got rear-ended, bike smashed

[amandaesq04]

So, after completing a ride in memory of Rich Rau this morning, 2 of my friends and I drove home in another friend's suburban. Sitting at a stop light, all 3 bikes on the back of the truck, we get rear-ended. $8k worth of bikes down the drain. Now I have to find a new bike and quick - I have to train for the MS 150 in June. Trek and Canondale are out of stock of the bikes that I would choose. Right now my choice seems to be the Trek Madone 5.2 or possibly a Specialized Ruby expert (assuming my size is in stock). Any suggestions?

[Duck on Wheels]

First of all, how're all the people?
Second, how's the other driver's insurance?
Third, assuming the answer to the first two is "fine" and "fine" ... I'd say find the best and biggest bike shop around and try bikes to your heat's content until you find one that fits like a dream. If the components aren't what you had before, then get 'em added on. The other driver owes you anyway.

[amandaesq04]

Everyone is fine - the suburban, the bike rack, and the bikes cushioned the blow. The problem with trying bikes is that none of the local shops have any in a 54. However, they are willing to deal with me. I can get the Madone for 2500 and the specialized for a bit less, but I am wondering is the $ is worth it. I guess since I can't ride tomorrow as planned I can go towards DC and check the shops there for test rides.

As for the other guy's insurance, the police told us to have the owner of the 'burban contact his insurance about the damages. I am assuming that his insurance will go after the other guy's insurance to pay us back. I just wonder how the insurance will value our loss. The local shop is writing up a damage report and estimate for us (not that we could EVER ride those bikes again now that the structural integrity has been compromised.)

[Duck on Wheels]

If I were you, I would at least try to argue that the compensation has to cover a bike of equal value, not the value of the used bike immediately prior to the accident, or the cost of a repair. If the insurance company then wants the damaged bike to repair and sell to offset their costs, then more power to 'em. But you shouldn't settle for a repair or for a bike of lesser use value (i.e. lower scale components, poorer fit) just because they want to do as they do with wrecked cars and pay only the used car value. With a used car you might have some hope of finding the same make and model car with the same mileage and condition. With a bike, I really don't see that as likely.

Meanwhile -- GLAD TO HEAR ALL THE HUMANS ARE OK! The rest is "just" metal. Admittedly with some emotional investment, but nevertheless replaceable.

[Bike Goddess]

One of my cycling friends has the Trek Madone and she really likes it. She's a good rider- training for the "Death Ride" in July and has liked the way the bike handles as well as the gearing.

I have a Scott CR10- but might be more expensive than the Trek esp if the LBS is willing to give you a deal.

Sorry to hear about the accident. A guy rear ended me last year, but just whacked the front wheel. Fortunately the frame wasn't compromised. I had finished the SF/LA AIDS ride the day before and was bringing my bike home. I felt like I had lost my best friend!! His insurance company paid for a set of new wheels as I said that they had to match. I got a good price on them from Performance Bikes so I am glad I did it. And, I got an upgrade on my wheels!

It took about a month to get the check from the company. They had an adjuster come out and photograph the damaged wheel. I'm sure that will be part of the procedure for you all as well. They have to photograph all of the damage. I hope someone took pics at the scene as you can use that for evidence as well.

I'd say you should be able to get a good quote for replacing your bikes especially since the frames have been hurt. Frames don't go to the "body shop" to get fixed. They get tossed (and hopefully recycled. The insurance company has to understand that point. Also, I would be surprised if they quoted you a settlement price for a used bike. Used bikes aren't like used cars! I ended up dealing with the other guy's insurance company directly which worked well for me.

Let us know the outcome.

[cindysue]

your renter/homeowner insurance (assuming you have it) might pick up any additional cost not covered by the other person's insurance.

Good luck!