# Component Tracking

WatchMy.bike provides comprehensive component tracking so you know exactly what's on your bike, how far each part has traveled, and when it needs attention.

## Adding Components

### Manual Entry
1. Go to your bike's detail page
2. Click "Add Component"
3. Fill in the details:
   - **Type**: Select from categories (Drivetrain, Wheels, Brakes, Cockpit, etc.)
   - **Name**: Specific part name (e.g., "Rear Derailleur", "Front Wheel")
   - **Brand**: Manufacturer (Shimano, SRAM, Enve, etc.)
   - **Model**: Product name (Ultegra Di2, Force AXS, etc.)
   - **Weight**: In grams (optional)
   - **Purchase Price**: What you paid (optional, private by default)
   - **Purchase Date**: When you bought it
   - **Install Date**: When it went on the bike (defaults to today)
   - **Expected Lifespan**: Distance before replacement (e.g., 5,000 km for chain)
   - **Notes**: Any additional information

### AI-Powered Import
Have a spec list from a bike website? Use our AI import:

1. Click "Import from Text"
2. Paste any text containing component information
3. Our AI extracts brands, models, and component types
4. Review and confirm the parsed components
5. All components are added at once

Works with:
- Manufacturer spec sheets
- Forum posts
- Review articles
- Handwritten lists

## Component Categories

WatchMy.bike organizes components into categories:

### Drivetrain
- Chain
- Cassette
- Crankset / Chainrings
- Front Derailleur
- Rear Derailleur
- Shifters
- Bottom Bracket
- Pedals

### Wheels
- Front Wheel (complete)
- Rear Wheel (complete)
- Front Hub
- Rear Hub
- Rims
- Spokes
- Tires
- Tubes / Tubeless setup

### Brakes
- Brake Levers
- Brake Calipers
- Rotors
- Brake Pads
- Cables / Hoses

### Cockpit
- Handlebars
- Stem
- Bar Tape / Grips
- Headset
- Spacers

### Saddle & Seatpost
- Saddle
- Seatpost
- Seatpost Clamp

### Suspension (MTB)
- Fork
- Rear Shock
- Dropper Post

### Frame & Other
- Frame
- Fork (rigid)
- Computer / GPS
- Lights
- Accessories

## Distance Tracking

Each component tracks its own distance independently.

### How It Works
1. **Install Date**: Distance starts counting from this date
2. **Bike Distance**: Component inherits the bike's distance gain after install
3. **Transfers**: Distance continues accumulating across bike changes

### Example
- Install chain on bike at 10,000 km bike odometer
- Bike reaches 13,000 km
- Chain shows 3,000 km

If you then transfer the chain to another bike, it keeps its 3,000 km and continues counting.

### Base Distance
For components that had use before tracking:
1. Edit the component
2. Set "Base Distance" to prior kilometers
3. This adds to the tracked distance

## Transferring Components Between Bikes

One of WatchMy.bike's powerful features: moving components while preserving history.

### How to Transfer
1. Go to the component's detail page
2. Click "Transfer"
3. Select the destination bike
4. Confirm the transfer

### What Happens
- Component moves to new bike
- Distance tracking continues
- Full history is preserved
- Original bike shows component as "Removed"
- Transfer date is recorded

### Use Cases
- Moving wheels between bikes
- Swapping drivetrains
- Upgrading one bike with parts from another
- Track component journey across your collection

## Component Status

Components can have different statuses:

### Installed
Currently on a bike and tracking distance.

### In Stock
Not on any bike, stored as inventory. Perfect for:
- Spare wheels
- Extra cassettes
- Backup parts
- Parts waiting to be installed

### Retired
No longer in use. Keep for historical records:
- Worn out parts
- Sold components
- Broken parts

## Component Photos

Add photos to individual components:
- Document condition at install
- Show wear over time
- Prove authenticity for resale
- Visual reference for specs

## Hierarchical Components

Some components can be parents of others:

### Example: Rear Wheel
- **Parent**: Rear Wheel
  - **Child**: Hub
  - **Child**: Rim
  - **Child**: Tire
  - **Child**: Cassette

Benefits:
- Transfer entire wheel with all sub-components
- See total weight of assembled parts
- Understand component relationships

## Cost Tracking (Alloy/Carbon Plans)

Track your cycling investment:

### Per Component
- Purchase price
- Currency
- Purchase date
- Price adjustments (upgrades, repairs)

### Per Bike Totals
- Sum of all component prices
- Frame + components total
- Cost per kilometer calculation

### Fleet Overview
- Total investment across all bikes
- Category spending breakdown
- Cost trends over time

## Service Intervals on Components

Each component can have service intervals:
- Distance-based (every X km)
- Time-based (every X days)
- Multiple intervals per component

See [Maintenance Alerts](./maintenance.md) for details.

## Tips for Effective Component Tracking

1. **Start with what matters**: Wear items first (chain, tires, brake pads)
2. **Be consistent**: Use the same naming conventions
3. **Track prices**: Even estimates help understand value
4. **Use install dates**: Accurate dates mean accurate distance
5. **Log transfers**: Don't lose component history
6. **Review regularly**: Update as you make changes
7. **Retire old parts**: Don't delete—retire for historical record

## Exporting Component Data

Export all component data:
1. Go to **Settings > Data**
2. Click "Export Components"
3. Download as CSV

Includes:
- All component details
- Current and historical bikes
- Distance totals
- Service history
- Purchase information