The fact that you’re here searching for an answer to this question likely means that you’re new to the sport of mountain biking. If so, then welcome! As cliche as it may sound, the starting line is always the hardest part, but it only gets easier and more fun from there.
As a lifestyle photographer and a nature lover, I often find myself in the company of mountain bikers. I’m always fascinated by the high-tech equipment and the athletes' attire. There’s something about mountain biking that just looks cool and effortless.
But for someone looking for the best way to start mountain biking, the most important question is probably not how cool it looks. You’re more likely interested in how much a mountain bike costs.
Mountain biking is so worth the initial investment. The kinds of experiences you can have exploring the outdoors is unbeatable.
Mountain Bike Cost
On average, starters pay anywhere between $400 to $800 for a beginner-level mountain bike. For those looking for something a little more mid-end, be prepared to spend at least $2,000. Top-tier bikes easily go for $10,000. Don’t be worried by the numbers though, as you can certainly get very decent bikes at affordable costs.
To help you out, I've collected some of the most important factors to consider when looking for a mountain bike, as well as the average cost of each type of bike. I hope that this article will help you make a decision on what kind of bike you should buy.
HardTail: A Budget- and Beginner-Friendly Option
From someone who’s just starting out the sport, I personally recommend that you choose a hardtail as your first mountain bike. It’s more budget-friendly compared to full-suspension, and it helps you get a feel for the sport before you make a bigger investment.
Hardtail bikes have fewer moving parts which mean that maintenance costs are lower and it’s easier to fix if something goes wrong. It is an obvious choice by many cross-country riders because it provides a more powerful and direct pedal-to-rear tire contact, which is beneficial for flat and fast terrains.
The only downside I can say about the hardtail is that this type of bike is known for its weight and rigidity. These factors make it less suitable for steep and technical descents. But again, for someone new to the sport who just want to start riding, this should not be a problem.
You can get an entry-level hardtail bike for as low as $450. For fancier bikes with top-of-the-line components such as carbon fiber frames, you’re looking at anywhere from the $1,000 price point.
When it comes to mountain biking, there are tons of options available today. Sometimes, the best way is to learn just enough to make a decision. Then, hit the trails and singletracks. Once you’ve been riding for a while, you’ll definitely learn what you like best.
Full-Suspension: For the More Experienced Riders
Full-suspension bikes are definitely the more popular choice among mountain bikers, and for good reasons. They provide superior handling, grip, and comfort on all types of terrain. It helps that these bikes look really cool, too. Not to mention that the additional suspension soaks up a lot of impact from rocks and roots, giving you a smoother ride.
Unlike a normal hardtail bike, full-suspension bike manufacturers produce this type of bike in a more detailed manner as they add pivot points, bearings, and linkages to the design. No wonder these bikes are more expensive, with an average starting price of $1,000, plus.
While the average cost of a decent full-suspension bike is $1,700, the sky is really the limit when it comes to how much you want to spend on a full-suspension bike. If you want a more reliable bike that you can enjoy for many years, then at least look at the $2,500 range.
Opt for trusted brands like Specialized, Santa Cruz, or Trek as they offer good quality full-suspension bikes at a fair price point.
Once you go up, you get to go down!
Downhill: For the Adrenaline Junkies
Downhill is an extreme style of mountain biking. Thus, getting something to accommodate this riding style will protect you and your equipment as you take on very steep and technical trails. Downhill bikes are technically full-suspension bikes but are built in a more complex way as downhill bikes encounter more stress than your usual full-suspension bike.
On average, you can expect to spend at least $4,000 on getting your hands on a good quality downhill bike. Of course, as with anything else, the price goes up depending on the quality. Materials such as titanium and carbon fiber frames, as well as top-of-the-line suspension and components.
No Problem With Budget? Then Go All Out!
At a glance, you may not imagine that a bike with two wheels, a skinny body frame, and handlebars could be worth $10,000. Given the progress of technology, some high-end mountain bikes nowadays are worth that much money, and even more. From electronic suspension to wireless shifting, these bikes have it all.
Even a single carbon fiber frame can cost you $1,700 to up to $4,000 or more. While it’s not necessary to have the most expensive bike on the market, it is important to spend your money wisely on a bike that you will actually enjoy riding.
What I can say is that, first, assess your riding style and then find a bike that will fit your needs the most. Second, don't forget to factor in maintenance costs, as some bikes require more frequent tune-ups than others. Finally, consider your skills as a rider so you can better find a mountain bike that complements your abilities.
Wrapping Up
As someone who encounters riders, bike companies, and enthusiasts in a frequent manner, I've had my fair share of experience when it comes to mountain bikes.
Feel free to use this guide as a starting point in your search for the perfect mountain bike. If you want to learn more, search for other mountain bike guides on the internet, or better yet, ask around your local bike shop or a friend who is into mountain biking.
There are many different types of mountain bikes available on the market, so it’s important that you do your research before making a purchase. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you join the many other mountain bike enthusiasts out on a great ride.
You don’t find fields of flowers like these every day. We had to go back quite a ways to find it!