If you are a beginner and are looking for to buy a decent mountain bike. You may be very surprised to see on the tag of bike on shop , some of them cost more than 10 thousand dollars. Why is it so expensive ? As a beginner, how much should you pay to have a decent mountain bike?
The price of a bike depends on the material to make frame, and other components .An aluminum alloy frame bike is much cheaper than the one made from carbon fiber or titanium .
Similarly, a hardtail bike is cheaper than a full suspension bike.
A rim brake bike is cheaper than a disc mechanical brake or hydraulic brake bike .The more advanced , delicate technology the more expensive the bike .
what make price of a decent mountain bike ?
Aluminum alloy materials
Aluminum alloy , itself is not strong enough to build a bike’s frame. In order to make it harder. The manufactures alloy it with other elements to increase its hardness. Normally ,pure aluminum is mixed with silicon, magnesium, or zinc to create aluminum alloy.
These materials are not too expensive. They are massively used in machinery structures and components where the light weight and corrosion resistance are must be conditions. As a result , manufacturers choose Aluminum alloy to make the most mountain bikes.
An aluminum bike frame is lighter than a steel frame one ,but high-strength , durable enough and has good resilience . It absorbs the shocks and vibration from the road , creating enough comfort and flexibility for rides. The price of these bikes can start from $300
Steel frame
Steel bike frame is heavier than an aluminum one .Steel is an alloy from carbon , iron and other elements like chromium, nickel , manganese and copper. Frames made from steel are heavier , more firm and durable than aluminum. Specifically, chromoly steel is an alloy of steel with chromium and molybdenum, this alloy material is main choice to make high- end mountain bikes.
So if you are looking for a mountain bike with a purpose more serious than the recreation. Steel frame bike is a good choice because it offers the better ability to stand hard bumps.
Of course, the price is a bit higher than aluminium bikes. The price of these bikes start from 400$
Titanium
Titanium was discovered in 1971 in Great Britain by William Gregor. Elements of titanium are number of mineral deposits, basically are rutile and ilmenite. There elements have any living body ,or can have also in soils and rocks.
Titanium in industry manufacturing are alloy of pure titanium with iron, aluminum , vanadium and molybdenum and some other elements. These alloys are lightweight and very strong material for aerospace ,produce jet engines, missiles and space craft. People also use them to produce other accessories for automotive, civil engineering ,dental implant, medical prostheses, orthopedic implants ,jewelry, mobile phones and in so many applications.
This is high quality material chosen to make the high- end road bikes, touring bikes. Cross-country mountain bikes are also made from this material. It is lighter than steel but extremely strong, firm and durable. One titanium bike ‘frame has life time till 70- 80 years , means that you buy one for your whole life
Titanium frame bikes offer you an excellent ride quality. The price of these bikes can start from $2500.
Carbon fiber
This is the finest material to make a bike frame. The material is made from strips of super-strong fibers bonded together with an epoxy resin and shaped into bike frames. This super light and durable material used in aerospace industry .And these high- end bikes made from carbon fiber have price start from 5000$ . This material is the first option for high -end bikes with brand name.
The price of a decent mountain bike depends on suspensions
Front forks ( or hardtail) are a shock absorber for the front wheel. They can be coil shock absorbers or air shock absorbers. Normally coil shock absorbers are cheaper than air shock absorbers.
Rear forks are shock absorbers for the rear wheel.
Bikes has both shock absorbers ( full suspension) obviously are more expensive than hardtail one.
Brakes
Rim brakes : With mechanical work type. Rim brakes are a set of calipers that work with cables and brake pads .Brake pads will squeeze the rim tightly and slows the bike down when riders pull brake levers.
When manufacturers want their product to become more budget friendly and competitive. They will offer a rim brake bikes for their first budget line products. Usually bikes for recreational, commuting purposes, rim brakes are enough for the safety.
Because of this, a hardtail trail mountain bike with rim brakes are most choices for beginner riders. The reason, the sport style is simple, not serious and riding terrain is not tough and rough.
Disc brakes: have 2 types one is mechanical and other is hydraulic .
Mechanical type: Use cables and a set of calipers with brake pads and disc brake . Once the riders pull the brake levers . The brake pads will clamp down on the rotors and stop the bike immediately. This type of brake performs better and quicker than rim brakes and gives an immediate result.
Hydraulic type: A fully sealed line with hydraulic fluid replaces the cables. This type of brake is even quicker than mechanical type, as a result the price is also more expensive.
Note: Hydraulic disc brakes oil changing normally perform by a professional mechanic service.
Shimano Cassette
Shimano Cassette gives the bikes the ability of changing gears. The more speeds cassette support ,the more the price will come. For example , the 21 speed cassette has a bigger price than the 10 speed cassette.
Wheel
Similar to the frame bikes. The material plays a big role in the price of wheels. Carbon fibers wheels are more expensive than others .
The bottom line
The price of a mountain bike depends mostly on the material that makes the frame , wheels and other components such as: suspensions , brakes, chain , tires. The price of a decent mountain bike for a beginner usually ranges from 300$ – 800$.
An aluminum alloy frame bike with a hardtail or full suspension is the first recommendation for recreational purposes.
