Sculptor7

Have been looking at a new Trek 1.1 road bike which I like very much. The fellow at the LBS (who was very helpful and forthright) said the aluminum freewheel would probably only last around 2000 miles before having to be replaced. This is something I had not considered in my quest for a new lighter road bike. At least that is how I remembered the conversation. Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.

Retro Grouch 

Ask him to hold a computer magnet near the cogs and see what happens.

I think that you are worrying too much.

dynodonn 

Being that the 1.1 has a freehub and not a freewheel, plus it's made of steel, it should last a longer than 2000 miles, as long as one maintains a regular chain and gear cleaning/lubrication/checking schedule.

Sculptor7

So the "freehub", is that also called a cassette? Not sure I understand the terminology. I have two older road bikes from the '70s and they have freewheels that can be unscrewed but which are a single integral unit. I know the newer bikes have gears that fit on a splined shaft. The point is are the gears actually steel?

Sculptor7

Just discovered this link which clarifies it somewhat (to me).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freehub

trek2.3bike

Trek has a great guarantee. Don't worry about it.

Cyclist01012

No, they have a warranty. Things like cables, brake pads, chains cassettes and chain rings are wear items, and there fore 99% of the time are not covered. But that being said the cassette on a 1.1 is steel. Should last way more then what the shop told you. as long as you take care of it.

DieselDan

The freehub is the splined shaft you referred to. The cassette is the cogset that fits over the freehub. This system ended the old problem of breaking axles by placing an outboard bearing further out on the axle. Freewheels have both the freewheeling mechanisms and cogset in one unit that is screwed onto the hub.