This is one of those things that could have gone disastrously wrong but instead was a non-event.
Pulling away from a traffic light, about 1/2 mile from the merge onto the freeway, I'm in front of everyone else going about 40 when there is a "thunk" feeling and sound in the front end. Of course I ease off the gas, quickly trying to assess the situation when I realize there is *something* bouncing along next to me -- up to head height even -- something grey and small and bouncing along with me at speed. Woah!
That either came off my bike or bounced off my bike. So I ease on the brakes and there's no front brake!!
So, I ease my way onto the shoulder to check it out.
The lower mounting bolt from the front caliper is *gone* and the caliper has pivoted up and struck the inside of the rim. The bolt wasn't broken, but actually gone.
Somehow it had worked loose and gone bouncing down the road next to me. A few minutes later I find the bolt, in fine condition, pivot the caliper back in place, cinch it all up and am back on the road. No damage anywhere! Guess I need some locktite
Imagine the potential -- I was headed to the freeway, could have happened a mile later at 70+mph instead of 35-40. Could have happened with stopping traffic in front of me with no run-off room. Caliper could have hit a spoke and locked the wheel. So many things could have gone so much more wrong.
I guess I live to ride another day.
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