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aluminum FS frame life span speculations

1288 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by dogonfr, Dec 28, 2009

UBUgoat

Discussion Starter · Dec 27, 2009

i was wondering (and looking at all the discussions google gave me) about the so-called limited lifespan of aluminum frames. i keep thinking of crinkled beer cans...

i know there are alot of factors to consider: aggressive riding (and how much, how often), weight of the rider, geometry, craftsmanship of the frame...

now, the fact that a FS frame is taking abuse, but much of it taken by the shocks, should that actually be considered in the equation? i hear of clydesdale downhillers busting aluminum frames, but, heck, if one does the gamut of XC riding, is there not much to worry about?

of course, it's all for nought should i run across an angry grizzly, cougar or alien with ray gun

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perttime

· #2 · Dec 27, 2009

there are alot of factors to consider: aggressive riding (and how much, how often), weight of the rider, geometry, craftsmanship of the frame...

There's this guy in my area... Not a lot of fast downhilling available, short ups and downs, enough rocks and roots but not many opportunities to catch much air. I think he's over 100kg, and he has the fitness to go pretty hard on our "XC" trails. Recently, he's been averaging one major brand 5" FS frame a year.

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frdfandc

· #3 · Dec 27, 2009

A smooth, efficient, maintenance rider can get many years out of a full squish aluminum frame. However, take the same frame and give it to a rider that runs through everything could trash a frame within a few months.

I ride with a guy who has broken 2 C-dale hardtail frames, 4 wheel sets and a bunch of other parts. He is not a finesse rider. He is a big strong masher, that just barrels over everything.

I would hate to see him on a FS bike.

I'm going on my 3rd year on my FS Kona with zero issues. Its a 4" travel bike that I use for trail riding and some XC racing.

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vaelin

· #4 · Dec 28, 2009

On the flip side my wife's been riding an IH Hollowpoint for six years, including trips to the bike parks and such. No signs of it dying, no dents or dings.

She's not what I'd consider a 'finesse' rider; she'll smash into rocks just because she's light and let the suspension soak it up. No problems. Then again, she's only 105 lbs.

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UBUgoat

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 28, 2009

hmmm....i can get carried away by the moment, but i think i'll pretty much go XC finesse with a few hardcore bursts like i've done with the still strong hardtail i've been abusing....

i'm 145 or so, i am thinking the shocks will take the brunt. i hope.

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dogonfr

· #6 · Dec 28, 2009

UBUgoat said:
hmmm....i can get carried away by the moment, but i think i'll pretty much go XC finesse with a few hardcore bursts like i've done with the still strong hardtail i've been abusing....

i'm 145 or so, i am thinking the shocks will take the brunt. i hope.

Dont worry get the bike you want and ride. :cornut:

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