The True cost of owning a mountain bike
Mountain biking is a fast growing sport that is heavily dependent on gear for participation. Without a bike, it's pretty hard to go mountain biking. In addition to a bike, there is recommended protective gear, maintenance and repair costs, accessories that are necessary for a comfortable and safe riding experience.
We'll jump in with the items you will need right out of the gate, the bike and necessories. We'll address any hidden costs and then move on to required maintenance and possible costs of repairs.
Let's jump to it!
Initial purchase
The biggest expensive you will incur from mountain biking is the initial bike purchase. Quality mountain bikes can run from $600-15,000 depending on the style and features that you determine are important.
Necessories
Accessories that are necessary = necessories. These are items that you will want to take on every trip and cover personal protection, trail side repair, and hydration. Most of these items are fairly inexpensive, but if you need all of them can add significantly to your initial purchase. Plan on $200-500 extra for these items so you can ride as soon as you get your bike.
hidden costs
Some hidden costs you may encounter are assembly fees, shipping, and/or delivery fees. If you buy from Red Rock Bicycle, we will be up front with what your cost to have a bike ship. We never charge assembly fees and if you pick up in store, there is no delivery or shipping fee tacked on top.
ongoing maintenance and repairs
All bikes need regular maintenance. Most mountain bikes will come equipped with suspension and this does add to the maintenance needs and costs of the bicycle so let's start there.
Suspension Maintenance
Suspension forks and shocks typically require a 50 hour regular service. For most riders, this tends to be every 3-6 months. Parts for this service are usually between $20-40. This is a service that can be done by home mechanics, but if you prefer to have a shop perform it for you, it will cost between $60-90.
Additionally, most suspension components also require a 250 hour service. This ends up being about once a year for most riders. This service requires specialty tools and nitrogen so it is best to have a qualified shop perform this service. It will cost you between $180-250 to have this done.
It is also a good idea to wipe down your suspension components before each ride to help keep dust and debris from damaging the seals. A rag and a few minutes is all this will cost you.
Brakes
Most mountain bikes come equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. Like all brakes, they do require the occasional pad replacement. Pads will be $20-40 and will need to be replaced 1-2 times a year depending on your riding conditions and frequency.
Hydraulic brakes also require a yearly fluid flush to keep debris from building up within the system and clogging the hoses. This will cost $60-80.
Drive Train Maintenance
The drive train requires the most maintenance but is also the easiest to perform. On a regular interval, you will want to lube your chain. Lube costs between $8-20 and a bottle should last you 6-12 months.
Chains will wear regardless of your lube cycle and we recommend checking your chain for wear about once a month if you are riding regularly. This can be done at home using a chain checker that costs between $10-20. We are happy to check your chain for you free of charge. Just swing by any of our locations.
Once the chain wears out, you will want to replace it. Most riders will go at least a year if not a couple before needing to do this. Chains cast between $20-100.
Tires and Tubeless
Tires are another wear and tear item that you will need to replace. Tires can run between $30-100. Most riders replace these themselves. Shops usually charge between $10-30 to do this depending on whether you are riding with or without tubes.
If you ride regularly, you will want to go tubeless. This is a system where the tube is replace with rim tape, tire sealant, and a valve stem. It all but eliminate flats and rides much nicer allowing a lower pressure to help smooth out the ride. The sealant does need to be refreshed every 90 days. Sealant for both tires is around $10. If you would like a shop to do this for you, plan on spending $10-30 depending on whether it's a simple refresh or if you are getting a new tire set up.
tips to lower your maintenance costs
The easiest way to lower your maintenance costs is to perform the services yourself. As mentioned, the only service requiring specialty tools is the 250 hour fork/shock service. All other services can be performed by a mechanically inclined person. Most shops offer clinics to help riders learn these skills. We certainly do.