I almost died in a wreck on my bike 2 weeks ago... here's my story. I hope it helps you guys.

I'm biking just after dusk in SF. I have a great bike, and great safety equipment. Certainly as good or better as what you are wearing as I'm a bit paranoid about safety.

It really was a perfect storm. A car was merging into my lane (wasn't their fault) so I decided to adjust my trajectory to pass them. The light on the painted curb perfectly blended with the steel plate on the street.

By the time I saw that I was going to hit the curb it was too late to stop. I didn't realize I was on a steel plate (which was slightly wet) so my breaks didn't work.

In hindsight I should have bunny hopped over the curb but I only had a moment to react. I went flying over my bike and hit square on my head/face.

I'm certain that if it wasn't for my helmet that I would be dead or at least still in the hospital. The top left of my helmet was significantly damaged.

I broke my pinky finger and have a sever sprain in my left wrist. Three stitches to my chin.

Two weeks later my chin is better but I have a scar now. Wrist is still fucked up and finger is still broken but healing.

WEAR YOUR HELMET!!! It's your best friend. It WILL save your life at some point if you ride often.

In hindsight I want more safety equipment.

chin protection.. better gloves with full finger protection and thicker pads and knee pads.

I live in SF so if I bike early the heat won't be an issue and this equip will seriously protect me next time.

Again. My current equipment is up to par with the accepted safety equip that most people run but I want more. Ideally I'd be able to crash into a wall at 25 and walk away but this would require full body armor and be a bit impractical.

Be careful out there guys! This is a FUN sport but it can be dangerous.