The question "What does a decent bike cost?" is as common as it is vague, because it has to be answered differently for each bike category. A city bike, for example, does not normally see as many kilometres as a touring bike, is correspondingly less stressed and therefore comes with simpler components. All-rounders with or without a motor are the best-selling category. The number of units and price pressure are particularly strong here, which is why even inexpensive models can do their job.
Based on the MYBIKE tests of the past one to two years, we have tried to derive practicable benchmark prices at a current price level. The fact that these must be above the price level of bargains from the building materials or food market is related to our ideas of sustainability: Only above a certain technical level is durability, spare parts supply and reparability assured. Even good braking performance and durable shifting or suspension function cannot be obtained for free. No-name motors and cheap batteries do not offer quality that is fun in the long term. And even rust-prone sheet metal parts and screws can be annoying. A few cent savings for the manufacturer, paid for with years of annoyance.
All-round e-bikes and city pedelecs
All-rounders and city pedelecs do not need huge batteries or lavish gear ratios of the finest quality. If such a bike has hydraulic disc brakes, simple hub or derailleur gears and a branded motor with a battery up to the medium size (500 watt hours), the entry-level price is at least €3,000. Any suspension forks are then equipped with steel springs and can only be adjusted to a very limited extent.
Tours e-bikes
We place somewhat higher demands on touring pedelecs. Here, the gear range should be somewhat larger, as should the endurance of the battery. The pannier rack must be able to carry 20 kilos without the bike starting to wobble. Higher-quality drive components should shift under load and be somewhat more durable, and the brakes should also be of higher quality. Here we set the lower limit at around 3,500 euros.
Further information on mybike.de
SUV e-bikes
E-SUVs, also known as crossover fullys, with their full suspension and complete travel equipment, significantly increase the technical complexity and price once again. In addition to the requirements for a touring pedelec, there is also a suspension that can be customised to the rider. The frames are also significantly more complex due to their movable rear triangle. The first sensible sedan chairs are available for around 4,300 euros, and the 6,000 euro mark is still a long way off.
Bicycles for everyday use
Let's start at the bottom: An all-rounder suitable for everyday use or an everyday bike with a hub dynamo, simple derailleur gears or a five-speed hub from Shimano and hydraulic disc brakes can hardly be had for less than 1,000 euros. A suspension fork should be avoided in this price range, as it will be heavy and won't work permanently.
Touring bikes
One price category higher and therefore 500 euros more expensive is the realm of touring bikes. As with touring pedelecs, we expect more kilometres, a higher payload and therefore higher demands on brakes, gears and the rest of the equipment.
Gravel and fitness bikes
In the sports sector, weight is an issue, as are smooth-running tyres and well-graded gear ratios. Gravel bikes with racing handlebars and fitness bikes with straight handlebars come "naked", i.e. without everyday equipment. From around 1,500 euros, we consider the fast sports bikes to offer a good level of riding fun. Below that, high weight and mechanical disc brakes or the simplest of wheels can put the brakes on enjoyment.
Randonneur
In terms of technical complexity, a randonneur is a close relative of the gravel bike. Fully equipped with pannier racks, mudguards and sometimes a lighting system, it is suitable for long journeys and yet as light as possible. The material should be able to cope with this. Just like the somewhat more robust touring bikes with straight handlebars, they require an investment of around 1,800 euros.
