Recently purchased a Trek 820 steel frame and was wondering if could get some experienced opinion on how long this thing might last. Most likely, I'll probably upgrade to an aluminum frame when $ permits but was thinking about keeping this bike as a secondary for friends and relatives who might want to ride with me. Its not a high end steel by any means (just high tensile), but if I keep the paint pretty much on this thing and keep it clean, how long can a person expect it to last? I don't live in a salt air environment and probably won't be exposing it to too much hard elemant riding. Any info is most appreciated. Thx.
With steel, lifespan is pretty much indefinite, unless you damage it or allow it to corrode. I own a pair of 30 year racers, frames are perfect on both of them.
Theoretically, aluminum frames have a limited lifespan, but that measure usually applies to the very lightweight frames being ridden by the very hardcore riders. My wife and I ride around on a 1991 Cannondale tandem. It's aluminum frame shows no sign of wear or fatigue.
I think it aslo depends on how hard you ride the bike and if you race it etc,
i have a steel bike frame i have had for 10 years and its solid. Its been to hell and back, heavy long distance touring, winter training, mtb racing. Its very well looked after and has plenty or scrathes but no rust what so ever. Its a Univega Racelite Alpina. Its hangin up on my wall of my shed as a memorial to all the good memories. In my experience you tend to get a new bike or change the frame at least every 3-4 years anyway.
