Originally Posted by
stapfam
It just surprises me that these commuter bikes never fail on the riders. I know they are maintained to a higher standard than their cars- but I rarely see a commuter at the side of the road with even so much as a puncture.
I commuted 150 miles per week for several years. 300 miles per week one year, I've never been so fit. I cleaned the chain once a week, rain or shine, and kept the brakes and cabling in good order. Apart from that I did no maintenance beyond a full service once a year and replacement chains when needed. I never had a significant breakdown. Once I'd switched to schwalbe marathon plus tyres I never even had a puncture. The bike used was, mostly, a Raleigh tourer.
I don't think I am unusual. Bikes tend to keep working.