How long your bike will last is probably something you rarely think about (much like tennis shoes). Still, the reality is that worn bicycle parts or a damaged frame can cause instability, discomfort, increased wear on other parts of your bike, and injuries. Cycles can last anywhere from a year to a lifetime, depending on how well each bicycle part is maintained. Checking your manufacturer’s warranty can help you gauge its lifespan, but keep in mind that each piece of your bike will need to be replaced on a different timeline. If you are a frequent rider, your replacement period on highly used parts will be shorter.
Putting Frames in Perspective
Unless your bike frame or fork is cracked, corroded, rusted, dented, deformed, or bent, chances are that it can be repaired (depending on the material it was constructed with). Common types of frames on the market are made of aluminum, steel, carbon, or titanium. Aluminum frames can crack near joints and by other part integrations, and may need to be replaced entirely every 10 years (or less). With any bike (including mountain bikes), the less pressure bike frames are under when used, the longer they’ll last. Some steel and carbon bikes can potentially be repaired even when cracked as long as they are not dented, corroded or rusted.
Your bicycle can be impacted by outdoor conditions such as weather, terrain, and moisture. The more you subject your bike to extreme conditions, the more likely you’ll need to update brake pads, drivetrains, chains, tires, or the bike as a whole. A titanium frame will last you the longest, but it’s still susceptible to rust and can crack under certain conditions.
Bike Care
Maintaining all of the many moving parts of your bike is critical to the longevity of your bicycle as a whole. Some of your bike’s principal enemies are dirt and excessive amounts of water that lingers on it. Drying your bicycle after riding in extreme moisture and storing it in a ventilated area will help to keep it moisture and rust free.
Avoid high-powered washing when you need to clean your bicycle, and use a drivetrain cleaner to remove dirt from your chain. Overwashing your bike can add unnecessary damage to your drivetrain bearings. Bicycles don’t necessarily have to be cleaned after every ride, but making sure each part is clear of any element that could limit their usage is vital.
Wanting to Upgrade Your Bike May be a Good Enough Reason to Make the Change
Technology has helped the bicycle industry manufacture riding machines that are more durable, faster, safer, and much more efficient. Replacing your bicycle may just come down to wanting to upgrade to a newer model, or upgrading being the cheaper option than extensive repairs. If you find that you’re eyeballing new models every couple of years, then finding a buyer for your old bike might be a necessary evil.
Upgrading your bicycle often should be more of a want, not a need. If your bike is suffering from severe damage every couple of years, it might be time to review your maintenance practices or consider switching to a bicycle made of sturdier material. To avoid this, make sure you have the right bike for your route and that the appropriate bicycle is being used for rougher terrain.
Bicycle Insurance
Many people wonder if they need a bicycle insurance policy. When you’re riding your bicycle and get injured, your auto policy likely covers your medical bills. Your bike itself and may be covered by your homeowners/rental insurance. Or your injuries and damage to the bike may be covered by another person’s insurance if an accident is not your fault. Bicycle insurance is usually not its own policy, but more commonly a rider (add-on) to an existing policy. Your existing policy may have a limit on how much they’d reimburse you for a damaged bicycle, so if you have an expensive bike, be sure to purchase additional coverage for it. If you’re unsure about what kind of coverage you already have for your bicycle, look over your policy, or talk to your insurance agent if you’re not certain.
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Abigail Baker is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with fencing and event rental suppliers, Viking Fence.
