this post was submitted on 21 Oct 2024
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Buy it for Life

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Repairable Bike Tips (slrpnk.net)
submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
22 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I'm looking to purchase a bike (probably second hand) and I want to make sure that it'll be easily repairable in the future for at least standard maintenance stuff.

Thing is, I don't know anything about bikes- I've heard people say off hand that modern bikes might perform better but are less maintanable, is this a thing? What qualities/features in a bike tell me that it'll be easier to maintain in the long run?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

I'll give you a BIFL answer that's not super heavy on performance. I'll assume your primary goal is commuting or some light exercise.

  1. Stay away from carbon fibre. Stick to aluminium or better yet, steel.
  2. Choose a bike that has a fanbase. For example Bromptons or Surlys are expensive for what they are but you can maintain them for a lifetime.
  3. Stay away from the cheapest bikes. If you're going for a low budget bike try to stick with a mainstream reputed bike brand like Giant.
  4. A belt drive is more hassle free if you have the budget.