The lack of standardisation is frustrating, but it's certainly no worse than the car or motorcycle industry. The good news is that replacement parts never really go out of production, even for completely obsolete standards. Parts tend to get much cheaper with time - you can buy a perfectly usable 7-speed freewheel for $9 or a square taper bottom bracket for $12.
>I’m not sure about the “plenty of life” thing, either.
As long as it isn't left out to rust, a lugged steel frame will outlive its owner. Aluminium frames might be corrosion resistant, but they'll inevitably fail due to fatigue cracking. A properly maintained set of quality wheels will last ~30,000 miles before the rims wear out. Quality tyres and chains are usually good for at least 3,000 miles, cassettes are good for 10-12,000 miles if the chain is replaced before it stretches.
>I’m not sure about the “plenty of life” thing, either.
As long as it isn't left out to rust, a lugged steel frame will outlive its owner. Aluminium frames might be corrosion resistant, but they'll inevitably fail due to fatigue cracking. A properly maintained set of quality wheels will last ~30,000 miles before the rims wear out. Quality tyres and chains are usually good for at least 3,000 miles, cassettes are good for 10-12,000 miles if the chain is replaced before it stretches.