Bicycle Lifespan; Inspect For Safety; Useful Life Of Lightweight Frames - Cannondale Bicycle Owner's Manual

PaRt ii

BiCyCle lifesPan

nothinG lasts foReveR,
inClUdinG yoUR Bike
When the useful life of your bike or its components is
over, continued use is hazardous.
Every Cannondale bicycle frame and the components
attached to the frame 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 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 fRames and ComPonents shoUld Be
PeRiodiCally CheCked By an aUthoRized
Cannondale RetaileR for indicators of stress and/
or potential failure, including cracks, deformation,
delamination, creaking sounds, 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. (See PART I, Section 5 Service
and PART II, Section D. Inspect For Safety)
UsefUl life of
liGhtWeiGht fRames
Lightweight frames and components usually have
shorter lives. For example, all aspects of use being
identical, a lightweight Super Six, System Six, CAAD7
or CAAD8 frame will have a shorter life than a heavier
CAAD3 frame.
In selecting lightweight frames and components
you are making a trade-off, favoring the higher
performance that comes with light weight over
longevity. So, If you choose lightweight, high
performance equipment, be sure to inspect it
frequently.
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