Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
So got any aluminum bikes? If so, ride them until you think they are approaching the fatigue limit, then ship them to me. I'll probably get another decade or two of use out of them.
Frame fatigue is an issue that doesn't blip my radar.
Yep, I have a '92 Trek 1420 bonded Al frame and it's not going to die anytime soon. Most Al frames made for sport and touring use (Trek, Cannondale, etc.) are made plenty durable and will last for decades so I wouldn't worry about them either.
The frames I was refering to are the ultra light, very thin wall competition frames sold strictly for racing. They are made to be light above all else and longevity isn't an issue as they are replaced every racing season. Maybe they will last a lot longer but I wouldn't spend my money finding out.