3 years ago I purchased a Raleigh SC30 (it’s a low end LBS comfort type bike with Shimano shifters and derailleurs), back then, I wanted it to lose weight and get some exercise, and I thought a long ride was 3 miles. I currently have about 800 miles on the bike, most of it put on this year and a typical ride now is 20 miles.

Lately, it seems that every time I ride the bike, a have a new noise or creak to deal with, or adjustment to make. I have done regular maintenance, both through the LBS as well as by myself. I’m not talking about tires and break pads, but what is the typical life span of low end bike components?

Question 2. The sooner the bike above starts braking parts, the sooner I’ll be able to convince my wife that I need to cough up $800-$1000 for a road bike. What should I expect for the reliability of the components on a bike in that price range?

Thanks