Bicycle Mechanics - How long should I expect this bike to last?

Several months ago, I purchased a 2001 model Giant TCR2 for a pretty good price ($900.) It has Shimano 105 components.

Recently I have been reading information about aluminum frames and various components and how long they last. The article said that an aluminum frame should be expected to last about 5 years due to metal fatigue that is common in aluminum.

I have been cleaning and waxing the chain and various components on a regular bases, I clean dirt and crud off the frame often as well. I also have a lifetime maintenance contract with Sun & Ski Sport where I got the bike, and I have been and will be taking it there every few months to have a general tune up.

I never considered that a bike would have a life span shorter than 10 years or so. How long can I realisitcally expect this bike to last if I take good care of it?

if you are speaking about the frame exclusively, it really does depend on what type of rider you are. it is too broad of a generalization to say that all aluminum frames fatigue at the same rate or that some who rides so as to put a lot of stress on the bottom bracket area, or even how heavy the rider is. As for the components....regular maintanence will go a long way towards its life expectancy. making sure the cabling is tightened and lubed, that the chain is changed after if has stretched beyond its useful life....

all materials can fatigue....there is also frame failure of some very good frames/manufacturers.

What you read about aluminum frame life is just hooey.There are too many variables to be able to make such an arm waving generalization.Enjoy your bike.It may well outlast you.

I have broken two 20-year-old steel frames (one at 40K miles), after getting my money's worth out of each. Neither failure was dangerous to me. Enjoy the ride, and collect on your warranty if yours is one of the few frames which breaks prematurely.