16 Reasons Why Are Mountain Bikes So Expensive & Mountain Bikes Cost 2023

I remember the old days when my budget was limited; in fact, it was nothing to buy my dream mountain bike. So, every time I looked at that, the instant phrase that came to my mind was… Why Are Mountain Bikes So Expensive?

But as there’s no accounting for the taste… I kept saving money to buy a mountain bike that matched my taste. While doing my saving, I also decided to run a hunt about the reasons, motives, and things that build the cost of mountain bikes and make them too expensive.

And I found a lot. What I found, I would like to share with you too.

My today’s guide is about why bikes are so expensive and how I bought a cheaper yet hefty MTB. 😉

For more such exciting foci, check my other blogs at MTB Knowledge:

Why are mountain bikes so expensive?

For common and genuine reasons, there is a plethora of causes that make an MTB the most expensive mountain bike in the world.

A few and most important of them, I am adding below:

1. Built from luxurious materials

Modern mountain bikes are made with luxurious materials to diminish their weight. The materials are rare and affluent and add to the cost of a mountain bike.

2. High demand

Consider it a principle of economics. High demand causes a price increase. Compared to other outdoor sports, I have seen a rise in the number of people cycling on trials.

This causes brands to increase the prices of their already costly bicycles or mountaineering. That’s why mountain bike prices are growing by leaps and bounds.

3. Innovative designs

Manufacturers introduce innovative designs for enriched handles, wheels, saddle, and other components of the bike. So, brands demand a high price for the latest models.

4. Expert labor force

According to my research, around 1500 laborers help manufacture one bike; some of them are expert engineers, costing the companies exceedingly.

Their high salaries are added to the price of mountain bikes. But this is not all; more reasons are coming on your way for why are mountain bikes so expensive:

5. Hand-Made technology

The frame or base of a mountain bike is not machine-oriented but developed by workers using manual methods and technologies.

This takes more time to build fewer bikes, making a reason for expensive MTBs. Handmade stuff has always been costly compared to machine-made.

6. Expensive hardware

Brakes, handlebars, tires, saddles, chainrings, suspensions, in short, all the gears in mountain bikes are extensive and expensive. This adds to the causes of why mountain bikes are so expensive.

7. Low supply

As one bike takes more time to build, therefore, in the market, people find fewer bikes than the actual demand. This again goes to economic principles: low supply = increased demand = steep cost.

8. Safety cost

Mountain bikes always run on stones, pebbles, and roads with jumps and higher or lower hills. They need to be safer bikes. Intended to this, companies charge extra money to the customers because they have to run many expensive tests for safety.

9. Micro Market

Mountain bike manufacturers operate in a small market. The micro market has a small number of producers. They charge heavy rates as per their will.

10. Low-competition

One more reason to deal with why are mountain bikes so expensive is that we find suppliers in some countries like Taiwan, the USA, etc. The low competition makes companies to have monopolistic demands.

11. Willingness to pay

The demand for mountain bikes comes from affluent customers or people who save money to their will and MTBs. They are ready to pay higher rates, so the rates elevate.

12. Glamour

Mountain biking is a glamorous hobby. Besides, it helps people lose weight and stay healthy. This makes people pay more to look cool and add glamour to their lives, so the cost uplifts.

13. Marketing Cost

A massive sum from the brands and manufacturers is spent on marketing the newest and latest models of mountain bicycles. This cost is added to the price of mountain bikes.

14. Testing

All bikes from big brands with higher rates are tested for safety before coming to the market. The testing cost adds more to the price of MTBs and makes everyone of us wonder why are mountain bikes so expensive.

15. Durability

Mountain bikes, although some of their parts require maintenance from time to time, but will stay as new even after 20 years. The durability makes another reason behind costly rates and prices.

16. Sustainability

Mountain bikes are sustainable and environmentally friendly options yet raise awareness and love for nature.

People like using MTBs on roads to reach work, shopping malls, and sightseeing, causing increased demand and price of mountain bikes.

These were some of the reasons why are mountain bikes so expensive. But, my discussion doesn’t end here.

Scroll below for more information.

How much do mountain bikes cost in 2023?

There are different types of mountain bikes available (by clicking the link, you can check all details), for instance, hardtail, hybrid, downward, and full suspension mountain bikes.

So the response to the query, how much mountain bikes cost will vary brand-wise, type-wise, and a bike’s age group. Yes, you heard it right; bike types vary based on skill level and age.

From hundred dollars to thousands, the price range for MTBs lies.

Well, this is obvious that different brands have different rate sheets. However, the variation in the cost also depends on the number of features offered in a bike.

For instance, a beginner bike will need fewer features because the cyclist won’t know to use them, and a pro biker wants to jump on the lanes and go on rough terrains at high speed, needing complete suspension.

So the pro-level mountain bikes will charge more, and that’s why mountain bikes are so expensive type-wise.

Check the cost of different bikes below:

1. Hardtail MTBs

Hardtail MTBs are super thick and heavy bikes, especially designed for beginners to learn biking expertise. Their prices can be from $700 to $1500.

2. XC MTBS

Cross-country bikes are also for bikers new to this niche. These travel flawlessly on the grass and rough terrains. Their prices can be between $2000 and $2500.

3. Trail Bikes

You can call them intermediate-level MTBs. Their prices will range from around $3000 to $4000. Why are mountain bikes so expensive for intermediate levels? This is because of the features.

4. Enduro Bikes

Enduro bikes are designed for long traveling, so their material is kept luxurious for reduced weight. Besides, they are designed to go on sloppy paths and hence can cost you from $4000 to $6000.

5. Downhill Bikes

Downhill bikes are also for pro-level bikes who want speed and control yet like to take adventurous pathways for cycling. For utmost features, brands may charge you $7000 to $10,000.

*Remember, these are mountain bike prices according to 2023.

6. Full Suspension Bikes

Last but never ever the least, the most expensive bikes are Full Suspension MTBs. They come with the most features, reduced weight, and stylish look and can cost $11000+.

Due to the highest cost, most of my fellas think about building an MTB. Is it a cheap substitute for an expensive purchase? Let me explain:

Is it cheaper to build your own mountain bike?

Although different people may have different thinking, if you ask me, buying a mountain bike is much better than building one cost-wise.

The main reason is getting the parts and accessories. For your information, mountain bike accessories are more affluent than you can even think.

Secondly, you will need good engineering skills to produce one for yourself. Still, the quality and taste won’t match the best brand’s good mountain bikes.

Purchasing MTBs gives you precisely what you need without wasting your efforts, time, and of course, money.

But before you buy an MTB, ensure to do some homework beforehand; for instance, find all the information about inexpensive mountain bike brands and their cost and also have notes on your personal requirements, needs, and taste.

Buying a mountain bike – Tips

Here I am adding some helpful tips you can consider while buying a mountain bike.

1. Revise all the reasons in your mind why are mountain bikes so expensive.
2. Know your needs
3. Talk to an expert about your skill level
4. Know your budget
5. Take the first ride for sure
6. Buy if you are satisfied with the ride

Building a Mountain bike vs. buying one – Pros and Cons

Now, after checking the price, if you are still confused about that should you make a bike or buy one, check these pros and cons for each of them and decide then:

Pros

Here are some pros for buying or making mountain bikes:

Cons

Now, check these cons of both bikes:

What is the most expensive mountain bike?

Phanuel Krencker’s ‘Bicyclettes de Luxe’ is considered the most expensive bike in the world, costing $34,425.

Bottom Line

Here my discussion ends. I have added 16 reasons why are mountain bikes so expensive. I have also discussed the cost of the bike model-wise and based on skill levels.

All with this, I made a good comparison for creating or buying a bike given at the end. Let me know what you have decided by commenting below. I love reading feedback from my reader community.

For more, keep visiting me at https://mtbknowledge.com/mountain-bikes.