Damn potholes! (Update/Diagnosis)

[Rambler1982]

As a side note, has anyone considered that the tyres may be damaged from the impact?

Earlier in this thread we discussed whether the back tire (which is now flat) is either punctured, or simply lost a bead.

The front tire is still completely inflatted, but I guess that doesn't mean it isnt damaged?

[Raux]

man, get your lawyer skills focused, file against the city and get two new rims with new tires.  [moto]

[Rambler1982]

I went out and took a picture of the pothole that got me. Ummm yea, that's a cup lodged in there...

[Magnus]

I went out and took a picture of the pothole that got me. Ummm yea, that's a cup lodged in there...

geez, that's a nasty one...   you did well not to dump the bike after hitting that.

[Rambler1982]

geez, that's a nasty one...   you did well not to dump the bike after hitting that.

By the time I saw it, it was too late to swerve. I had a major "oh shit" moment, and for that split second... I was certain I was going down at 50mph.

[Triple J]

Damn...that's a good sized pothole over what looks to be a utility patch in the street. Seems they may have a bigger problem underneath that patch than just some squished down pavement. 

[jorgemiranda]

Yea, I live in Lincoln Park. The pothole was on Chicago ave and Franklin.

Right under the Brown line, right?

Funny thing, I almost hit that same pothole today. But I was on my bicycle so I was able to dodge it quickly. 

I live around the area, closer to Erie and Orleans.

[Rambler1982]

Right under the Brown line, right?

Yup, that's exactly where it is. There are a number of them around there.

I guess maybe I'm noticing them more now because I hit one, but our streets are sooooo bad!

[Jtree007]

I went out and took a picture of the pothole that got me. Ummm yea, that's a cup lodged in there...

That is nasty.  Whoever cut the road open.. did not do a proper repair.  that is only going to get worse too..  Even if you are not going to file a claim against the city, you should probably let them know of the issue.  If you do, probably the contractor will be paying the bill in the end if it was not the city that performed the work.  I if my company fails to repair a cut in the street properly or a steel plate slips and a vehicle is damaged, we pay.

[jorgemiranda]

That is nasty.  Whoever cut the road open.. did not do a proper repair.  that is only going to get worse too..  Even if you are not going to file a claim against the city, you should probably let them know of the issue.  If you do, probably the contractor will be paying the bill in the end if it was not the city that performed the work.  I if my company fails to repair a cut in the street properly or a steel plate slips and a vehicle is damaged, we pay.

The problem in Chicago is that the city is basically broke at this point, so it doesn't seem like they're doing much about it. There are massive potholes like that one all over the city, I mean even Michigan Ave. is in a horrible condition. All the city has been doing is covering them with asphalt, but in a few days they are back to this condition or worse. I'm hoping they're waiting for better weather to fix them. If not, it's going to be a bad summer for riding around the city.

[Howie]

These guys are good and have a quick turn around, they don't paint though:

http://www.mcwheel.com

You can measure the rear wheel.  I don't know the real specs for your bike, but  .04" out of round and run out should work.  Since the back tire was run flat do remove the tire and inspect.  Any competent shop can do the work for you, or, if you have a buddy with workstands and some knowledge, well, time to learn something new.

Before you do anything else, check your local laws.  In NYC, if the hazard was reported previously, forget how long, the city is liable.  They bought two wheels and two tires for my wife's car.

[sfarchie]

Are you sure that pothole isn't in San Francisco? We have loads of those here.   

Glad you didn't dump your bike. I hit one no where near as big as that one and it just sucked my front in and threw my bike off trail. Luckily, it quickly regained traction and nothing happened.

Good luck!

[NAKID]

I think that is definitely worthy of filing a claim. That's just ridiculous...

[Spidey]

Even if you don't file a claim against the city, please report that pothole to the city's street department (often called the transportation dept in many cities) and explain that your bike was damaged.  That's a *serious* hazard.  They're unlikely to know about it unless someone complains.  And the more complaints they receive the more likely they are to fix it quickly.

[Monster Dave]

I think that is definitely worthy of filing a claim. That's just ridiculous...

I'd second that