How much should bike maintenance cost per year?

[tjf9]

My LBS is giving me the 1000 mile guideline for chain replacement as well. The guy at my shop says its the 10 speeds - the narrower chain wears more quickly. My shop measured the chain and said it was getting worn - perhaps their stretch allowance is lower than necessary?

[silver]

My LBS is giving me the 1000 mile guideline for chain replacement as well. The guy at my shop says its the 10 speeds - the narrower chain wears more quickly. My shop measured the chain and said it was getting worn - perhaps their stretch allowance is lower than necessary?

I just replaced my first chain on the Madone at 1.5 years and 6,300 miles. It's an Ultegra 10 speed. It was just barely stretched.....I'd been checking it. The cassette and chainrings were fine. Again, another lightweight rider who spins and shifts on the lighter side. Mr. who is heavier and a masher has broken a chain and bent a chainring. I'm also pretty meticulous about keeping my bike clean.

[Mr. SR500]

Drive trains will last almost forever if you keep them clean and lubed. I replaced my Dura-Ace chain at around 4,500 miles and it was still well within the 50% limit, I'm guessing it could have gone another 4,500. I'm a bigger rider pushing 200 lbs with gear. Cassette should last several chains.

I go through a couple bottles of lube a year ($20)
New shifter cables about every year ($20)
Chain every 4000 - 6000 miles ($40)
Brake cables can go longer ~ 2 years ($20)
Brake pads get 2+ years ($30)
Tires, not quite a year (I run 2 rear for 1 front so 3 tires = $120)
Cassette, every couple years ($150)
Bar tape (2 x year, it doesn't wear out, I just like to change colors = $25)
Chainrings, mine still look good.

I ride around 4,000+ miles a year, and keep the bike as clean as possible and well lubed.

[Mr. SR500]

$5 flats that sounds about right. Tube plus CO2. I don't carry a regular pump, and I've found patched tubes are not as reliable. I carry a patch kit, but toss the tube after a flat. I buy tubes and CO2 in bulk, so $5 should cover each flat.

[Aggie_Ama]

$5 flats that sounds about right. Tube plus CO2. I don't carry a regular pump, and I've found patched tubes are not as reliable. I carry a patch kit, but toss the tube after a flat. I buy tubes and CO2 in bulk, so $5 should cover each flat.

You should see if you LBS will recycle those tubes or do what I am doing and weave it into a mirror frame. I am not a fan of patching either.

[Blueberry]

Does anyone know if there's a way to recycle the cassettes, etc. My LBS doesn't recycle them - just wondered if there's another resource.

CA

[Aggie_Ama]

You could make them into art:

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_furnishi...389157,00.html

I might actually need some cassettes for the candle holders in my bathroom. I also have ideas for incorporating chains, spokes, even valve stems. I could pay the shipping if you don't want them. I am not artsy but I am sure going to try for this guest bath I am decorating.

Resource revival takes chains and other parts, no cassettes right now:
http://www.resourcerevival.com/about/recycling

[OakLeaf]

Does anyone know if there's a way to recycle the cassettes, etc. My LBS doesn't recycle them - just wondered if there's another resource. CA

I don't know why steel and aluminum parts couldn't be recycled the same as auto parts and household waste. I just dismantle everything down to its smallest components (to avoid mixed materials) and put metal parts in the recycling bin, but if in doubt, take them to your local scrapyard.

[kat_h]

You should see if you LBS will recycle those tubes or do what I am doing and weave it into a mirror frame. I am not a fan of patching either.

There are a lot of uses for old tubes. I don't patch because if I did then I'd have to buy new tubes to use a sleeves on metal bars and such. I'd rather have new tubes on my bike and use the old ones for other projects (mostly on my step-dad's farm.)

[Aggie_Ama]

I have approx 4,700 miles on my bike since purchase December '07. Original chain, rings, brake pads, etc. My chain is about to be replaced and brake pads. I am not light weight (short and over 150), not heavy. In the past year I have spent:

$120 on tires my bike had soft tires stock and the replacements jsut wore out. I ride Maxxis Detonators, a pretty tough tire.
$100 on tubes- I have a project for the dead ones, but I will start patching now. This is for me and DH.
$25 on CO2
$20-ish on lube, husband also rides. I think we have bought two bottles of Rock 'n Roll Gold.
$25 on bar tape and having it installed only because I wanted a change.
$40 on Bottom Bracket Service
$0 on tune ups, my LBS tightens cables and adjusts shifting for free if it is just a little out of sorts. Wheels are just now needing to be trued
$8 have a rear deraileur adjusted.

DH rides harder (bit of a masher), has 10,000+ miles on his bike, second replacement chain. He has yest to replace the cassette, but will need to next chain. He is getting about 4,000 miles out of a Dura Ace chain.

My bike is due for a major tune up, I think my LBS charges around $85 for the big tune up. $40 for cable tightening and wheel truing, $150 to tear it down and service every little piece.

I will say I ride in mostly dry weather and a non-sandy part of Texas. I am not the best at keeping my drive train clean but better than many. We have one of those Park Chain cleaner gadgets as well.