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Had a bit of a spill and have some questions

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Suissepaddy

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Hi all,
I had a bit of a minor spill last week; slid out on a gravelly turn and did some pretty impressive tissue damage to my elbow and knee. The former required surgery under GA to remove some foreign bodies from the wound and a short stay at hospital. Anyway, the whole incident beggared the following questions:
  1. Can anyone recommend some lightweight elbow protection? I don't do serious downhill or anything particularly technical, but I'll be concious of my injured elbow in the future and just want a bit of reassurance.
  2. My wife was able to pick me up, but we had to leave the bike with some very nice people at a nearby house as I didn't have the tools to remove to wheel to fit it in the car. My bike is a 2024 Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race with through-axles but no quick-release mechanism; how do I find out where I can get suitable quick-release axles?
  3. Once I'd picked the bike up with the help of a friend, I found out the handlebars won't turn completely in one direction. Is there something simple I can check, given my bike maintenance skills don't proceed much further than changing a tyre? Or should I bring it to a shop for a post-accident check regardless?
Thanks all,
Paddy
 
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Several points there, I'll dive in quickly on the elbows. Personally, I've not found any elbow protectors I like that I find comfortable and protective I'd say just go for a troy lee 7855 shirt and give yourself some extra coverage at the same time. It's light weight, gives some good basic protection isn't too hot and the elbows are excellent.

Yes, you got your elbows this time, but who knows what you'll hurt next time.
 
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Sorry to hear about your fall!

1. I don't use elbow pads myself but I do (occasionally) use Endura MT500 D30 Ghost knee pads and they're great. Very lightweight and breathable. They do an elbow version too. Fox, ION, POC, TLD and most other brands make lightweight pads so I'd recommend checking out different sets in your local bike shop to get the best fit.

2. This should be a compatible front QA axle. For the rear, this might work but you'd need to check the thread pitch is the same (it should be printed on the Cube axle 12 x 148 x 1.0 or 1.5 etc). It's most likely 1.0

3. This is something I'd get a bike shop to look at as the bike has headset cable routing, so something may be snagged inside.
 
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1. elbow protectors are the least annoying that I’ve tried.

2. Find out the spec of your fork/hub, it’s probably 15mm boost on a modern bike. You can buy aftermarket qr axles for boost, but it would be better to get a multitool that attaches to the bike or you keep on your pack. What were you going to do if you had a flat?

3. Stand in front of the bike, facing it with the front wheel between your knees. Push the bars until they are straight. Some wiggling will be required.

But it’s also worth checking there isn’t other damage, so not a terrible idea to get it checked at a bike shop
 
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i have some 100% elbow pads that are super duper lightweight, it's just a light pad over your elbow so it gives you protection against some rock hits but mostly against getting damage from rock and roots on the trail when you hit the ground, e.g. like skin damage they're about as protective as NBA elbow pads but very very lightweight they've been really great on like having your rear wheel slip out on a trail and then you hit the ground elbow first, they've worked really well for stuff like that.
as for kneepads I have a pair of IXS zip on that are fantastic pretty lightweight but also very protective. I typically wear more elbow protection I have some fox Enduro elbow pads I also wear that provide a lot of protection and that have really saved my elbows from some bad rock hits that for sure would have like broken the bones and required surgery.
If I have a bad crash I always take my bike into the shop for a check over you never know what could be wrong.
 
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Suissepaddy said:
I normally do but this time, of course, I didn't.
Click to expand...
I have a Race Face tool stash that stays on the bike permanently. Doesn't carry a lot but I can fit in Crank Brothers 16 multi-tool, bacon strips & applicator, chain tool (to break / secure quick links) & quick links. On a bigger day out when I have a backpack, I probably 'double up' on some bits but I know that the basics are always on the bike.
 
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Get well soon Paddy. Can't help WRT elbow pads but I would definitely get the bike looked at, it's probably fine but carbon frames don't take kindly to impact damage.
 
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Why lightweight? Better protection with a shock absorbing guard which may not be light weight. I use elbow and knee guards that have a hard shell as well as shock absorbing materials … brand is 7 idp…. My model is no longer available …. But they have a ‘Sam Hill’ series that look good and protective … very well priced at Pushys atm
 
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Regarding point 3 I think your bike has a knock block headset which limits steering. The crash has probably moved the parts in the headset from their normal point giving you the restricted steering.

RichardF

Thread 'Problem with new Cube steering'

Hi
I have 2 new Cube - Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Pro 625 bikes (2023)
Both have steering issues with the front wheel turning about 45 degrees to the left and about 60 degrees to the right. The shop said it was "rare" but had no solution. I've asked they contact Cube for an answer. Has anyone had this problem and a solution?
Thanks,
RichardF.

As far point number 2 you should buy a good multi tool. You can get ones that attach to bottle cages or stow inside the steerer tube so you will always have it with you.
 
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I've tried quite a lot of different elbow pads. The only ones that I've found stay in place and are really comfortable are the sleeve type which actually grip and don't move but are really flexible and comfortable as well. I use the DHARCO Gravity Elbow pads.
On checking your bike model it has an ACROS BlockLock 120° to stop your handlebars rotating too far (especially in a crash) and damaging the forks, frame or cables.
1776161819828.webp
 
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DylanJM said:
Regarding point 3 I think your bike has a knock block headset which limits steering. The crash has probably moved the parts in the headset from their normal point giving you the restricted steering.

RichardF

Thread 'Problem with new Cube steering'

Hi
I have 2 new Cube - Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Pro 625 bikes (2023)
Both have steering issues with the front wheel turning about 45 degrees to the left and about 60 degrees to the right. The shop said it was "rare" but had no solution. I've asked they contact Cube for an answer. Has anyone had this problem and a solution?
Thanks,
RichardF.

As far point number 2 you should buy a good multi tool. You can get ones that attach to bottle cages or stow inside the steerer tube so you will always have it with you.
Click to expand...
I agree with the knock block comment. I took a spill on a Trek with a knock block and it was never right after that. Something got forced beyond it's range and once the steering hit the normal stopping point it would have a resistance but would continue to turn beyond that point. I think I had the shop replace the knock block but I don't remember that fixing the issue. It didn't cause riding problems so I didn't spend any more time and money on it. I may have broken something else in there.
 
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Sorry to hear of your fall and prayers you heal up fast. Unsure of the bike question but as far as elbow and knee pads, I’ve found the G-Form to be as good as any along with lightweight. They’re available online and in many bike shops or motorcycle shops. I’m attaching a picture for reference. A friend and I were talking just the other day about cornering in a MTB. Often the best way is leaning the bike but keeping yourself more upright instead of leaning with it. Pushing your weight in the outside pedal also helps to keep from losing the front end. Good luck!

IMG_8637.webp
 
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Suissepaddy said:
Hi all,
……
  1. My wife was able to pick me up, but we had to leave the bike with some very nice people at a nearby house as I didn't have the tools to remove to wheel to fit it in the car. My bike is a 2024 Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race with through-axles but no quick-release mechanism; how do I find out where I can get suitable quick-release axles?
  2. Once I'd picked the bike up with the help of a friend, I found out the handlebars won't turn completely in one direction. Is there something simple I can check, given my bike maintenance skills don't proceed much further than changing a tyre? Or should I bring it to a shop for a post-accident check regardless?
Thanks all,
Paddy
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear and Gute Besserung.

I have a 2022 140 Stereo Hybrid Bosch Gen4 and carry the multitool Hummer 2. It includes a 8mm Inbus that you may need when screws on crank arms got loose.

Regarding turning to one direction the block / lock in the steering head may have shifted and afaik you should be able to push it back to standard position by gently pushing the handlebar.

IMG_4382.webp
 
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if you plan to do a fair amount of trail riding get a full face.helmet. Troy Lee stage is super light and well ventilated. So nice to have all the teeth. I find it strange so many people wear knee and elbow pads without full face.
 
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sam.spoons said:
Get well soon Paddy. Can't help WRT elbow pads but I would definitely get the bike looked at, it's probably fine but carbon frames don't take kindly to impact damage.
Click to expand...
Was at my LBS yesterday who said they're selling "a lot" of AMflow bikes. I said they look very nice then they said not for you, you'd only break it. If the rest of the frame is anything like the new frame shock top linkage think they have a point.
 
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Thanks for all the tips folks. To be honest, I never ride anything more technical than a forest or farm trail; no jumps, berms, rock parks etc, I just want to be outside on my bike, enjoying the scenery. The track I fell on was one I've done numerous times, I just took it a little faster than normal and was sat low on my dropper post, so maybe the weight distribution was a bit off. I'll check the tyre pressure though, as it is probably a little high for off-road. What would be optimal pressure (in bar) for a mixture of hard and soft tracks and road? I'm around 125 kg, so that should probably factor in.
I've ordered the POC Joint VPD Air Elbow Pads as they are available in my size here in Switzerland. I'll leave the through-axle for now and just make sure I have my multitool with me. Also been in touch with a LBS and waiting to hear back as to when they can take a look at the bike. No rush though, I'm still bandaged up and won't be back on the bike for a few weeks yet.
 
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Suissepaddy said:
Thanks for all the tips folks. To be honest, I never ride anything more technical than a forest or farm trail; no jumps, berms, rock parks etc, I just want to be outside on my bike, enjoying the scenery. The track I fell on was one I've done numerous times, I just took it a little faster than normal and was sat low on my dropper post, so maybe the weight distribution was a bit off. I'll check the tyre pressure though, as it is probably a little high for off-road. What would be optimal pressure (in bar) for a mixture of hard and soft tracks and road? I'm around 125 kg, so that should probably factor in.
I've ordered the POC Joint VPD Air Elbow Pads as they are available in my size here in Switzerland. I'll leave the through-axle for now and just make sure I have my multitool with me. Also been in touch with a LBS and waiting to hear back as to when they can take a look at the bike. No rush though, I'm still bandaged up and won't be back on the bike for a few weeks yet.
Click to expand...
Probably a good idea to get the bike fully checked because your weight 125kg + bike 25kg = 150kg which exceeds the total weight limit for your bike which Google says is 135kg:

Google said:
The 2024 Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC Race 750 has a maximum system weight limit of 135 kg (297 lbs). This total weight capacity includes the bicycle itself, the rider, clothing, and any accessories or luggage carried (e.g., backpack), and it should not be exceeded to ensure safety and frame integrity.
Click to expand...
 
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irie said:
Probably a good idea to get the bike fully checked because your weight 125kg + bike 25kg = 150kg which exceeds the total weight limit for your bike which Google says is 135kg:
Click to expand...
If they are doing the type of riding they have stated then I think that's unlikely to be much of an issue.
 
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I have some light weight Leatt elbow pads that are extremely comfortable and I've ridden 50km days in my atka knee pads. They don't have the greatest protection compared to a hard shelled downhill knee pad but they're really comfortable and they give you some protection.
 
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Suissepaddy said:
Thanks for all the tips folks. To be honest, I never ride anything more technical than a forest or farm trail; no jumps, berms, rock parks etc, I just want to be outside on my bike, enjoying the scenery. The track I fell on was one I've done numerous times, I just took it a little faster than normal and was sat low on my dropper post, so maybe the weight distribution was a bit off. I'll check the tyre pressure though, as it is probably a little high for off-road. What would be optimal pressure (in bar) for a mixture of hard and soft tracks and road? I'm around 125 kg, so that should probably factor in.
I've ordered the POC Joint VPD Air Elbow Pads as they are available in my size here in Switzerland. I'll leave the through-axle for now and just make sure I have my multitool with me. Also been in touch with a LBS and waiting to hear back as to when they can take a look at the bike. No rush though, I'm still bandaged up and won't be back on the bike for a few weeks yet.
Click to expand...
Try 23 front 26 back .
If you’re hitting your rims go up. Not hitting your rims go down. Carry a psi gauge in the your pocket so you can go up and down as you please . Ride to the forest on hard tires. Let them down again in the woods. There is no right or wrong just different Perspectives and different demands on the tire.
 
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