What Makes A Mountain Bike So Expensive ?


Why mountain bike so expensive
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There are a few reasons why mountain bikes are so expensive, including their costly materials, labor-intensive production process, and the simple economics of high demand with relatively little competition. The purpose of this post is to guide you through all the reasons: How do mountain bikes become so expensive and if they are worth the price?

Is It Worth Buying An Expensive Mountain bike?

Yes, of course. You should definitely consider buying an expensive mountain bike if you have the budget. Mountain bikes with more expensive components are lighter and more reliable. If you need to stop quickly, a high-end mountain bike will have great suspension and super sharp brakes.

When you are just starting out with mountain biking, a hardtail might be a good choice because it will teach you basic skills, such as balance and line choice, while a high-end full-suspension bike will let you get away with a lot of mistakes, and help you compensate for your lack of confidence in certain areas.

What Makes Mountain Bikes So Expensive?

The following are 10 reasons why mountain bikes are so expensive

  • The expense of the Frame
  • High Price of a Disc Brake
  • Innovation in the Tires and Wheels
  • Opting for a Better Handlebar
  • Adjustable Settings on a Suspension Fork
  • The expense of a Premium Drivetrain
  • The Labor Costs
  • Rapid Evolution of the Mountain Biking Industry
  • Limited Producers of Mountain Bike Components
  • Increased Demand

There are many mountain bikes on sale for 500 to 1000 dollars, but I found the mountain bike under 1000 dollars. It is almost as expensive as a used car. They don’t come with a warranty so I will have to spend more on upgrades and maintenance after they are purchased.

However, I love the sport and all it has to offer – beauty, adventure, the thrill and challenge of mastering difficult trails, and fitness – so I’m sure I’ll still buy it.

But does this mean that the high price is justified?

Mountain bikes can be priced differently depending on their brand, size, style, and, most importantly, the quality and quantity of the components. Mountain bike size matters when you buy because that fits correctly and is set up properly will make it easier to ride trails faster and more effectively. If your bike is too small, you’ll feel twitchy, nervous, and uncomfortable on long rides, on technical descents, or when you’re just pootling along. They are made for rough terrains like a mountain, with ledges, rocks, and slopes. The quality of the components is what gives them their strength. The main difference between a bike costing 500$ and one that costs 13000$ is its quality components. However, other factors such as market forces are also important.

The following 10 reasons mountain bikes are so costly include:

10 Reasons Mountain Bikes are so Expensive

1. The Frame’s Expense

The most expensive component is the frame, which is the base of the bike.

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Although the raw materials are cheap, the combined design, engineering, and precision with which they are crafted increase the cost of a mountain bicycle.

You can make frames from aluminum, galvanized, steel, titanium, carbon fibers, or other metal alloys. However, you want your frame strong and light. These two requirements are met by aluminum and carbon fibers.

Aluminum is more affordable and more popular, but it does not have the same shock absorption qualities as aluminum and is, therefore, less resistant to shock and pressure.

Carbon fibers on the other side are extremely protective because they absorb road shock. Carbon fibers are also the lightest. Carbon fibers are lighter than other options and weigh less than 1 to 2 pounds. This reduces the bike’s overall weight to less than 25 pounds.

This comes at an additional cost of approximately 3000$

Do you think it’s worth it?

The lighter the weight, the more seamless the pedaling, especially uphill, making the experience much more enjoyable.

For something as expensive as a mountain bike, I would not mind paying a bit more to ensure my pedal power is properly translated into speed.

As an example of the approximate cost of the different types of mountain bike frames available, here is a table:

Type of Mountain Bike Frame MaterialApproximate Cost
Aluminum$750
Carbon Fibers$3000
Steel$900
Titanium$1400

2. High price of a Disc brake

It is one of the most important parts of any vehicle. This is also why mountain bikes are so costly.

Mountain bikes can be used on many terrains, so I want the brakes to work in all situations. It should stop smoothly on all types of trails and in all weather conditions. Inadequacy could lead to a fatal accident. Manufacturers do not want to make this a cheap option.

Although caliper brakes have been the standard for many years, they are not as effective in wet conditions. Hydraulic disc brakes allow you to go faster as you can rely upon them to stop you from going too fast.

They perform well in all weather conditions and allow for better control. However, this safety and reliability come at a high price.

3. Innovation in Tires and Wheels

These components, like the rest of the bikes, have seen development that has increased the cost of mountain bikes.

Premium bikes come with 650b tires that eliminate the hassle and inconvenience of a flat tire. Flat tires are the worst thing that could happen to me while I’m in the zone. This innovation offers a smooth ride with lower rolling resistance. It is also more expensive.

Carbon wheels, which cost around 2000 dollars, have a higher thread count. This is something mountain bikers love. Carbon reduces weight and makes bikes faster, but the high thread count rubber absorbs road stress more efficiently, offering better grip and further lowering rolling resistance. The best thing about mountain bikes is you can easily transport your bike through a hitch bike rack.

These bikes are ideal for any terrain or trail, and they allow for smoother cornering. As you would expect, these innovations are more expensive than their older counterparts. 

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4. Opting for a Better Handlebar

Many mountain bikers ignore the importance of a handlebar because it is immovable.

It is subject to wear and tear from friction. This is why the handlebar material is so important. Carbon fibers are the most expensive component of a mountain bike, just like every other component.

Carbon handlebars are more durable, which is important because I want my mountain bike to last longer. The lightweight design makes it a great investment.

Titanium is another option, even though aluminum doesn’t do this. Although titanium is heavier than aluminum, which makes it more expensive, it provides a smooth ride.

5. The Suspension Fork can be adjusted to suit your needs

MTB gears are important for your good cycling experience. Premium quality suspension forks absorb shocks and provide long, uninterrupted rides that every mountain biker wants.

High-end suspension forks can be modified to fit your specific frame and front wheel size. You will pay around 1000$ for this increased control and stability.

Mountain biking is no longer about heavy muscle power. It is true that a suspension fork is the most important component of a mountain bicycle. These adjustable settings make it easy to ride 100 miles without feeling dreadful.

Hardtails are the best choice for mountain bikes. We recommend a hardtails bike which is the best mountain bike under 2000 and no less than 1000. Since the 1980’s, hardtails have been the most popular type of Mountain Bike. Hardtails are not like full-suspension bikes. They have a rigid frame with only the front Forks.

6. The Expense of a Premium Drivetrain

In layman’s terms, a drivetrain is what propels your bike at different speeds. It consists of pedals, cassettes (cogs attached to the rear wheel to indicate gears), derailleurs (which navigate the chain between cogs), cranks, and chin rings.

SRAM and Shimano produce the majority of these products, and higher range products are more efficient, durable, and lighter than lower range products.

During an accident or rough corner, novice mountain biker could lose their life if the gear transition is not seamless. As a result, manufacturers cannot pass on this advanced technology.

7. The Labor Cost

It is necessary to treat materials such as carbon and aluminum in their raw form, mixing many components, and then molding them into frames. It involves hiring highly trained operators, whose salaries account for a large portion of the production cost.

The distance between your hands and the rear wheel in a car is large, but a bike requires greater precision due to its sensitivity to minute play in suspension. It is an additional cost to do this because of the complex technology involved.

The other areas of expertise include prototyping, data testing, validation, and bike testing – all of which require unique personnel who require compensation.

8. Rapid evolution of the mountain biking industry

Although a premium mountain bike can be more expensive than a car, the industry has seen tremendous growth.

While the suspension components of a car are unchanged over the years, the design of the body and engine changes every three years.

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Mountain bikes are different. Each year, the bike industry innovates with lighter, stronger, and more durable products. They impress the consumers and bring new investment to the manufacturers. This allows for even greater growth and development.

Mountain bikes are becoming more expensive as newer and stronger parts become available. Every year, all its components are updated. This is a wonderful thing, but it also means that each new development will increase the cost.

This is because the bike industry competes against itself, not with others, just like the iPhones. It comes at a price to the pocket. High-end mountain bikes from years ago were more affordable than entry-level models.

9. Component production for mountain bikes is limited

It is an economic principle that if there is little competition, there is no incentive for the product to be priced lower. Customers don’t have to be satisfied with lower prices. There is no alternative. Mountain biking is no different.

Two companies are the main suppliers of drivetrains to this industry’s leaders: Shimano and SRAM. They create the rules because there is no alternative. A brand must purchase the entire system if they wish to buy a shifter or derailleur. The ecosystem that Apple products create is unique, and third-party brands are excluded.

These products are costly and eventually, the cost will be passed on to the customer.

10. Increased Demand

Another economic principle states, that if there is a high demand for a product, the demand forces and the supply forces of the marketplace raise the price. This is exactly what happened with mountain bikes.

Although it’s still a niche hobby, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of people who are interested. There are many reasons this has happened in recent years.

Some people saw the COVID pandemic as a wake-up call and wanted to find a new hobby. Others found YouTubers who showcase the adventurous and daredevil side of this sport exciting. Many barriers that once prevented this sport from taking place have been removed.

Mountain biking has become more accessible thanks to improvements in suspension, gears, and frame design. Anyone can ride a bike now that they are lightweight and require very little effort.

FAQs

Q1. What size mountain bike do I need?

We recommend that you consult the mountain bike size chart. This will list the recommended height range for each size of bike. However, here are some guidelines:

Size of the bikeSize of the frameRider height
Extra-small13-14in152cm-162cm (5ft-5ft 4in)
Small14-16in162cm-170cm (5ft 4in-5ft 7in)
Medium16-18in170cm-178cm (5ft 7in-5ft 10in)
Large18-20in178cm-185cm (5ft 10in-6ft 1in)
Extra-large20-22in185cm plus (6ft 1in plus)

Q2. What is special about a mountain bike?

To ride through rough, irregular trails, mountain bikes must be durable and rugged. Special bicycles have wide, flat handlebars that facilitate control, two-inch tires with knobby treads for traction, and wide, flat handlebars for comfort.

They are also equipped with wide-range drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes to manage steep climbs and descents. It’s a real bike designed to keep you going even in the worst of circumstances.

Q3. Is MTB harder than road cycling?

According to the factors I tested, riding a mountain bike on a grassy, leafy trail with obstacles requires 51% more effort than riding a road bike on a paved surface. Assume that the mountain bike course follows the same grades and turns as a road bike course.

You can also read: What Makes E-bikes So Popular? Should You Buy One?


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