The Lifespan of Your Bicycle
& Its Components
46
1. Nothing Lasts Forever, Including Your Bike
When the useful life of your bike or its components is over, continued use is hazardous.
Every bicycle and its component parts have a finite, limited useful life. The length of that
life will vary with the construction and materials used in the frame and components; the
maintenance and care the frame and components receive over the life; and the type and amount
of use to which the frame and components are subjected. Use in competitive events, trick riding,
ramp riding, jumping, aggressive riding, riding on severe terrain, riding in severe climates, riding
with heavy loads, commercial activities and other types of non-standard use can dramatically
shorten the life of the frame and components. Any one or a combination of these conditions may
result in an unpredictable failure.
All aspects of use being identical, lightweight bicycles and their components will usually
have a shorter life than heavier bicycles and their components. In selecting a lightweight bicycle
or components you are making a tradeoff, favoring the higher performance that comes with
lighter weight over longevity. So, if you choose lightweight, high performance equipment, be sure
to have it inspected frequently.
You should have your bicycle and its components checked periodically by a certified bike
mechanic for indicators of stress and/or potential failure, including cracks, deformation,
corrosion, paint peeling, dents and other indicators of potential problems, inappropriate use or
abuse. These are important safety checks and very important to help prevent accidents, bodily
injury to the rider and shortened product life.
2. Perspective
Today’s high performance bicycles require frequent and careful inspection and service. In
this section we try to explain some underlying material science basics and how they relate to your
bicycle. We discuss some of the trade-offs made in designing your bicycle and what you can
expect from your bicycle; and we provide important, basic guidelines on how to maintain and
inspect it. We cannot teach you everything you need to know to properly inspect and service your
bicycle; and that is why we repeatedly urge you to take your bicycle to a certified bike mechanic
for professional care and attention.
WARNING
: Many bicycle service and repair tasks require special knowledge and
tools. Do not begin any adjustments or service on your bicycle until you have learned
how to properly complete them. Improper adjustment or service may result in damage to
the bicycle or an accident which can cause serious injury or death.
WARNING
: Frequent inspection of your bike is important to your safety. Follow the
Mechanical Safety Check in this manual before every ride.
Periodic, more detailed inspection of your bicycle is important. How often this
more detailed inspection is needed depends on you.
You, the rider/owner, have control and knowledge of how often you use your bike,
how hard you use it and where you use it. Because your dealer cannot track your use, you
must take responsibility for periodically bringing your bike to a certified bike mechanic for
inspection and service. A certified bike mechanic can help you decide what frequency of
Summary of Contents for KC720-220
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