What's the actual life of an aluminum MTB frame? General answers on the internet state they last at least 6 years because the stress applied to the metal accumulates. However, every so often as I'm watching a bike check video at a bike park, I'll see a rider with a bike much older than that life expectancy. I think the oldest I saw was a fellow riding a 2008 Specialized Big Hit. I also know that Jordan Boostmaster sometimes rides a 2008 Norco A-Line. Is there a key to prolonging the longevity of an aluminum frame? Is it as simple as washing and cleaning the frame on a regular basis? Personally, I was thinking that 6 year mark might be grossly understated for full suspension bike since the shocks should absorb a signification portion of stress? I mean, that's their purpose, correct? Am I way off? Are such older bikes anomalies and not representative of mountain bikes in general? Also, if you don't mind sharing, what's the oldest bike you have that's in good working order?