first off, brusied ego, knackered helmet.

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scouserinlondon

Senior Member
After three thousand miles of smugness I finally kissed the tarmac last night. Stupidly it was a low speed crash, which was entirely my own fault. I was slowing down to leave the road via a pavement ramp, as the bike went through a puddle the front wheel just went from under me and dinked the curb.

I went over the handlebars and landed on my left side, the bike went over me. My main question is that my helmet had a big chunk come out of it and a scuff. Should I replace it.

The bike's been patched up (buckled rear wheel, , and I've got lots of grazes and a massive swelling in my leg which I'm assuming will bruise soon.

What's the protocol for recovery, should I just get back on my bike and MTFU, or give it a week until things regain their proper shape. TBh I want to get back on ASAP so I don't loose my bottle.

Also, how does one replace bar tape?

Thanks all
 

Origamist

Legendary Member
This didn't happen on Clapham Road (heading towards Stockwell) last night did it?

Hope you heal up soon.
 

Mark_Robson

Senior Member
1, Replace the helmet as its integrity has been compromised,
2, Get back on the bike as soon as you feel physically able. Your body will tell you what you can or can't do.
3, There's lots of videos on Youtube that show you how to wrap bars.

Good luck with the recovery and lets hope it's another three thousand miles before you have your next off.
 

gaz

Cycle Camera TV
Location
South Croydon
Eeeek, sounds nasty, when the front wheel goes like that it isn't easy to recover. I hope you feel better soon.
I share the same views as Mark on all 3 points.
 
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scouserinlondon

Senior Member
Eeeek, sounds nasty, when the front wheel goes like that it isn't easy to recover. I hope you feel better soon.
I share the same views as Mark on all 3 points.

Thanks, Gaz. It was such slow speed that I should have been able to recover it, but the front wheel hit the curb and that was it. I feel silly, but hopefully I'll learn from it. Despite it being a slow speed thing I didn't feel able to do anything to stop it.
 
Replace the helmet. They are designed as single use devices and once they've had a knock, should be replaced.

Sounds like you were approaching the drop kerb at an angle which can be tricky with the front wheel sliding along it rather than going up or the back wheel doing the same when it tries to follow, especially in the wet. I always try and go up a kerb at more of a right angle to avoid it - learnt my lesson on a motorbike in my youth ending up damaged and sprawled over a layby with a small step between it and the road.

I would let it heal a bit first - you will probably be quite stiff for a few days - and listen to your body as to when to get on the bike again. Best idea is to go back early to where you came off and re-enact it without the fall a few times to show your subconscious it was a one off

Heal well
 

Origamist

Legendary Member
Yep, that was me.

I came past as you were dusting yourself down - I would have stopped, but I was in the other lane and you looked OK (that's my poor excuse for cycling off - I had a curry booked at 6pm and nothing comes betweem me and a naan bread).
 

Angelfishsolo

A Velocipedian
What everyone else says.

Heal quickly.
Replace helmet.
Get back on bike ASAP.
 
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scouserinlondon

Senior Member
I came past as you were dusting yourself down - I would have stopped, but I was in the other lane and you looked OK (that's my poor excuse for cycling off - I had a curry booked for 6pm and nothing comes betweem me and a naan bread).

Ah. Lots of people from the job centre asked if I was okay and stuff, and I was so high on adrenaline I hobbled off pretty quickly, it was only when I started to calm down a bit I took stock properly.

I salute your dedication to curry sir! I share your passion.
 
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