Hit some sheet ice hiding under snow on my road bike today, came off and it looks like the right bit around the hood is bent inwards a bit. It's not a huge bend and still ridable so should they be replaced - any higher chance of snappage in the future (bearing in mind I'm heavy and it's SS so I spend a lot of time out of the saddle putting pressure on the bars)?
Also the front brake was rubbing afterwards, not sure if a fall to the side of the bike at fairly low speed would twist the fork or anything like that though?
yes.
For the brake, it's probably just been knocked out of line - readjust as normal though I'd take a very careful look at the fork if it was me. Low speed crashes can often cause lots of damage because all your weight can drop onto the bike wheras in higher speed crashes, you usually get quickly separated from it.
hmm.. I fell/jumped off the side of the bike and as far as I can remember I didn't put any weight on the bike when it hit the ground.
Either way, I'd always replace bent bars. As I said, the brake was probably just knocked out of line.
Ok. Any suggestions for a half decent road bar around £30? Not too fussed about weight but wouldn't want anything heavier than what I've currently got (standard specialized ones that come on a langster).
I want to check the fork but what should I be looking for, just any obvious signs of bends/cracks?
if the fork is damaged you'll see it.
just look on crc etc for bars, though they'd prob be fine.
i'd replace them as a matter of caution. imagine what could happen if they snap.
i recently bought some ritchey bars which are good. about £25.
easton ones look good too.
Is it worth "upgrading" to 31.8mm on a road bike? Currently 25.8 I think. I didn't notice a difference in stiffness on mtb so I'm guessing it's just marginally more weight for no benefit on a road bike?
i would say yes. the difference in stiffness between my standard road bars and some oversize midge bars i have is very noticeable. i think that with the leverage from drops it is more noticeable.