Appendix B: Lifespan Of Your Bike And Its Components - Priority 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 appropriate for how and
where you use your bike.
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