Bicycle Mechanics - RR Tracks are not my friends

Yesterday it was raining but I went on my group ride anyway. It was going well until the RR tracks. The girl in front of me went down and my bike slipped on the tracks trying to avoid her. While I only sustained giant bruises my new bike (a week old) has a minor problem. The brifter is bent in. I can still shift and brake but I would like to return the brifter to its original position. Does anyone know how to bend it back? Should I just go to my LBS and have them move it to its original position or replace it?

You sure it's not just twisted on the bar? Those things don't really bend very much.

Yes I think twisted on the bar might describe it better. BUt it doesn't seem to want to twist back. Is there a trick or do I just need to pull/push harder.

Probably you just need to push a little harder. In a pinch you slide a 5mm allen wrench under the outside of the hood, there's a little groove in the metal part of the lever to guide you.

Brifters should only be tight enough to keep them from moving during normal use. That way if you fall, they just pivot out of the way insted of breaking. Lucky for you, that's what it sounds like your's did.

Thank you DiabloScott and Retro Grouch,

I was just not pushing hard enough. I was a little afraid of doing more damage. Everything looks back to normal except a few stratches. Next time I go perpendicular over the tracks even if it means running over the down rider:)