Bicycle Lifespan - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

08-01-2004, 01:38 PM

I bought a used Cannondale road bike in 2001. It was in great shape
then, but now many items are in need of replacement--shifters, cables,
saddle, wheels, tires, etc. Admittedly a new bike might not need all
of this after only 3 years, but I'm still stuck in the position of
either fixing this one (which I fear would be putting good money after
bad) or buying a new ride.

This brings up the question of what the expected lifespan of a road
bike should be. Is it 3-5 years and one should just live with the
thought of dropping $2K for a new one that often just as one must do
with computers? Or is it longer, allowing one to think more of it
like a car? If the latter, are expensive parts worth replacing on a
bike? I expect the shifters & cables alone to cost over $400 to have
replaced; a significant expense that requires serious consideration.

Thanks for any thoughts,
-Kurt

PS: I'm a bit dismayed at the lack of durability of "Dura-Ace"
components. Has anyone else found them to not necessarily be worth
their cost?