiber? And are you suggesting that if it hadn't she would have been hurt?

My dim hump day brain thought you were implying the catastrophic failure as an actual virtue of carbon. A closer read realizes I may have that wrong (plus the wise words of another forum member via pm).

Anyway, apologies for not getting the sarcasm:rolleyes:

I do think carbon has its place in the bike world. But it must be taken care of very carefully and specifically (like torquing bolts correctly), and owners or potential buyers should be aware that if they fail, they do fail catastrophically, injury is more likely with catastrophic failures, and no warranty will cover--and very, very few crafts people can repair--carbon once it is damaged.

OK rant over

[kenyonchris]

Knotted Yet said


Then I replied


My dim hump day brain thought you were implying the catastrophic failure as an actual virtue of carbon. A closer read realizes I may have that wrong (plus the wise words of another forum member via pm).

Anyway, apologies for not getting the sarcasm:rolleyes:

I do think carbon has its place in the bike world. But it must be taken care of very carefully and specifically (like torquing bolts correctly), and owners or potential buyers should be aware that if they fail, they do fail catastrophically, injury is more likely with catastrophic failures, and no warranty will cover--and very, very few crafts people can repair--carbon once it is damaged.

OK rant over

My fork, for one, confirms that.

[spazzdog]

As pretty (and light-weight) as carbon is, I've pretty much decided that as long as I have to pay for the bike, the only carbon that will be on my bike is the seatpost and front fork.

I is a klutz... I would probably have a catastrophic failure getting an all carbon bike onto the bike rack.

spazz

[MtnBikerChk]

As pretty (and light-weight) as carbon is, I've pretty much decided that as long as I have to pay for the bike, the only carbon that will be on my bike is the seatpost and front fork.

I is a klutz... I would probably have a catastrophic failure getting an all carbon bike onto the bike rack.

spazz

I will never buy a carbon mountain bike - that's for sure!! I'm not even happy about the carbon seat stays on my titus but what can ya do? ;)

[MartianDestiny]

... and owners or potential buyers should be aware that if they fail, they do fail catastrophically, injury is more likely with catastrophic failures, and no warranty will cover--and very, very few crafts people can repair--carbon once it is damaged.

OK rant over


I just don't ever understand how in the world these arguments come up in threads like this.

The bike was HIT BY A CAR! I'm sorry, but steel, aluminum, and titanium don't have good car vs. bike track records either. And honestly, while people tout that "you can fix steel", "fixing" it after a catastrophic car vs. bike incident is going to cost nearly as much as a new frame if not more assuming a builder will even touch it. And I've heard people that did it anyway for a "favorite" bike say that it never rode anywhere near the same again so what's the point (and yes, the original builder fixed it)?

I wouldn't trust steel that showed signs of damage after a car vs. bike incident any more than I'd trust carbon, and I doubt I'd truly trust it after it was "fixed" either ("was another weld stressed?" "did we miss a micro-fracture?" etc.), so that puts me in the same boat no matter the material in this instance.

We can argue carbon vs. steel vs. aluminum vs. titanium till the cows come home and they ALL have their strengths and weaknesses. Really though, it doesn't matter the material, if you're hit by a car your bike is toast in almost all cases. It's ridiculous to use car vs. bike carnage as evidence against carbon. (and to be perfectly honest, when a professional does so it discredits them, in my eyes at least)

OP: I'm glad you are ok and that you should be getting another brand new Madone. Horrible tragedy to loose a bike on the maiden voyage though. Maybe you should (carefully) break a champagne bottle over the next for good (better) luck!

[lunacycles]

I just don't ever understand how in the world these arguments come up in threads like this.

The bike was HIT BY A CAR! I'm sorry, but steel, aluminum, and titanium don't have good car vs. bike track records either. And honestly, while people tout that "you can fix steel", "fixing" it after a catastrophic car vs. bike incident is going to cost nearly as much as a new frame if not more assuming a builder will even touch it. And I've heard people that did it anyway for a "favorite" bike say that it never rode anywhere near the same again so what's the point (and yes, the original builder fixed it)?

I wouldn't trust steel that showed signs of damage after a car vs. bike incident any more than I'd trust carbon, and I doubt I'd truly trust it after it was "fixed" either ("was another weld stressed?" "did we miss a micro-fracture?" etc.), so that puts me in the same boat no matter the material in this instance.

We can argue carbon vs. steel vs. aluminum vs. titanium till the cows come home and they ALL have their strengths and weaknesses. Really though, it doesn't matter the material, if you're hit by a car your bike is toast in almost all cases. It's ridiculous to use car vs. bike carnage as evidence against carbon. (and to be perfectly honest, when a professional does so it discredits them, in my eyes at least)

Hey I never dissed carbon: I just said it can (and tends) to fail catastrophically. It needs to be treated with great care. Other materials can handle less delicate maintenance. Whatever happens to carbon fiber, be it car or DH overtightening the stem bolts, or whatever--when it fails, it fails completely. No warning. In the Tour De France, and many places elsewhere, you can find images (not on Versus) of professional riders on their professionally maintained full carbon rides, trying to avoid the inevitable when they are holding their handlebars/stems in the air completely disengaged from a failed carbon steerer tube.
Steel doesn't do this, and yes, steel has its shortcomings in other ways. As does aluminum. You are absolutely correct: every material has its strengths and its shortcomings. I fully owned carbon fiber has its place in the cycling world. I wasn't telling the OP or anyone not to buy another carbon bike. I was talking about how it fails and the difficulty in dealing with it once it does. And, I still maintain that a bike coming apart in 4 places as it did in this instance, regardless of what impact it incurred (she slammed into the car, the car did not hit her bike) on a several thousand dollar bike, is unacceptable. But yeah, duh, I am biased.

[KnottedYet]

Are you seriously suggesting that the frame breaking into 4 pieces is a sales point for carbon fiber? And are you suggesting that if it hadn't she would have been hurt? :confused:

It is a huge bummer, but good to hear there is insurance to cover it.

Nope. I'm saying that the breakage absorbs energy. She loved that bike, and I was putting the positive spin on the fact that the bike absorbed a lot of energy that her body didn't have to. Losing the bike is heartbreaking, but thinking of it as a positive self-sacrifice on the part of the bike (I anthropomorphise bikes) lessens the heartbreak.

From the physics standpoint, yes, the breakage was a plus for her body which hit after the frame already collapsed. (absorbed energy)

FWIW, all my bikes are steel. But I honor any bike that gives its life no matter what it's made of. So, I honor her bike. I wasn't being sarcastic.

Edit to Add: steel would bend, aluminum would crack, carbon fiber would break. In an accident like this, I see a frame as something meant to be replaced just like a helmet. Each material fails in its own way, but each has absorbed energy the body didn't have to. I work every day analyzing the effects of forces on the human body. The less trauma the body experiences the better, in my book. Bend, crack, or break; if I'm not having to teach an athlete how to use a wheelchair at the end of the day, it's all the same to me.

[Mr. SR500]

Glad you are ok! I would simply turn in the full price you paid, assuming the shop can get the same bike etc... If it cost more let insurance pay. I'm not going to debate pain and suffering, etc... but the bike should be right!

[Mr. SR500]

Hey I never dissed carbon: I just said it can (and tends) to fail catastrophically. It needs to be treated with great care. Other materials can handle less delicate maintenance. Whatever happens to carbon fiber, be it car or DH overtightening the stem bolts, or whatever--when it fails, it fails completely. No warning. In the Tour De France, and many places elsewhere, you can find images (not on Versus) of professional riders on their professionally maintained full carbon rides, trying to avoid the inevitable when they are holding their handlebars/stems in the air completely disengaged from a failed carbon steerer tube.
Steel doesn't do this, and yes, steel has its shortcomings in other ways. As does aluminum. You are absolutely correct: every material has its strengths and its shortcomings. I fully owned carbon fiber has its place in the cycling world. I wasn't telling the OP or anyone not to buy another carbon bike. I was talking about how it fails and the difficulty in dealing with it once it does. And, I still maintain that a bike coming apart in 4 places as it did in this instance, regardless of what impact it incurred (she slammed into the car, the car did not hit her bike) on a several thousand dollar bike, is unacceptable. But yeah, duh, I am biased.

To many variables to make any conclusions about how, where, and why it broke like it did.

[Mr. Bloom]

I think that is a wonderful approach. Be nice but firm at first; but, if they start the non-sense immediatly have a lawyer intervene. you may want to drop some suttle hints that you can play hardball. Afterall, it was a brand new purchase that you were looking forward to and enjoying. Only to have it ruined is more than enough for anyone to have a BAADDDD MONTH or more. Emotionally I would be so angry if that happened to me.

Even though you claim no injury, you should be careful. Sometimes injuries from wrecks don't show up for few days.

And like everyone else said, Really happy for you that you came out without too much injury.

smilingcat

+1 If the insurance company has enough knowledge to just replace the frame and selected components, I'd personally say "no deal". This was not a "used" bike...you deserve a new replacement. While you're being nice but firm, don't assume that the insurance company means to do what they say. Choose your words carefully coax them to the right conclusion. For instance, I think it's better to say something like "please don't make me feel like I need to get an attorney to protect my interests" rather than "do this or else I'm getting an attorney".

Remember that if you get an attorney involved, it's unlikely that you'll recoup that cost. The other driver was cited, so you should be OK.

[Selkie]

Glad to hear that you are OK. Whew, that must have scared the bejezus out of you.

Sorry about your bike, though.

[MtnBikerChk]

well I faxed the insurance company the receipt....I'll let you all know what happens ;)

my prediction: No arguement, here's your check.

know why I predict that? because I'm already getting completely worked up in my mind. Usually, when I do that, there's no confrontation LOL

[kermit]

Glad the bike took the hit and not you. Just how badly did you want to ring that girls neck? That stupid #*!@#!

[Mr. SR500]

well I faxed the insurance company the receipt....I'll let you all know what happens ;)

my prediction: No arguement, here's your check.

know why I predict that? because I'm already getting completely worked up in my mind. Usually, when I do that, there's no confrontation LOL

I bet you are correct!

[Susan126]

First I'm happy to hear that you are okay but sad to see your bike got busted up on it's maiden ride. But like the cop said her insurance should buy you a new one! I wouldn't accept anything less then the full replacement cost for a brand new Madone from the insurance company!

[firenze11]

Wowee zowee. Those pics are incredible and terrifying all in one. I'm so glad you're ok. I think you and the police officer are right, you should be getting a new new Madone thanks to her insurance.

Hopefully that bike took on all the bad juju for a long long time and you have nothing but awesome rides on your new one.

[sundial]

I cannot believe that happened to you!! That's got to be a cyclist's worst nightmare--get a new bike and have some ding bat pull out and destroy it or the rider. :eek: :mad: :(

[laura*]

Oh my!


I sent that along with the receipt for the bike and computer today.

Make sure you find out the replacement cost. In other words, the cost of a new Madone today. The price may have gone up.

[WrensMom]

holy crapoly! I am glad you are ok!

[tzvia]

Holy :eek::eek::eek:
I'm glad I'm not reading that YOU broke in 4 places!

If you haven't gone to your doctor, I would suggest you do just to be sure you are ok. Replace your helmet too and thank whatever fate or higher power got you out of it on both feet!

I know how you feel, I crashed my Ruby and it went to bike heaven, but at least I had it for 6 months.

[Miranda]

Man, the whole thing just makes me sick.

I'm so glad you are ok as all have said.

I'm taking my new carbon girl out on her first organized event soon. My regular ride partner can't go. Probably her DH will go with me. On his new carbon ride. Rain forecasted. Gheez, I feel like we should have a forcefield around us. Peep are crazy driving.

I hope things with the insurance company go smoothly. That would be my concern as well.

Good Luck!:cool: