A mountain bike is a type of bicycle designed to withstand rugged terrain. They are typically heavier and more robust than other types of bikes, such as road bikes.
But how long will mountain biking last? There is no single lifespan for any given mountain bike because this lifespan depends on how it is used and maintained by the user over its lifespan.
However, they can last 3-10 years, depending on usage, before needing replacement parts (frames).
Another post that will interest you is about Mountain Bikes Good For Commuting: Important Things To Know.
So On Average, How Long Will Your Mountain Bike Last?
Mountain bikes are a great way to explore your surroundings but they require some upkeep. Many factors affect the life expectancy of a bike.
The main factor is the type of terrain in which you ride your bike; for example, if you do a lot of downhill biking, parts will need to be replaced more often-mostly because they wear down quicker.
The life expectancy for average use is 5 to 10 years, depending on your usage and how you maintain it.
When Do Bike Components Start To Wear Out?
In the lifespan of your mountain bike, you will go through specific components wearing out. You will think: “this is the end”, and buy a new one. But then, another element starts going, and you can get away with it for another while.
How long does this back-and-forth happen? To answer that question, we must understand the lifespan of each bike component. Today we will discuss how long a mountain bike lasts when its frame, wheelset, and drivetrain are concerned.
Generally, most mountain bikes have three main parts: frame, wheels, and drivetrain.
The lifespan of a mountain bike’s frame is directly related to how the rider rides it. The more aggressive you are on your bike, the more wear and tear you will put on it.
If you do not receive an injury that would affect your frame (i.e., cracking in the middle of a hard landing). In that case, your mountain bike should last at least 5-10 years under normal riding conditions.
Your mountain bike lifespan will be shortened if you’re an aggressive rider. If you’re a mild rider, it will last longer. Generally speaking, in a lifespan of 5-10 years (from the date you got the bike), about 75% of mountain bike frames can still be salvaged after that time.
However, by that point in time, other bike components will wear out, and you might want to upgrade the frame or switch to another bike.
Wheels:
Now let’s talk about mountain bike wheels. How long do they last? Although many factors affect wheel lifespan (tire quality, tire pressure, terrain type), a good mountain bike wheel can last 2-3 years.
Another post that will interest you is, Do Wheelies Damage Your Mountain Bike?
Drivetrain:
Let’s talk about the lifespan of a mountain bike drivetrain (chain, cogs, and derailleur). How long can it last? This is much more complicated than the lifespan of a frame or wheels because you have the additional factor of how you ride – do you want to go fast on steep climbs?
Do you pump aggressively on the bike? How much do you weigh? But generally speaking, a mountain bike drivetrain can last 3-5 years if properly cared for.
If you ride the same bike for two or more years and don’t touch any components (frame, wheels, drivetrain), your lifespan increases dramatically.
Is It Possible To Increase The Lifespan Of A Mountain Bike?
It is, but it is unlikely.
There are many things you can do to keep your mountain bike in good condition, and right now, we will look at what will increase the lifespan of a mountain bike.
So let’s get started.
What Will Increase The Lifespan Of A Mountain Bike?
- Keep It Clean
Keeping your mountain bike clean is the number one thing you can do to extend the longevity of your mountain bike. When you wash your bicycle, there are some things you need to focus on cleaning besides washing it with normal water.
- Chain Check
It is essential to check the chain for rust and wear. This should be done after every 300 miles of use to increase your bike’s life expectancy. Otherwise, the chain will start to wear out, significantly affecting the bike’s life.
- Lubricate Your Chain
One of the primary things that reduce a mountain bike’s life expectancy is dirt getting into the links when you need to lubricate it properly, leading to problems down the road. So it would help if you made sure that the life of the mountain bike is increased by lubricating your chain regularly and changing sprockets after a while, so they do not wear out.
- Lubricate Everything Else
The same goes for the rest of the parts on your mountain bike, like nuts and bolts and everything else. You should lubricate other aspects of a mountain bike by regularly lubricating those parts too.
How Often To Maintain Your Mountain Bike?
Every Ride:
- Make sure the mountain bike’s tires are correctly inflated.
- It is important not to get any lubricant on the brake system when lubricating the chain.
- Remove any dirt or moisture from the bike.
Every Week:
- Replace the brake pads if they are thinner than 1mm.
- Air shocks should be checked for pressure.
- Bolts and wires should be appropriately tensioned.
Every 4 Months:
- Fork seals and rear suspension oil need to be changed.
- If the hydraulic fluid is dark, bleed the brakes and refill them.
- Dirt and oil should be removed from all parts of the bike.
- If necessary, replace the tires. Make sure the rim is intact as well.
Every Year:
- All parts should be thoroughly cleaned.
- Grip replacement is necessary.
- If the frame or connection points are damaged, fix them.
What Will Decrease The Lifespan Of A Mountain Bike?
Muddy Trails
Muddy trails can wear out the life duration of your mountain bike very fast, so when riding in these places, go slower and try to avoid falling if you can.
Riding Without Lubrication
The lubricating of a mountain bike is important because it helps it last longer and keeps everything running smoothly. When not appropriately lubricated, the lifespan of the mountain bike will be reduced.
Riding Over Curbs
When you ride over curbs, the lifespan of your mountain bike will be decreased because the chain can wear out faster. Try to avoid riding your mountain bike over curbs if possible, and if not, lubricate the chain regularly.
Not Changing Sprockets And Cassette
Another thing that will reduce the life duration of a mountain bike is if you do not change sprockets and cassettes regularly.
It is vital to regularly check and clean your mountain bike and keep it lubricated. If you keep an eye on braking systems, suspension, drive parts, chains, etc. The Life expectancy of mountain bikes can be extended for a long time.
Here is an article that I have written about What is the Mountain Bike Weight Limit?
When Should You Replace Your Mountain Bike?
Mountain bikes are a lot of fun when you purchase them and when they’re new. But after some time passes, the enjoyment starts to diminish. Eventually, your bike will start showing signs that it needs replacing.
It may not be an immediate need, but when the bike shows signs of wear or damage, it’s time for a replacement! Here are five signs your mountain bike is ready for retirement:
Your MTB has been through numerous crashes and falls, which have resulted in dents on the frame. This could lead to instability when riding downhill or over bumpy terrain.
When applied, your brakes might feel squishy as they may have worn out from continuous use (or improperly adjusted). These brakes should not be trusted when on a downhill slope, as you would not expect your brakes to brake when they are not effectively braking.
If any components, such as the chain or wheelset, seem to have worn out, then it’s time for replacement immediately! The smooth feeling when pedaling and minimal resistance, compared to when it was new, is a sign that certain parts are worn out and must be replaced.
If you ride, you feel a wobble when pedaling, indicating bent tires or damaged rims (or both). Bent tires could also be a sign of bad alignment when riding. In this case, the wheelset and possibly the frame should be replaced.
When your front suspension forks feel stiff when traveling downhill, that can mean worn-out shocks or an improperly adjusted front shock (a common oversight when purchasing a new bike). If this is the case, buying a replacement MTB is the only thing to do.
You get what you pay for! And when it comes to mountain bikes, when you pay more for a better bike, you get a better bike. When you buy an affordable brand of MTB, after some use and abuse, it will need replacement.
It is important to note that when your MTB starts showing signs of retirement when riding, it is advisable to replace the broken parts when possible.
If you cannot afford to buy new components when needed, then when riding, avoid using the damaged (or possibly even dangerous when used) parts until a replacement can be made when affordable.
Here is an article on my website that you must read. It is about How To Straighten a Bent Mountain Bike Rim?
How To Properly Store Your Mountain Bike To Help It Last?
Mountain bikes are a way of life, but as you might expect, they need a fair amount of care to maintain their performance. Here are six tips that will help you get the most out of your mountain bike and keep it in good condition:
Clean Off Dirt After Every Ride
Dirt gets ground into the moving parts when riding through mud or sand and can make them work less efficiently over time if left unchecked.
Check Tire Pressure Before Each Ride
A high-speed flat tire can lead to severe injuries like broken bones.
Lube Moving Parts After Each Ride
Your mountain bike is a machine; machines need lubrication to help them run smoothly. Moving mountain bike parts can easily break down without proper maintenance.
Replace Brake Pads As Needed
Brakes that are not working correctly can cause accidents or worse, so replacing worn metal brake pads with new ones is essential.
Replace Worn Mountain Bike Parts As Needed
Mountain bikes are designed to last for a long time, but if you ride them too hard or through harsh conditions, they may need to be replaced sooner than later.
Store Your Mountain Bike In A Safe Place When Not In Use
If left outside in the elements, rust and corrosion can damage the mountain bike to the point that it becomes useless or even dangerous to ride.
Wrapping It Up!
Mountain bikes are a way of life. They can be expensive, but if you take good care of them and maintain their performance with regular maintenance, they will last for years to come!
One crucial aspect is how you store your mountain bike when not in use – the article provides helpful tips on this subject and other ways to prolong the lifespan of your mountain bike.
Try these six practical storage tips and see if it makes any difference in how long your MTB lasts before needing replacement parts.
If all else fails or there’s something specific about your bike that requires more attention than we’ve discussed here, comment below. We’re happy to help extend the lifetime of your favorite mountain bike.
