In Spain, more than a million new bicycles are sold every year. To this figure, you have to add those that change hands in the used bicycle market. Buying a bicycle is one of the most important investments in a cyclist's life. The risk of making a mistake in the choice is high. And not just because of the economic cost involved. Also because of everything that goes into deciding which bicycle is best for you: comparing models, reading reviews, visiting stores, knowing the correct size...

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And, of course, because of the time you are going to use it. A bicycle is not like a pair of sunglasses that you can replace the next month if you don't like them or they don't fit you well. You are going to use a bicycle practically every weekend for the next two years. Just as important as acquiring a bicycle is knowing when it is time to change it. The type of use you give it, the kilometers ridden, the demands of the routes, or the weather conditions are factors that directly affect the condition of the bicycle.

Maintenance and care are also important. A bicycle that has been serviced regularly, with transmission and brake consumables replaced before reaching the end of their useful life, and carefully washed and lubricated after every ride, will have a longer lifespan.

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The combination of all these factors—maintenance, type of use, weather, kilometers, etc.—makes it difficult to determine exactly when you should change your bicycle. However, there are some indicators that can give you a clue that your current bicycle can no longer offer you more and it's time to replace it.

Repairs exceed the market value of the bicycle

The same thing happens with bicycles as with cars. The moment you buy it, it starts to depreciate. Depending on the type of bicycle, the brand, and the components it has, it can lose between 15% and 30% of its value each year. You also have to add wear, use, and maintenance to this.

There comes a time when the resale price of a bicycle on the second-hand market is below 50% of its original price. This usually happens after 3 or 5 years of use, although in some cases it may happen earlier. Knowing the value of the bicycle at any given time is important. The more time and use your bike has, the more money you need to invest in maintenance, repairs, and replacement of parts. There comes a point when you have to replace the main components of the drivetrain (cassette, chainrings, etc.), the suspension (shock absorbers and fork), the brake discs, or the wheels. Calculate how much money these operations cost you per year. If the cost is superior at 50% of the value of the bicycle or its current market value, it's time to change it.

The components have become outdated

Bicycles not only lose value due to the passage of time and wear caused by use. They also do so due to their geometry and original equipment. Major manufacturers update their bicycle ranges almost every year, focusing on two aspects: on one hand, the design of the frames, with new angles and geometries to adapt them to usage patterns and trends. On the other hand, the type of components.

For example, a few years ago most road bikes on the market had a racing-type geometry. Little by little, they have diversified into endurance, aero, climbing, etc. In the mountain bike segment, something similar happened when 29" wheels arrived on the market. A mountain bike with 26" wheels became outdated for cross country riding.

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And it’s not just the market that evolves. Your level of use does too. For example, maybe two years ago a 10-speed drivetrain was enough for you, but now your pedaling cadence needs a wider range with an 11-speed cassette.

If when you go out riding with your friends you get left behind because you don't have the same level of equipment, or you notice that the drivetrain, wheels, or any other element is falling short, it might be time to replace your bicycle.

You prefer comfort over speed

One of the main reasons many cyclists change their bike has to do with ergonomics and body position while pedaling. This happens especially to those who have been cycling for years, both on the road and off-road. There comes a time when you stop valuing how responsive a bike is, its aerodynamics, or how quickly power is transferred from pedaling. And you start to value not having back pain, not having your hands go numb on the handlebars, or not being uncomfortable due to rough terrain.

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If you finish every ride with back pain on your hardtail MTB, it might be time to switch to a full-suspension bike.

You need a different type of bike

Sometimes we buy a bike for a specific purpose, but end up getting interested in another type of riding. The reason there are different frame geometries on the market is because not all bikes are made for the same thing. Even within a single category, such as mountain biking, an enduro bike is not the same as a cross country bike.

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If you bought a cross country bike to participate in flat-profile events and rides, but have come to enjoy technical descents on trails and rocky routes, you won't get the same performance out of it.

Bikes designed for a specific discipline, such as cross country, have a frame geometry, type of suspension, and wheel format very different from those designed for enduro or all mountain. The maneuverability, agility, and handling required for one discipline has nothing to do with another. And since the requirements are different, the bike you need will also be different. If it’s time to make a change, you’ll want to get the best price for selling your bike. The money you get can be used to invest in your new refurbished second-hand bike at Tuvalum.