How long do bikes last? On average, a bike can last for approximately five years if you ride it every day and even more with proper maintenance. Read on to know more.
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No matter how well you maintain your bike, you need to replace it. But since bikes cost a thousand dollars nowadays, many people think of this question: How long do bikes last?
On average, a bike can last for approximately five years if you ride it every day. It may even last longer if you maintain it properly.
Well, the lifespan depends on how you use your bike and on which road you ride it. But when it comes to the lifespan of the bike, proper maintenance is a must to make it last longer.
In this article, let us further look at,
- What is the lifespan of a bike?
- How Long Do Bike Frames Last?
- Different Types Of Bicycle Frames
- When should I replace my bike?
- How many miles on a bicycle is a lot?
What Is The Lifespan Of A Bike?
Just as your car can cover up to 100,000 miles if it’s in good condition, so can your bike. But you may need to replace some parts and maintain them well.
A bicycle can last for five years or even longer with proper maintenance. A bike with a good and sturdy frame can even last a lifetime.
If we talk about mountain bikes, they can last for more than 20 years. Their lifespan totally depends on what kind of roads you ride and how many miles you ride. You may need to replace parts like chains, tires, or brake pads from time to time.
Mileage
Don’t think of having a bicycle in terms of years. Just like any other vehicle, a bicycle’s parts can get worn out and damaged. If you maintain your bike properly, it can last for decades. But if you ride it regularly, there is a high chance of its parts getting damaged.
Corrosion
If you ride your bike 100 miles a week, you may need to change its brake pads once in a month or so. But if you live and ride in the mountains, you may need to change it more often.
You may even need to change your chain every few months. A lot depends on the kind of roads you ride your bike on.
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How Long Do Bike Frames Last?
Whether you want to upgrade or repair your bike, you will have to replace its parts. You might rarely need to replace the bike frame itself.
Well, a bike frame lasts anywhere from 6 years to 40 years. This depends on your frame material, how well you maintain it and how you use it.
Bikes that have carbon or titanium frames last longer with proper maintenance. Bikes having aluminum or steel frames can last for six years or more with proper maintenance.
Different Types Of Bicycle Frames
Not all bicycles have the same frame. There are different bike frames available in the market nowadays. Let us look at the bike frame material and how long it can last.
Steel
Steel is the most popular frame material in bikes. It is quite sturdy and durable. The only problem with a steel frame is that it is relatively heavier than other frames. It is a great choice for people who want custom bikes at a reasonable price.
Aluminum
Aluminum is also the popular frame material used in bikes. It weighs lower and costs less. But sadly, aluminum frames do not last as long and may get damaged if you crash your bike by accident.
It would help if you were very careful when riding bikes with aluminum frames. It is not safe for you to ride long distances as they get damaged pretty quickly.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the most popular bike frame materials. It has similar properties to that of steel but is corrosion and fatigue-resistant. It has the highest strength-to-weight ratio. This means it will last a long time and is pretty lightweight.
A titanium frame gives a trouble-free ride and is a great choice for touring and hardtail mountain bikes. It is pretty easy to repair and maintain as well.
Carbon Fiber
Most high-end mountain bikes and road bikes use carbon fiber frames. It is relatively lighter than steel, titanium, and even aluminum. It absorbs the vibrations of the moving bicycle much better than other materials and provides a comfortable ride.
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How Do You Know If Your Bicycle Is Outdated?
If we look at mountain bikes, many innovations and biking technology have been coming out in recent years. Secondly, mountain bikes are not cheap.
You may find your 5-year old mountain bike completely useless in comparison to the new and advanced bikes on the market today. However, the truth is you need to look at mountain bikes as per your suitability and need.
If you are a professional rider, you must have bikes with the latest and advanced technology available in the market to make a huge difference in winning the race. This means that even a five-year-old bike will get outdated quite soon.
Similarly, those who ride bikes regularly or pursue bike riding vigorously as a hobby may also want a new bike with all the advanced technology and features.
But if you use your bike for just a casual ride once in a week or so, then you just need to maintain it well.
How Can You Make Your Bike Last Longer?
To make your bike last longer, you need to store it well and maintain it properly. If you leave your bike outside in the rain, it is going to rust very quickly.
Also, if you keep your bike clean and dry, it will last longer than if you leave it out with dirt and grime on it. It would help if you always made a habit of keeping your bike clean and free from dirt.
But if you don’t have space to keep it inside, covering your bike properly will help protect your bike. Also, if you are taking your bike to school or office, consider the weather.
Taking your bicycle out in the rain may damage your bike and reduce its longevity. But if you still need to, make sure you dry and clean your bike properly before storing or placing your bike at night. It will help from rusting.
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So What Affects The Lifespan Of A Bike?
There are many people who argue whether a steel frame or a carbon frame lasts longer or is durable. Many think that you cannot repair a carbon fiber frame, and it wears out faster. At the same time, others feel that steel frames rust and breaks easily.
But the truth is if you ride your bike on rough terrain, it will get damaged, no matter what the frame. But with proper maintenance, it can last longer.
Tires
Cheap and gaudy tires may look attractive to the novice, but they are the first things that get damaged. If you ride your bike on rough terrains on a regular basis, make sure the tires are of high quality so that you don’t have to replace them often. Also, a good quality tire will give a great performance as well.
Chain
Similarly, if you look at chains, always look if it’s of good quality. It may be a bit expensive, but then you won’t have to change it often. Most of the time, you may need to change the cheap quality chain often and be less efficient than expensive ones.
Frame Quality
The lifespan of any bike can be affected by the frame quality. An expensive bike with the latest technology will be more durable. And with proper maintenance and care, it will last much longer.
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Miles In A Bicycle Is A Lot?
Usually, you can ride a bike for at least 20 miles. But when it comes to riding a bicycle, speed and time matter more than the distance you cover. But if you are just starting with your riding, riding up to 10 miles a day is a good start.
How many miles do bikes last?
As such, there is no limit to how many miles a bike can last. The bike parts wear out at different times. Like, you may need to replace the bike chain every 1600 miles. And you may need to replace the tires every 3000 miles. But if you replace these parts in a timely manner, your bike can last a lifetime as well.
How Often Should You Replace Your Bike Tires?
You need to replace your road or mountain bike tire when
- They wear out completely.
- You are not satisfied with their functioning or performance.
Typically tires will last anywhere between 1000 to 3000 miles, depending on quality and upkeep.
So How Long Do Bikes Last? Five Years Or More, Depending On Maintenance
All parts of a bike have a different lifespan, and you may need to replace it from time to time. It can last longer with proper maintenance. The lifespan of a bike also depends on how you ride your bike and on which terrain you ride.