The Spok is dead...

So I came round the corner at the top of Gower Street this morning. Van on one side, parked cars on the other. There was a trench right across the road about 9 inches wide and about 6 inches deep, with hard corners. I managed to unweight the front wheel, but not the rear Aerospoke. There was a fairly large crack sound and the wheel is now pretty smashed. I'll put some pics up at lunch, so everyone can see.

I remember this thread where someone returned a Spok for $150 - anyone got any details on this?

Also, what's the council's responsibility on this? Do I have a claim on the basis that the road isn't fit for purpose? They have had all of that road up recently and obviously not put it back together properly yet.

Go take photos with measurements and rulers to show size out also take a photo which includes a local land mark. Where there any road workers nearby who saw what happened?

Ha, I'm sure I just read an article about the rate of people claiming for pothole damage going sky high after the snow/ice.

http://www.potholes.co.uk/
http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/WhereYouLive/RoadsAndStreets/DG_10026187

I reported that ditch on the Fillthathole website

defo go back and get photos as tommy says. the council owe you a wheel.

No it's much worse than that one. It's like a cable trench has been cut out or something. I guess I better go up at lunch and take the pic in case they fill the fcuker in.

Next time do...

Next time do...

I've discovered this is harder than usual if you have a Rohloff hub and are using rear panniers. The bunny hop is associated with a really loud and hard whack to the rear of the bike.

Definitely claim. Six inches deep? I hope that's an exaggeration. If not, it is completely outrageous if contractors left the site in this condition. They obviously have a duty to reinstate excavations.

I'm going to get pictures at 12. I only got a brief look at the trench, but it was definitely man made, not from snow etc.

I've done the same thing on Sussex Gardens years ago.. the dozy cunts had cut a trench right across the westbound lane, it was night and there was no indication that any work had been done. I should've got new rims from Westminster cuntcil.

there is a really horirble one leading onto the mall from pall mall at the west end. It is really poorly lit, nearly took my balls off, and had to true my front wheel, can i claim for that?

marlborough road sw1

I imagine they'll wiggle out of it citing 'inclement' weather. Around me there's huge craters where the ice has melted. Damn you freeze-thaw erosion!

Aerospokes returns policy is good, but expensive if you live out of the US.
They charge you $150 + shipping each way. I believe as returns you are exempt from paying duties. I've been told it comes to between £150 and £250 depending on exchange rate.

I also believe its relatively slow, as Aerospoke aren't the fastest company in the world and sorting things. But its cheaper then a new one I guess.

ah gutted ben, hope you get some dorra for it.

Definitely claim, if the trench is man-made there is no excuse for it not at least being marked and coned off.

While you're claiming, see if you can get them to stump up for the taxi fare up to The Flask tonight.

I reported that ditch on the Fillthathole website

Actually it is that one! Looked different as I approached it. Pictures on their way.

Is that 2 red lines I see? Is Gower Steet a Red Route?

If so, it'll like be TfL that'll need to pay out on the claim, not the Borough...

thats not a pothole

THIS IS A POTHOLE

or this one

The damage:

^ Ouch.

The culprit:

that is quite the hole.

Is that 2 red lines I see? Is Gower Steet a Red Route?

If so, it'll like be TfL that'll need to pay out on the claim, not the Borough...

Yeah those are red lines. Definitely TfL that I need to talk to then?