Or, "Why It’s Important to Take Care of Your Parts"

I bought this Shimano XT cogset back in 2004.  It’s lasted me through two chains (about two years each) and now I’ve just begun breaking in a third.  I average 2k-3k miles a year, so I’ll just call it 10,000 miles on this one cassette, through dirt, gravel, dust, streams and even a little road riding.

What’s the secret?  I clean it regularly and keep the chain well lubed with Pedro’s Ice Wax.  That’s about it.