Originally Posted by
herz13
Thanks for your help everyone!
When I get home later, I'll post a pic of what I mean, but it looks like the front wheel is almost shifted to the left a bit from the rest of the frame and on a small angle. It's tough to explain, but the reason I think I had no problem removing or replacing the wheel is because the fork blades bent at the same time. So basically, they're both displaced a bit but in the same direction by the same amount, which means the wheel will still fit on no problem.
I'll take it by the shop today and let you know what they say. I'm fearing I need a new fork, just to be safe...what a costly accident before I even rode a mile...really pissed at myself.
It is my most sincere hope that this is the worst thing that ever happens to you.
That's what I tell people to put things into perspective when they get pissed off over dumb things. Look, you made a mistake. You may need a new fork. Whoop. It'll cost you $100 or $150 to replace a fork. But you're not incurring a multi-thousand dollar hospital charge, you're not going to be maimed or scarred for the rest of your life, and nobody you love is hurt. Right?
It was just a dumb mistake. And if you ask me, a cheap lesson! I rode on the sidewalk a couple times when I was a noob. Someone pulled out of a parking lot right in front of me. I ended up flying off the bike and hit gravel doing about 20mph. I have a permanent scar on my right shoulder and forearm from where the gravel dug into my skin. It almost has that pink/shiney burn-victim look to it. And you know what? If that's the worst thing that ever happens to me, I'll be thrilled!