First crash, and question

[WolfGirl]

Ever since I got this bike two years ago, I've been afraid of crashing; it's SO much lighter than any other bike I've ever had. (And I'd done almost no biking as an adult.) I was terrified it was just going to slip out from under me. I finally got a lot more comfortable on it, but I know it really doesn't like any loose sand/gravel or other impediments.

...Like train tracks. Which I was less than my Anally Careful self hitting today, so my front wheel caught in them and I slammed down, hard. Torqued my back good (the "hilarious" bit was that I only turned to CROSS the tracks because I decided on my way back from yoga to see my back-care practitioner ), bruises up and down right leg, heel of palms swollen and sore. Managed to bike the 3 or so miles to the practitioner, where she told me not to ride home and I got a ride instead.

My question is, do I need to get the bike checked out? A nice cyclist helped pick the bike up after I went down, and gave it a very brief once-over, but I'm wondering if it's standard practice to take it to the shop to make sure everything is in working order?

(I'm pretty glad that I'M in as good working order as I am, really.)

[Bike Chick]

Oh, I'm so sorry for your crash. Train tracks are tricky to say the least. It wouldn't hurt to get the bike checked out even if it seems okay. You never know and a good bike wrench will see things you aren't looking for.

I hope you heal okay and I have a feeling you are going to be sore tomorrow.

[Blue_Fedora]

Oh! Sorry to hear about that but glad you're not doing too poorly, all things considered.

I took my first good tumble about 3-4 weeks back and definitely took the bike in for a check over. Better safe than sorry and there's stuff a pro will notice that I surely would not until I was out on a ride and that's not the time to find those things out!

[WolfGirl]

Thanks ladies...I'll swing it by the shop tomorrow.

Bike Chick: I didn't have to wait until tomorrow to be sore. I handle pain really well normally, but this stinks. It's not the bruises (although there are many!)...it's twisting my back on impact. Damn. Here's hoping the ibuprofen and arnica kick in soon.

[blackhillsbiker]

I've had really good results with arnica (just wish I didn't have to test it so often!). Definitely get the bike checked out, and if you hit your head at all, get a new helmet. Sending healing thoughts your way!

Deb

[Lesley_x]

If it would make you feel more comfortable take it in to get checked out - can't do any harm can it?

Hope you heal well and feel better soon!

[lph]

It certainly won't hurt to get it checked over, but chances are the bike is fine. If the wheels are spinning smoothly and straight, the brakes aren't rubbing, and you can use all the gears smoothly without any strange sounds, then all the most exposed parts are most likely sound and not knocked out of alignment. Usually you can feel vibrations or hear it if something is off.

You could have cracks in the frame, which is serious, but that takes a pretty hard crash and usually involves fairly high speed and you landing on top of the bike.

Hope you heal up well! Can't buy spare parts for that

[OakLeaf]

Ouch! Heal up quick.

[loopybunny]

Oof! Sorry to hear that!

Definitely get your bike checked out, especially if it's carbon. There might be a slight crack somewhere that you don't see.

[WolfGirl]

Thanks for the well wishes, guys. I'm feeling stiff and sore but a lot better today than I expected. (Meaning: my back isn't totally locked up! yay!)

Taking the bike in later today for the once-over. I hope nothing's wrong with it, because they won't be able to get to it until Tuesday if there is! Everyone in town must be crashing.