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Last Modifi ed March 24, 2015 12:44 PM
Perspective
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Appendix - Lifespan.indd
The lifespan of your bike and its components
Perspective
What to look for
ONCE A CRACKS STARTS IT CAN
GROW AND GROW FAST.
Think about
the crack as forming a pathway to failure.
This means that any crack is potentially
dangerous and will only become more
dangerous.
SIMPLE RULE 1: If you fi nd crack,
replace the part.
CORROSION SPEEDS DAMAGE.
Cracks
grow more quickly when they are in a cor-
rosive environment. Think about the cor-
rosive solution as further weakening and
extending the crack.
SIMPLE RULE 2: Clean your bike,
lubricate your bike, protect your bike
from salt, remove any salt as soon
as you can.
STAINS AND DISCOLORATION CAN
OCCUR NEAR A CRACK.
Such staining
may be a warning sign that a crack exists.
SIMPLE RULE 3: Inspect and inves-
tigate any staining to see if it is asso-
ciated with a crack.
SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES, GOUGES,
DENTS OR SCORING CREATE START-
ING POINTS FOR CRACKS.
Think about
the cut surface as a focal point for stress (in
fact engineers call such areas “stress ris-
ers,” areas where the stress is increased).
Perhaps you have seen glass cut? Recall
how the glass was scored and then broke
on the scored line.
SIMPLE RULE 4: Do not scratch,
gouge or score any surface. If you
do, pay frequent attention to this area
or replace the part.
SOME CRACKS (particularly larger
ones) MAY MAKE CREAKING NOISE
AS YOU RIDE.
Think about such a noise
as a serious warning signal. Note that a
well-maintained bicycle will be very quiet
and free of creaks and squeaks.
SIMPLE RULE 5: Investigate and fi nd
the source of any noise. It may not a
be a crack, but whatever is causing
the noise should be fi xed promptly.
In most cases a fatigue crack is not a
defect. It is a sign that the part has been
worn out, a sign the part has reached the
end of its useful life. When your car tires
wear down to the point that the tread bars
are contacting the road, those tires are
not defective. Those tires are worn out
and the tread bar says “time for replace-
ment.” When a metal part shows a fatigue
crack, it is worn out. The crack says “time
for replacement.”
