{"id":1562,"date":"2023-08-10T01:30:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=1562"},"modified":"2023-08-21T01:02:29","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T05:02:29","slug":"why-are-mountain-bikes-so-expensive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/why-are-mountain-bikes-so-expensive\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are Mountain Bikes So Expensive?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Mountain biking is becoming more popular each day. But, sadly, its popularity has seen mountain bikes become costlier by the day. So, why are mountain bikes so expensive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, the frames are expensive to engineer and treat, and the individual components are costlier to procure. Additionally, the MTB technology is fast-evolving and becoming costlier. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ll dig deeper into these factors and a few others to help you know what you are paying for and if it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, we\u2019ll look at the options you have, such as building your \u2018own\u2019 high-end mountain bike and going for a used option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll also differentiate a cheap MTB from an expensive option to help you understand why cheap is often costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n\n\n Overall, mountain bikes command outrageous retail prices because of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone wants mountain bikes that are not just lightweight but equally stronger. Materials that meet the description for the frame are aluminum and carbon fiber, and unfortunately, they don\u2019t come cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carbon fiber frames, in particular, are at the highest price end, thus identified with high-end MTBs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only is it lighter and sturdier, but also stiffer. The advantage of lighter and sturdier frames is that they are more comfortable when taking the hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of them come with a perfect geometry which also makes them costlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The brakes and drivetrain are two major components that hugely influence the price of mountain bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mountain bikes are supposed to be tough to take on the rugged terrains. But, of course, that\u2019s only possible if the brakes and drivetrain measure up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The brakes should offer you more crisp-stopping in poor conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While there are caliper brakes, cantilever brakes, and linear-pull brakes, they are not as highly favored as disc brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s because disc brakes are more reliable in all weather and efficient. In addition, their superior power enables you to have a hard stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sadly, disc brakes don\u2019t come cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drivetrain components like cassettes, derailleur, and cranks also come in premium quality versions that cost more money to assemble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also cannot forget to mention suspension forks which come in handy when taking on the bumpier terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, premium-quality MTBs have more robust and lighter suspensions that cost much more money to assemble and test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other components to explain what makes a mountain bike expensive are upgraded wheels, low-pressure knobby tires, seat posts, and stems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Materials like carbon and aluminum need treating in their raw form before making the bike frame and other components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The treatment surprisingly costs more than the materials as it requires unique technology and extra labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The engineering aspect is also another expensive area. Again, there is prototyping, data testing, and validation, which cost a lot of money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each piece needs to be shaped and welded perfectly to create a suitable frame.<\/p>\n\n\n Each passing day, mountain bike manufacturers come up with newer MTB designs that are faster, more comfortable, and more durable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, they cost more than the designs before them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the old days, MTB was chunkier and heavier. Modern MTBs are the direct opposite. They are less chunky and lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The developments have consistently pushed MTB\u2019s retail prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basic economics dictates that \u2018the fewer the competition, the higher the product price.\u2019 Thus, compared to road bikes and hybrid bikes, there are fewer MTB manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s even perturbing is the fact that the existing competitors source their drivetrains from SRAM and Shimano. So, they pay more for them and pass the cost to the buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the fact that competitors are fewer means there is less competition for buyers among them. So, they are not compelled to lower their prices to attract customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a table showing the average prices of different MTB categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, beginner-level Hardtail and entry-level MTBs are cheaper than their intermediate, advanced, and pro counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you\u2019ve seen, I\u2019ve given a price range for each level to show that there are specific price determiners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They include the bike brand, bike size, style, and quality of components.<\/p>\n\n\nWhy Are Mountain Bikes So Expensive? (Detailed View)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. A Good Mountain Bike Frame is Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Individual Components Are Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Raw Material Treatment and Bike Engineering Are Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Mountain Bikes Are Expensive Because the Designs Are Evolving Faster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. There are Fewer Mountain Bike Manufacturers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
But How Expensive Are Mountain Bikes? How Much Should A Mountain Bike Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mountain Bike Level <\/strong><\/td> Price<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Beginner level Hardtail<\/td> $700-$1,500<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Entry-level MTB<\/td> $2,000-$2,500<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Intermediate level full-suspension MTB<\/td> $3,000-$4,000<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Advanced level full-suspension MTB<\/td> $4,000-$6,000<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Pro level full suspension MTB<\/td> Up to $10,000 or more<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n