Appendix B: Lifespan Of Your Bike And Its Components - Specialized BICYCLE Owner's Manual

Appendix B
The lifespan of your bike and its components
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 their 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
your dealer for indicators of stress and/or potential failure, including cracks,
deformation, corrosion, paint peeling, dents, and any 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 Appendix 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 your
dealer for professional care and attention.
WARNING: Frequent inspection of your bike is important to your
safety. Follow the Mechanical Safety Check in Section 1.C of this
Manual before every ride.
Periodic, more detailed inspection of your bicycle is important. How
often this more detailed inspection is needed depends upon 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 your dealer for inspection and service. Your
dealer will help you decide what frequency of inspection and service is
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