Component life

[bikinchris]

I have gotten several tweets from Thomson warning that components being used under clamping force and stress are supposed to be replaced at 10,000 miles.

I guess my old bikes parts all have to be replaced? Nope, I don't buy the lightest stuff. Never did.

[berserk87]

I have gotten several tweets from Thomson warning that components being used under clamping force and stress are supposed to be replaced at 10,000 miles.

I guess my old bikes parts all have to be replaced? Nope, I don't buy the lightest stuff. Never did.

Hey Chris!

I hope that I am not jinxing myself by saying this, but I have used plenty of parts under clamping force well beyond 10k miles with no issues. That has primarily included Thomson seat posts (which I have had on virtually all of my bikes for 15 years).

I think that Thomson is just trying to cover their biscuits in terms of potential for lawsuits in the event of component failure. The 10k limit would have me replacing handlebars and seat posts once a year.

[bikinchris]

I know I'm a retrogrouch, but I would have no fear putting my old 66-44 Cinelli bars on and riding it until I die. I don't have that confidence in the super light stuff of today.

[John H.]

10k miles? What does that mean if you ride a lot?
Less than a year out of a post/saddle/bars?
I would find some different components if they don't feel like theirs last longer than that-

[bikinchris]

But they are only the latest one saying this. Most other manufacturers I know of have said this years ago. Now where you gonna go?

[chiasticon]

yeah it's not a thomson specific thing. they usually don't even say "our stuff only lasts this long" but generalize it to all aluminum that's doing clamping.

it's a bit scary, sure. but I'm not 100% sure that means you need a new stem and post every year or so either...

[ripvanrando]

So, I have over 9,000 miles in this season and need to replace.....

Stem, bars, seat post, saddle rails, and what else? Front clamp on derailleur?

Note to self: avoid Thomson products

[Richard]

I don't think this is about lawsuits, but to avoid recalls on old parts. That said, if you aren't ham handed and constantly over-tightening the parts, they will last longer than "advertised." I think this is about people really reefing on light weight parts causing crimps and other problems that turn into breakage.

[berserk87]

It just occurred to me that my Thomson stuff has been bombproof as heck. Of all manufacturers, this surprises me.

My road stem is still 26.0 - bought it new back in the day. Zero defects.

[bigbill]

My gravel bike has a 14 year old Thomson stem. I review my will before the end of the summer.

[mg2ride]

Note to self: avoid Thomson products

They make pretty stuff but I know of quite a few seat posts and stems that broke well under 10K miles.

I will use their stuff if it comes on a used bike I buy but I will not pay of their stuff otherwise.

[buddybikes]

I'd be more nervous about carbon forks

[El Chaba]

Take into consideration that the warning comes from the company that produces that horrifying bent setback post....Retiring that abomination after 10,000 miles would be an act of mercy....

[FlashUNC]

Their terrible advice matches their generally terrible products.

[bikinchris]

You guys are piling on Thomson, but they are only the latest saying that these lightweight parts have a if it life. AFAIK every single manufacturer is now saying this.

[soulspinner]

Take into consideration that the warning comes from the company that produces that horrifying bent setback post....Retiring that abomination after 10,000 miles would be an act of mercy....

Right? Campy shifters change I got used to. Dura Ace 4 arm cranks...ok. but that seatpost looks awful on a nice looking steed.:no:

[tumbler]

Take into consideration that the warning comes from the company that produces that horrifying bent setback post....Retiring that abomination after 10,000 miles would be an act of mercy....

Well said.

[berserk87]

Their terrible advice matches their generally terrible products.

You blaspheme, sir!