• STAINS AND DISCOLORATION CAN OCCUR NEAR A CRACK.
Such staining may be a warning sign that a crack exists.
SIMPLE RULE 3: Inspect and
investigate any staining to
see if it is associated with a
crack.
• SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES, GOUGES, DENTS, OR SCORING
CREATE STARTING POINTS FOR CRACKS. Think about the cut
surface as a focal point for stress (in fact engineers call such
areas “stress risers,” areas where the stress is increased).
Perhaps you have seen glass cut? Recall how the glass was
scored and then broke on the scored line.
SIMPLE RULE 4: Do not
scratch, gouge, or score
any surface. If you do, pay
frequent attention to this
area or replace the part.
• SOME CRACKS (particularly larger ones) MAY MAKE CREAK-
ING NOISES AS YOU RIDE. Think about such noises as a serious
warning signal. Note that a well-maintained bicycle will be very
quiet and free of creaks and squeaks.
SIMPLE RULE 5: Investigate
and nd the source of
any noise. It may not a be a
crack, but whatever is
causing the noise should be
xed promptly.
Fatigue Is Not A Perfectly Predictable Science
Fatigue is not a perfectly predictable science, but here are some general factors to help you and
your dealer determine how often your bicycle should be inspected. The more you t the “shorten
product life” prole, the more frequent your need to inspect. The more you t the “lengthen prod-
uct life” prole, the less frequent your need to inspect.
Factors that shorten product life:
• Hard, harsh riding style
• “Hits,” crashes, jumps, other “shots” to the bike
• High mileage
• Higher body weight
• Stronger, more t, more aggressive rider
• Corrosive environment (wet, salt air, winter road salt, accumulated sweat)
• Presence of abrasive mud, dirt, sand, or soil in riding environment
Factors that lengthen product life:
• Smooth, uid riding style
• No “hits,”, crashes, jumps, or other “shots” to the bike
• Low mileage
• Lower body weight
• Less aggressive rider
• Non-corrosive environment (dry, salt-free air)
• Clean riding environment
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