How Long Do Used Bikes Last?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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So how long do bike frames last? Depending on the frame material, how well it is maintained, and how hard it is used, bike frames last anywhere from

6 to 40 years

. Carbon and titanium bike frames will last the longest with proper care, with some even outlasting their riders.

Is buying a old bike worth it?

Conclusion. We think

vintage bikes are always a great idea, as long as you know what you're getting into when you buy one

. With just a little research, a little patience, and a little hard work, you can end up with a mint condition vintage bike that is just as functional as it is fun to look at.

What is high mileage for a bicycle?

For small sports bikes,

20,000 to 30,000

is on the high side. For larger bikes, 50,000 miles and up is considered high motorcycle mileage. But before you write off any models, consider that a properly maintained bike can last well past 100,000 miles!

How do I know if a used bike is good?

  1. FRAME & FORK. A damaged frame or fork makes a used bike virtually useless. …
  2. STEERER & HEADSET. While bearings themselves don't cost that much, it's still a good idea to check the condition of the headset before a purchase. …
  3. WHEELS & TIRES. …
  4. DRIVETRAIN. …
  5. BOTTOM BRACKET & BRAKES.

How many miles does an aluminum bike last?

I've seen a lot of aluminum racing bike frames fail, and I have broken one. Riding style is the key. My best guess is the realistic window is

10,000 to 30,000 miles

. 30,000 miles on an aluminum frame would be considered good to excellent.

How often should you replace a road bike chain?

Replacing your chain regularly can prolong the life of your drivetrain. Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about

every 2,000 to 3,000 miles

, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

Are older bicycles better?

If you are a normal, every day commuter, a well maintained bike from the 80's may be absolutely fine, but a more modern bike might be a bit lighter, a bit more able to soak up bumps, have better gearing system and this may make the difference if you are using it every day.

What should we check before buying a bike?

  1. Find the Purpose of the Purchase. The selection of a bike to buy is based on the purpose of its purchase. …
  2. Conduct a Thorough Research. …
  3. Inspect the Bike Thoroughly. …
  4. Check the Chassis Number. …
  5. Servicing Record. …
  6. Ensure Proper Documentation. …
  7. Negotiate the Price.

What is considered vintage bicycle?

Vintage bikes are typically defined as

bikes that were produced between the 1920s and the 1990s

, although the earlier date is open to debate. Mostly they are bicycles that have been made by hand and constructed with steel.

Is 5000 miles a lot for a bike?

Generally,

high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles

. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.

Is 5000 miles a lot for a road bike?


Most would consider that high mileage

. In 5K miles with good components, it is possible that nothing on this bike has worn out other than tires. The most that would be worn would be chain and cassette (plus tires). It's likely time to overhaul the hubs, clean and lube the brakes.

Is 20 000 miles a year a lot?


20,000 miles a year can be considered a lot

given the average miles driven by both, American men and women. Additionally, 20,000 miles a year on a car can easily be considered high but it all depends on maintenance. If a car is well maintained, 20,000 miles a year may not matter too much.

How much should I pay for a used bike?

As a general rule of thumb, you can get a really nice, long-lasting used bike in the

$200 to $400

range. A brand new bike with similar build quality and features should run you around $500 to $900.

What bike do I need for my height?

Height Bike Size
5'7” to 5'11” (170-180 cm)


16 to 17 inches
6'0” to 6'2” (180-188 cm) 17 to 19 inches 6'2” to 6'4” (188-193 cm) 19 to 21 inches 6'4” or taller (193+ cm) 21 plus inches

What is a bike cassette?

The cassette on your bicycle can be found on the rear wheel and is

a cluster of sprockets that are a part of the drivetrain

. They slide onto the freehub, the ratchet system that controls the drive of your bicycle when you pedal, and can have anything from 5 to 12 ‘speeds'.

Do Aluminium frames wear out?


The typical aluminum frame possesses a life expectancy of five to 10 years

. The fatigue life of steel is much longer, but the material requires more maintenance.

Do aluminum bikes break?


Aluminum frames do wear out as a result of accumulative fatigue which reduces the stiffness and tensile strength of the material over time

. It's believed that aluminum frames can pass through a limited number of stress cycles before developing cracks and eventually failing.

Which is better alloy or aluminum bikes?

Alloys of steel are the traditional frame material, but

the use of aluminum is starting to overtake steel even on entry level bikes

. Manufacturers of aluminum frames have evolved their designs to be very durable and with an excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio.

How long does a cassette last?

A cassette, in most cases, can last for approximately

two to three chain replacements

if they are done at the right time.

How often should a bike be serviced?

After this initial service, we recommend a major service

each 12 months

with a minor check up at each change of season. It's a reasonable guideline, but it really does depend on how much you ride, and what kinds of conditions you're riding in. Heavy use, rain, mud and dust all mean more frequent servicing.

How do I know if I need a new bike chain?

What is the most popular bicycle brand?

Brand name Rank Made in
Trek Bikes

#1 United States
Giant Bikes #2 Taiwan Specialized Bikes #3 United States Canyon Bikes #4 Germany

Are modern bikes faster?

A brand new $2500 road bike vs a brand new $1200 bike, both with the same tires, is

probably at most 5% faster in general, and 10% faster in its specialty

(hills if it is light, flats if it's aero).

Are old bicycles safe?

The carbon fork is also less robust than steel, and can develop hidden cracks. But again, unless there's something in its history to make it suspect then it should be fine.

Certainly age is not a problem

. Nothing really “ages” on a bike beyond the tires (and, to a slight extent, the lubes).

How do I choose my bike budget?

Choose your budget: After firming up your decision to buy a new bike, you should first

choose your budget and set a limit

. The amount of money that you can spend on your bike will help you narrow down on your options. Say for example your budget is set at Rs 70,000 and the maximum you can stretch it is uptil Rs 85,000.

Which bike should I buy in 2022?

  • Best upcoming bikes in India in 2022. …
  • Royal Enfield Scram 411 – Around ₹1.9 lakh. …
  • KTM RC 390 – Around ₹2.5 lakh. …
  • Kawasaki W175 – Around ₹1.75 lakh. …
  • 2022 Honda CB300R – Around ₹2.5 lakh. …
  • Triumph Tiger Sport 660 – Around ₹12 lakh. …
  • Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 – Around ₹1.3 lakh.

How fast is 125cc?

Both 125cc scooters and motorbikes

max out at 60mph

, which is double the top speed of a 50cc. This makes them a much more suitable choice if you plan to do longer journeys, or are travelling on A roads. Whereas a 50cc makes a good choice for city riding, 125cc scooters are better for suburban/country riding.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.