Build quality - what's your opinion

Gary_H

My previous bike lasted 17 years until an accident occured (MBK - Rockfighter). My 'new' bike (GT Avalanche), not even two years old seems to be dropping to bits! In its relatively short life to date, I've had a new cassette and chain - I wore the two smallest cogs down to spikes!, new bearing set for the section at the front, new disc brakes, countless gear cable, inner tubes and tyre replacements, two sets of lights. Even the bottom bracket is starting to feel lose...

I dare say there's probably been a lot worse happen to other folks on here in a shorter timeframe. But in comparison to my last bike my 'new' one is letting me down.

So what's your opinion on built quality of late...

il_principe

Components wear out. The ones at the lower end of the market wear/fail more quickly. My 3 year old Ultegra equipped Focus roadie has needed a few cassettes, chains and 2 new chainrings (50 and 34) in 3 years (as well as tires and brake pads) everything else is running perfectly. As long as your frame is ok there's nothing to worry about. Perhaps replace worn parts with ones of better quality next time. It's all about finding a balance between wear rates, workshop charges and component cost. Obvio good maintenance is vital. Well looked after bikes will run better for longer.

Agent57

My current commuter/old road bike, and my current MTB have both lasted 18-20 years and are still in fine fettle. The only thing I've replaced is the chain on the road bike (and brake pads/tyres, but they're obviously more prone to wear).

I've just bought a new all-carbon road bike, and will be getting a new MTB in a week or so. Ask me again in 5-10 years and I might be able to compare the two sets of bikes and current build quality.