Over the wide range of products the quality of the components has clearly improved. Seat post breakages are actually no longer an issue. Ever since the number of super lightweight components has decreased, it has become calmer.
What are the critical components of a bike?
We see problems in the handlebar and stem area and in particular where they are clamped and with the high rise. Defective brakes are not an issue for me as an expert. I do know, however, from practise that there are a few brake systems susceptible to draw air. Some lightweight cross-country pedals can brake at the axles.
What about the wheels?
A defect in this area is not directly life-threatening. Thanks to disc brakes there are no more valves shearing off. In addition, the new hookless rims function well with the low pressure mountain bike tyres. Sharp rim flanges of carbon rims can, however, be dangerous, if they make the tyre suddenly burst. Carbon rims should anyway be checked regularly in case of tough use.
Which type of bicycle causes most headaches?
Dirt bikes must apparently be low in price and are, as a matter of fact, subject to heavy loads. A broken fork is nothing special. In the case of pedelecs inadequate designs are found every here and there.
Be careful! These are the critical components of a bike
1 Handlebars/Stem
Every crunching noise can mean severe injuries. We advise against extreme lightweight and refer to the results of our breaking test. (www.bike-magazin.de)
2 Frame/Fork
BIKE readers report on lots of damaged frames which do, however, not result in a fall and are handled on a goodwill basis. According to the experts, fork breakage is rather frequent in the case of cheap dirt bikes.
3 Wheels
Wheel failure resulting in a fall is extremely seldom. Be careful in the case of carbon rims: Sharp-edged rim flanges can slit the tyre carcass which can have severe consequences in the front area.
4 Saddle and crank
Occasionally we get notice of super lightweight seat posts which fail. Sometimes we are informed by readers about broken pedal axles or threads thorn off the crank.
Author: Dirk Zedler
