How much should bike maintenance cost per year?

[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]

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.

[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.

[OakLeaf]

That's two people who won't use patched tubes, so I have to ask again: have you ever had a patch fail? Because it's never happened to me or anyone I know.

[kelownagirl]

I've owned my current road bike for 2 years. My LBS 'tuned' it up for free last year. I have 4900 km on that bike. Same chain, same brake pads, same tires, same everything. I am planning to take it on for another check up in the next week or so and expect to get a free tune up and perhaps replace a couple things if they suggest it. And the LBS gives me 15% everything in the store.

PS I have patched and reused tubes many times. Some more than once (same tube, new cut). Haven't had any repair fail.

[lauraelmore1033]

well, the first time I tried to patch a tube, it wouldn't even hold air. I'd followed the directions, but still...
Seemed rather unreliable, especially considering I quite frequently ride out into the middle of nowhere.

I guess I should try it again.

[Aggie_Ama]

That's two people who won't use patched tubes, so I have to ask again: have you ever had a patch fail? Because it's never happened to me or anyone I know.

Yes I have. Maybe it was user error, maybe it was the sweltering 85% humidity we patched and used it in, dunno but the only source of leak was the patched area. Mostly it is pure tiredness keeping me from using them. And I do not patch because I have been saving them for the mirror I posted. I have 4 years worth of tubes that could be patched that I am saving for the mirror. I have to count but I think I finally have enough.

My LBS recycles tubes for all the non-patchers out there. And tires too.

[smilingcat]

That's two people who won't use patched tubes, so I have to ask again: have you ever had a patch fail? Because it's never happened to me or anyone I know.

If correctly applied, older style patches do not fail. Too many people use too much glue and not wait until its dry (not tacky) before applying the patch over a hole. Another common mistake is not properly sanding down the area where the patch goes. use 60 grid sandpaper or use the concrete sidewalk or curb. They do a wonderful job in sanding down the tube.


The new thin ones do fail. I'll go to a bike shop and get the name of the newer quickie fix patch.

smilingcat

[Grog]

When you get parts changed, make sure the bike shop gives you your old parts back.

[lauraelmore1033]

When you get parts changed, make sure the bike shop gives you your old parts back.

They always offer them back, but I don't usually take them. I've already got a box of greasy metal bits and tires and tubes and other assorted bike junk just kicking around. What do you do with them?

A friend recently showed me a picture of a piece of "art" which looked like it was just four bike chains slung over a door. Price? 2.5 million. He joked that, as hard on chains as I am, I could easily recoup my costs and then some by making a similar art object.
I don't think it works that way, but it's an amusing thought.

[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.)