I’m fresh back from a 285m mini tour of WI, which ended Monday afternoon. I take Tuesday off and on Wednesday morning I decide to take a short road ride just to stretch and get some air in my tired lungs.
A few miles into the ride I’m ascending a short hill, riding out of the saddle, when something ‘lets loose’ on the back end and I go arse over tit into the asphalt hurting my shoulder, knee and ankle.
A quick inspection reveals a derailleur with a stress fracture. It tore off the frame and jammed into the back wheel, buckling the wheel and causing me to take flight.
So I just got done writing a long letter to the manufacturer.
Here are some pictures of the wreck:
WOW!!! First I enjoyed your trip blog. Sounds like that bike is built for a far lighter load and with cheap components. In contrast my Giant, Cyprus has around 2K miles and all I need at this point is a tune-up and likely a new chain. All I have done thus far is minor brake and gear cable adjustments.
I am planning a short tour next summer through Michigan, my first and your blog gave me a lot of insight. Also planning on a new bike before then a Fuji Tour or Trek 520. I am not a light weight guy either so I am looking close at quality and capacity.
Also planning to ride the Elroy to Sparta trail and area sometime next summer. I am finding the Rails to Trails Conservancy as a great resource for planning. Ride Easy!!
Hi Al,
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.
Yeah, I think you’re right about the GT not really being up to the task. It’s disappointing really, since I haven’t ridden it hard or taken it out on any real gnarly off-road trails. It’s had plenty of miles but mostly road miles and a few trips on gravel trails.
I’m going to have to see about moving up a couple notches in quality, either that or owning two bikes and spread the load a little!
Good luck with your tour prep/planning etc. I’ve been up to Northern Michigan a few times and there’s some beautiful scenery up there. I’ll try the Rails To Trails website, thanks for reminding me about that!
Cheers!