ageing of the aluminium frames

[Chain]

I have road frame from aluminium 7005 by merida made cca 4 years ago. I have heard abou ageing or tiredness of the aluminium. Do you think that it occurs just with usage or also when it lies in the store? My frame is unused, intact.Does it cause just loss of stiffness or also the possible cracks?

 

[artmichalek]

You're thinking of fatigue. When aluminum is subjected to cyclic loading, it develps cracks. Stiffness never changes. If the fram is unused, then it doesn't matter how old it is.

 

[Chain]

This is evidently what I wanted to hear. Thank you.