Canyon, Propain, Radon, Rose and YT: This is how much a good entry-level MTB costs when bought directly from the manufacturer

​Mountain bikes are classified as leisure and sports equipment, not as everyday essentials. The price range is correspondingly wide: whilst top-of-the-range models can easily reach prices in the mid five-figure range, many beginners face a very different question: how cheap can a mountain bike be without compromising on riding enjoyment and quality?

Our many years’ experience in testing mountain bikes shows that the lowest price isn’t automatically the best deal. If you want to enjoy riding on trails and forest tracks in the long term, you should look for a certain level of basic quality in the frame, components and spec. Manufacturers who opt for direct-to-consumer sales save on the costs of local dealers and can therefore offer particularly competitive prices. For this reason, we have compared the entry-level ranges from four established direct-to-consumer brands – Canyon, Propain, Radon and Rose. The results show what budget is needed today to buy a recommended mountain bike from a mail-order retailer.

Conclusion

It is precisely the affordable aluminium bikes from direct-to-consumer retailers that offer beginners a good deal. From just under 1,700 euros, mountain bikers hardly have to make any compromises to enjoy themselves off-road. Unfortunately, the range of affordable bikes delivered in a box has dwindled considerably recently, though there are still some attractive discounts on offer here and there. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Which mountain bikes we can describe as ‘good’

​There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what makes a ‘good’ mountain bike. Requirements vary from rider to rider and depend on many factors. Key considerations include the preferred riding terrain, personal riding goals and individual preferences regarding comfort and ergonomics. That is why there is no single model that is equally suitable for everyone.

Finding the right mountain bike is always a personal choice. Those who opt for a model from an established brand generally benefit from a carefully curated range of models. Even the more affordable bikes from well-known manufacturers usually feature well-designed frame geometry and a well-balanced set of components. If you’re still unsure, you can also refer to our independent test reports and compare the various models in detail.

The equipment package

​Alongside price and geometry, the spec is one of the key factors in a successful entry-level mountain bike. Anyone looking for a new bike should pay particular attention to the following components:

• Chassis: A robust suspension system really comes into its own on challenging trails. High-quality suspension forks and shock absorbers offer sufficient sensitivity and control to reliably absorb bumps. At Fox, for example, models from the Rhythm series meet these requirements, whilst RockShox offers a comparable standard of quality with components from its Select range.
• Drive: Modern mountain bikes now almost exclusively feature single-chainring set-ups with a 12-speed cassette. They combine a wide range of gear ratios with ease of use. At Shimano, the Deore groupset is a recommended entry-level option, whilst at SRAM, the mechanical GX and Eagle 70 series fulfil this role.
• Wheels and tyres: Ideally, modern bikes should have an inner rim width of more than 25 millimetres, as wider rims provide better support for the tyres and improve handling. The choice of tyre is just as important: a high-quality rubber compound reduces rolling resistance, increases traction and ensures better grip on a wide variety of surfaces. At Schwalbe, for example, the Addix Super compound is one of the tried-and-tested options.

You can’t get any cheaper than this: the cheapest, but not the best, solution

​In the entry-level segment, many manufacturers still opt for basic components for cost reasons, which are only partially suited to the demands of challenging off-road riding. Fortunately, flimsy quick-release axles have now disappeared from direct-to-consumer retailers. Tyres with a cheap rubber compound, on the other hand, are still specified at the very bottom end of the range. Whilst such bikes are adequate for occasional rides on forest and gravel tracks, anyone wishing to ride challenging trails on a regular basis should consider a higher-quality model.

For this reason, whilst we do list these bikes in the overview below, we only recommend them to a limited extent for competitive off-road use. A slightly higher budget usually pays off in the form of better spec, more riding enjoyment and greater safety. The cheapest mountain bikes are available exclusively as hardtails. Canyon’s range of mountain bikes starts from around 750 euros, whilst Rose’s starts from a reduced price of 900 euros. Radon has significantly scaled back its MTB range. Propain and YT do not offer any classic hardtails.

​Good hardtails are this affordable

Anyone who values consistently high-quality components in terms of the suspension, gear system, wheels and tyres has to invest significantly more today than they did a few years ago. One reason for this is the component policy of many manufacturers: high-performance components are often only available on higher-priced models. The top-of-the-range model in Canyon’s aluminium range meets our specification criteria. With Radon and Rose, adequately equipped hardtails are only available with carbon frames and, in the most affordable version, with a rigid seatpost; however, they do come with some very high-quality components, such as wireless gear shifting.

The result: it’s now almost impossible to find a mountain bike suitable for demanding off-road riding without major limitations for around 1,000 euros. However, based on our practical experience, the higher investment is well worth it. It is only in the price range between around 1,700 and 2,000 euros that hardtails from direct-to-consumer retailers offer specifications that require only a few compromises in terms of performance and reliability.

Good full-suspension bikes are this affordable

​Compared to hardtails, full-suspension bikes are significantly more complex in design. The rear suspension system with a shock absorber not only increases the technical development effort but also the production costs. For beginners, therefore, a full-suspension bike is not absolutely essential in every discipline. However, anyone who regularly rides on challenging trails or places great importance on comfort and control will noticeably benefit from the advantages of a full-suspension bike.

Nowadays, a modern full-suspension bike’s specification also includes a dropper seatpost. This significantly improves freedom of movement on descents and is now standard on most models. Anyone looking for a high-quality full-suspension bike straight out of the box should therefore expect to spend between around 2,400 and 3,400 euros. Depending on the materials, features and intended use, there’s virtually no upper limit to the price.

Canyon has once again hit the mark with its brand-new Neuron aluminium model, offering a well-equipped full-suspension trail bike for under 2,500 euros. The YT Jeffsy, with an aluminium frame and more suspension travel, is currently reduced to the same price. With Propain, the spec can be customised using the online configurator. For the Enduro Tyee, you should at least tick the boxes for a dropper seatpost and the tried-and-tested Marzocchi Bomber fork. Radon now offers just one full-suspension bike without an electric motor, which is currently reduced by an incredible 2,000 euros and already comes with a carbon frame. Rose has also streamlined its full-suspension range. The aluminium freerider, the Scrub, has an affordable entry-level price but is also limited in its range of use.

​What do you think? How much money should you invest in a good mountain bike? Is it better to buy from a specialist shop or a mail-order company? Let us know in the comments!