Mountain biking sounds like it could be fun and exciting, but where do you even start? You need all the gear, including a mountain bike. By the time you invest in all the necessary gear and a bike, you could be investing a small fortune, and it’s safe to say many of us feel like we don’t have a small fortune to get started!
The main thing to consider is what you might be using your bike for. Are you an outdoor adventurer who wants to see many types of places from the seat of your bike? Will you be traveling mostly level ground or mostly rough terrain? How long will your rides be, and what type of accessories and functions do you need to make your ride the best?
If you’re on a budget, we have great news for you! There are many ways to get into mountain biking and stay within your budget.
You are still going to have to invest some money, but the purpose of this discussion is to let you know that you don’t have to break the bank on a $3,000 bike. You could very well purchase a $700 bike that will be of a similar quality as far as bikes go.
Shop for a Gently Used Bike
Many people purchase bikes thinking they will try something new and the bike just sets, until they decide to sell it. Then there are those who buy a bike, and then they upgrade. Whatever the case may be, you can often find a used bike that is still in great condition and will work well for you as you get started in your mountain biking ventures.
You can fix up the used bike by changing out parts and sprucing up things you would prefer differently. It is relatively inexpensive to add racks or change the seat out in comparison to purchasing a brand-new bike. The frames and tires are typically the features that can make the price skyrocket very quickly.
If you do buy a used bike, be sure to inspect the brake pads and the tires closely to make sure they are in good shape. You don’t want to spend the money on a used bike and then be forced to completely revamp the bike.
Don’t Just Buy a Cheap Bike
You’re buying a mountain bike so that you can enjoy nature and the outdoors. There many things to consider when buying your mountain bike. When you’re looking for a budget-friendly mountain bike, you want to make sure you don’t just buy a bike because it’s cheap. Cheap can mean any number of things, and you want to avoid cheap quality. The chances of a bike a quality made bike at that price are slim. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive option to get started while you save for something more, a cheap bike might be a temporary option for you.
Drill Down the Specs
The prices of the bikes will go up as the higher specs are added to the bikes. For instance, a bike with full suspension will be more expensive than a bike with hardtail suspension. A good way to cut down on the price of your mountain bike is to figure out where you might be able to drill down on some of the specs of the bike so that you still get a quality bike, but for less money out of your pocket.
Shocks and suspension are a spec that you can pick and choose specific qualities that might save you some money. Full suspension bikes are substantially more costly, but you could choose a hardtail bike that has front shocks only and it is a less expensive option. The hardtail suspension makes a great versatile option and is comfortable for use on rough trails.
The size of your wheel could affect your overall price. Ultimately, you most likely want to choose your bike based on other specs and settle for the wheels you can afford. Gear options are another great way to cut back. Purchasing a bike with 27 gears, when you could make do with around 7 gears is another way to make your bike more expensive. Bikes with lower numbers of gears are often more budget-friendly than purchasing one with all the gears.
Accessories & Seats
Another great way to cut down on cost is to cut back costs on the accessorizing. Basically, everything you might need to accompany your bike. Water racks, bike racks, basket or luggage rack, helmets, bicycle clothing, shoes, gloves, etc.
You can choose any number of these items that you will need as you begin mountain biking, but you don’t have to go all out on spending to accumulate these items. You can choose a quality helmet that is not overpriced. You may have to cut back on style or brand name, but it will suit the purpose. Purchase and install your own inexpensive racks that you want on your bike – whether you just want a water bottle rack or you want all the accompaniments.
Choose a bike with a stock seat and then find a seat and replace it. Bike seats can get expensive quickly, but you can purchase second hand, or find a quality bike seat in your budget range that will meet your needs. This is something you can purchase the typical stock bike seat and then upgrade at a later time as well.
Remember, you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality mountain bike. You may have to sacrifice some luxuries, but in the end, you will still have a quality bike for less money.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eva Allen is a passionate cyclist, author, and blogger. She is very passionate about writing on different types of women’s bikes, accessories, health, fitness and more. She regularly writes on sportsly.net
