Hit by car, how's my frame?

Triathlon Forum
1

Had a run-in with a car today, hit me in the rear wheel (not on the frame directly) and knocked me down at ~ 13 mph. I’ll head to the LBS in the next day or two for a written damage estimate.

Question is, rear wheel (HED Belgium PT) took a big enough hit to knock it substantially out of true, bad enough that the rim is likely a total loss. I don’t see any visible cracks in the frame (Cervelo R3), only a small chip on the seatstay where the wheel was knocked enough while moving to hit the seatstay. Had the car hit me in a little different spot it’d be a different story. In any case, I’m not sure how much I should be worried about my frame as far as safety’s sake goes. This is my road race bike. Opinions?

2

I’d wait to get a professional opinion. Last thing you want is a small crack that snaps when your riding. I believe Cervelo has a crash replacement policy and may even be covered under the warantee since if was not a contact with the frame itself.

3

I remember one local bike store getting a broken rear stay on an R3 - and they just cut of the whole stay, and kept riding it. didn’t make that much difference for cafe riding - for racing and hard training I would replace.

4

What?

5

And called it a Illicito :0)
http://www.google.com/…;biw=768&bih=946
Edit for disclaimer:
I in know way endorse you doing this.
“don’t do it!”

6

And called it a Illicito :0)
http://www.google.com/…;biw=768&bih=946
Edit for disclaimer:
I in no way endorse you doing this.
“don’t do it!”

Basically - Yes.
that was what they ended up with - it is stiff enough and strong enough to manage it.
Would I trust it in a race - HELL NO

7

Girlfriend had this happen, funny thing is it was the same accident (hit by car on back end of bike) and same frame (R3). At first glance frame and bike looked fine however once I got the bike on a repair stand and flipped it over saw there was a large crack on the bottom of the chain stay. Thats pretty much it for the frame. Good news is she was not seriously hurt and drivers insurance paid for another brand new frame. I’d say if you have no cracks in the carbon you’re good but just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean the frame has sustained some damage. Also check rear derailleur and hanger for alignment.

On a side note when I worked at bike shop we got a warranty tarmac frame with a broken seat stay. Big crack in it. Sanded down the paint, filled the crack with resin and wrapped it with fiber glass. Used it for years as an around town beater, repair worked great but would never even think of riding hard let alone racing on it.