Getting back on the bike...

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Feeling quite positive now..

Following my collision I've done 3 days this week to work and back. It's not far and I can still feel a twinge afterwards so I won't be taking any long routes for a while.

It's a real slog though...on a lower-end MTB but with off-road intended upgrades such as wide chunky tyres that buzz along deafeningly and Gusset cable operated discs that are a pig to set up and keep rubbing with a noticeable effect - although I think that's more the fault of the forks which may need filing down on the disc mounts a little

Lost my rear light too - it flew off the rear MTX rack mount bom,bing down a steep dual carriageway - I heard it go but with an artic on my tail it would have been (a) dangerous and (b) pointless to try to stop to retrieve it. I've had it with Smart lights now...if it's not replacing them for flying off a bracket it's replacing them for water-ingress-damaged switches.

The good news is that RJ&W (CTC solicitors) have written to acknowledge my request for a replacement bike rather than repair, and requested an interim payment whilst the PI claim (which they insist on doing and I have to more or less go along with to get the bike replaced) for the cost of a replacement bike of the same spec.

Hopefully that will go through without too many problems and I can start to get back on a bike intended for road, that rolls easier...

Although I'm tempted to buy slicks and a different cassette for the MTB to gear it up more for commuting for the time being (or alternatively the bTwin Triban 3 looks a good possibility though I would prefer rack mounts) as I have a property going up for auction...so may decide to put any bike replacement payment aside for the time being and then put it towards a real upgrade in a few months (assuming the property sells)

Unless of course they want to pay direct to the bike shop which I know at least in theft insurance cases is common, in which case it will be a like-for-like if they agree to replacement - with the bonus that the Country Explorer is now a steel frame

 

[Bornagaincyclist]

I'd get some Marathon's to tide you over 'til you get your new bike. I haven't had a puncture in the four months I have had mine and I use the bike every day. Bike also rolls a hell of a lot faster.


Good luck

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Hoping the interim won't be too long...insurance was quite quick to admit 100% liability

The PI claim might take longer but that's the insurance companies moving money around as they do..it has little to do with me, I wasn't intent on pursuing for PI, it just seemed I needed to in order to get my bike replaced as an "additional settlement"

 

[fossyant]

Interim should be quick - I was paid for bike damage in 6 weeks. The PI side - it's something solicitors do - makes the claim worthwhile sometimes (for them) - I know you weren't too injured, but you should get a couple of extra bob that may get you an upgrade.

You also have a case for cost of parts to convert an existing bike to a commuter - but clear that with the solicitor. You are entitled to claim for mileage or public transport, so why not tyres - works out more economic.