Alu shelf life?

[Dakkar]

I have a Principia frame made of hand welded 7020 'aircraft' alloy. Does Aluminium have a shelf life, or does it depend on individual alloys? The label on the frame says I should be able to enjoy a lifetime of riding, would this be true?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Midlife]

It depends on how it's stored (stress corrosion) and what loads / cycling it has undergone (fatigue).

Kept warm and dry it essentially has an indefinite shelf life..

Shaun

 

[bigjim]

Some 1940s wartime aeroplanes seem to be managing ok

 

[monty dog]

Read my reply over on bikeradar

 

[skunkworks]

I think the DH guys are the best to give an answer on this one.
6 years is the rough figure.
But that doesn't mean you can't ride it for a lifetime. Why so short?
I'll try to explain:
It depends on climate exposure, fatigue and tubing quality the most.
Any aluminium material will corrode and develop more and more microcracks.
It's just inevitable. This might never cause a problem though.
But I reckon it actually does on almost every full-suspension frame made of aluminium which is cycled for it's meant purpose on a regular basis.
Eventually the micro-cracks are going to form a crack which will be visible to the eye located at a stress area/point. Then it is only a matter of further fatigue and exposure until it will really break under load.
That is why we see so many broken fullies and so little broken road frames, i think.
No reason to not cycle it if still stiff and immaculate!

rg

 

[Dakkar]

Cheers Guys thanks for taking the time to comment. I guess I can ride the frame untill the cracks start showing.