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Appendix A
Life Expectancy 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 local 13 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 local 13 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 local 13 dealer cannot track your use, you must take responsibility for
periodically bringing your bike to your local 13 dealer for inspection and service. Your
local 13 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 yourlocal 13 dealer, we urge
you to read this Appendix in its entirety.
The materials used to make your bike determine how and how frequently to inspect.
Ignoring this WARNING can lead to frame, fork or other component failure, which can
result in serious injury or death.
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