Average component life

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Hi guys,

 

So I am curious as to the expected life of the various components that make up a bike.

While I know everyone uses and cares for their bikes differently I'd still like a rough indication as to how long the components on, specifically, a MTB bike are likely to last. This is not a scienticfic analysis just a general estimate from previous experiences basically.

The list of components I can think of is as follows:

**Cassette

**BB

**Chain

**Crankset

**Derailleurs

**Fork

**Rear shock

**Tires

**Hubs

If you could use the list in your post and just add a time period in month I would appreciate it.

e.g: Chain - 14 months

 

Thanks

[hayleyearth]

Maybe put it in km's (and riding time if you want) - as my one bike has been hanging for 8 months now, so I think his components will last a few more years.....and one cover different km's over the different months.

[flat29]

This is for me clean bike every sunday and lube all parts

**Cassette 18 months (slx)

**BB 6 months for some reason I break them often

**Chain 18 months ( but too long, must change at about 1000 km)

**Crankset 18 months (slx)

**Derailleurs 2 years no problem (slx)

**Fork 2 years no problem rock shock reba gold

**Rear shock n/a

**Tires 10 months but no side wall cuts (maxxis crossmark tubeless)

**Hubs 2 years no problem (fire eye hubs)

Edited July 25, 2013 by flat29

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Thanks Hayley, that does make sense. Maybe mileage related life span makes more sense.

Chain could last 10 years if you never rode but oiled it everytime you walked past the bike.

[SeaBee]

flat29 - how the heck do you get a (mtb) chain to last 18 months?!

[flat29]

flat29 - how the heck do you get a (mtb) chain to last 18 months?!

 

it should not, i must have changed it looooong ago. Has 2 quick links in now.

Need to change the complete drivetrain now

but then I scrub the chain by hand every sunday and relube

getting a chainwear tool tomorrow for the new bike, dont want to cock it up again

Edited July 25, 2013 by flat29

[GLuvsMtb]

Life expectancy is directly proportionate to they way you ride and how you care for the components. Life can also be extended if you service moving parts regularly and replace worn parts when needed.

 

I clean my bike after every ride with mild soapy water and a fresh water rinse, I lube my chain after every wash and before the ride, I replace my chain at .70 wear. I service my fork and shock at regular intervals and depending on the type of riding, I get about 2000km before a service. My blades are still good after about 5000km on the new bike, replaced the chain twice, cassette once (last week) cables once, one brake bleed, 2 sets of brake pads (last set only recently).

[Red Zone]

I came to a staggering conclusion last weekend when I got my fifth bike. With sharing the load between bikes and avoiding the mud on my mtb, my bikes just go on and on without wearing out. That being said, I think you ask an impossible question, I seem to get amazing life out of my components, some guys are just heavier on their equipment or dont look after their bikes and seem to always be replacing. There is also a lot to be said for spec'ing good quality but not super light stuff.

[hayleyearth]

it should not, i must have changed it looooong ago. Has 2 quick links in now.

Need to change the complete drivetrain now

but then I scrub the chain by hand every sunday and relube

getting a chainwear tool tomorrow for the new bike, dont want to cock it up again

 

you only wash and lube once a week?

do you only ride once a week? (not being funny here)

 

Cause I dont ride a lot, at this moment maybe 3 times a week and it is short distances (like Sunday I only did about 6km) and I still find the need to clean and lube my chain after/before every use.

[flat29]

you only wash and lube once a week?

do you only ride once a week? (not being funny here)

 

Cause I dont ride a lot, at this moment maybe 3 times a week and it is short distances (like Sunday I only did about 6km) and I still find the need to clean and lube my chain after/before every use.

 

i do 2 morning rides a week mostly tar and then saturday lube again do a 50 - 60 gravel and then wash and lube

 

Ps: it is not yet friday!!

Edited July 25, 2013 by flat29

[Thug]

I've had a 9 speed XTR rear derailleur on various bikes for over 6 years and have just replaced the pulleys a couple of times. Still going strong!

[Robrider]

I've had a 9 speed XTR rear derailleur on various bikes for over 6 years and have just replaced the pulleys a couple of times. Still going strong!

 

Me too, only one bike, so it gets ridden all the time. but 3.5 years, quite a few stage races, including j2c and I haven't even changed pulleys. Will have to change them soon though, but the derailer is going strong.

 

Tyres really vary the most. crossmark/larsen tt ust tyres have lasted me years, I have even ridden them down to the kevlar carcass and they just don't die. Other brands I have got 8 months out of. and non tubless running tubless dont last very long.

 

Hubs should last many years. Shimano need more care than some others, but if you look after them, they will last 5+ years easily. brands like hopes, you can just change the bearings, so in theory should last forever.

 

I've had a crappy time with my fox fork. Stanchions are worn through for the second time (even though I serviced it religiously), so I've decided to let it die a slow death. I've still had it for nearly 5 years though, but I consider replacing stanchions beyond the "normal" life of a fork.

 

BB - 6-18months, depends on how much mud and water I ride in. You can throw it away after a muddy sabie experience, for example.

[porqui]

.........., my bikes just go on and on without wearing out. .

 

 

Pleeease! tell me what bikes you are buying as I definitely need even just one of those.

 

Next you are going to tell me you never get flats - so which tyres?

Edited July 25, 2013 by porqui

[flat29]

did the 10 hour noon to moon at sabie last year in the mud. Sabie eats drivetrains for breakfast

Edited July 25, 2013 by flat29

[Goblin]

you only wash and lube once a week?

do you only ride once a week? (not being funny here)

 

Cause I dont ride a lot, at this moment maybe 3 times a week and it is short distances (like Sunday I only did about 6km) and I still find the need to clean and lube my chain after/before every use.

 

I ride about 4 times in a week and wash once on sunday.

 

Maybe use a different lube, Im using squirt and its staying on for the week. (Im not riding through rivers and the like though)