Mountain bikes generally cost a pretty penny; in fact, a new model can cost a thousand dollars or even more. Therefore, you may opt for a used one in the hopes of saving some money, but that won’t come cheap either. So the big question is, why are used mountain bikes expensive?
Used mountain bikes are expensive because MTBs are made of high-quality material and components designed to withstand the rough mountain terrain and sold in good condition. Your bike’s parts should be durable and robust to stay safe in rough terrain.
I will get into details to help you understand the reasons for the high price range.
Why Are Used Mountain Bikes Expensive? Are Used Mountain Bikes Worth It?
You may feel skeptical about buying a used mountain bike because they are not usually managed by pros, so purchasing one is undoubtedly a risk.
However, a used mountain bike offers an excellent way to save money and allows you to keep the surplus for future upgrades or better gear.
You will also not be wary of getting it banged up as you would be with a brand new one. In addition, most bike shops treat used mountain bikes like new ones; hence they offer extra for used bikes, such as annual tune-up for free and bike fitting.
Should I Buy New Or Used Mountain Bike?
While buying a brand new mountain bike of your dreams sounds terrific, you might want to consider used ones as well before making the final decision. There are cons and pros to picking either one.
When it comes to a new MTB, you get the freedom to pick the specific machine you want and your preferred color schemes and colors, giving a mountain bike that’s based on what you really like. You also become the bike’s first owner.
In addition, with a new MTB, you get a warranty for the bike and maybe even a return policy. However, to get a brand new MTB, you will pay a premium price, and the cost of depreciation lies on you.
On the other hand, you will pay less for used MTBs because most of them are sold at about 20-50-percent less than their original price. The amount you’ll pay depends on the seller’s urgency and the bike’s condition.
The downsides of buying a used MTB are that you get a pre-owned bike, which may raise questions about its condition. It also limits your ability to choose its features, and the past owner may have done customizations you don’t like.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Weighing the pros and cons of both options is vital, but what you want should also count. If you go with a used MTB, inspect the bike first before buying.
Is It Worth Buying A Used Mountain Bike?
You don’t always have to get a shiny, brand-new machine because pre-owned options can be great investments. This is also true for mountain bikes. However, remember buying used has its risks like invisible defects and lack of warranty.
You can find an excellent used mountain bike to negotiate the rough terrains comfortably if you shop well. Consider the following when buying a used MTB.
1. Frame
The frame is the fundamental component of a mountain bike, and it’s pretty expensive, going even up to $4000. It’s normal for a used mountain bike’s frame to have some scratches. However, keep an eye on deeper cracks, dents, and scratches, and corrosion.
Mountain bikes made of carbon fiber are the most expensive. This material is also ideal for parts like metal tubes, but it’s less friendly to the environment.
Aluminum has been the go-to material for mountain bike frames. However, despite its popularity, it’s limited in protecting against sudden impacts and weather elements.
2. Design Patterns
Since mountain biking became a popular sport, the demand for novice technologies increased. This demand attracted plenty of investments to the industry, leading to new and better designs.
An entry-level mountain bike of today looks better than high-end ones from the recent past. It’s simple, better designs translate to higher prices.
3. Wheels
The wheels of a mountain bike have a complex system and comprise different essential components in their own right. The rims need to be undented and make sure they run smoothly by spinning them around.
An excellent wheelset creates a balance between tolerance and performance.
4. Brakes
You should ensure the brakes are in excellent shape and functioning correctly. Changing the brake pads does not cost much.
The discs should be well aligned and not bent or dented. The leavers should also be in great condition.
5. Drive Train
Before buying a used MTB, assess the drive train’s wear and tear. These include the cassette, derailleur, chain ring, and cranks.
The chain shouldn’t be problematic because it’s cheap to replace but ensure the rest of the parts work properly. The cranks should be cracks-free and pedal threads undamaged.
6. Biking Experience
Most mountain bikes today have top-quality components that make riding on any surface smooth and enjoyable. These include frames that absorb shock and a suspension system that is impact-resistant.
The forks and rear shock should be working properly, so test the bike and find out when it was last serviced. The adjustable seat post should also go up and down effortlessly.
How Much Should You Pay For A Used Mountain Bike?
The reasonable amount to spend on a used mountain bike is determined by its performance and build quality, its condition, and how you plan to use it. The mountain bike type you want also counts.
Mountain bikes fall in the following categories:
1. Cross Country Mountain Bike
These lung-busting, uphill crushing bikes are bred to deliver impeccable pedaling performance, efficiency, and endurance. They have similar geometry to road bikes.
Cross country MTBs are excellent for riders who prioritize climbing to descending and are going to pedal for several miles regularly.
If you are looking for one, consider XGYUII Unisex Portable Cross Country Mountain Bike that costs between $500 and $600.
Its wind-breaking frame design, excellent shock absorption, and accurate, smooth transmission facilitate efficient exercising, better riding experience, and even faster commute.
2. Trail Mountain Bikes
If you enjoy downhill and uphill Mountain biking equally and intend to jump or drop occasionally, a trail bike should be good for you.
These bikes add gravity-oriented components such as chunkier tires, relaxed geometry, and more suspension than XC, making them more capable on various terrains.
An excellent of a well-built aluminum-framed trail mountain with capable big wheels to help you ride comfortably on rough, bumpy tracks is Diamondback 2012 Sortie 29’er 3 Trail. It will cost you between $2900 and $3000.
3. All Mountain or Enduro Mountain Bikes
If you are willing and ready to pedal uphill, an all-mountain or endure mountain bike is an excellent choice. You get more suspension travel with these bikes than you would in a trail mountain bike.
Consider 29er Enduro Mountain Bike P9 MTB because it’s a full-suspension made of Toray T700 carbon fiber that’s strong enough to withstand a strenuous trail. This bike will cost you between $4000 and $4200.
4. Freeride and Downhill Mountain Bikes
Downhill MTBs are made to transverse gnarly, steep trails fast and suitable for jumps, speed, and big drops. They are specifically made to go down, so it’s a great option if you aren’t interested in uphill pedaling.
Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike (View on Amazon) is an excellent MTB to navigate the gnarly trails and zoom downhill because of its powerful suspension fork and dual-suspension frame that goes for about $900.
On the other hand, Freeride mountain bikes are a cross between cross country and downhill mountain bikes. They are excellent for high and long drops and jumps, steep terrain, and technical trails and obstacles.
People Also Ask
1. How Do I Buy A Used Mountain Bike?
Ensure you do your research and avoid stolen bikes by looking at the pictures of the seller riding the bike, meeting them at their home or workplace, and asking for the frame number.
Additionally, pick two options you like most, know the components you can change affordably, test the bike, and check out the possibilities found close to you.
2. Where Can I Find A Used Mountain Bike At A Cheaper Price?
Several bike shops now purchase and sell used bikes. You can also check websites such as Facebook Marketplace, Craiglist, or Pinkbike for a used mountain bike.
3. Is It More Affordable To Purchase Or Build A Mountain Bike?
Generally, it’s cheaper to buy a wholly assembled mountain bike than build it yourself. However, a custom-made MTB can be cheaper, but only if you get a discount for the components.
4. How Much Is A Decent Mountain Bike?
You can buy a beginner’s hardtail for about 700 to 1500 dollars and a full-suspension entry-level MTB for 2000 to 2500 dollars. However, intermediate and advanced full-suspension MTBs are more costly.
Conclusion
So, why are used mountain bikes expensive? Ultimately, an MTBs individual parts and materials do not come cheap.
With a used mountain bike, you get a machine that is already modified and conditioned to achieve the highest compatibility.
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