nraney

Hi,
I recently wrecked my Jamis Sputnik, it was brand spankin new. I rode it home, so it isn't too bad, but it seems to be making extra clicking noises (it used to be nearly silent).

I was skidding to a stop, sideways, because someone stepped out in front of me. The bike was sideways, and I went off sideways when the back tire caught a pothole and the bottom of the bike stopped. It flipped once over completely. The seat got twisted around, one tire popped out of the rim a little (i immediately released the pressure and pressed it back in then found a pump at a garage), the grip tape got some scratches, and the left peddle has a dent in it (trauma to my bb??).

It has always made a slight occasional trickling clickity sound as the chain moves across the cogs, but now it kinda purrs constantly.

What is usual damage after a wreck? Could the bb be damaged? what are the symptoms?


thanks,
-nraney

well biked

Since you say it's brand spanking new, just take it into the shop where you got it and have them check it over. Probably nothing major at all-

randomgear

Sounds like the tire was severely under-inflated. Inflate the tire to the recommended tire pressure on the sidewall. Preferably, use a floor pump. Try not use a gas station air hose (they can inflate to much higher pressure than you tire needs) and don't trust the pressure readings you get from one. Buy a pressure gauge to check your tire pressure.

nraney

Thanks for your responses, I'm still a little worried. Probably cause it is my pride an joy, and I want it to be immaculate.

Hopefully I'm just being paranoid.

I think the tire kinda pulled loose because there was such intense tension on it when it struck the pothole. I inflate it properly with a bike pump. The local garages on campus have pike pumps also, which is what I did. I guess Ill take it tomorrow to the shop.

Should I tell them I wrecked it, or just act clueless?

bikinfool

Bike shops love JRA stories, go ahead and make one up, you might make their day. Seriously, why wouldn't you tell them what happened?

I'd check these for possible damage:
Wheels (might need truing)
Pedal spindle, crank arm, chainring (bb damage very unlikely but in checking these items should become apparent or not)
Seat post, seat rails
Handlebars


Not likely it needs a whole lot in any case, nor is there any "usual" damage from a crash...

Mr. Underbridge

The part on a bike that is damaged in nearly every crash is the derailer hanger. That's the little removable bit of aluminum that attaches to the frame and serves as a mount point for a derailer. Because the part of the derailer that sticks out the most from the bike is actually quite strong, the hanger always bends before the derailer (which is why the hanger is replacable). A bent hanger can cause all manner of drivetrain crunchiness, such as what you're experiencing.

The good news? A hanger is a $20 replacable part (plus labor, if you have a shop do it). They can usually be straightened as well, probably for less.

bikinfool

My list originally included the derailleur hanger but I looked up the bike, it's a fixie...

well biked

The REALLY good news in regard to any possible derailleur hanger damage: the Jamis Sputnik is a fixed gear bike.