What needs to be replaced?

[lynnb]

I am pretty new to biking. 5 years ago, I bought a nice road bike and did a sprint triathlon. Then I didn't ride for 5 years. This year I decided to do a half IM triathlon. I had my bike tuned up and replaced the helmut. My question is, because most of the parts are 5 years old, is there anything that might need replacing just from age? I didn't ride it all for 5 years. Does anything wear out over time?

[Trek420]

Nope, maybe tires and tubes depending on how you store the bike. Sitting lonely in solitary confinement the garage on the tires there could be a spot it's been resting on all this time.

But if the tires are holding air, and you've had the bike tuned and lubed ... get out there and ride! Just bring a spare tube in the under seat bag :cool:

You don't get to join us in lusting over upgrades until you put the miles in :p

Welcome to TE

[batsheva]

I would replace the tyres and tubes personally in case the rubber has rotted in that time, seeing as that is a safety issue.. not sure what else though - you said you got the bike tuned up and presumably they lubed it all so everything was running free again..

batsheva

[Grog]

Hi Lynn,

Unless the bike was stored outside, I don't see why anything would need to be replaced.

The only thing I can think of is the tires: inspect them visually for damage, like cracks and the like. They could have dried and cracked.

Otherwise, pump those tires, oil that chain and you're good to go!

[OakLeaf]

+1 on replacing the tires. Five years is getting to the end of the useful life of motorcycle tires and I don't know why bici tires would be any different. You want them to stick to the road when you're trying to corner and brake, and tread compounds harden as they age.

You'll probably want fresh grease in the bearings (headset, bottom bracket, hubs, pedal spindles). I'm not sure how long that lasts, but if you never re-packed your bearings before, the grease is now 10 years old, and it's due.

[lynnb]

Thanks so much! I appreciate all the answers. BTW, I am putting in the miles. 48 last thursday. Can I lust over upgrades now? What fun and what a beautiful day!