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When the useful life of your bike or its components is over, continued use is hazardous.
Every bicycle and its component parts have a finite, limited useful life. The length of that life will vary with the construction and materials used
in the frame and components; the maintenance and care the frame and components receive over their life; and the type and amount of use
to which the frame and components are subjected. Use in competitive events, trick riding, ramp riding, jumping, aggressive riding, riding on
severe terrain, riding in severe climates, riding with heavy loads, commercial activities and other types of non-standard use can dramatically
shorten the life of the frame and components. Any one or a combination of these conditions may result in an unpredictable failure.
All aspects of use being identical, lightweight bicycles and their components will usually have a shorter life than heavier bicycles and their
components. In selecting a lightweight bicycle or components you are making a tradeoff, favoring the higher performance that comes with
lighter weight over longevity. So, If you choose lightweight, high performance equipment, be sure to have it inspected frequently.
You should have your bicycle and its components checked periodically by your dealer for indicators of stress and/or potential failure, including
cracks, deformation, corrosion, paint peeling, dents, and any other indicators of potential problems, inappropriate use or abuse. These are
important safety checks and very important to help prevent accidents, bodily injury to the rider and shortened product life.
2. Perspective
Today’s high-performance bicycles require frequent and careful inspection and service. In this Appendix we try to explain some underlying
material science basics and how they relate to your bicycle. We discuss some of the trade-offs made in designing your bicycle and what you
can expect from your bicycle; and we provide important, basic guidelines on how to maintain and inspect it. We cannot teach you everything
you need to know to properly inspect and service your bicycle; and that is why we repeatedly urge you to take your bicycle to your dealer for
professional care and attention.
WARNING: Frequent inspection of your bike is important to your safety. Follow the Mechanical Safety Check in Section 1.C of this
Manual before every ride.
Periodic, more detailed inspection of your bicycle is important. How often this more detailed inspection is needed depends upon you.
You, the rider/owner, have control and knowledge of how often you use your bike, how hard you use it and where you use it. Because
your dealer cannot track your use, you must take responsibility for periodically bringing your bike to your dealer for inspection and
service. Your dealer will help you decide what frequency of inspection and service is appropriate for how and where you use your bike.
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