All beginnings are not difficult, but exciting. At least if you look at things from the positive side. Anyone starting out in a new job, in love or with a new hobby has a thousand questions running through their head. Even beginners who want to buy their first mountain bike feel the same way.
How much does a good mountain bike cost? How heavy can a mountain bike be? How much suspension travel do I need to have fun off-road? Confused by the variety, MTB newcomers often stand awkwardly in front of the jewellery in the bike shop or click through the packed manufacturer websites. Admittedly: The jumble of geometries, components and categories overwhelms even experienced bikers.
What's more, the question of the price of a good, sporty mountain bike is difficult to answer in general terms. How much you need to invest in your first mountain bike depends on what you want to do with it.
Hardtail or fully? Which MTB for which purpose
Tough buck or lame donkey? Fast speedster or sedan-like ironing machine? Hardtail or fully mountain bike? This question stands between every beginner and their first dream bike. There is no better or worse. Hardtail bikes are mountain bikes that are only equipped with a suspension fork, the rear triangle is unsprung. Fully - i.e. full suspension - means that a shock absorber also absorbs shocks on the rear wheel. So much for the rough technical difference. However, the decision in favour of one or the other depends very much on your own budget and requirements. Do I want to cycle relaxed through the countryside away from paved roads, fulfil my dream of crossing the Alps or am I looking for a downhill kick on technical trails or downhill slopes in the bike park? There are suitable mountain bikes for all these types of riding. And these bikes differ significantly in terms of suspension travel. A simple rule of thumb is
- A good MTB fully costs considerably more than a decent hardtail.
- The more suspension travel mountain bikes have, the heavier they are.
- Light mountain bikes are faster uphill, downhill bikes with a lot of suspension travel.
- Hardtails are less maintenance-intensive and more suitable for everyday use than fullys.
How much does a good entry-level mountain bike cost?
To crank the first few metres on the bike through the terrain, you only need Hardtails - the simplest and most affordable type of mountain bike. Thanks to their front suspension and forks with 100 to 120 millimetres suspension travel they are lighter, cheaper, less maintenance-intensive and more suitable for everyday use than full suspension bikes. In the sporty models, 29-inch wheels and gears with 1x12 speeds have established themselves. And the price issue? Hardtail mountain bikes that can be ridden on easy terrain are available from discounters, bike shops and online shops for as little as 500-600 euros. However, if you want to use the MTB as a real piece of sports equipment and use the bike for more than just travelling to the nearest ice cream parlour, you should spend more money. Otherwise you will be annoyed with brakes that don't bite, heavy clincher tyres and stubborn suspension forks. Mountain bikes have also become increasingly expensive in recent years. In 2021, there is also the fact that Bicycle manufacturers are struggling with massive delivery problems and the Prices for 2021 bikes rise again.
Whereas a few years ago 1000-euro bikes While many upper mid-range components (e.g. a Shimano XT drivetrain or Rockshox Reba suspension fork) were still installed and bikes weighing less than 12.0 kilos were the norm, this is no longer the case today. It is only from a price of around 1200 euros that hardtails become so light that they guarantee the greatest possible riding enjoyment and long MTB tours are possible - even in the Alps. Bikes around 1300-1500 euros offer the best possible compromise between acceptable costs and maximum riding fun. In short: the price-performance ratio of these bikes is the best. Previous tests have shown that cheaper mountain bikes are not only significantly heavier, but also have no chance against the hardtails between 1200-1500 euros in terms of comfort in rough terrain and downhill performance. Don't get the wrong idea: Mountain biking is possible with them, but you won't have much fun off the gravel tracks with such cheap, poorly equipped bikes.
That is why we have BIKE 5/2021 seven mountain bike hardtails around 1500 euros tested. Whether it's a simple forest and meadow tour with trail inserts or long tours in the Alps. These bikes are great fun to ride - even off the beaten track. You can even master challenging trails with sharp-edged obstacles without putting yourself or your equipment in danger. Hardtails in this price segment have never been more versatile. Whilst some of the test field can pass as genuine trail hardtails, the market also offers sporty counterparts.
You can find these entry-level mountain bikes for 2021 in the test
All results of the comparative test
Which manufacturer offers the best spec for the money in 2021? Which bike shines on downhill singletrack descents and which bike is the most efficient and sporty for longer tours? We tested the seven mountain bike hardtails in direct comparison on varied off-road test laps. In addition, each candidate underwent an elaborate laboratory procedure. In the BIKE lab, we disassemble each test bike into its individual parts and test the frame, wheels and forks in particular according to standardised procedures. The elaborate measurements enable a differentiated assessment. The full test with all results, data and details in BIKE 5/21. Keen for more? Order now your BIKE issue, printed or digital, individually or as a low-cost subscription.
You can download the complete test with all riding impressions and laboratory values from BIKE 5/2021 as a PDF below the article.
The test costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
¹ Price for consignor bikes plus costs for packaging, despatch and coordination where applicable.
