Appendix A: Lifespan Of Your Bike And Its Components - Giant Bicycles Owner's Manual

Appendix A
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 appropriate for how and
where you use your bike.
For your safety, understanding and communication with your dealer, we
33