Road bike consumable parts and their replacement cycles [Part 2]

In the first part we explained the frequently replaced and important components of road planning. In this article, we will explain components other than those mentioned above that have a limited lifespan despite their relatively high durability.

Table of contents
1. Frame & Fork
2. Wheel hub
3. Seat cushion
4. Handlebar, stem, seat post
5. Other components

Frame & Fork

There are slight differences in road bike frame and fork products. Among them, the products made of carbon fiber materials deteriorate the fastest. For example, competitive carbon fiber frames basically say goodbye to their "performance period" after 2 to 3 years of actual use. However, this does not mean that it will be damaged and can no longer be used. Depending on the usage conditions and product performance, it can still be used normally for several years or tens of thousands of kilometers.
If you use it to the maximum extent, unexplained abnormal noises will gradually appear in the end. This shows that the carbon fiber material may have begun to have tiny cracks and gradually peeled off. This is also the lifespan of its frame and front fork.
Chromolybdenum steel frame & front fork, like carbon fiber, will lose performance after a few years of use, but this is the only loss. It is difficult for its performance to continue to deteriorate after that. If you take good care of it, you can still ride it 10 or 20 years from now. But, after all, products have a lifespan and cannot be used forever.”

Wheel hub

Disc brake type

Wheel hubs are really big consumables. In recent years, the life of wheel hubs has been extended due to the popularity of disc brakes, but even so, they will slowly deteriorate. If the wheel hub continues to deteriorate, it may easily deflect or the spokes may suddenly break. When this happens, the only option is to replace the entire product with a new one, or repair it if possible and continue using it. If judged according to the riding distance, the overall distance can be considered as almost tens of thousands of kilometers. If you pay attention to use by regularly adjusting the rim deflection, spoke tension, disassembling and maintaining the hub, etc., its life will certainly be extended.

The life of the rim brake is very clear. If the friction part of the brake pad is worn, it must be replaced. Because the rim brake is clamped on both sides of the wheel hub for braking.

Seat cushion

In fact, saddles are also consumables and generally have a lifespan of only a few years. Because this part is a load-bearing part, it will slowly collapse with use, deforming the base and making it concave. It will be uncomfortable to sit on any longer, so it needs to be replaced. Finally found a seat cushion that suits you. It doesn’t matter if you want to keep using the same model. You just need to buy a few more of the same model to keep in stock.

Handlebar, stem, seat post

Road bike handlebars (aluminum)

Stem that supports the handlebars                                             Seat tube that supports the saddle

These are the components with the longest lifespan. Generally, it will not deteriorate under normal use. If you need to replace it, consider replacing it when changing your riding position. However, pay special attention to carbon fiber handlebars. Like the carbon fiber frame, it will deteriorate earlier, so it is recommended to replace it at a certain frequency. Although you don’t have to worry about sudden breakage, when there are many small cracks on the parts, don’t hesitate to replace them quickly.

Other components

Brake lever & transmission	front derailleur	rear derailleur
The topic surrounding the cassette multi-stage flywheel and chain-rings will lead to related chains, transmission & brake handles, rear derailleurs, front derailleurs, cranks themselves, brake calipers, etc. No matter how high-performance components they are, they will eventually deteriorate. However, even if it is a component designed to be highly durable, carbon fiber will generally be the first to break. In particular, if the shifting and braking components deteriorate, the shifting response will slow down, and the return of the brake handle may malfunction. Because of this, these are parts designed to be highly durable, so there is no need to think about replacing them one by one. Compared with these, such as chains, sprockets, cable tubes, etc., they will be consumed faster, so be sure to pay close attention to replacement.