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Cost drivers

Stefan Loibl

, Tim Folchert

 · 20.04.2021

Cost driversPhoto: Wolfgang Watzke
Cost drivers
Alongside the frame, the suspension fork and gears are the most expensive components on an MTB. They have a significant influence on weight and function. But what are the differences between the most popular models from the leading manufacturers?

Next to the frame, the suspension fork and gears are the most expensive parts on the bike. The function and weight of the entire mountain bike depend largely on them. We explain what the various models from the leading manufacturers can do and how they differ.

Expensive suspension forks sweeten the riding pleasure with their function. The extra cost of the gears is hardly noticeable when it comes to riding enjoyment.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Expensive suspension forks sweeten the riding pleasure with their function. The extra cost of the gears is hardly noticeable when it comes to riding enjoyment.

The suspension fork

Suspension forks and dampers are designed to absorb shocks from the ground so that the rider can concentrate fully on the trail. Unlike MTB gears, for example, there is a world of difference between cheap and expensive models. Inexpensive forks and shocks are usually quite heavy and react sluggishly to bumps on the ground. They also offer only moderate damping. Expensive models, on the other hand, are lighter, respond more sensitively and offer more adjustment options. As a rule, high-quality suspensions are air-damped and have various adjustment options such as rebound and compression damping. It is worth digging a little deeper into your pockets for suspension elements. The comfort is noticeably higher on expensive models. A workshop service should be carried out regularly to ensure that the suspension fork and shock work for a long time. This involves changing the seals and oils and checking the shock for damage. The service intervals are specified by the manufacturer.

The most common MTB suspension forks from the leading manufacturers Rockshox and Fox at a glance: divided by suspension travel and categorised from cheap to expensive.Photo: BIKE Magazin The most common MTB suspension forks from the leading manufacturers Rockshox and Fox at a glance: divided by suspension travel and categorised from cheap to expensive. With Fox suspension forks, the three quality levels Performance, Performance Elite and Factory (favourable to expensive) run through the entire model range.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke With Fox suspension forks, the three quality levels Performance, Performance Elite and Factory (favourable to expensive) run through the entire model range. Rockshox divides most of its MTB suspension forks into the following three classes: Select, Select+ and Ultimate. This categorisation extends from the 100 mm version of the SID fork to the thick ZEB enduro fork.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Rockshox divides most of its MTB suspension forks into the following three classes: Select, Select+ and Ultimate. This categorisation extends from the 100 mm version of the SID fork to the thick ZEB enduro fork.

The circuit

Nowadays, modern mountain bike gears almost exclusively have a single chainring at the front and a cassette with twelve sprockets at the rear, which covers a very wide range. They consist of a crank, chain, cassette, rear derailleur and gear lever. Gear systems with two or three chainrings are virtually extinct on modern mountain bikes. This saves weight, simplifies shifting and makes the cockpit appear tidier, as the left-hand shift lever for the front derailleur is no longer required. The price range for derailleurs is extremely wide. While the entry-level models from Sram and Shimano start at around 230 euros, you have to spend up to 2749 euros for the top-of-the-range electronic version. >> here you will find a detailed Overview of 12-speed MTB drivetrains.

At Sram, the suffix "Eagle" always stands for a 1x12 drivetrain. At Shimano, too, all MTB drivetrains from the Deore to the XTR now have 12-speed cassettes. Only the two electronic Shimano Di2 drivetrains still shift 11-speed.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke At Sram, the suffix "Eagle" always stands for a 1x12 drivetrain. At Shimano, too, all MTB drivetrains from the Deore to the XTR now have 12-speed cassettes. Only the two electronic Shimano Di2 drivetrains still shift 11-speed.

All modern single-speed groupsets function perfectly and reliably. The price difference is primarily due to the materials used and the weight. Abbreviations such as "Di2" for Shimano or "AXS" for Sram indicate that the shifting system is electronic. The advantages of electronic versions are simple installation, greater shifting precision and a tidy cockpit due to the lack of cables. However, you should not forget to charge them. Single derailleurs in all price categories work perfectly and the additional costs for a higher-quality groupset are usually only worthwhile to reduce the weight of a mountain bike.

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1x12 gears for mountain bikes at a glance

Shimano

The latest Shimano XT drivetrain (M8100) belongs to the upper mid-range and is a reliable classic, even on modern mountain bikes.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke The latest Shimano XT drivetrain (M8100) belongs to the upper mid-range and is a reliable classic, even on modern mountain bikes.

XTR
Price¹: 898 Euro
Weight²: 1510 grams

Deore XT
Price¹: 369 Euro
Weight²: 1761 grams

SLX
Price¹: 278 Euro
Weight²: 1857 grammes

Deore
Price¹: 229 Euro
Weight²: n. A

Sram

Sram has significantly driven the 1x12 trend for MTB drivetrains. The drivetrains from the US company, which are developed in Schweinfurt, can be found on many bikes. All 12-speed components of the individual groupsets can be combined with each other.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Sram has significantly driven the 1x12 trend for MTB drivetrains. The drivetrains from the US company, which are developed in Schweinfurt, can be found on many bikes. All 12-speed components of the individual groupsets can be combined with each other.

XX1 Eagle AXS
Price¹: 1599 Euro
Weight²: 1495 grams

X01 Eagle AXS
Price¹: 1599 Euro
Weight²: 1547 grams

XX1 Eagle
Price¹: 1099 Euro
Weight²: 1596 grams

X01 Eagle
Price¹: 899 Euro
Weight²: 1645 grams

GX Eagle AXS
Price¹: 620 Euro (upgrade kit)
Weight²: 1706 grams

GX Eagle
Price¹: 555 Euro
Weight²: 1666 grams

NX Eagle
Price¹: 419 Euro
Weight²: 2074 grams

SX Eagle
Price¹: 314 Euro
Weight²: n. A.

¹Current average prices from online trading
²Sum of the weights of single crank, gear lever, rear derailleur, cassette, chain.

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