You might ask: "How long is the life of a road bike frame? " "What happens at the end of life? " This article will try to answer that question.
In this article, we'll show you how to extend the life of your road bike frame. This beginner's guide will give you an idea of how often you should replace the frame.
Road bike frames come in different material types, and we need to categorize them to discuss this topic.
Aluminum Road Bike Frame Life
The life of the aluminum frame is extended. It takes about 5 to 10 years. The frame can crack in less than a few years if you neglect regular maintenance.
Riders who are mistaken believe that if a road bike's frame is made of aluminum, it must be solid, so it's easy to assume that regular maintenance isn't necessary.
But actually, it still breaks. To make the aluminum frame of a road bike last longer, it is necessary to regularly maintain (check) the paint for floating or cracking. With regular maintenance, your aluminum frame can last up to 10 years.
Carbon Fiber Road Bike Frame Life
It is said that carbon has a shorter life than aluminum, but if you have regular maintenance, it will last for about 10 years.
Carbon is a material widely used in airplanes and is known to be durable. Carbon can sometimes last longer than aluminum and be more cost-effective in the long run.
Therefore, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure its longevity if you're using a carbon road bike frame.
Tips On Carbon Frames: Carbon is susceptible to UV light
The development of science and technology promotes the technological progress of human protective resin so the frame does not quickly deteriorate. However, carbon is susceptible to UV rays and can deteriorate if exposed to UV light for extended periods. Therefore, using a carbon fiber frame with proper UV protection can prevent it from deteriorating faster.
Chromoly Bike Frame: For people who need a long bike life
For those who are concerned about lifespan, we recommend a frame made of chromoly. Chromoly is made of iron and copper and has a longer life frame than carbon, lasting several decades. Aside from the weight, it's the perfect bike for beginner road bikers.
However, since chromoly uses iron material, the frame is easily rusted. It's okay to avoid rain and the area around the sea as much as possible.
How To Extend The Life Of Your Road Bike Frame
If you want to extend the life of the road bike frame, it is safe to hold down this point. "Prevent tire deterioration," "prevent rain and UV rays," "wipe the frame," "Be careful of steps," and "stop driving if you feel something is wrong." Let's take a closer look.
Regular maintenance options to extend the life of your road bike frame.
① Prevent rain and ultraviolet rays
Frames made of any material are still vulnerable to rain and UV rays. Therefore, it is advisable to take measures such as attaching a road bike cover. However, if you keep the cover on for long, the road bike may get very damp, so be careful.
② Wipe the frame
It's a good idea to wipe the frame frequently, even if the road bike frame is clean. You can detect invisible stains and strange parts at an early stage. Also, as I wrote earlier if you have been wearing the cover for a long time, it is safe to wipe off the moisture with a towel or the like. The moisture can damage the frame and rust the screws.
③ Be careful of steps
People riding a road bike should slow down and climb up and down the steps, even on small steps. Most road bike frames are made of carbon, which is vulnerable to external shocks. Also, consider the tire surface and be careful of the steps. Road bike tires are thin and prone to deterioration.
④ Stop driving if you feel something is wrong
If you feel something is wrong when you go down a step, stop driving and go to a bicycle shop. After using it for a while, the frame may make some strange noise. It would help if you didn't drive too hard to extend the life of your road bike frame.
Recommended Carbon Frames
I would like to introduce the ICAN carbon road frame. Most frames I will present are made of carbon materials such as T800 and T700. By utilizing this material, a sturdy frame can be produced at an affordable price, within $1000. Moreover, all frame products are accompanied by a 2-year free warranty. If the frame is broken, you can use the warranty free of charge.
Summary
The above is the life of the road bike frame and the introduction of the frame using carbon. Road bikes are vulnerable to rain, UV rays and steps, regardless of whether they are made of aluminum, carbon or chromoly. It's a good idea to clean the frame regularly and slow down when you go down the step.
