The bike I use to commute suffered its first mechanical casualty today since I bought it five years ago....front deraleur cable broke a block away from my house. I was forced to pedal into work on the smallest chainwheel but was able to shift the rear just fine. This bike is a Novarra Alance with Shimano components. I must say I am impressed with a 5 year old bike that has had nothing done to it except routine maintenance and a few tire and tube changes.