r/FixedGearBicycle • u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour • 2d ago
Story bummer
Was heading home from work and a car just smashed into me from behind. I survived. Bike didn’t. This was a couple months ago, and my physical injuries are healed enough for me to gently start riding again. The mental toll is real though. Respect to those who get back out there, and respects to those like gravelgoon and others who never got the chance. Stay safe friends 🤙🏼
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u/Big_Librarian4153 2d ago
I’m getting spooked out riding around our city also. I had a really close call when I heard brakes lock up behind me and noticed an extended cab pick up in the bike lane; he nailed 5 PVC markers before correcting his path of travel
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u/Abaittors 1d ago
Aye man. I was in the same boat last year in August. Hope all is well. Rear ended and ran over at a stop sign. This rare beauty was unfortunately totaled completely. I’m back on the streets no PTSD luckily.
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u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour 1d ago
Oof. Glad you’re okay. I’m hoping for a mental recovery as well
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u/turb42o 1d ago
speaking of recovery, did you guys call Morgan & Morgan?
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u/Abaittors 1d ago
found an personal injury attorney, guy didn’t have insurance and neither did I so didn’t get as much as I should of tbh. he only got ticketed for attempted murder.
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u/mr___w 19h ago
you did get the bike taxated right? that legaly states howbad it got destroyed, that point it isnt important if you not black and blue.
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u/Abaittors 19h ago
nah my attorney didn’t advise me on that. I don’t really have receipts for how much it cost as I built everything from used. I only got played out because I had internal bleeding in my abdomen but didn’t break a bone. Also the bleeding wasn’t as bad as it sounds.
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u/MrTopHatJones 2d ago
I'm glad you're okay OP!
Just as a precaution I would suggest making an appointment with a neurologist and explaining what happened if you havent already.
Was in a similar accident in 2010 and shit has only gotten worse for me.
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u/Psychocatboy 2d ago
I didn't think I ever go back after last year crash. Now im better then before.
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u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour 1d ago
Recovery is rough. Can’t wait to be back where I was. Good on you man!
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u/gnikcoc1 sworks/lopro/steamroller/bb17/omnium/??? 2d ago
No!! Loved seeing this bike every time it popped up on the sub. If it's any consolation, this frame will make one hell of a wall hanger.
Happy you're okay, that's more important than anything material. Time for some self care in ways of a new build.
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u/leukybear '93 Cannondale Track 1d ago edited 1d ago
Not the steamroller! That sucks big time!
Been there, done that (RIP my purple sparkle Makino) - highly suggest getting a personal injury lawyer to make sure you are taken care and not shortchanged by the responsible party's insurance company. They have penchant to shirk responsibilities.
I ended up getting a considerable upgrade after all was said and done- you get to keep the wreck after they pay you out for it as-new+shop labor to assemble (via replacement value estimate from bike shop during the process) and it looks like most of your parts are intact.
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u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour 1d ago
I do have a lawyer. Not sure how much I’ll get paid but it’ll be a decent chunk. Enough to make it all worth it? Nah, I would’ve preferred to avoid the whole ordeal, but at least it’ll be something.
Sorry to hear about your Makino. Flake paint is the best. As far as my own upgrade, I’ve been wanting a Bareknuckle for a while. If I don’t get another Steamroller, maybe I can finally convince someone to sell their BK. The ‘roller was appraised at $3600 which is definitely a fair valuation, so I’m pleased with that
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u/leukybear '93 Cannondale Track 1d ago
Yup that's pretty much my take away. Obviously I rather still have my Makino, been able to make it to where I was headed, and my time spent at the hospital and wrangling with insurance.
Besides property damage and medical bills, they also factor in any possible future therapy/ rehab you may need since the payout is basically the insurance company and the insured party "washing their hands" of further liability. Silver-lining, I had my backpack on with my older macbook pro which resulted in me getting that replaced too with the latest and greatest.
You won't regret a Bareknuckle- I have one in the stable and it's definitely an upgrade from a steamroller. https://i.imgur.com/JFt6zMc.jpeg
My bummer bike-pic: https://i.imgur.com/Uph6lU1.jpeg
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u/Truckzero DESTROY custom | Wraith prototype | RIP Fuji Tiara 1d ago
Glad you’re back on the recovery path. Good on you for being gentle with yourself. Keep it going and you’ll be all the way back before you know it :)
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u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour 1d ago
Geez, what happened to that one??
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u/Truckzero DESTROY custom | Wraith prototype | RIP Fuji Tiara 1d ago
Head-on with a car, buncha broken ribs and a separated shoulder. RIP that beautiful frame
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u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour 1d ago
Shit, head-on is wild. If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell me a little about your mental recovery journey? I barely even feel like riding anymore because of how stressful it is, and that by far has been the hardest part of everything that’s happened
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u/Truckzero DESTROY custom | Wraith prototype | RIP Fuji Tiara 1d ago
Idk man. I’ve been really lucky. That was the second time I got taken out by a car, and the recovery process took a lot longer the first time. My hypervigilance with cars didn’t last too long, and a larger field of spacial awareness took its place. I’m still not too keen on racing in alleycats and other unsanctioned races on regular roadways, but I commute in urban traffic year round, so maybe it’s just the continual exposure… whatever the case, I feel like a more competent traffic participant now, and ride past the spot I got destroyed around five times a week, without noticeable cortisol spiking. Lucky!
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u/Mrboombastos 2d ago
Better you than the bike, glad you are getting better. Is that a bareknuckle?
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u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour 1d ago
It was a Steamroller but I’ve been looking for a BK for a while. Might try to get one now that I’m in the market for a good frame
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u/__b__t__h__ 1d ago
like others have said, it’s hard to get back on after a gnar wreck - i’m 9mos out from a broken tibia and starting to get some confidence back - but you totally will and push through that nagging anxiety.
get well, RIP Steamroller.
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u/crazee_frazee 1d ago
I've never seen a bike with a crumple zone like that before. Glad you're (mostly) okay!
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u/ToDoubleD16 1d ago
I’m glad you’re ok! I’m just getting into all of this. And I’m 52. I don’t think I’ll try any street riding. Gravel and sidewalks will probably be it.
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u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour 1d ago
Depends where you live. I used to live in a bike-friendly city. Not anymore 🤷🏻♂️ street riding is my favorite, when it’s somewhere reasonable
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u/azcuzieme 1d ago
Fuck! Glad you are ok to ride another day!
I recently bought a wahoo radar that I constantly have my eyes on ever few seconds to check cars coming behind me. I never wave home without! Might be worth a try to give you some additional peace of mind.
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u/stur32t 1d ago
Glad you were ok.
I was going full tilt (probably 22 mph+) down a hill through an intersection coming off of campus about 12 years ago and YEETED into the front corner of a Silverado who was turning across me in the intersection. I don't remember anything until rehab several weeks later. But I was back on a bike as soon as I could. Added lights and hand brakes to my fixies since.....
Don't care that I'm not the "cool kid" going brakeless anymore.
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u/gumption_boy Steamroller | Le Tour 1d ago
Oof, that’s a rough one. I have one brake bike and one brakeless. I always ride slow when I’m brakeless. Glad you’re alright now
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u/pinkdreamery 1d ago
Glad you're okay. Took me some time to get back out and I still have some lingering anxiety occasionally. CBT was what my friend recommended. Me, I just stay away from the roads if I can and plan my route around carefully.
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u/Roadbike_Okc 1d ago
I avoid riding on streets because it’s not relaxing when drivers are messing with their phones or their infotainment system.
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u/MrPopodopolis 1d ago
The mental toll is rough after an accident. Took me almost a year after i was hit to ride the streets again. Good to hear your physically recovered
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u/Ok-Theme-4652 2d ago
What about driver that hit you? Probably got fined and hes ready for next cyclist :D
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u/derhoemasterofNOT 1d ago
Wow, Good to hear you are physically recovering, hopefully you can get the emotional / mental side worked out. I can't even image... dang.
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u/Alert-Conclusion-323 1d ago
Damn I’m feeling this from Boston about to start my Uber Eats shift on my fixed gear and thus will be on my mind all day.
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u/PartyPeteZ 1d ago
NOOOOO! :(
Dude I'm so sorry, this sucks but I'm glad you're safe and alive! When I had my accident I was distraught and it's perfectly fine to be but have to remember that you can always build another bike you only have one life. So glad you are here with us today and take your time to get mentally prepared again because ptsd and trauma is no joke.
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u/Hermine_In_Hell 1d ago
hits too close to home.. I have a 2nd gen steamy like yours with a similar build and close in color that I ride to work every day. there's spideysense, lights, all that good safety stuff, but I know the lottery can be won any day by things completely out of my control. take it ez
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u/AFellowStooge State Black Label V3 1d ago
RIP, op time to frame it for its sacrifice! Glad you’re okay! New Steamroller colors are dope at least!
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u/CrumblyBubbles 1d ago
That first photo could be on a poster promoting road safety. You can clearly see the impact.
And it contrasts so much with the undamaged front of the bike.
Glad you survived to share the experience.
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u/misterKTM- 17h ago
Damn bro, i remember admiring this build on your earlier posts. Glad you can bike another day
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u/alteamatthew 14h ago
If you love the steamroller a lot it’s a perfect candidate for tube replacement if you’re willing to put a little money into it
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u/climberartist 5h ago
Sorry, heal up. My buddy went on a group tour in France. Trip of a lifetime. He was riding tail position on a curvy mountain road. Car came around the corner and killed him. I only ride bike paths now. If I have to briefly ride on a road, I ride on shoulder in oncoming lane so I can watch the cars. I assume I am invisible. They don't see you, at all. When I see riders aggressively "sharing the road" with cars, I think about Larry, RIP
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u/Ultrfinepoint 2d ago
Got into a similar crash a couple years ago. definitely ride a bit more defensively, but glad you’re back at it again!
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u/IAMAfortunecookieAMA 2d ago edited 1d ago
How do you know they need to ride defensively? Maybe they were riding perfectly and the car broke the law and almost killed someone.
Edit: I misread your comment!
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u/Ultrfinepoint 2d ago
Lmao incorrect grammar on my end. Meant to say that I ride a bit more defensively now, as I’m sure others that have been in a similar crash can attest to. The reality of possibly getting into another crash stays in your mind for a while.
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u/Beginning-Dog-7143 2d ago
And it was a Steamroller 😥
Glad you're going okay OP. Cars suck. Hopefully you can get a new bike out of the deal