Is My Bike Too Old?
06-06-17, 02:20 AM
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Is My Bike Too Old?
So, I am 14 and currently, have a 2009 Trance 1 with some new parts, they include: New bars, wheels, and tires (also some other things here and there like a new seat, grips etc.) I think of myself as a pretty advanced rider, riding double black diamond trails with 4 meter+ gap jumps and 1.5ish meter drops. Lately, I have been worried if my frame is going to break. I ride pretty fast and gnarly and often huck drops and jumps further than they were intended to be (sometimes to flat) (i am known as Mr Huck locally). I have only been riding since September 2016 but I have been worried about the condition of my frame and whether or not it is going to get cracked or damaged badly. I am not so concerned about my bike because I can still progress further on it but am a little worried about my safety. Any thoughts about what I should do? (except take it easy)
06-06-17, 05:56 AM
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The age of the bike isn't an issue. The Trance is a great trail bike. What would concern me is that you're riding the Trance probably harder than it was designed to be ridden. The Giant Reign would seem more appropriate for your riding style. OTOH, any frame can collapse if you land a jump badly. Do you have body armor? Full-face helmet? Those sort of things?
06-06-17, 12:22 PM
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The age of the bike isn't an issue. The Trance is a great trail bike. What would concern me is that you're riding the Trance probably harder than it was designed to be ridden. The Giant Reign would seem more appropriate for your riding style. OTOH, any frame can collapse if you land a jump badly. Do you have body armor? Full-face helmet? Those sort of things?
06-06-17, 03:07 PM
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The most common frame failures are at the welds, especially around the bottom bracket. Rear triangle failures tend to cause the bike to be un-rideable but don't typically result in major crashes. Issues around the head-tube are different (think fork breaking off). If there's any cracks around the head-tube, retire the frame immediately.
Inspect the frame welds carefully, look for cracked paint at the weld joints, that would be an indication of an underlying crack. If the welds are all in good shape, the frame should have some more life left.
Inspect the frame welds carefully, look for cracked paint at the weld joints, that would be an indication of an underlying crack. If the welds are all in good shape, the frame should have some more life left.
06-07-17, 12:11 AM
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Ok thanks, great to know! Most of the time I do ride with a full face, gloves, goggles and some light knee pads but I am thinking of getting some more downhill orientated ones though.
06-07-17, 12:15 AM
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Haha yes, ironically I have been wanting to get rear shock bottomless tokens for a long time, but last time I went to a bike shop and got my rear shock looked at, the shop said that I should get another shock soon. Thanks for the advice!
06-07-17, 12:19 AM
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The most common frame failures are at the welds, especially around the bottom bracket. Rear triangle failures tend to cause the bike to be un-rideable but don't typically result in major crashes. Issues around the head-tube are different (think fork breaking off). If there's any cracks around the head-tube, retire the frame immediately.
Inspect the frame welds carefully, look for cracked paint at the weld joints, that would be an indication of an underlying crack. If the welds are all in good shape, the frame should have some more life left.
Inspect the frame welds carefully, look for cracked paint at the weld joints, that would be an indication of an underlying crack. If the welds are all in good shape, the frame should have some more life left.
06-07-17, 05:55 AM
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I've an acquaintance who rides a motorized dirt bike. He wears a compression vest and other gear to go along w/it in case he loses control and crashes. He's pretty well padded and protected when on his bike.
06-24-17, 07:44 AM
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So, I am 14 and currently, have a 2009 Trance 1 with some new parts, they include: New bars, wheels, and tires (also some other things here and there like a new seat, grips etc.) I think of myself as a pretty advanced rider, riding double black diamond trails with 4 meter+ gap jumps and 1.5ish meter drops. Lately, I have been worried if my frame is going to break. I ride pretty fast and gnarly and often huck drops and jumps further than they were intended to be (sometimes to flat) (i am known as Mr Huck locally). I have only been riding since September 2016 but I have been worried about the condition of my frame and whether or not it is going to get cracked or damaged badly. I am not so concerned about my bike because I can still progress further on it but am a little worried about my safety. Any thoughts about what I should do? (except take it easy)
I am sure the Trance can handle this stuff on occassion, but if it is what you do regularly, you are likely to break something.
06-24-17, 08:04 AM
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....... I ride pretty fast and gnarly and often huck drops and jumps further than they were intended to be (sometimes to flat) (i am known as Mr Huck locally). I have only been riding since September 2016 ......... a little worried about my safety. Any thoughts about what I should do? (except take it easy)
02-02-18, 02:01 PM
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Pushing the bike too far? Not good if it is not built for that. Inspect regularly, welds and wheels. All bikes can break, ride so you are not injured.
02-05-18, 08:49 AM
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call your local bike shop and get some advice
