First crash, fork need to be replaced?

[Falcan]

Hi, I had my first crash today going downhill on a paved path that had an S-bend in it. I hit a little bit of sand/rocks and slid along the ground a ways. I'm ok except for scratches and bumps (lesson learned for future), but there was some damage to the front of the bike (see pic below). Do I need to get a new front fork (bike came with Mozo Fatman) or can I fix this one? Does the plastic piece that goes between the two sides of the fork server any purpose? I had a light and a fender attached to it, but I'm guessing it wasn't integral to the fork serving it's primary function?

It looks like the fork is twisted inside the front tube. So I would need to loosen things and twist it back to the right angle? I have a feeling there is more to it than that though.

I looked the bike over with my Dad who was riding with me and we didn't see any other noticeable damage other than scratches. Anything that I should look for that may not be obvious? I was able to ride the bike home slowly as long as I kept the suspension locked without noticing anything other than occasional front brake rubbing.

 

[rich c]

Might be some distortion from the picture, but it looks twisted to me. Could be the perfect time to get a better air fork.

 

[Falcan]

It is definitely twisted and I'm planning to replace it. I'm more of curious just how damaged it is. So twisted means need a new one? No just twisting it back?

 

[JimFMB]

The integrity of Metal is compromised when twisted. It will weaken more when you straighten it. Its not worth the chance of having the fork fail on you while riding. Plus there is the issue of alignment. I cannot tell much from the picture.

 

[rich c]

Well twisted and broken, right? I thought that crossover piece was metal. I'm not comfortable with the idea of hitting a pothole and the damage turns into new breakage. No fork at speed would be a horrible accident.

 

[Nova Haibike]

It is definitely twisted and I'm planning to replace it. I'm more of curious just how damaged it is. So twisted means need a new one? No just twisting it back?

I am a bicycle mechanic. It is very damaged. Not only is it twisted, but the brace that connects the two lower legs is broken off. DO NOT ride on that fork; replace it.

 

[DaveMatthews]

The integrity of Metal is compromised when twisted. It will weaken more when you straighten it. Its not worth the chance of having the fork fail on you while riding. Plus there is the issue of alignment. I cannot tell much from the picture.

Jim beat me to it. Replace it and don't take a chance

 

[Falcan]

Ok thanks for confirming it needs to be replaced. I just ordered another Mozo Fatman since it was cheap and I knew it would work with my bike without needing other changes.

 

[DDBB]

Is replacing a fork as easy as it appears to be as long as you order the correct size with the appropriate bosses for brakes etc.? I'm considering upgrading the suntour spring fork on my trekking 6.0 Haibike to an air fork

 

[Falcan]

Yes the hard part was finding a replacement that had all the same specifications (tapered/straight, QR/Thru-axle, disc brake offset). Otherwise you may have a little more work (depending on what facet doesn't match).

The fork I got (which was an exact copy of the one the bike came with) already had a star nut installed (I had read this wouldn't be the case) and was quick to swap in.