Last Updated on November 21, 2022
The budget will always be the first thing that comes in mind when choosing the best type of bike that can perform well on the trails. Mountain biking is an expensive hobby and it’ll cost you a lot when you’re planning on buying excellent quality parts.
You’ll usually spend more than a thousand dollars just to buy a good quality hardtail and if you want to go carbon and full suspension, then it will cost you over $3,000.
To let you know how much you should spend to get a decent bike, keep reading as we’re going to show you everything there is to know about the costs.
How Much Does a Mountain Bike Usually Cost?
The average cost of buying a new mountain bike can usually go for almost $4,000. Low-end ones can go less than $200 but aren’t as reliable and can easily break.
High-end mountain bikes with quality components and carbon frames can usually go for more than $11,000.
The cost is usually inclined with the reliability and the quality of its built-in components. When you’re spending more on your bike, then you’re getting what your money’s worth.
The price will always go up the more expensive its components get.
Factors When Buying a Bike
Discipline
Getting a bike will depend on how you will ride it. If you want something to go for long-distance rides which can go fast on steep uphills, get a cross-country bike with a shorter travel and a wider gear range.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you want to have a bike that can go fast on descents and can absorb big jumps and drops then go for a downhill bike with longer suspension.
But if you want a bike that does both then you should opt for an all-mountain bike or an enduro bike.
Performance
Performance is necessary if you want to test the limits of your riding. Find a bike that’s built with components that ensure that you’ll have the best experience every time you’re riding your bike.
Each component that’s built in a bike has a purpose and lets riders know how that bike should be ridden.
They’ll usually attach specific parts which will depend on the discipline of the bike that you want to ride. You might have to check what kind of drivetrain it’s using, if it has a dropper post, the wheel set it’s built with, and if brakes can deal with sudden stops.
Design
You need to check the design of your bike if it’s fit for your riding style or if it’s also able to compete with the current standards. Every year, manufacturers change minor details of the bike which give a tremendous impact on its performance.
These details include the geometry, composition, wheel size, and spacings. Whenever you’re planning to buy one, always check the numbers posted on the manufacturer’s website.
You don’t want to buy a brand new bike that has an out-of-date geometry and paired with old components that can hinder the way you ride.
Price
The performance and the quality of a mountain bike will also correlate to its price. Check your budget and see what you can afford. There are a lot of budget bikes that can perform well even if you’re on a budget.
Hardtail bikes will usually cost you about $1,000, and a full-suspension bike can go for over $3,000. You also need to take into account its composition where you can see if the bike is made of carbon or aluminum.
Carbon is more expensive compared to an aluminum frame but it can save a lot of weight.
The Cost When Getting into Mountain Biking
There are a few factors that you need to take into account what you’re going to spend when you’re getting into mountain biking. You’re going to spend on your bike and the kit that you’re going to be wearing.
Your first investment will be your bike. Afterward, you’re going to buy protective gear such as helmets, goggles, knee and elbow pads, and shoes.
If you’re on cross-country mountain biking, then you’re going to buy a lycra uniform as opposed to going downhill where you just need to buy sturdy bike shorts.
Are High-End Mountain Bikes Worth It?
The point of using a high-end mountain bike is to let the rider experience the best technology that lets them go uphill easily or go as fast as possible on descents. This lets them test the limits of their capability as a rider by using a very reliable bike.
If you’re only using a mountain bike to do casual riding, then getting a high-end bike isn’t worth it unless you can afford it. But if you want to become a better rider and have full confidence when riding in trails then it’s an outstanding idea to invest on a high-end bike.
How Much Should I Spend on My First Mountain Bike?
If you’re planning to start mountain biking, then it’s an excellent idea to buy a mid-range bike that is affordable while still being able to perform.
If you’re on a budget, then you can buy a hardtail mountain bike which only has suspension on the front. They usually cost around $1,000 and are reliable enough for you to try them out on the trail.
Buying a mid-range bike lets you know how you want to ride a mountain bike. Once you’ve improved your skill level, you can buy a high-end bike which is more specific to your riding style.
Should I Buy Secondhand or Brand-New?
Buying a secondhand mountain bike helps you save you a lot of money compared to buying a new one. All you need to do is find the right bike which is still in good condition. A good way to do this is to find them in online sites where people buy and sell mountain bikes.
If you have the budget, you should just buy a brand new mountain bike as it saves you the hassle of finding any issues from buying a secondhand.
You also have the benefit of riding a bike with brand new components which can give you confidence that the bike won’t break anytime soon.
The Best Affordable Bikes Under $1000
Kona Blast
A good all-around 27.5 hardtail mountain bike that can easily help you climb uphill while also having geometry to go fast on descents. The Kona Blast is only worth $999 and can take you anywhere with its 10-speed Deore cassette and 100mm travel fork.
Marin Bobcat Trail 5
The Marin Bobcat is a hardtail enduro bike with its low and slack geometry that’s meant to go fast on technical downhill sections. Its 29-inch wheels can go through roots and rocks like they’re butter. It’s also coupled with an 11-speed drivetrain to help you on steep uphills. You can get all of this for just $850 dollars.
Diamondback Hook
The Diamondback Hook features a modern designed geometry which makes it very maneuverable in tight turns. The design of the bike helps the rider have full confidence on the trail while also having the ability to go on technical sections with its 27.5 wheels. It’s only worth $700 which makes it very affordable as an entry-level bike.
Looking for a cheaper mountain bike? Then check out this post: Best Mountain Bike Under 300 USD
Conclusion
Mountain bikes are expensive but it doesn’t mean that you don’t have any options on getting one when you’re on a budget.
With proper research and by knowing what kind of bike you want and need, you can buy something that suits you to make the most out of your mountain biking experience.
