fishymamba

Hello! I went to my LBS today to get my derauilers tuned and the shop mechanic told me that some parts on my bike are wearing out and will have to be replaced soon. He wasn't too specific about anything, but he let me know that after a couple months of riding I should be looking at replacing a couple things.

So I wanted to know what parts are the first to go on a bike? Shifters? Chain?
I have about 2500 miles on my bike right now so what should be I expecting to replace?

dubsnyc

probably just your chain, but possibly your cassette? and then maybe brake pads and tires. that's all I can think of.

MikeyBoyAz

sounds like your lbs is looking to make some money off you

igknighted

Unless you've been very good at keeping the chain clean and freshly lubed (and CLEAN, did I say that?), it's probably almost due. Better to replace a $20 chain early then wait too long and have to replace a $100 cassette as well. Brake pads could be shot as well, unless you ride flats in good weather and rarely brake. Often you just need to replace the front pads, and replace both next time the front ones wear. The only only other things that usually go in that time span (depending on your weather and riding habits) would be tires and cables/housings. The rest of the stuff should be fine unless you have a specific issue going on.

On a side note... why didn't you ask the mechanic which parts specifically would need replacing, and why he/she thought that? Seems like the person who saw them first hand would be best able to tell you what is looking worn.

datlas 

This.

At most, you might need your chain replaced.

And you can do that yourself quite easily IMO.

StanSeven

Most bike stores are honest and reputable and aren't trying to "make money off you." When you go back, ask the mechanic to show you what's worn so you learn. As someone has said with 2,500 miles you likely will need a new chain (they "stretch" over time), perhaps a new cassette if the chain was badly stretched (usually last through two chain replacments unless chain is badly worn already), at least a rear tire, perhaps bar tape, and maybe brake pads. You'll also need cables adjusted.

bbattle

At 2500 miles, I'd check the chain for stretch. When your shift cables stretch and throw the derailleurs off, the cassette will wear faster, as will the chain. If you put on a new chain and it still has shifting problems, it's time to replace the cassette.

Different riders wear out cassettes at different rates but I've probably put closer to 5k miles on a cassette before replacing it.


Pictures would help.

ericm979

10sp chains usually need replacing before 2500 miles. You can go longer but the shifting will be poor and the worn chain will wear the cassette and chainring teeth.

JoelS

Chain, rear tire at that distance. Possibly cassette too if you waited too long on the chain.

dubsnyc

I mostly agree with this, though I'd change "bike stores" to "mechanics". Most mechanics I've run into are very honest about these things. I don't think the mechanics have much incentive in trying to get you to do replace parts you shouldn't.

fishymamba

I already replaced my brake pads and tires once already.

The guy said that my rear derailleur was looking worn and will have to be replaced soon. He also told me that my hubs were gritty. Do derailleurs that quickly? How long do they last usually?

CNY James

replace means upgrade.