Giant Crx3

[alexhunter123711]

What are your thoughts on these bikes? My main concern is that its aluminium, which I have heard don't last as well as steel etc.. only around 10 years? I have come across a crx3 for sale for around $200, I believe it is a 2009 model going by the colour, is the frame going to become less safe as its getting close to the 10 year mark? Also do you think the price is fair? can't find anything on bikepedia..

[Duck!]

How the bike is used has a greater effect on the frame's long-term durability than its age. Most manufacturers of aluminium bikes are aware of the material's shortcomings & overbuild them by a considerable margin, however heavier & stronger riders can find the fatigue limits... If you can inspect the bike, the areas to closely look at are the welds around the seat tube - top tube junction, particularly around the top of the top tube, and just behind the bottom bracket shell where the chain stays attach.