bit of a hiccup

[ricky]

Hi all been riding a nice new SPec Allez 16 for the last month or so, with a mind to doing the odd triathlon and saving money on petrol costs for work. Until Thursday that was....
on my usual way into work on a short incline I dropped down a cog on the front chain ring, heard a clatter and it all went terribly wrong. I landed in a big heap, was nearly cleared up by a car and badly damaged a few body parts (nearly knocked out too as I was doing 20). After brushing myself off and having a sit down (before I fell down) I examined the bike and found that the rear derralier had lunched itself snapped off jammed in the wheel and bent the frame.
Clearly not my fault, so took it back to the lbs, who were absolutely mint (more concerned with the damage to me than the bike). The took photos emailed specialized and a complete bike was arrange on warranty. I picked it up yesterday and left it at a mates flat (can't ride it yet).

My problem or asking of advice is that i've damaged myself quite badly and am off to the docs to sort my shoulder out on monday. This coupled with the fact I'm dissabled and any big shunts to my upper limbs carries a big risk of permanently knackering me up. I believe that at the very least specialized or shimano owe me a big explanation or appology, especially seing as though I can't train due to the injuries (also do karate which is now off the menu). What do people think I should do?

 

[WickfordWheels]

First thing is to make sure you are all ok, you have a visit to the doc booked so should be sorted in that respect.

As for the broken derailer, I would send it to specialized first for their opinion and then shimano to see what they say.

I find it interesting to read another thread of poor quality components/setup on what is supposed to be a good quality bike.

It sounds to me like the chain slipped off the front cog when you changed down and then jammed in the rear derailer causing it to snap. Being a new bike maybe the front derailer was not properly adjusted? Did the chain slip off the front cog?

 

[SilentSoulDragon]

I would get in touch with both so they are fully aware of what happened.

Good thing it being replaced without fuss but with the most important thing is making sure your OK.

 

[SilentSoulDragon]

It sounds to me like the chain slipped off the front cog when you changed down and then jammed in the rear derailleur causing it to snap.

was going to say the same thing then deleted it before posting as I was sure someone would mention it before my post appeared.

 

[Randochap]

This kind of incident is most often caused by an incorrectly adjusted rear derailleur shifting into the spokes. Very unusual to occur while shifting chainrings but above assumption sounds like the best explanation.

Either way it is incumbent on shop and rider to check gear adjustment regularly on new bikes.

Hope you heal quickly.

 

[ricky]

chain was all present and dandy on front ring. Using my engineering eye it looked to me like a serious flaw in the casting of the derallier arm. Either way it was a fairly major component fail on their part.
After my visit to the docs I'll contact specialized and see what tone of reply I get. If I'm met with a sh!tty answer or indifference I'll point out their legal obligations (even though the bike was replaced under warranty). I doubt I need to do that, but its one thing to crash in normal circumstances and completely different bucket of frogs to have been injured as a result of a substandard part.
I don't like taking this track but with the complications of having an upper limb dissability, any injury is fairly major.
Hopefully I can get back to training soon and be well on the way to my first paratriathlon next autumn.

 

[postman]

Are you in the CTC . You may get some help and advice from the legal dept.Good luck.

 

[fossyant]

I think you were lucky to get a new bike. TBH this does sound like a badly adjusted rear mech (limit screws) - it will get ripped off it it catches the spokes. The other option could be a bent cage, but you'll never know this now after the damage (cage bent in transport, or knocked in use ?).

Give it a go, but don't expect an answer you want......

 

[Downward]

I think you were lucky to get a new bike. TBH this does sound like a badly adjusted rear mech (limit screws) - it will get ripped off it it catches the spokes. The other option could be a bent cage, but you'll never know this now after the damage (cage bent in transport, or knocked in use ?).

Give it a go, but don't expect an answer you want......

And even if there was a quality issue in the casting it will probably not come to light to the general public.

 

[BrumJim]

Get some photos of the broken part, as:
a) I have some experience in failure investigations,
I have exactly the same bike.

 

[DannO]

Hi, please keep me posted on the outcome as I have the same bike, Allez 16 2010 model1 Cheers and recover well

 

[ricky]

hi just an update, I emailed them for their opinions and was very pleasantly surprised. In my mind it was a freakish one off but still a component fail.
long story short I've had my damaged equipment replaced and been given an upgrade through the models for my inconvenience.
I must say before the spill the bike handled brilliantly and was very fast, so I'm keen to see what the upgraded model will be like (once my shoulders healed).

In all ten out of ten to specialized and my lbs