Last saturday I was involved in a little accident during a race and bent my tie rod. It isn't cracked or have any sharp bends just a long round bend. I ordered a new one but my problem is my next points night is this saturday and the new part probably wont be in in time. You think it will be ok to race like that? I finished the race the night it happened because I did't realize it was bent and had no problems.

 

Well you cant race with it bent. It needs to be straightened before you try to ride it at all. The problem with that is that now its going to bend a lot easier. Personally I dont think its the best thing to do, especially on a xc or mx course with lots of turns and rough terrain. But if you are in a situation where you must, its entirely possible. If you get it straightened you will probably be ok.

I would have expedited the shipping and got it here asap.

 

Yeah I would have had it overnighted but I didn't find out about saturdays race until today. It is a make-up for a race that was cancelled and I had already order the new one. So I could just take it off and try and bend it straight if the part isn't here in time? I rode around my house with it like that sunday and other than the handle bars not being completely straight it didn't seem very bad. I guess I will just see what happens with the part then decide. Thanks for the help.

 

Yes, you should take it off and try to straighten it. Make sure you count your re-align the front end after you put it back on though, otherwise it will defeat the purpose.