How much does a mountain bike cost? The results of the major price comparison

At BIKE, we report daily on a wide variety of bikes. The cheapest of these cost just a few hundred euros, whilst the most expensive can set you back 20,000 euros or more. Neither the cheapest nor the most expensive mountain bikes are recommended for the average cyclist. We’ve drawn on our testing and technical expertise to determine how much a good off-road bike really costs. At what point can you actually call a bike a ‘good’ mountain bike? How big is the average price difference between a hardtail and a full-suspension bike? How much extra does buying from a specialist retailer cost? We’ll clarify all of this in this overview article.

Conclusion

The price differences for good mountain bikes without an electric motor are quite striking, even amongst the most popular brands. Depending on the manufacturer’s sales model and whether you’re looking for a hardtail or a full-suspension bike, recommended entry-level models range from 1,700 to 3,500 euros. For upper-mid-range models, we’re talking about 3,000 to 6,000 euros, and for the very top of the range, 6,000 to 16,000 euros. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

1. The cheapest bikes on the market

Both in specialist shops and from brands that sell directly to the public, the cheapest bikes labelled as ‘mountain bikes’ cost between 500 and 700 euros. These are exclusively basic hardtails with aluminium frames and, in some cases, outdated technology. Rigid seatposts, stiff suspension forks, thin wheel and crankset axles, and cheap tyre compounds are, unfortunately, par for the course in this price range. Heavy weight and a lack of comfort are usually also the result of cost-cutting measures.

The days when you could get a decent hardtail mountain bike for 1,000 euros are long gone. In our testing, we’ve found that the cheapest models on the market are suitable, at best, for the occasional off-road ride, but not for long-term mountain biking enjoyment. It’s no surprise, then, that last year Germans spent on average at least between 1,000 and 2,500 euros on a hardtail, or between 2,500 and 5,000 euros on a full-suspension bike without an electric motor.

2. This is the minimum price for a good entry-level bike

It’s difficult to generalise about what really makes a good mountain bike. Of course, the bike should, above all, suit your own needs. However, for a bike to really perform well in MTB use and to ensure you can enjoy riding even on longer tours or on easy trails, the equipment needs to meet certain minimum standards. These include, for example, tried-and-tested air suspension forks, such as those from the Fox Rhythm or RockShox Select ranges. You’ll also need single-chainring drivetrains with a wide gear range, such as those provided by the mechanical components of the Shimano Deore or the SRAM GX and 70 Eagle. Mountain bikers should make no compromises when it comes to tyres. Narrow widths and cheap rubber compounds, such as those in Schwalbe’s Performance range, are a no-go off-road.

If you trawl through the ranges offered by specialist retail brands, you soon realise that a hardtail which can be described as ‘good’ according to these criteria costs at least 2,000 to 2,500 euros. At these prices, customers can expect modern designs, reasonable weights and a functional range of features. For direct-to-consumer retailers, the prices are At between 1,700 and 2,200 euros, this is slightly below the price range for comparable hardtail models. Prospective buyers looking for a good full-suspension bike should expect list prices of at least 3,000 to 3,500 euros in specialist shops and 2,400 to 3,400 euros from mail-order retailers. Discounts can bring these figures down considerably.

3. The experts’ choice: upper-mid-range bikes

You get what you pay for: unfortunately, this also applies to mountain bikes. Ambitious cyclists who stick with the sport for the long term often find themselves wanting to upgrade their entry-level bike or invest in a better model straight away. Our experience from hundreds of tests tells us that, in the upper mid-range price bracket, mountain bikers hardly have to make any compromises. With an investment of this kind, they can look forward to top-performing suspension systems, such as those featuring components from the Fox Performance Elite or RockShox Select+ ranges. Electronic wireless groupset systems such as the Shimano XT Di2 or SRAM GX Eagle AXS transmission also leave little to be desired in terms of functionality. When it comes to tyres and wheels, you can expect high-quality, modern components in the upper mid-range.

The declining interest in buying non-electric mountain bikes has recently led to a reduction in the range on offer, but unfortunately has done little to bring prices down. For 4,000 euros, you have to Specialist retailer customers looking at a hardtail In some cases, you still have to put up with a few minor compromises. Good mid-range bikes with a rigid rear end cost around 3,000 euros when bought online. High-quality full-suspension models are taking off in specialist shops, prices start at around 6,000 euros. When buying directly from the manufacturer, cyclists should expect to pay between 4,500 and 5,000 euros. Depending on the intended use, carbon frames at these prices are the norm.

4. All that glitters is gold: top-of-the-range high-end mountain bikes

When it comes to top-of-the-range mountain bikes, there are virtually no limits. Anyone wishing to own a particularly lightweight bike with exclusive features and World Cup-level technology can easily spend five-figure sums on a model without a motor. There’s always scope for personalised customisation. With components from the Fox Factory or RockShox Ultimate ranges, affluent customers get the crème de la crème of suspension technology. The high-end models from the most popular groupset ranges go by the names Shimano XTR Di2 and SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission. Top-of-the-range tyres and carbon wheelsets are usually a given. The highest prices are almost always commanded by cross-country bikes. The depth of development and the pursuit of lightweight construction drive prices upwards.

Ultra-light, high-end hardtails often weigh less than nine kilos. When it comes to top-of-the-range mountain bikes, there is a wide range of prices. In the wake of the gravel bike and full-suspension trends, many manufacturers have discontinued the top-of-the-range models in their hardtail ranges. Anyone who still wants one can expect to pay between 7,700 and 10,500 euros at specialist retailers. High-end hardtails have become particularly rare in direct-to-consumer sales. Their range tops out at a maximum of 6,000 euros. Full-suspension bikes from the established major specialist retailers cost between 10,000 and just under 16,000 euros. Manufacturers with a direct-to-consumer model charge prices of up to 6,500 to 8,000 euros.

What do you think: how much money should keen mountain bikers spend on a new bike? Let us know in the comments!