brewyourown

I am looking to get into road biking (I currently do primarily mountain biking), and I was wondering how many miles components and frames are generally good for before they start to show signs of wear/wear out.

I ask because I am looking at buying a used 2002 LeMond Zurich. The owner says that the frame has about 6,500 miles on it and the components (Dura Ace) have about half that much on them. With a steel frame, I was wondering it would start to wear out and/or flex.

caloso

A well-built steel frame will last longer than the engine. [edit: assuming it hasn't been crashed or left out in the weather]

As for the DA components, I'd probably replace the cassette and chain (you can go Ultegra here; much cheaper, last longer, work just as well), and possibly the cables.

KevinF

So long as you don't crash the bike or leave it outside, it will outlast you.

Keep the chain clean and well lubricated, and it should last many thousands of miles. Cables and brake pads need replacing every few years. Tires obviously wear out. But actual metal fatigue is so rarely an issue with modern equipment that it's silly to even mention it.

patentcad

I have over 40,000 miles on my 1995 Ibis Titanium Road. It still rides like brand new. That's the frame. The components were all completely refitted 15 months ago.

Here's your guideline: steel/Ti frames often last indefinately. CF is more prone to failure with miles/age. But even Ti breaks, my 1991 Merlin cracked in two places with about 40K miles in 1997. That is the exception however. I expect my Ibis to keep cooking forever.

Components are another story. I wouldn't keep stems, handlebars, wheels more than 5-7 years if you ride 3000-5000+ miles annually. I ride 10-13K miles each year, it's split up mostly between two road bikes, now it will be 3, I'm adding a TT bike, but the latter is unlikely to see more than 1000-2000 miles each year.

Worn out components can literally kill you. My ten year old Nuke Proof (ironic name) front hub detonated on a Berlin (Germany) street in 2005 and I woke up in a Berlin ER. My Giro helmet saved me that day. Next time I might not be so lucky. I don't ride on ancient worn out bike race crap anymore.

caloso

Good point, PCad. (And thanks for the excuse to get new bars for my racer!)

rooftest

Check to make sure if you need to replace them first. If the bike has 6,500 miles on it, the owner has likely switch out the chain at least a few times. "If it ain't broke..."

Machka 

My freehubs seem to last me about 25,000 kms. I've had to replace 2 in the 4 years I've owned my bicycle.

My drivetrain held up for approx. 30,000 kms.

mollusk

I've got a 2002 Lemond Zurich that I bought used about 18 months ago. I've put about 10K miles on that bike since then. It is a nice all-around bike. I don't expect teh frame to every fail on me. I do have a couple of complaints. The rear brake cable stop on the top tube is in a prime location for getting sweat all over it. I have had to replace the rear brake cable about four times as it get severely corroded right at that spot and I need to clean up some rust and repaint the cable stop. Also, when you REALLY get on it for sprinting it is not as stiff as I would like. By that I mean when I do my quick sprint training rides where I accelerate from 12 mph to 30 mph in 10 seconds it feels like the frame is a wet noodle. For most other kinds of riding it is plenty stiff. On the other hand it is a comfy bike for century rides and more than enough bike to take out on the local hammerfest ride.

tcs

Starting January 1, 1939, Britian Tommy Godwin rode 100,000 miles in 499 days on his Raleigh bicycle with Sturmey Archer four speed hub.

TCS

cccorlew

on sale $4.99 at Performance. Tells you if you have wear enough to replace your chain.
So far everyone I've checked that thinks they need a new chain after 2000 miles because they hammer so hard didn't really.
Measure. Save $$$. Replace stuff when it doesn't work right any more.