This guide was made for those curious about how much a Mountain Bike costs or how much you can expect to spend on one. By the end of this post, you’ll have a good idea of how much a reasonable mountain bike costs, as well as some tips on how to keep your bike purchase under budget.
A good mountain bike will cost between $400 and $800, but other methods save even more money on a good bike. However, some of the latest Mountain Bikes can cost thousands of dollars, many terrific options within a fair budget.
This article will explain how much a reasonable mountain bike costs, where to look for them, and how to save money. I’ve also included a few things to help you get started with mountain biking.
Mountain Bike Average Cost
You may be put off by the cost of a mountain bike when you first start looking for one or are considering taking up the sport. Mountain bikes come in various styles and pricing, but how much should you pay for a good MTB?
A good mountain bike can set you back somewhere between 1000 and 1500 dollars. A good bike is pricey, but you’ll also need accessories. Maintaining and caring for your motorcycle properly might help you save a lot of money.
Let’s take a look at why they’re so pricey and how to get the most out of your first MTB without having to live off ramen for a few months.
Hardtail for Beginners
An entry-level mountain bike will set you back between $500 and $700, but you won’t be able to ride any terrain in this price range. A helmet will set you back between $70 and $130, and I’ll skip the apparel because you can acquire it for less at a discount store.
If you choose the lowest entry-level mountain bike, For a motorcycle and a helmet, you’ll pay around $600 and over $800 if you choose the one with superior parts. It’s about the same as a year of going to the gym.
Hardtail in the Mid-Range
The Giant Fathom 2 costs $1,155, while the Fathom 1 costs $1,470. Again, the more expensive one provides higher-quality components and is expertly built. With a helmet, the price rises to 1,275 or 1,540. That’s a lot of money, but you’ll get a fantastic bike that’s ideal for most beginners. If you can find a bike for between 1000 and 1500 dollars, you’ll have a solid trail bike.
Full suspensions are prohibitively expensive and are not recommended for beginners. Don’t spend all of your money on an FS; instead, look for a used car. For example, the Giant Stance (trail) is an entry-level complete suspension mountain bike that starts at $1,550. With a helmet, the total comes to $1.620. Add $200 for shoes, clothes, and other miscellaneous items (if you’re lucky).
Full Suspension Mid-Range
At the very least, you’ll need $2,000 to get started. The Giant Trance, for example, ranges in price from $2,000 to $2,900. It’s becoming an expensive hobby, so I will let you do the rest of the arithmetic.
Why is the price difference so large?
As you can see, even within the same manufacturer, mountain bikes have a wide price range. There are several compelling reasons why there can be a $9500 difference between the two.
The bike’s frame is built of a variety of materials. Steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon are some of the materials used. Steel is the cheapest material for a frame, whereas carbon is the most expensive due to its lightweight.
The bike’s fork is built of various materials, impacting the pricing, just like the frame. The bike’s suspension is also provided via the fork. Rest ranges from 80mm to 210mm, depending on the type of mountain bike and the purpose for which it will be used. The higher the suspension, the more expensive it is.
In the case of wheels, the wider the diameter, the higher the price. Carbon wheels are more expensive than alloy wheels, and the cost will be reduced or increased depending on the quality of the bearings and hubs. For all-mountain, cross-country, downhill, and winter biking, some wheels are superior to others, which necessitates the use of broader or thinner wheels.
The crankset is available in four different materials as the frame and fork. The lighter the material, the better. Cranksets with single, double, and triple chainrings are also available.
Cassettes come in many different speeds and sizes, and mountain bikes range from 7 to 12. Climbing slopes will be more accessible if the gears are spread out.
Bike chains with higher prices feature smoother, longer-lasting, and corrosion-resistant coatings. They are also lighter than lower-cost chains because they have hollow links and pins.
Cables are commonly used to control derailleurs. Electronic signals are sent from the shifters to the derailleurs to change gears on the more modern ones.
At the moment, the Shimano Rapidfire trigger system, the SRAM trigger shifter, and the SRAM grip shift are the three types of shifters available, and they’re all distinct in terms of price.
Essentially, the price difference is determined by the type of material utilized, the quality of the components, and the overall performance when riding.
The higher the price, the smoother and easier it will be to shift gears. Because the brakes are disc brakes, they will stop faster. Because it is constructed of light material, you will be able to pick up your bike.
When riding a more costly bike uphill, you’ll note how easy it is to transfer gears while still moving uphill.
Because of the excellent quality brakes, you can feel how smoothly you stop or slow down. Alternatively, consider how quickly you can accelerate due to a good chain group.
All of these elements, no matter how great or tiny, impact pricing separately, and it is their combination that generates price variations.
What Is The Best Time To Purchase A Mountain Bike?
If you want to save money on your new mountain bike, go shopping while retailers and manufacturers offer discounts on current-year models.
And it’s getting close to the end of the year, and it’s the same as when you go to buy a new automobile, and they tell you that they need to make room for the new year models.
Current mountain bike models are discounted late fall/winter to create a place for next year’s models.
What Should I Expect To Pay For My First Mountain Bike?
The answer is determined by your financial situation and how much you ride and appreciate cycling.
These days, riding a bike can cost $10,000 or more, and most people complain about the price, which they have a good reason for. Although those top-of-the-line bicycles are amazing works of engineering and science, such bikes are not necessary to enjoy the sport. Research and development into halo bikes benefit the average consumer because they filter down to the simpler models. So, while a top-of-the-line motorcycle 25 years ago would have cost $2,000—which is now barely entry-level—the components, suspension, wheels, and overall package you receive today significantly exceed its 1991 predecessor.
We advocate hardtails for no less than $1,500 and full suspension for $2,000 to 2,500 at the very least. You may acquire a bike for a lot less money if you avoid the major brands and are willing to accept lower-quality parts. However, you’ll likely end up spending more in the long run because those bikes may break down sooner, require more replacement components, or be so unpleasant to ride that you’ll upgrade anyhow.
We must also ask how much is too much on the other end of the spectrum? The answer is determined by your financial situation and how much you ride and appreciate cycling. If you spend a lot of time on your bike, the elegance and comfort you get for $10,000 may not seem so expensive. Even again, if you don’t require the absolute best, you can buy great bicycles for between $4,500 and $6,000 that are only a little heavier or outpaced by the stratospheric top end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the high cost of mountain biking?
Mountain biking has been gaining popularity and making a resurgence in recent years. However, they aren’t inexpensive. A piece of this geared machinery might cost a lot of money nowadays.
A $10,000 hardtail may seem absurd; why it costs so much more than a motorcycle, much alone a good used vehicle, is beyond comprehension. Mountain bikes are costly due to the high-quality components and technology used; some MTBs can cost up to $13,000. You’ll need good bike parts that are robust and can withstand hammering to maintain your ride safe.
Is it possible to get an excellent mountain bike for a low price?
On trails, cheap mountain bikes are pretty risky; frames, wheels, and handlebars can all shatter, especially if you ride singletrack.
These are suitable for cycling through neighborhoods and parks and beginner mountain biking trails. We do not advocate cheap mountain bikes for more challenging trails, and you should carefully inspect the bike for safety before riding.
Is there a difference between an expensive mountain bike and a cheap mountain bike?
The only thing separating inexpensive and expensive mountain bikes is their build quality and intended purpose. Expensive mountain bikes are constructed to last and can withstand the rigors of mountain biking. Cheap mountain bikes are designed to look the part, but they are not intended to be used on a mountain bike route.
The more you play, the better the components and bike, but keep in mind that you don’t need a 5k motorcycle to have a good time. Riders on inexpensive and expensive bikes had a good time, and a less expensive bike is not as comfortable as one that is more expensive. Save money and upgrade your bike as you go.
What should I expect to pay for a used mountain bike?
In that instance, we usually suggest bikes that cost between $1,000 and $2,000. Although mountain bike technology evolves quickly, buying a used MTB from the last 3-5 years will ensure a higher-quality bike and avoid depreciation. Intermediate mountain cyclists should spend a little more, between $2,000 and $3,000.
Conclusion
Even though mountain bikes require a year’s worth of funds, they are the best investment you’ll ever make in terms of the incredible adventures you can have on them. When you know exactly what you want to use the bike for, you can be guided appropriately and assist in finding the right bike for you.
If you’re still unsure, talk to a knowledgeable friend or someone at your local bike shop, especially if you’re buying a specialty bike.
However, most importantly, if you intend to use it, it will be an excellent means of keeping you active, fit, and enjoyable.
