My shifter/break pull bent in. Should I be worried?

Question

I was recently riding my bike to a friends house, and there was a big puddle at the end of her driveway that I didn't see. Going up, my bike slipped out from under me from the side. There was no damage (that I can see or feel) to anything besides the shifting/brake assembly (I'm not positive what it's called. Cable pull maybe?). I have drop handelbars, and the brake/shifting assembly just bent in about 30 degrees. Applying some force I was able to turn it back out with no trouble, and everything seems to be fine, but I was wondering if there was anything that I should be worried about/get checked out.

Answer 1

Sounds like you have what are called "double pivot" levers, combined brake and gear levers on a road bike. It is easy to knock one inwards when you crash, but if you found it too easy to straighten, it should be tightened where it clamps onto the handlebar. It should be easy to do this with a 4mm(?) allen key, just pull the brake lever to reveal a forward facing allen (hex) bolt.

If you are not confident doing this, go to your bike shop. They will check for any damage which you might have missed. Also, once your bike is a few weeks old it should be given a quick check of the wheel spokes and gear cables, as these things have a "bed in" time which may produce some free play after a few weeks.

Answer 2

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

http://sheldonbrown.com/brakes/index.htm...

http://sheldonbrown.com/gearing/index.ht...

I gave you some links to a well known site for bicycle repair.

I hope you can figure out if it was your brakes or your shifter.

I have a feeling it was the brake handle, but you didn't give enough information. How old is the bike?