Exclusive and high-priced: Market overview of high-end mountain bikes without motors

Even a mountain bike without a motor can be more expensive than many a car. This is particularly true if you’re looking for the very best of the best. At the very top of almost every manufacturer’s range is a bike costing 10,000 euros or more. These high-end bikes are not only enhanced by product developers with a remarkable specification, but often receive special treatment when it comes to the frame as well: Anyone who fancies ultra-light carbon fibres, special paint finishes and racing replicas will simply have to dig deep into their pockets – not just in motor sport, but in mountain biking too.

Conclusion

For the very top-of-the-range models in their line-ups, the major brands are asking for around 8,000 to 10,500 euros for hardtails and around 10,000 to just under 16,000 euros for full-suspension bikes. Generally speaking, the price range varies considerably depending on the distribution channel and discipline. Amongst non-electric mountain bikes, high prices are commanded particularly in the cross-country sector. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

It can always be more expensive

In fact, there’s no upper limit to the price of a mountain bike. More than a few oil tycoons have already had their bikes adorned with real gold and diamonds. Even for those who don’t have a fossil fuel source gushing from their garden, there are bikes costing 20,000 euros and more – though these are always expensive bespoke models. We wanted to know: how much do off-the-shelf mountain bikes cost?

Even without bespoke manufacturing or customised builds, established manufacturers command hefty prices. All the high-end bikes on our list can be easily ordered from your local bike shop or an online retailer. Many manufacturers throw in a lifetime guarantee as well. What’s striking is that cross-country bikes, in particular, command the highest prices. Due to the competitive demands of the sport and the importance placed on low weight, models in this discipline are usually particularly expensive.

The specifications: No room for improvement – or is there?

Locally-built upside-down forks, limited-edition titanium cranksets and 3D-printed stem spacers: any bike can be customised. Very few complete bikes from major manufacturers come fitted with Trickstuff brakes or Bike-Ahead saddles. Even at the very top end of the mountain bike market, there are certain standards. These are the components that high-end bike brands rely on:

• Chassis: Even among top-of-the-range mountain bikes, the choice is limited and is almost exclusively confined to two manufacturers: Fox’s shock absorbers and suspension forks are identified by the suffix ‘Factory’ in their top-of-the-range versions. RockShox calls its top-of-the-range models “Ultimate” and fits its most expensive components with the electronic Flight Attendant control system.
• Drive: Unlike with other component groups, the difference in performance between the mid-range and top-of-the-range drivetrains is minimal. High-end components primarily offer weight savings in this respect. Shimano’s XTR and SRAM’s XX SL Eagle AXS drivetrains are among the most common options on high-end mountain bikes.
• Wheels and tyres: On high-end bikes, rims (and now often spokes too) are almost always made of carbon. Extra-light, finely toothed hubs with particularly high-quality bearings should be standard. The same goes for folding tyres made from high-quality rubber compounds, such as Schwalbe’s Addix Super.

High-end mountain bikes from specialist retailers

In specialist shops, the cost of dealing with a bike shop is added on top of expensive components and exclusive frames. Personal advice, quick access to servicing and a knowledgeable contact person in the workshop all add to the price tag. The 24 production bikes in our list show just how expensive high-quality mountain bikes without electric drives can be when bought from specialist retailers.

The limited range of truly expensive hardtails shows just how much the market in this sector has shrunk over recent years. Giant and Specialized currently have no high-end hardtails in their ranges at all. Trek’s hardtail range stops at under 4,000 euros. With Orbea and Yeti, you can push the price up using the online configurator. Specialized, Trek and Yeti take the biscuit with their limited-edition special models. Even for their most premium models, not all manufacturers specify the weight.

Hardtails

Full-suspension bikes

High-end mountain bikes available by mail order

Direct-to-consumer brands bypass local retailers and can therefore usually offer slightly lower prices. We’ve combed through the product ranges of the five most established brands. Even in the mail-order sector, the range of non-electric mountain bikes has recently been scaled back. Propain and YT offer only dirt bikes with a rigid rear end. Apart from Canyon, no direct-to-consumer retailer now stocks a high-quality cross-country full-suspension bike. At Propain, prices can be driven up to the highest levels thanks to the exclusive choice of components in the online configurator.

Hardtails

Full-suspension bikes

What do you think: which of the big brands offers the most exciting high-end mountain bike without a motor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!