Are you think about getting into mountain biking and wondering to yourself, how much do mountain bikes cost nowadays? The truth is, like most things, there are price ranges for mountain bikes. In this article we’ll talk a bit about the cost of a mountain bike, and how much you might expect to pay for one.
How much do mountain bikes cost?
Mountain bikes range from around $150 to $5000 or more, depending on the brand. The general consensus, however, is that $1500 to $2500 is where you’ll find the best blend of value and quality. You can find quality budget bikes for $400-$500. Below that price range there’s a steep drop-off in quality.
Used bikes are widely available, too, and buying a used bike can save you thousands of dollars. It’s best to buy from a reputable dealer, though, rather than buying from an individual. That way you can be sure that any damage or maintenance problems have already been taken care of.
Why are mountain bikes so expensive?
Mountain bikes have to stand up to rugged conditions and a lot of wear and tear. They need to be made from high quality materials and engineered precisely in order to last through all of that, and that doesn’t come cheap.
Are Mountain Bikes Expensive to Maintain?
Expect to spend between $100 and $125 per year on maintenance costs. That’s for the average user; if you ride more often than most you may find that your maintenance costs are a bit higher than that. Even then, your costs won’t be much higher than what’s listed.
Should I buy a used mountain bike?
Used mountain bikes can be half the cost of new bikes, and sometimes even less. Like cars, the value of a bike drops quickly once it’s purchased.
Buying a used mountain bike is a lot like buying a used car, though. You might bring your bike home only to discover undisclosed damage, neglected maintenance, and other problems. The bike may have more miles on it that you realize, which can cause parts to wear out more quickly than you anticipate.
Most bike shops will buy and restore used bikes. You might pay a little more for these bikes than you would for a used bike purchased from an individual, but the peace of mind you’ll get is always worth it.
Another option is to simply buy last year’s models. Once each brand releases their new models, the value of the old models drops significantly. Quite often you can buy last year’s models, brand-new, for the same price as a used bike. If you don’t see any of last year’s models in the store, ask the staff- they may just not have space for them on the floor.
Having said all that, purchasing a brand new mountain bike can be a special experience. And as we mentioned above, a good quality mountain bike can last a very long time. So you’re likely to get your money’s worth, and then some.
Is a full suspension bike worth it?
Probably, yes. Full suspension bikes are more expensive, by they’re far more comfortable to ride. The extra suspension absorbs more of shock from hitting bumps and dips while you’re riding, smoothing out the ride overall.
Conclusion
Based on what we’ve learned here you can pay just a few hundred for a beginner level mountain bike, several thousand for a really nice one, and everywhere in between. Where you want to start is up to you, but as will most things, you get what you pay for.
