{"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

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Why Are Mountain Bikes So Expensive? (Detailed View)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Overall, mountain bikes command outrageous retail prices because of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. A Good Mountain Bike Frame is Expensive<\/h3>\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

2. Individual Components Are Expensive<\/h3>\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

3. Raw Material Treatment and Bike Engineering Are Expensive<\/h3>\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

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\"How<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

4. Mountain Bikes Are Expensive Because the Designs Are Evolving Faster<\/h3>\n\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

5. There are Fewer Mountain Bike Manufacturers<\/h3>\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

But How Expensive Are Mountain Bikes? How Much Should A Mountain Bike Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a table showing the average prices of different MTB categories.<\/p>\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

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\n

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Any Cheaper Options?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a) Low-End Mountain Bikes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While most mountain bikes cost over $2000, you can get a budget MTB for under $1000. Note, however, that a majority of these bikes are low in quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The danger of low-end MTBs is that they are not very reliable because of their low-quality components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note, however, that there are a few decent budget options if you dig deeper. To illustrate what I mean and save you the stress, below are the best budget MTBs on the market:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Mongoose Argus ST Fat Bike \u2013 Best Kids Fat Mountain Bike Under $1000<\/li>
  2. Mongoose Malus Fat Bike \u2013 Best Adult Fat Mountain Bike Under $1000<\/li>
  3. Schwinn Mesa Mountain Bike \u2013 Best Men Hardtail Under $1500<\/li>
  4. Mongoose Switchback Mountain Bike \u2013 Best Women Hardtail Under $1500<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    b) Used Mountain Bikes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The other cheap alternative is to get a used version of a high-end mountain bike from craigslist, eBay, or any different store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You won\u2019t pay the full price, but you\u2019ll get a mountain bike with high-quality components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The danger of used MTBs is that you may buy an MTB with hidden technical problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The bikes also don\u2019t come with warranties, and you may end up spending more money on maintenance, upgrades, and modifications after purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    c) Build Your Own (Custom) MTB<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You can also buy an entry-level or mid-level MTB and upgrade it with the high-end components that you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Though you may not save a lot, this approach may prove to be cheaper than buying a fully assembled high-end option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s essential, however, that you know what you are doing. You must know how to get the right components and fix them on your bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The advantage is that the parts can be new or old, depending on what you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"is<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Are High End Mountain Bikes Worth It?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Generally, it\u2019s tempting to overlook a high-end MTB because of its price and go for a cheaper option. After all, the cheaper MTB promises massive savings initially.
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But let\u2019s face it; here are the things that you buy when thinking that you are saving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n