Pinkbike Poll: What is a Fair Price for a Mountain Bike?

Jun 5, 2015
by Richard Cunningham  
Let's say that the bike industry was ruled by beneficent communist dictators who got together and decided that bike makers could not charge more than the equivalent of (just to throw a figure out here) $4,000 USD for any kind of mountain bike, worldwide. To assist the process, a select group of industry leaders - both bicycle and parts makers - were invited to the undisclosed mountain top summit to advise the czars. Each was handed a written statement that the leaders' decision would not bound by fairness to industry, but rather to establish a reasonably affordable price for a top-performing mountain bike that was within reach of comrade enthusiasts and comrade competitors alike. These would not be cheap peoples' bikes for the masses. At the penalty of interment in a northern composite construction camp, or possibly death, industry members would be expected to compete fiercely to produce the best possible bikes - ones which would be stuffed with modern technology, like carbon frames, adjustable suspension, even electric drivetrains - all at the summit leaders' determined price.

Norco Aurum 2015
Norco's Aurum Carbon tops out at $9700 USD, although the surprising base-priced model runs closer to the proposed Comrade's MSRP at: $4230.


To ensure that there would be no capitalist cheaters out there, racers and riders caught riding mountain bikes which had been upgraded with one-off prototypes or more expensive parts would be banned from competition for one season or face stiff fines. The Czars' reasoning may have been affected by the multiple shots of Snow Queen Vodka consumed after the summit's sumptuous, seven course meal, but the gist of the proceedings was that, after initially levelling the playing field, their decision would cause bike makers to struggle in earnest to innovate, because not to do so would be the kiss of death. Without recognizable innovations, everyone's range would appear to be the same. Price fixing would also ensure that sales of the new "high-end" mountain bikes would make up a much larger percentage of the marketplace, so bike and parts makers would have to be more quality conscious. It's not such a huge loss to recall five hundred Bugatti-priced uber-bikes because you rushed them out of the oven a few minutes early, but recalling ten or twenty thousand elite-level bikes is a financial disaster that few can afford.

Cube Stereo 140 HPA Pro 275 2015
Cube's Stereo 140 HPA Pro would probably be a hit under the new communist price ceiling for prestige-level mountain bikes.


So, say the Czars, the UHEMB (Universal High End Mountain Bike) price will quickly result in better-performing and more reliable mountain bikes for the world's elite riders. Now, everyone at the summit is waiting for you to return from the restroom, because it is you alone who will determine what the UHEMB number will be. Consider the present cost of component groups and the level of construction and quality that is available among today's better-performing bicycles. Weigh those factors against the needs of both elite-level racers and every day shredders and then set a price that you believe will produce a bicycle which can fulfill those roles and which also be an attainable goal for our sport's bike and parts makers. In short:




What should be the fair price for a competitive mountain bike?

This poll is closed





If you were your own bike maker, what would you be willing to sacrifice to attain elite level performance at your established UHEMB price?

This poll is closed






Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles

275 Comments
  • 242 16
 High-zoot components are awesome, but in practical usage, there's almost no difference in actual performance between high-tier and mid-tier stuff (except maybe in suspension. Sometimes.) Furthermore, be honest; most people who ride mountain bikes, or any bikes, treat their rides like crap, and only get them cleaned once a year when they get it tuned up. After several rides of dirt, dust, mud, sand, neglect, etc...XTR is gonna feel almost exactly the same as SLX, XX1 will be indistinguishable from X7, house brand bars are the same as boutique made-in-domestic market CNC'd whatever, fancy clipless pedals are just as smooth or rough as cheaper ones, and your expensive hand-built wheelset feels just as meh as a $300 OEM wheelset when they're both wobbly, out of true, and the hubs aren't adjusted right. Pinkbike is a minority of riders; a minority of bike lovers who treat their rides like spoiled children. Most riders don't do shit until something is broken, and only want the name of a part because cyclists are shallow, image-obsessed dorks.
  • 29 3
 Ya'll are still great though. Mountain bikes are fun, and a lot of riders are rad peeps. A lot of riders are the opposite, but that's how people do. Now go ride your damn bike and then clean your damn bike so your local mechanic doesn't need a hazmat suit in order to touch it!
  • 31 1
 "After several rides of dirt, dust, mud, sand, neglect, etc...XTR is gonna feel almost exactly the same as SLX"

That will be my new Tattoo!
  • 141 0
 Give me a top flight frame and suspension, with Shimano Deore any day.
  • 28 4
 though i agree with the sentiment of your post, the XTR comment isn't so much wrong as much as it just doesn't highlight the benefit of XTR. sure they'll feel similar, minus the actually shifters doing two up shifts in one stroke, but little things like ceramic bearings go a long way in longevity and durability. So while they'll feel the similar, the won't wear out the same. Also, XTR callipers are one single piece of machined metal so they don't flex like other cheaply manufactured callipers and have more braking power then almost any other dual piston brake. While I agree mountain bikers, including myself, are a bit dorky, there's something to be said about the effort that goes into the work the engineers do to design and manufacture the high end components and how it adds a bit of a majestic quality to the utter thrashing we all do on a daily basis riding our bikes. And hey it's mostly trickle down, so if they're making dope shit you know it's gonna be cheaper in the next three years under the lower iteration levels. I will say however THE INDUSTRY IS WILDLY OVERPRICED. As a bike shop employee as I'm sure a few of us are, I am often completely amazed at how much little pieces of metal cost. 30$ for a brake adapter/bar of cheap metal, are you f*cking kidding me?
  • 8 0
 From day 1, I treated my ride like a Bugatti. 1 year of hard work around the neighborhood, getting working experience and earning money while I was at it. I cleaned it after every ride, pushed my limits, took care of the components and kept it in good conditions, always keeping it inside, etc. That didn't keep it from snapping though. I just got it welded up and Ill see how it holds up this summer, but I damn near pissed my pants when I heard that snap from my seat stay and everything started bending, sinking into an uncomfortably awkward low feeling.
  • 25 4
 Agreed on the over pricing. Look at how much a top end YT Capra will cost you compared with a to end Santa Cruz Nomad. They're practically the same bike (OK, Santa Cruz is a 'better' frame) but one is over twice the price of the other. Just take out the middle man.
  • 34 1
 Ceramic bearings are meaningless outside of a GTR turbo. They are ceramic because of RPM and heat. Stainless steel bearings are more durable for the 50 RMP of the everyday ride. XTR brakes is awesome, but for that price I would rather have a better frame to begin with. Instead of X0 carbon mech, that breaks a lot, I would rather get a Zee for 1/12th of the price and get nicer tires for the difference. A front 20mm hub should not cost more than 40-50 Euro, because it is just a bearing and an aluminium body. 8 years running a Formula carbon hub (45 Euro) and it has not missed a beat! If you want to pay triple for a rear hub because it makes that noise, great, just move over to the right so I can pass you on the way down and we do not collide. If you believe that great components make you better good, be better, but Chris Akrigg rode trials on the sketchiest place on Earth with no brakes at all. Stop paying tonnes of money and start paying attention!
  • 9 0
 I have zee brakes on my tr, and they work better than any other brake ive ridden. I just don't understand spending all that money for saint
  • 10 0
 just bring down the cost of frames and ill be happy, i like to choose my own components anyway.
  • 6 0
 I work at a bike shop and this very true.
  • 20 0
 I wrench and I will work on mtb's all day long despite condition if it means I dont have to work on tri bikes! You think mtb'ers treat their bikes bad....you have no idea...
  • 8 0
 @Stampers true that!!! They literally piss all over them while they ride.
  • 2 0
 @graeme187 that's why my ride has DVO suspension on a new darkside but I'm still running my 9spd X7....
  • 14 1
 There are a few things that are making bike prices raise.

1. The demand for high end bikes has exploded. People want to ride the same bikes that the elite racers ride. This is something that just isn't possible in many sports. People cant go out and buy a $1,000,000 Honda motogp bike like Marc Marquez rides. But they can go buy a top of the line DH, Enduro, XC bike for $7-12k. The Demand for these carbon wonder bikes is going up and so the prices go up with it.
2. Bike technology is just getting better. IMO, a $3000 bike of today should be able to outperform a $6000 bike from 10 years ago.

I am never going to race professionally so I dont need the top of the line stuff. Give me middle ground $3k bikes with aluminum frames and wheels and I am a happy dude!
  • 6 1
 @moefosho I agree with you assessment totally. I think the reason that the high end market has exploded is because we as consumers for the first time can actually get the exact same bike set up as a pro rider at a cost that is at least reachable for a few. Most sports you cannot afford to get the same high end components the pro's use for anything. I will never buy carbon myself. I feel more comfortable on Aluminum frame personally. Especially me being a big boy. One thing I will say I spent a lot of money on my bike for was my Chris King hubs and my Magura brakes. Very happy with both of those purchases.
  • 2 0
 I'm starting to realize the significance of suspension over components. My 9 speed deore driveterran shifts perfect. My slx brakes have never left me wanting more ( I think I would just lock up all the time if they were anymore powerful). But what slows me down is my crapy suspension.
  • 23 0
 Yeah, if I could build a bike (and actually have it cost the equivalent of what it would cost if I didn't build it myself), I would definitely only use either zee or SLX brakes,and SLX or GX drivetrain for the components. I would go top tier for suspension though, because cheap suspension is just straight up lacking on some of the crucial adjustments that are needed. IF they made a cheaper fork/shock that still had two compression settings and a rebound then I'd be all over that.

Frames though, frames are f*cking overpriced. I'm sorry, but if I can buy a complete bike for $3000, you should not be selling me the frame by itself (or maybe with the shock) for over $2000. I don't care how good the bulk component discounts are, you are not getting wheels, tires, fork, brakes, drivetrain, seat, seatpost, bars, headset, grips, pedals, cranks, chainguide, and whatever the hell else I missed for $1000... and that's not even assuming they actually make any money by marking up the components at all. And that's for aluminum frames!

If I can buy a carbon hardtail frame from china, for $450 (which they are still profiting off of) there is no way frames should be more than like $1500.. and that should be for a full carbon DH rig.
  • 3 1
 I bet the shop owner doesn't feel the same way. .
  • 3 0
 @brussell this is almost certainly wishful thinking, but i hope for a day when a bike frame geometry stabilizes a bit (its advanced a lot in the last decade, but i can't see that pace keeping up), and a manufacturer that only makes frames, and only makes 1 or 2 models starts pumping out a time-tested design that is unchanged year after year, driving costs down to the point where it's cheaper to build your own bike than buy a complete.

again, probably wishful thinking...
  • 4 0
 good quality aluminium alloy or steel frame, great suspension, reliable brakes and quality tires = win
  • 3 1
 @FrEeZa Ceramic bearings are used in high load areas because they are hard and don't deflect as much. Deflection causes heat and friction which is wasted energy. In high load areas like the bottom bracket and drive side hub and freewheel bearings, you could absolutley measure a difference in drag under high load. Stainless bearings, are softer than high carbon steel, while they last a good long time because they can't rust, they have actually the most drag of any bearings under high load because they are the softest, relatively speaking.
  • 4 0
 @foghorn1 While ceramic bearings might be alright for these applications, they are very expensive and also brittle! While ceramics have a HB of 400 and steel of about 250, one will take a big load until destruction, the other may deform but still carry on, also the stainless steel ones will not mind a bit of mud at times. My rear wheel is currently on its 8th year with me, I bought it second hand in 2008 and I cleaned it once last year and it is still going strong. I had put it on my hard tail DH frame back in the day when I was running a double crown, then used the wheel on my fully, then built a street bike, changed the wheel because I thought it might be on its last legs. Afterwards I built two more bikes with that wheel and I am still with it. I do not even have sealed bearings on that hub. Once every three months I tighten it by hand and keep on keepin' on. Sure, you can put ceramic bearings in the BB and freewheel, I guess freewheel makes a lot of sense, actually, but it will cost a pretty penny.
P.S. I just said that ceramic bearing thing as an example of price and marketing over quality of function and overall durability.
  • 3 2
 How can you compare a $450 Chinese bike to a carbon frame from a well known bike manufacturer? The one that costs alot is due to all the r&d thats gone into designing and testing the frames. So they are strong where they need to be, and light where the strength isnt needed as much. The chinese one would be cheap because it would be a cheap of a decent frame, no way near as much r&d and wouldn't be as durable as the top end one. This whole article is rubbish!
  • 2 0
 Why pay for the engineering when you can get a cheap frame designed to simply look like a more expensive bike?
  • 2 1
 Don't pay for it and get stuck with no advance in the future, with a frame not properly designed...
  • 1 0
 @xeren

Hard to imagine where we'd even go from here, geometry wise, so yeah that'll probably plateau. Be nice to think the endless 'leaps and bounds' made in new standards would start to level out too but again that's probably wishful thinking. I remember when you could whack an old fork on a new frame and any old wheels or any of the above, starting to get the feeling that's being taken away from us, changing stuff around nowadays always seems to involve more than a small investment.
  • 2 0
 Quad piston brakes are going to work a lot better than a standard dual. Suspension is a whole other story and then let alone knowing how to tune your suspension for a particular trail or track is another tale. The average biker is going to just throw their bike in the mud and have their local shop take care of it for them yes. Your average " I like to ride my bike around the block guy" isn't someone who is really into riding. The sports gaining momentum and if you go to a bike park today you'll see a newbie kid or a random guy with a top of the line bike and set up. There's no need for that person to be on that set up - totally agree - but if you're someone who looks up to the pro's and want to ride their equipment then what the pro's ride has a lot of weight on the bike you'll want. Not everyone thinks this way and not everyone needs a top of the line setup. Honestly just a solid frame with solid suspension and an decent kit will get you down anything these days. We're so far into the development of everything that people forget that disc brakes and suspension designs are like night and day from a few years back. Don't kid yourself - you can tear apart any trail or any track as long as you've got the right skills and a solid rig.
  • 84 0
 Why are people are so caught up in having absolute top tier gear, when most riders could benefit far more from working on fitness and fundamental skills , then using a 3k bike to kick their mates $10k arses
  • 25 1
 Damn right. The better a rider is, the less he needs his bike to compensate. The best riders I know use hard-tails to improve their technique while riding enduro trails in the Alps (downhill without the jumps). But this is an online forum, where most of us spend more time surfing than riding, and those guys aren't here. They're too busy riding. I need a top tier bike to compensate for my suckage when I ride with them Smile .
  • 7 0
 Good point and good insight. I would be a better rider with more practice but am more enthused about spending money. And yes, I feel guilty about it. I'm a pretty decent rider, sure, but sometimes I'm a little rusty and what not. I guess what I'm saying is, I make a lot of purchases that I only financially deserve. It's not like I've really earned it, so to speak. But that often doesn't stop me. It's very human, to upgrade with technology rather than self improve.
  • 4 0
 @idoskids...marketing!
  • 5 2
 if you have the cash then why not invest in a sport we adore. I see nothing wrong with decking out my Hecklers, Nomads and Mojos with top tier XTR and Saint. I clean them regularly and love the shit out of em. You could most likely kick my ass with your CCM but I do not care as I do not compete I am a mountain biker.
  • 9 0
 Certain components though really have nothing to do with fitness. No matter how fit you are, a shitty brake is a shitty brake.
  • 4 0
 The better i get, i find myself finding the limits of my suspension and wheels. My slx/xt componets are fine but entry level suspension and wheels are garbage.

I hopped on my wifes bike for the first time in a year with an entry level air fork and threw up a little in my mouth.

I definately appreciate stiff wheels and nice hubs a lot more than i use to. They help a ton when climbing techy stuff at slow speed with a slack bike.
  • 35 1
 $3,000 is the most popular, but there are great bikes already at that price point. But people want more than that. They want the 1x10/11, the dropper, the wide bars and short stem, the wide tubeless rim. It isn't the cost out of the shop, its the cost to upgrade.
  • 7 0
 2013 Reign 2 was listed USD 2400.
  • 26 0
 YT, Canyon and Radon have pretty good prices with all that stuff... Problem is people want to buy a "known name" and that has hefty costs on the wallet.

Choices...
  • 9 2
 TBH, I think that a fair price is ranging from 3000-5000, considering all of the craftsmanship and work that has gone into the development of the product. The mass production is the simpler step, but getting to that stage is where the time is spent. Although it is not available to everyone, what canyon, YT and a few others have to offer at their price point is really good. It opens the doors to top end builds for those that cannot afford a WC $10k demo.
  • 8 0
 yea canyon and rose are pretty good bikes for competitive prices...
  • 15 4
 I hate to bring Motors into this, but Yamaha puts out a race winning machine for the same price you could pick up an S-Works Demo.
  • 7 4
 Ask any one that does Moto and you will realise they're not riding a stock bike even people who don't race usually don't have a stock bike. An fmf exhaust cost over $1000.
  • 12 1
 Ive raced motocross my entire life. I watched my brother holeshot Josh Hansen on a stock YZ 450. But yes, aftermarket parts are expensive, but I could get a high end Excel wheelset for my moto cheaper than most high end mtb wheels.
  • 5 0
 i wouldnt be shopping were you are my fmf cost me 600 shipped and a good set of wheels with talon hubs excel rims at rrp are almost cheaper than mavic wheels at cost
  • 21 1
 Wide bars, short stems and 1x10/11 should not be considered upgrades, they should be on every modern mountain bike these days unless your ridin XC. I shouldn't have to swap out my whole cockpit just cuz a company decided to put a 100mm stem and a 720mm bar on their new complete bike. I actually did have to do this tho when i bought my Trek Remedy.
  • 2 1
 I can see a lot of peeps on here getting YT and Canyon due to price but the general public will FUBAR any savings from such bikes in bad builds and poor maintenance...
  • 2 2
 @somismtb absolutely incorrect.
  • 4 0
 The entry level transitions are perfect at 3k, sans dropper.
  • 3 0
 Used baby! Bike components are far more durable than they have been in the past! Would anyone think of buying a used carbon frame 10 years ago?
  • 8 1
 I'm planning on getting a 2016 or 17 Remedy. What Trek or any OEM should do is offer customization once you cross that $2500 - $3500 threshold. Need a 60mm stem? No cost. Need a 760 bar? No cost. Need a 155mm wide seat? Small cost. These are fit issues. They'll bend over backwards to cater to roadies with expensive machines and cameras to find ideal fit, yet won't offer/consider part swap for people who know exactly what they need without all the fuss.
  • 2 0
 @amiracle22 but upgrading is part of the whole experience, you start off on a base model and then when you start to need the better components you then upgrade Smile

@deadtime pricecly, trek allready off the slightly higher end Project one, I think it's only a matter of time before they bring that down to their base models Smile ... and rose offer exactly what your aiming for, you can change virtually anything on the bike for like no extra cost or like £7, such a good idea but unfortunatly it takes time to get a completely custom bike like that and therefore people will start complaining about time, and like with the cost thing, it's just cause they're impatient and ignorant Smile
  • 3 0
 @TheOriginalTwoTone Please, enlighten me.
  • 6 1
 Its been beaten to death, you aren't winning championships on a bone stock dirt bike you bike up at a dealer.
So if you're going to compare a dirt bike to a bike then do it right.

The 10-12k bikes everyone bitches about are THE top of the line racing machines, so in the dirt bike world your not taking about that $8500 dollar off the floor model. Supercross bikes can run into the 70K plus range.

We won't even bother going into scale of production- another hairy,bloody mound that once was a beaten horse.
  • 4 1
 It still doesn't explain why a nomad with carbon rims costs the same as a 500EXC. Especially when the latter is made in a country with exponentially higher labor costs.
  • 2 0
 Apparently no one knows about elite amateur racing. Look up Loretta Lynn's, the proving grounds for any up and comer right before they go on to their professional career. They have a STOCK CLASS. They have a MOD CLASS. Many people race both classes on the same bike, just swap exhaust between motos. Guys that aren't racing for a factory team have suspension work that anyone can pay for around $1k. Motor work for $2-4k. And let's and in bars pegs etc. for another $1k. That's around $15k for a race bike that guys get top 15, top 10s, and even closer to the podium, (Weston Peick). Please, tell me where you'd like to poke a whole in my logic. I understand the economics and the difference in volume of product being sold, but it makes no difference to the end customer. I would have 10x the amount of riding buddies if a decent floor model mtb cost around $1k instead of $3k. Then again the fact that we are such a niche group makes riding special in its own way. More people = crowding and destruction of trails. It could also lead to further development of our trail centers and more big hitters like Honda entering the market.
  • 4 0
 Norco A 7.1, pike and a dropper-$3100
  • 2 0
 Please stop saying that you can buy the same exact mtn bike as the pros off showroom floor. If you think they aren't running custom and one off parts all over the place, then you need to wake up.
  • 2 0
 @Scotj009 If people are spending that kind of money for a custom machine, they should be willing to wait for at least a while. My other hobby is USPSA (IPSC to the rest of the world) pistol shooting where people will spend 5 or 6 thousand dollars on custom guns and wait for a year and a half for them to be delivered. And those kind of guns are actually hand made/fitted/tested, so just ordering the components that a customer wants and slapping them on a production frame isn't nearly as big of a deal.

I can't believe that any custom build would take more than 2 months to be delivered, from the time the order came in.
  • 30 2
 This question has already been answered by the direct online retailers. YT, Canyon, Radon and others in Europe have all their top models available at just under 4K euros with Pikes, or just over with Bos. The $3-6-9/10 K tiers are marketing levels set up by Specialized and Trek, and others are building to those price-points.

Let's be honest - the marketplace decides. Tight-fisted Germans won't pay more than 4K. Anglos & Swiss, on the other hand...
  • 3 0
 But what I reconiced there is actually a market for those more exclusive frames like Banshee, Knolly or Liteville which are mostly custom built. I see many people with fully pimped bikes like these but I guess if people buy something this expensive, it has to be super customised an no "mainstream" brand.
  • 3 3
 Because they are high quality frames that you can build as cheaply or as expensively as you want. And yet the most expensive buids on those exclusive frames still end up costing less then Tracers, Nomads and S-works Enduros.
  • 13 0
 i think a great wallet friendly brand that keeps getting overlooked is commencal, their new stuff is looking bang on
  • 19 2
 I hope online retailers shake out the marketplace. The fact is that the LBS and distributor markups don't add value right now. Most LBSs only offer parking lot tests, and advice from sales people is incredibly variable - some are awesome, many others aren't.

If you want me to pay 3/6/9 prices, I need a great experience, great advice, and great selection. Right now, I get better advice from online reviews and forum boards. This is why I buy online, and why Amazon and others are killing it.

I want the LBS to survive, but I don't buy my groceries in a cornerstore, I go to a Supermarket. Show me a professional shop with great customer service, prompt warranty service, in-store repair shop with fairly-paid mechanics, and very quick delivery of ordered parts, and I'll pay a premium for that.

Now how come I can't find that anywhere?
  • 2 0
 Rose bikes as well. Someone buy Flatline so I can get an Uncle Jimbo!
  • 2 0
 And Ghost...
  • 2 0
 Yup defo! And they are selling more variety of parts than ever in their online store. From my own experience their customer service is great too! Direct company to customer is the way to go IMO
  • 2 1
 I have to mostly agree with GVArider. The market place determines the price. There is no monopoly in mountain bikes right now. In fact it's very competitive and a number of things drive the price up. As GVArider and others pointed out, the middle person takes a cut and some brands are eliminating this person to keep prices down. Other factors include the constant R&D. New carbon molds for that longer lower slacker new wheel sized bike costs money. They bike makers wouldn't do it if they didn't have good reason to believe we'd buy it. Another big factor is the rising costs of labor. This is primarily due to inflation (banks all around the world printing money that benefits politically connected industries and people). Labor costs in China have gone up. The costs to employ a person in the US has gone up. I feel for the brick and mortar bike shop. Tough business right now. I think they have to develop online sales to help justify keeping the inventory customers demand and focus on service.

Finally, there is no such thing as a "fair" price for a mountain bike.
  • 2 0
 @jimo746 - had a bit of time to kill in Seattle the other week and did so at the REI flagship store (that probably tells me more about myself than I want to admit). Looking at the Ghost Riots there, I didn't think that they were that great in the value for money department. Surely not anywhere near what the direct to consumer brands manage to pack into each price point.

@GVArider - yes, they'll shake up the marketplace. I live in Bellingham, a town blessed with so many breweries and LBSs and coffee shops, it's downright ridiculous. I have found that rare LBS you talk about (in my case, Bikesport on Meridian) - the one that provides great service and good value, even if the LBSs get screwed a bunch by the manufacturers and big distributors. If my bike's in for repair, they often manage to keep me riding by making loaner/demo bikes available. If I need a part right away to replace something broken in a crash and salvage a road trip, they may pull something off one of the bikes in stock so I can ride. Do I get Chainreaction prices? No, but I get pretty decent prices, and fair rates on shop labor, and a lot of very thoughtful add-ons. I take pretty good care of my bike, but these guys usually manage to helpfully point out stuff that helps me keep my bike in good running order that I hadn't thought about before. These guys will continue to provide value to their customers - and will do just fine in that new world, thank you very much. That's not true of all LBSs, though.

If you've ever been to Dirty Fingers in Hood River - they're another great LBS. They also have a hilarious blackboard behind their service counter/bar (yes, they serve beer!). On that blackboard, there's all kinds of funny stuff about Walmart bikes, surcharges for people who need urgent service on bikes they bought over the internet, etc. Fact is, though - they provide services. If you buy online, unless you are willing and able to do all the work on our bike yourself, you still need service. A good shop will provide that. A bad shop will be too busy looking for short term gains and thus will choke on all that core attitude bullshit until they go out of business.
  • 1 0
 I believe the lawyers in America are gonna slow the direct sales of these bikes to consumers. It's gonna take one fool to build his bike wrong, crash and then in comes the insurance companies and their lawyers suing everything and everybody they can see and shuts direct sales down. YT has already reached out to shops to be service centers. This is one of the main reason bike companies mainly sell through shops, liability.
  • 1 0
 @Psykuls - I have a hard time believing the reason manufacturers aren't going direct is liability. Direct to consumer bikes don't require a whole lot of consumer assembly, and it's pretty easy to get it to be near-idiot-proof. At least near-idiot-proof enough where, with appropriate waivers attached to the purchasing process, there shouldn't be too much exposure unless they're proven to be negligent (so if they send out bikes with faulty brakes, etc.).

Retailers are of value to manufacturers by providing service and support to customers, doing local marketing, and all that good stuff - but mostly, they take inventory risk by carrying stock they're financially on the hook for. As a manufacturer, you fill your pre-season orders and build a little extra for in-season add-ons. Once the dealer's ordered the bike, the manufacturer is no longer at risk - they don't carry the inventory. I'm sure a lot of manufacturers are looking at what the direct guys are doing, and are thinking that selling bikes for more than normal wholesale but less then normal retail and cutting out the middle man seems really tempting - but what's keeping them from doing it isn't liability. YT is reaching out to shops to be service centers not to take care of liability concerns, but to create customer peace of mind regarding support post-purchase (where do I get it fixed? how do warranties get processed? etc.).
  • 35 6
 What's the point of this poll? There are cheap bikes and f**king expensive bikes and plenty to choose from in between. You get what you pay for. Get what you can afford and go ride it like you stole it.
  • 15 1
 To blow up the website and get people to click on this link.
  • 7 2
 Yup, ridiculous question. Griping about a 10k bike is like griping that a lambo costs too much. Buy something cheaper and be glad that technology has trickled down and made it a better value than ever before.
  • 8 0
 the "you get what you pay for" is the main issue here. Unfortunately effective bike blind testing is not possible/feasible... We would see many many surprises......
  • 3 0
 marketing research in disguise
  • 4 1
 @boot - I'd guess the point of the poll is that it's excellent click bait. Nope, Pinkbike isn't quite like the Gawker Media sites - but they have to pay the bills, too.
  • 3 1
 yeah, pointless article if you ask me. i hate those 'what if' questions.
  • 2 0
 Yep, load of baloney. Bikes be different prices, the end. Spend as much as possible/justifiable, up to the point you'll still ride it like you stole it.
  • 1 0
 Well put. End of discussion.
  • 17 1
 Prices of top level products are expected to be high. They're supposed to be the best availiable at the time, that often requires laborous manufacturing procedures or production in limited numbers, which also results in incresed prices.

What I don't understand is why you need to spend close or more than 1000€ to get a hardtail with suspension that works and decent brakes. Some of the OEM forks are so bad that you'd be better off with a rigid one. Serious weight savings by going rigid too. But then... bikes that come spec'ed with rigid forks are actually more expensive than front sus hardtails. How is that even possible?

Tip to the industry - Make a hardtail with a 100-120mm RS XC32 air, deore brakes with 180 front rotor, own brand 60mm stem/750mm bars, decent 2.3 tyres, 1x10 with a wide range cassette. Design it around playfull geometry, not classic XC racing numbers. Make a bike that's controllable, safe and fun to ride. Price it for 600-650€ and sell a ton of them. Then next season keep the same frame and spec, just change the color to freshen things up. Keep it this way for a few years. Your model is now famous for being THE bike to get into the sport and you have created a well deserved brand following.

I know you can...
  • 3 0
 Specialized Hardrock?
  • 1 2
 Check Genesis bikes, I think they do what you propose. But I agree that actually also the cheap starterbikes should be 1x10 deore rigids. Makes for a better learning bike also. Nowadays I see too many guys on expensive fullies and zero riding technique. Why stand up if you have a shock?
  • 2 0
 @panaphonic

Hardrocks have been the trademark begginner bike for ages, at least where I live, but although they are affordable, spec is pretty crap most times. For me their success is that they look cool (to newcomers eyes at least) and mimic the graphic style of higher models so they actually look more expensive than they are.

Genesis were not cheap last time I checked (not sure).
  • 3 0
 NS bikes clash, pretty much as you described and it's fun as hell to throw about, only downside is it's around 1000euro.
  • 5 0
 Had to give advice this week to a woman I know who wanted to start MTB. She had like 600$ to spend and was looking at new bikes and asking me what I'd pick. Honestly, I'm more of a "as long as it works" type of guy but they were all shit and I was really struggling to pick the least worse of all of them. I didn't want to tell her they all sucked because I want her to get hooked up on mountain biking but I was really wondering if she was going to have any fun at all. Great way to discourage people.

On the other hand, my girlfriend sold a 2006 stumpjumper for 700$ and within an hour of putting the ad up we had like 10 people interested. There is a demand for good cheap bikes but they're more busy playing with wheelsizes instead of making stuff people actually want to buy.
  • 1 0
 This is why I direct friends on a budget to check out the used market with advice from an experienced friend. Sticker shock from an entry level full suspension can be daunting and deter a potential buyer. Advising someone to buy used and get more for their money is the right thing to do if they are serious about wanting to get into the sport.
  • 3 0
 I has a customer come in not too long ago who was proud of the $800 Stumpjumper he picked up online. Brought it in to us for sservicing and railed us about how our new bikes cost too much. His great deal came with a fork that needed a rebuild, a blown rear shock, cracked linkage, brakes that needed pads and bleeding and completely worn out drivetrain. So much for savings. . And who knows what else we couldn't see..

If you are buying used, get the bike checked out before if you can.. Remember, you might be getting a good deal or you might be buying somebody else's headache. .
  • 1 0
 Rockhopper used to sell in UK for GBP £600 some years back, with RS fork with hydraulic damper and hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano gears = awesome starter bike for proper off-road riding

Now for £600 you will get an undamped suntour fork and mechanical disc brakes, and cheap SRAM gears = budget bike for traversing gravel paths and canal paths

value has gone in the low end, but in the mid range its never been better with Shimano Deore/ SLX and quality suspension forks / shocks.
  • 2 0
 last year i was kinda lucky with my diamondback which was £500 which came with truvativ finishing kit and cranks, a not great but ok and fairly tunable XC28, with deore/alivio drivetrain and brakes, the only downside of a fairly ok component choice is they cut corners like the wheels it came with are heavy and make it fairly boring, so say for a £600 bike like the rockhopper they could put better wheels and that would be a fantastic bike for people getting started which isn't terribly spec'd, also for manufacturers wanting to cut corners, this years alivio M4000 group isn't looking too bad and is cheap as hell, but still you're probably going to have to spend £800-£900 for a bike to come with that as come on they still sell above £500 bikes with square taper BBs which aren't even that strong.
  • 3 0
 @Lastpikd "This is why I direct friends on a budget to check out the used market" That's what I did originally but small frames are quite a rare find it seems. I did it for my gf too but even though she had a much bigger budget, no dice on the small frames either.

Ended up getting a kona process 134 for 3k as it was pretty much the best bang for your bucks setup we could find. Her stumpy was 2.8k$ back then.

The geo is muuuuuch better than her old stumpy, she got a dropper and tubeless ready rims/tires too but the 2015 bike is 5pounds heavier, on a sektor and deore when the stumpy was on a talas with a mixed bag of slx/xt/xtr stuff. You could argue that the 2015 bottom rung stuff is probably better than the 2006 top shelf stuff but I can't help to feel that if you're going to pay 3k for a bicycle, it should be something pretty damn good, not just all the cheap stuff on a good frame.
  • 11 0
 This is exactly why every year I strip down my old ass kona stab supreme, clean and paint er up and feel like I got a brand new rig. It might be a cow, but if it was good enough for fabian barrel, it'll get me down Aline just fine
  • 7 0
 fabian barrel could probably rip a tricycle down a-line
  • 1 0
 True, I mean I have made upgrades but its no where the price of getting a brand new bike.2014 boxxer races, 2013 saint brakes. I really should weigh the thing, it proballly give a great number of people on here a heart attack to know what weight I fight with in the air
  • 7 0
 The issue is that every single part on a bike has a big stupid brand name plastered on it, too much marketing crap convincing people they need branded parts all over their bike, maybe shocks and cockpit should be branded, the rest should all be in-house produced (or brandless) just like with motorbikes
  • 3 0
 Only thing I care about is having a frame/suspension that performs well and a front tire worthy of that name, I don't even care what the stickers on it say. The rest... as long as it works, it's good enough.
  • 6 0
 I work at Revolution Cycle in Edmonton. We have massive stock and some of said stock is insanely high end. While it's certainly fun to have these kinds of bikes around, I find myself talking people off of the cliff. The first thing they think is that they HAVE TO pay 8000k for a good bike. I tell them the "golden price" is 3500-4000 bucks. Depending on what you're looking for, this should get you a really fun bike. At this price, some bikes come with dropper posts (specialized SJ), while others will come with a full XT group (Cube). Figure out what feels good, buy the damn bike, ride the damn bike, and for shit sakes take care of your damn bike!
  • 1 0
 Well sure in Edmonton why not convince a rigger to buy something insane that will get used a few time before showing up on Kijiji a year later when they bail back to NFL or BC? Are bike sales slowing down a lot with all the layoffs recently? I just got laid off from my OandG job here in Cowtown, no surprise, more time for riding in this pretty summer though!
  • 1 0
 Surprisingly, we've not seen a drop in sales at all. Time will certainly tell though.
  • 4 0
 The price question is pretty much hard, I´m from Slovakia and average salary (wrote in tables) is about 800€, reality is about 600€, you can imagine how much is that if you want to buy a bike. Cheaper new DH bikes costs about 2000-2500 € so about 3-4 month salaries. Instead in Germany or in Nordic countries, there are salaries about 2-4 times higher (I don´t know about bike prices, but if you´re gonna buy from at example chainreaction then doesn´t matter) - it is huge different for each nationality to get money together. Major owners of new bike here are riders supported by factories, common riders does not have any chance to afford new high class bikes.
  • 2 0
 Same here in Estonia. Students like me don't even have a chance. Working in the summer and birthday gave me 1000 euros last year. Can't even buy a new Gambler 730.
  • 4 0
 I'd be happier if the UK pricing on virtually EVERYTHING, was in line with currency conversion rates...
Generally, something that's been priced at $99 USD has cost £99 GBP to a UK resident...
We have, are and will be getting ripped off!

Rant over... :-/
  • 1 0
 Unfortunately the companies are probably making about the same money, US pricing does not include sales tax, UK pricing includes VAT and it costs a fair bit in import duties if you are buying from a US based company. It is a kick in the dick for us but at least we have that sweet NHS for when we crash because we can't afford to replace our brake pads.
  • 2 1
 Yeah I get what you say but something's still cost us more purely on region... Just the other day US prices on the newly released GTX980ti graphics card dropped but the European retail price stayed the same.. We generally do get penalised on global regional pricing on average and some countries get it even worse than us!
  • 1 0
 It depends on the location of the manufacturer as Patrick pointed out. For example, YT industries just opened their north american market this year. The price for their TUES CF Pro in Europe is around 4300 euro. at the recent exchange rate of 1.15, that would cost around $4700. however, they sell they them in the US market for $5200, plus tax, shipping etc. thats an extra 10% at least. (and they've actually reduced the price since initial launch)
  • 5 1
 Bike companies don't care what people THINK a bike should cost, they only care about what people WILL SPEND on a bike. I know plenty of people with $10k bikes, and I say more power to them. For instance it used to be that the cheapest carbon wheels were thousands of dollars, but now that technology has tickled down to more attainable price points (Ibis, Derby, Chinese carbon, etc). Those who complain about the cost of bikes are only complaining because they are insecure that their buddies have more expensive bikes than they do, not because the bike they own performs in an unsatisfactory manner. But this is life. There's always a someone with a nicer house or a nicer car than you. Forget about bikes as status symbols, spend a little less time obsessing over the latest gear and get out and ride, and try to drop the guy with the nicer bike and you will be happy.
  • 6 2
 For those who are questioning the mark up on bicycles, rarely does a manufacturer net more than 20% in actual profit margin. For investors, their better to put their money on the stock market over running a bike company. There's not enough return, a whole lot of risk and the market itself is tiny. Most bike companies are run by people who are passionate about cycling. If you want to make a killing, don't start a bike company. I'd even say bike retailers fit into the same category, they don't make a killing they offer a service to their cycling community. It costs money to turn on the lights at the store, pay people to work there and just plain survive. You know that bike in the window you've seen for 8 months at your LBS? Yeah, that's money just sitting there not returning any profit on the hopes it catches someones eye so they can make a modest couple of bucks on it.

Some of these "direct to consumer" companies that have been mentioned can offer a lower price by cutting out a "turn" in the process of buying a bike. For those of us who can buy direct and need no form of service, this may be a way to save overall $$ on your bike and get more for the money. But if you can't fix you're own bike you will pay this back to your LBS in the long run because a loyal customer always gets preferential treatment from the LBS. There's no 90 day free service period offered at a direct to consumer point of sale.

BTW when compared to a dirt bike, a mountain bike is way cheaper to operate after the purchase (not accounting for your lift ticket costs which are optional). Dirt bikes need a lot of recurring care and when it goes really sideways your out-of-pocket costs can skyrocket. Ever blown a four-stroke 250? Yeah, that's a $4k repair. You should hear what the dirt bikers are complaining about... It used to be you could fix a two stroke top end for a few hundred dollars, now when you need a top end you're out $2k on the modern four-strokes. How many people on this forum have had a $2k bill to fix their bike??? And if it doesn't start it might as well be in the land fill because the fun is officially broken. Also, the premium dirt bikes that compare closer to the high end MTB's (Like a KTM) are more like $12k, the $8k comparison is to a stock Yami, Kawi, Suzuki that doesn't have near the level of suspension tech your modern DH bike has. That's why suspension upgrades are so prevalent in MX, a lot of your DH forks have better tuning and better parts than stock MX forks.
  • 1 1
 Stop it with your facts. They'll interfere with all the bitching.
  • 3 0
 what is the right price fo one liter of gasoline? what is the right price to buy a soccer player? what is the right price for a flight ticket? what is the right price for a one night stand with a woman? the answer is: SKY. Also in bike industry. And dont even think of limiting that. Some of us know what it means to live in socialism.
  • 3 0
 I work as a bike salesman and I constantly run into the issue of people trying to be released from the torture of badly built and specked bikes. However, this is normally true for people searching for entry level equipment...

For people in the high end market, they are willing to do their research and work tirelessly to find the best deals. I think such dedication and effort needs to be rewarded. Although everyone would love a price cap, I don't think that's too realistic. Maybe even a 5-10% reduction in dealer cost, and 5-10% reduction in mark up would work.

However, the only viable solution I can dream up that might satisfy both manufacture and customer, is creating custom build options for bikes that are over $3000. An example is Trek's "Project One" program. Unfortunately this is only offered at the $8000+ price point, it is an excellent system that I believe would have tremendous success in the $3000+ price point. Sure, not all your favourite brands will be available, but it definitely comes closer to giving you the bike you want, for a better price, right out of the box. Less initial installation work, less research and shipping hassles, more convenience, and faster availability.

(To see what I mean by "Project One", follow this link... www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/collections/custom_project_one)
  • 4 0
 Excellent point - people have different needs. I couldn't care less about the extra smoothness and weight saving of XX1 or X01 over X1 (or the new 1x11 XT), at least not for the price. But the difference between crappy brakes and SLX or XT brakes with larger rotors is totally worth it to me, being a bigger guy. If you ride rocky stuff, or are heavy, you'll place more value on stronger wheels. A lighter rider, however, might want to spend their money on weight savings instead.

Having more individualized/customizable build kits sure would be great.
  • 2 1
 Individual shops can already spec custom builds. Trek branded theirs, but there's no reason a shop can't do a custom bike program, is there? Competitive Cyclist, for instance, does it great on their website (where I bought my Nomad). Seems like a good opportunity for a shop to step up and add that value themselves, though I could see that having every option in stock wouldn't be realistic necessarily.
  • 1 0
 @DrPete

I certainly see where you're coming from, however, there is one problem. Individual shops have that sort of leeway if they choose to stock bikes from smaller, more independent companies. Unfortunately, from larger companies, it is rare to be able to get a frame set and keep the build under $3000.

Large companies which can provide the most support and, in many cases, are the safest route for most bike shops. Therefore, frame kits are generally from the top end and average $1500 and up. It is also more expensive to buy individual components, so only about 10% of customers are willing to take that route. I certainly agree that it adds great value, but from my experience so far, 90% of people needs instant satisfaction and don't see the logic in being patient and getting what they truly want.

If 20-30% of customers were willing to do such a thing, I think your idea would be the golden solution. I really wish I could offer that sort thing as a sales person, but in the market I work in, it's very rarely possible.
  • 2 0
 Interesting. I would've thought that way more people would be into customization. I guess around that $3K price point there would be a lot of buyers who are buying their first high-end ride and may not know which bells/whistles to pick.
  • 1 0
 @OReilly @DrPete - I agree that full-on custom builds for that $3k niche is not really feasible economically. But what manufacturers could do is to offer build kits that aren't just scaled on bling/weight/performance/price, but on use cases. At a minimum, they could decide that for a trail bike, sizes L and XL should have a 34mm instead of 32mm fork and stouter rims, as larger riders tend to put more force on their bikes, so they'd rather spend money there than on shaving grams. A step up from that would be to offer each level bike in a lightweight and a Clydesdale version. And so forth.
  • 3 0
 PLEASE READ THIS !!!!!!!Although bikes are seriously expensive i can somehow understand the reason why a racing carbon frame is 3000 euros including with best possible rear shock at the time. What i do not understand is why a set of AVID X0 (ELIXIR) brakepads are 24euros as opposed to a acceptable brand and quality food blender which is 27 euros!! I mean how much "innovation" do they have as opposed to a whole electric appliance?? So yes,in general terms prices could be acceptable if they were justifiable.
  • 7 0
 I feel like RC has been reading too many Wakileaks stories
  • 4 1
 Bikes are like any other good, they are only worth what we are willing to pay for.
It appears our dear sport is striving, the number of bikes sold each year keeps growing as this even if manufacturer keep increasing prices. They don't really care we complain, they care we buy. So the situation will probably evolve this way until people can no longer afford bikes ( i mean price in genreral will be too high) and so their profit will decrease slightly. They'll then reduce prices and so on. The mountainbike market is still young, it'll take so time before it self-regulate.

And to all those who brag about their old/cheap bike. It's ok, it just mean you value the performance improvement less than the price difference. But hat if someone riding a klunker was to trash talk you because you ride an "overpriced" 2005 stumpy you bought used for 1500$? Even if you reckon riding a kluncker is fun, you'd certainly call him a fool. For you the difference between these two bikes is well worth the extra money. It is exactly the same for 10k superbikes.

And one last thing, it is not because top notch bikes prices skyrockets that you have to spend more to get equally performing parts.Since 2006 pricepoints of hypercars/ superbikes have been roughly increased by 100% ( 1m->2m / 6000€->12000€ ) and my parents didn't spend more when they bought a new. Yet the new one is far better better than the older one. It is something evryone should keep in mind as our eye is always attracted by things that shne and sometimes when we can't get that thing, we hate on it



To put things into perspective; i own a fully custom 2009 trek remedy 9.9 ( 3x9, 26in, 19mm wide rims, one of the first ks). I paid 7500 e for it. Today it can be considered as has-been, and it is true. I could probably sell it for 1500e. Would i love to ride a sc Nomad decked with enve? Hell yes! But i feel the improved performance isn't worth the extra buck. At the same, let's take a look at what i can get for the same price today. Well it took me some time to find exactly same pricetag but it appears you get a Canondale Jekyll Carbon Team. Which one do you think performs best?
  • 6 3
 If you want to research whether mountain bikes are overpriced, then make price comparisons with motorbikes (particularly off-road bikes), then consider what materials, components, technologies and levels of R&D go into both types of two-wheeled conveyance. After doing so, you should find mountain bikes - which, remember are mostly wholly manufactured in the far east - to be grossly overpriced. They have become fashionable, hence the pricing structures.
  • 6 1
 Google "economies of scale."
  • 6 0
 I have always thought:

- alloy frame
- alloy wheels
- alloy cranks

- top notch suspension
- top notch components.
  • 3 0
 Current DH bike bought used for under 2k. World Cup fork/shock and high end brakes. Alloy frame/wheels/cranks. Otherwise meh components.

Is it heavier than a more expensive setup? Obviously. But when blasting through a rough downhill track, I don't really notice a quality difference between top-tier and bottom tier anywhere but the suspension and the brakes, everywhere else I want cheap and reliable.
  • 3 0
 Hey Pinkbike, you do all these bike tests, how about doing a review like the blog by Art's Cyclery (below link) which compares different levels of Shimano components and gives you the straight up answer on where your money is best spend/saved:

blog.artscyclery.com/ask-a-mechanic/shimano-road-components-where-to-spend-your-money

If you're really interested in keeping costs down for bikers, that would be an even better article (compare different level Shimano, Sram, Forks, etc.). But, I'm gonna bet you won't...
  • 2 0
 Seeing the examples above, how are companies like YT & Canyon doing outside of Europe? (I seem to remember that the US has only just got a distributor). Their top level bikes cap out at 4500e which I feel is an incredible deal... although I also understand the risk of buying when you can;t get to a shop and sit over one! I may be biased here as my Capra CF Pro Race will be delivered any day. Smile
  • 3 1
 I have a feeling that all those pinkbike polls are odered by bike producers/sellers, etc. and we are all part of the marketing research. In this case, business wanted to find out how far they can go with price policies. The second question is missing the answer: how much profit margin I can sacrifice. Can someone calkulate what's the cost of the materials and labor of this Norco picured above?
  • 2 0
 the whole argument is basically a moot point. prices are market driven. If your perception is that a particular bike is to expensive and a ripoff then get something that you perceive is good value for money.
If high prices were not paid by anyone there would be no high priced bikes Simple. The market is a huge mix of people from "look at me" to i dont give a rats i just want to ride my bike. The industry sees this and makes a bunch of money from one group which potentially keeps the price down for the other. Overheads for a company need to be covered. If you can cover them by selling high / overpriced stuff to a small group of people that are happy to pay then the rest can maybe get better deals
  • 2 0
 Lets figure this out a running 2015 Suzuki Yamaha Honda Kawasaki and lets not forget my favorite's KTM or Beta 450 4stroke brand new dirtbike with all the greatest in technology! Were talking Showa Marzocchi Ohlin Kayaba suspension. Fuelinjection Excel wheels Renthal bars Protaper so on! Kenda Goodyear Maxxis and so on tires are we getting were we are going ? There is so much R@D that goes into these bikes and the manufactureing is so above and beyond a MTB ! Not a comparison but I can find any one of these bikes at a price around $ 6,300.00 for the Japan Import and $7,800.00 for Austria ! So were did we go wrong with Mtb ? I personaly have a $6.500.00 dollar carbonfiber ride with all the greatest and newest upgrades but I do not get it ! The priceing is Stupefying! Nothing last no matter how well you take care of it ! And carbonfiber is stupid cheap To manufacture that is a fact . Its glorified plastic ! But an Awsome product ! But all Industry is GUILTY OF OVERPRICEING CAUSE THEY CAN . This will change real soon my fellow riders cause Tech changes . So come on $3,000.00 for a frame try $777.00 Thank's !
  • 2 0
 I look at this way, most guys riding 10 grand bikes are like guys who drive super cars and that's that they can't ride or drive, but if they're happy spending that who cares, no one says you have to have it, I'm happy with my 3 grand bike and enjoy the freedom it gives me.. People need to worry about more important things like not blowing corners out (you know who you are) and enjoying the ride rather than concerning themselves with wank factor..

Rant over....
  • 2 0
 There´s no such thing as a "fair price". Value is subjective and everyone has his own take on what is "fair". I will not pay more than 3.000 dollars for a bycicle because I can´t afford it, but if I manage to get more income, I would pay more. There are no fair prices, there are market prices, which reflect interaction between demand and supply. That´s why producers offer bikes at many different price points. There´s no way to define a "fair price", it´s completely arbitrary. The State will define it arbitrarily if market forces are abolished, like in communist countries. In Cuba, the government define the fair price for a bike. Results? No bikes are produced except very basic carrpy ones.
  • 3 1
 People are underestimating the value of trickle down and how we need superbikes to better the bikes we ride. Sure, 2015 Deore doesn't shift as well as 2015 XTR, but 2015 Deore also shifts so much better than 2008 XTR. You now have clutch mechanisms, wide range capability, and horizontal parallelograms on enthusiast level components. For most of us there always will be something better out there, but never let that overshadow what you already have. I can almost guarantee that 2022 Deore will shift as well as 2015 XTR M9000. The price is going down on all bikes everywhere, and without the development of no-sacrifice $10k superbikes that technology will never reach us.

Without XX1, we would never have X1. Without the Pike RCT3, we would never have the Pike RC. We need top-tier bikes that cost as much as cars, because without that spare-nothing R&D race to build those bikes we would still be riding rigid 3x7s.
  • 1 0
 Honestly I just got to compare a 2006 vs a 2015 and there isn't all that much difference to be honest. You're going to get more updated stuff like wider bars and maybe a dropper but the new stuff doesn't shift significantly better and hydraulic brakes still braked back then. The damping is probably a tad better on suspension but you already had lockouts/rebound/compression/travel adjusts back then so its not radically different. The biggest difference I noticed is frame geo. A 140mm back then is worlds apart compared to a 140mm today.
  • 2 0
 To be honest in 2022 I hope we all have gearboxes...
  • 3 1
 I have been around biking since the early 90's, and the budget solution is opposite of what sells. Build your bike around the best wheels you can get. The wheels are the biggest performance upgrade there is. Suspension design is less important than a good shock and fork. Even a faux bar will work well with a good shock. After that, spend what you can afford. Really, its almost all about the wheels on a mountain bike.
  • 3 1
 Just do the math on all the components that come on the expensive high-end bikes these days. It adds up! Making an affordable bike takes sacrifices in some aspect or another, meaning that it's not easy to put a Pike with carbon rims on a $4000 bike! You get what you pay for in this industry, and that also means you're not obligated to buy the most expensive bike out there.
  • 3 1
 What a ludicrous question.

I'd rather work hard and pay the going rate for the best stuff I can afford than live in a communist society. The free market dictates price and drives innovation. The trickle down effect brings the best technology to the masses and the top end incrementally improves.

If prices were set, there would be no innovation, there would be no "best". There would be no Ferraris and Lambourghinis. No Santa Cruz Nomads.

Stop moaning about prices. You don't have to have the very best. There are amazing bikes available for $3,000, which in two years time will have the same technology as today's $10,000 bikes. If prices were set, nothing would improve.

Suck it up. Capitalism rules.
  • 2 1
 Enjoy it while it lasts.
  • 2 0
 I'm sorry to have used specialized's name I guess it was miss understood I was mearly using them as an example. Everyone is clearly missing the point. The bike companies are not making the bikes they are only designing them and turning the design over to a chinese manufacturer to produce them. All bikes and components come from these factories regardless of brand. The raw material in a whole bike is 30 dollars or so usd. Much cheaper in China. As for margins, how do you think that a 2000 dollar bike at the beginning of the season turns into 1600 at the end. Let me guess they lost 400. A 20 dollar t shirt at the store doesn't cost 10 or 15 to make its 2 to 3 dollars
  • 2 0
 When the MSRP for a brand-new 450cc MX bike is around $9k, and is so only because the dollar vs. yen took a big shit several years ago, I don't feel sorry for bike manufacturers and their suppliers ONE BIT.
This 450 MX bike has MILLIONS of R&D sunk into it, and while a bicycle is basically just a chassis, a motorcycle also has a M-O-T-O-R. In the case of this 450, it's a motor that's mass-produced, a lot of times warrantied for a certain time, and has a rear-wheel output of around 55hp (currently). To put out this kinda power RELIABLY, the previously-mentioned R&D is TRULY at the tip of the spear.
To cap it all off, this $9k 450 has more titanium, aluminum and magnesium than a comparably-priced mountain bike.
I remember reading about how SRAM had equipped one of their rider's Pikes with DLC('Diamond-Like-Coating') stanchions, and when asked if they had plans to equip customer Pike's with same, responded that doing so was WAY too expensive.
Kawasaki has been selling 250 and 450cc mx bikes since 2007 I wanna say, with DLC Showa and Kayabe forks, and since 2004 on their 600 and 1000cc SS bikes.
The irony here is, SRAM sells WAY more forks than Kawasaki does, and makes a TON more money on 'em.
A bicycle that sells for $9k costs the dealer roughly $4500+/-, while a motorcycle that retails for the same, costs the dealer roughly $8200+/-.
I'm not saying bicycle dealers should get screwed the way motorcycle dealers do, but there's definitely a HUGE amount of room between what it actually costs to produce and distribute bicycles, and what the dealers pay for 'em, to start backing away from the totally INSANE prices we're expected to pay now-days for a decent MTB.
That's my $.02
  • 1 0
 I do really think that MTB Bikes are really expensive, I understand that there is a lot of technology behind every bike, but I simply do not understand who would buy a 10k bike, prices are high and to get a based price model of a DH or all-mountain bike you end up paying 4k...I would like everyone to have more access to buy a good bike and enjoy this wonderful sport!
  • 1 0
 Have you seen the prices of high-end road bikes recently?? it's not just MTB's that having inflated price tags, its the same the whole bike industry over. Making profit off the back of the popularity of cycling, for every average Joe saving up to buy a $3000 dollar bike there's an over-salaried guy willing to splurge $10000 on a downhill rig he'll maybe ride 5 times in a year.
Simple economics. And Marketing.
  • 1 0
 I am biased as I have a yt tues cf pro on order. That cost me £3000 and the spec is just unreal.it also looks as good as some of the more popular brands and according to the reviews (I haven't had mine delivered yet) rides pretty sweet too. proof Low pricing is achievable. On the other hand you have to think about the research and development costs the big companies have to keep bringing innovative (although sometimes pointless) products...
  • 1 0
 It really depends on the bike type. If that's a DH rig then something like 5000$+. A DJ singlespeed hardtail around 1000-1500. Slopestyle dual suspension bike like a trek ticket around 3000-4000. And if that's an enduro-crosscountry carbon bike or a road race bike, then you have to sell a kidney i guess)))
  • 1 0
 The fact that a bike now cost as much as a good 2nd hand vehicle is simply silly.........Is there a difference between a $600 bike and a $3000 bike and will it make me have more "fun"? Arguably yes. To justify a bike that is $8000+ I think is simply not justifiable.

That said If I was given a choice 1) No bike at all or 2) $600 bike...............I'd take that $600 bike and ride it like it was stolen! We have to keep in mind that there is a vast majority of the world that have no access to bikes at all. I'm just happy as bloody hell I get to ride my bike 8 months of the year, while other simply do not have that option.
  • 1 0
 YT, Canyon, Rose, Commençal, Carver, Radon, Solid, On-One, etc. are bringing us great bikes for the buck. Even Giant is starting to do so and if Giant can, Trek, Scott and Specialized can too. Bikes are too expensive because people are willing to pay the money. Simple as that.
By the way, why does a Devinci Spartan carbon or an Evil Uprising cost much less than a Nomad Carbon but still you don't see them around?
  • 3 2
 The human being in me says screw you for a ridiculous article, the consumer in me says screw you for trying to limit "my" ability to purchase what I want, the cynic in me says click bait scrap, the American in me says - MERIKKKKKAAAAAA!
  • 1 0
 Downhilling has almost become an elitist sport. Everyone needs the newest/best/hottest bikes and parts. When I first got into the sport ~13 years ago everything was relatively cheep. I could afford buying a new bike and upgrading it as a young kid in high school bussing tables for money. Now it seems like you either need rich parents or an extremely high paying job to get a decent bike and keep it up properly. Let alone the cost of gas for driving to trails and the price of lift passes if you ride at parks. The sport I once loved has become a haven for rich kids who are more concerned about having the best shit and looking cool than they are about just loving the ride and having fun with their friends. Much like snowboarding.
  • 1 0
 We might see the same development as it was with tools and machinery coming from china. First we all hail the cheaper prizes and it will put a lot of LBS out off business because everybody buys from the internet. The good Quality equipment won't sell as much ,so those producers are forced to compete with that cheaper garbage and ultimately we can say goodbye to the high quality we were used to get even from the good guys. Ultimately we riding all garbage , we can now buy at all hardware stores and on the internet.
  • 1 0
 Anyone who knows a little about economics knows that price ceilings just create shortages. If you force the price to be lower than market value, more people will demand it than the suppliers will be willing to supply. Basically we would end up with much fewer manufacturers than we have now and way more people wanting to buy bikes. There would be long waiting lists for any level of mountain bike.
  • 1 0
 It really depends on the type of bike. For my DH i could really care less about derailleur quality, but quality suspension is a MUST in my opinion. Not necessarily the newest top of the line, but High-performing suspension has definitely saved my life a few times. Another often overlooked component is brakes. I see a lot of posts from people who claim they'd be extremely happy with just an SLX set. While these are decent brakes (I actually run them on my Reign), high-end brakes do make a significant difference. I just recently put a pair of Guide RS on my glory and the difference between those and the Stock X9 brakes was night and day. Even compared to SLX, the power, modulation and overall feel and gives much more confidence in the fast sections.

However, for my Reign, a quality derailleur (XT shadow +) makes a big difference from an SLX, especially with the improved clutch (trust me i switched). Brakes may not be as essential on this bike (hence the SLX) but again, suspension is critical.

As for OP topic, i think that the very top end bikes are in a reasonable price range considering the R&D that goes in and the limited market for bikes. Talking to several different shops in the area, it seems that they dont sell nearly as many complete bikes as you'd think, and often are sitting on "new model" bikes that devalue every year on the shelf. So while $8000+ seems crazy, unless youre a high-caliber racer, it pretty unnecessary IMO.
  • 1 0
 i remember the early Rockshox and manitou forks that had 1.25 inches of travel still costed 1000 bucks. Bikes were always expensive. They are just getting way way better now. Innovation has a high cost of entry. Get over it and ride your 26er into the ground and enjoy the process.
  • 1 0
 select 4000 (trail/am/enduro bike)
1300 frame (sale from last year alloy model)
1000 forks
600 drivetrain component
500 wheels component
200 cockpit component
400 seat component

frame and suspension..always come first for me...if i get a higher price for them..i'll cut down the budget for
other component (cockpit and seat must be lower)..

and..no...higher than 4000
  • 1 0
 I'm about to get a carbon Hardtail 29" KTM's Myroon (used 1 year) with all the equipment on XT and a 120 fox float suspension on a great condition for €1600, the issue here I think is to know where to look for and I'm pretty sure you can get very good deals out there, you just have to be a little bit patient and maybe not to buy a brand new bike but a 2nd hand one
  • 1 0
 Just bought a brand new 2014 model Stumpjumper FSR Comp 29 in February. LBS sold it to me for $1999. Added a Command Post, tubeless setup too. Total with a few other goodies and riding gear was about $2500.

Then I went to the Sea Otter Classic. Stopped by the Rock Shox booth to get my forks tuned. They upgraded my fork damper to the RCT3 version for free! Less than $3000 and I think I have a pretty bitchin' bike....
  • 1 0
 Bikes might just be super expensive because the Industrie has a huge Marketing machinery. All these sponsored riders, races in almost every town with a hill, supported by manufacturers, fancy product presentations in the french alps. All that must cost a fortune.
  • 1 0
 What is this communist propaganda?

Personally, I almost always buy my parts and gear used because I think I get far more value that way. Yes, the stem and handlebars may be a little scratched but at $20 it's a steal compared to the $100+ bars on ChainReaction.

I've also been doing a lot of shopping around for a road bike. I've spec'd a number of custom builds, and new bike prices are actually quite reasonable for what you're getting. Mountain biking, and road riding at the "pinkbike level" are boutique sports. Even here in Vancouver! I know a lot of people, and only my hardcore mountain biker friends have relatively new full suspension bikes (newer than 3 years). Mountain biking has one of the largest barriers to entry due to the amount of equipment needed to get started.

With such a small market, top-notch bike manufacturers need to make up more of the costs with shorter production runs; not to mention if you want a bike from a small boutique company.

Like other people have said, don't complain that Ferraris cost too much. Buy yourself a BMW. Or if you're the original poster, buy yourself a Lada.
  • 1 0
 Come on bike companies, we all know that you can make a descent bike with a descent price! A simple full sus frame with suntour auron or durolux, deore brakeset and transmission and sell it for a lot less. Some of us don't want the best bike, we just want a simple bike that gets the job done. You are making more harm than good!
  • 1 0
 Fairness to industry ? Were you born yesterday ? So let me get this straight: i buy a bike worth 4000eur which is build/assembled by fourth class citizens in some god forsaken place for 10eur/day salary at best, get it branded and shipped to EU through deals closed between the licensed maker and transport companies, en masse, and i should feel good about spending my savings with a smile on my face, because it's fair towards the industry ? i will pay whatever necessary because i love the sport, and that's what the sharks will always rely on, but please don't throw this bullshit at us. Smart people can figure out by themselves how much it costs to build bikes/bike parts in Asia, the ones who don't just voted 4-5000 for a bike. What are you trying to actually find out ? How far we got used to dig into our own pockets to pay for something that doesn't break when landing a whip ? Bloody hell...
  • 1 0
 I remember some guys, at the local spot/ trail, showing up with the fanciest and most expencive bikes, and you could clearly see that it had never touched the dirt. And probably never would. Anywho, there is something for everybody now pricewise. You can get a descent bike for 4000$ and if you take good care of it it can last for a long time.
  • 1 0
 There is only one way I can answer this poll: "More than $10000" and "Not willing to make any sacrifices - I'd pay the fines and ride the most expensive stuff I could afford."

Well, of course it all depends, where would a bike under this limit have to be "competitive"? A steel hardtail in the world singlespeed championships, or a carbon full suspension bike in the DH world cup? Or shall both cost the same?

However, I want to see new inventions out there, research, and technology progressing, so, of course, there can be no limit.
  • 5 0
 One of the most bothersome posts I've ever read on PB or Other
  • 6 2
 "The comments section on this post is going to be a hilarious shitstorm."

*read for 5 minutes

"Yep"
  • 1 0
 I could only wish that top tier bikes would be priced between $3000-5000. I think that is the most competitive pricing. Anything more then that is a bit ridiculous. After buying three brand new carbon bikes I'm really feeling the effects of bikes costing double the amount of what I wish they costed!!!!
  • 3 1
 Nobody is forcing you to buy carbon, or top tier. If $3000-5000 is a better price point for you, spend that. Lots of decent bikes in there. If you're spending more, then clearly the fair price of a better-spec'd bike is higher than that for you because you spent it. Nobody owes you XX1 or XTR and a carbon frame at a certain price. You either pay it or you don't based on the cost and your perceived value of the bike.
  • 1 0
 I know that but what I'm saying is if all the high end parts and carbon frames came at a price tag between 3-5 G then that would be amazing!
  • 1 1
 It certainly would be, and the only way that happens is when technologies from last year's superbikes trickle down to us mortals, so just consider the $10K bikes as subsidizing the $5K bike you'll buy in a couple years. Smile
  • 1 0
 Guerilla Gravity here in CO is making some really sweet hand-made DH and TR frames at a (comparably)!lower cost that other companies. Totally happy with their product. Personally, I'd rather spend the $ on a good frame and bring over whatever components that I can from the other build. Can't afford Saint.... Zee works perfectly fine.
  • 1 0
 pricing is mental, as it is ridiculous that a canyon with 1 tier down from the top end components, both drivetrain and suspension can be had for £2600-£2800, yet in a LBS you're looking at close to £4k for the exact same if not a little worse which i understand that everyone involved takes their cut but it really can't be enough to add about a third to the price, the bigger bike brands really need to sort out their business models or they are going to be driven out, and releasing bikes with proprietary standards, is outright infuriating.
  • 1 0
 $40 SunRace road rear D on a semi blingy bike --- fine by me.

www.pinkbike.com/photo/12199928


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also dabble with motocross products so what sort bugs me is the price difference between some of this stuff ... MX boots have 5,6 times as much material as a pair of MTB shoes yet they fetch the same price, often cheaper.. motocross lubes and oils are always cheaper by volume .. waaaay cheaper sometimes... and if you think about the prices of a motocross bike vs a high end DH rig, there's a shit load more product you getting WITH AN ENGINE!!! on a MX and yet, prices are still pretty dang close.
  • 1 0
 The issue I have not only is the cost but the technology keeps changing so fast that your bike is old and obsolete in one to two years time dropping it's resale value considerably. The industry keeps making changes that seem to have no purpose other than being something new to spend money on with little gain. I would really hate to be a local bike shop owner these days.
  • 1 0
 I think "old and obselete" is nothing else but marketing playing on perception. My gf just sold her 2006 stumpjumper and honestly, I can't say it was wildly different from the 2015 bike she just bought when it came to actual performance on the trail.
  • 1 0
 Cap should be placed on mark up percentage not overall cost that way you can be assured you are getting what you pay for and it would not impede future production of new technology if you were to see the mark up on every mtb product out there people would see how outrageous some of it is!
  • 2 0
 What do you think the profit margin is on a high-end MTB? I'd be willing to bet it's far, far less than what you think it is.
  • 1 0
 I hate it when people compare the price of Motos to the price of mountain bikes. Motorbike companies own/have shares in the majority of parts/components that go onto their bikes. It's hard for a bicycle company to get a fantastic bike at a "consumer friendly" price when they're still paying decent dollar to put the parts you love onto your dream bike. It's easy to say they need to make bikes cheaper but it's a hell of a lot easier said than done. Bike companies cop a lot of shit and sometimes fairly so (Trek Session 9.9 retailing for $12,000) but i don't think they get the credit they deserve. Love them or hate them, without them, we are nothing Smile
  • 1 0
 I spent $6000 on an aluminum bike with high spec components and felt that wasnt a rediculous price, but I would love it if the same bike cost close to $3500. If that were the case, I would probably have more than one bike and be willing to rotate through them a bit more frequent.
  • 2 1
 I'd still like to know the raw material cost vs final MSRP. I don't care how advanced the geometry is, it's a bike and changes haven't been ground breaking, still basically a front and rear triangle with some minor changes and some CAD modeling (which should reduce the cost of prototyping since you can test most frames through computer modeling instead of prototyping them all). The big component makers basically have a monopoly, so no incentive there to cut profits, and as for the rest it's priced at whatever the public is willing to pay. Unfortunately as a biker I'm passionate about my sport, as many are, and I want a nice bike so I'll spend more than I should because I don't feel like I have a choice. But $7,000+ is half a small car and there's more tech, design, manufacturing, marketing and shipping costs in that car. It wasn't that long ago that a top of the line production racing bike was $700-$1,000 max so what made the price jump by 10x or more? At the most car prices have quadrupled in that same time. Would love to hear from the industry on where the money is going, show us the real operating costs but in the end I think you'll find we're all victims of greed and envy.
  • 1 0
 Two thinks I don't like about those questions. 1, I think 3000 is fair price for a competitive trail bike (especially a hardtail) while I think 4000+ is really not that much to ask for a decent DH bike that takes a beating. Not really fair to pick just one price for all. 2, I would add rims tires to the options of things I wouldn't cut corners on. Frame, Squish, & hoops - everything else comes second.
  • 1 0
 A well set up bottom of the line drive train is just as good as a high end drive train with little maintenance especially for 90% of riders who just potter about. Most people never use there bikes to the full potential. At my local trails I see people riding World Cup quality DH rigs no faster then the other guy on the supermarket bargain. Yeh nothing wrong with having it if you can afford it but many people are tricked into overbuying by a media that review bikes at £700 and say it could be better of course it can but do you really need better????
  • 1 0
 I do like that most of us are on the same page. We don't need the most expensive components on the planet half of us aren't that good. As humans in general we are always envious and want the newest best thing out. Guess what. The sales and marketing people at specialized and every big company know this. They have degrees based on how to get us to buy expensive shit For double and smile while doing it. There are way to many middle men in this type of market also the more people that handle the product before it reached its end user the more costly it becomes. I'm in manufacturing and run a facility in the U.S. We use all U.S. steel and parts and make everything in our own plant. I understand r&ad and production costs. But this is getting out of hand. Everything is made and produced in China yet we are paying handmade Italian sports car price. It's crap. And we are being taken advantage of. But enough bitching its not gonna change. I'll just buy the shit and forget about while in enjoying my ride
  • 1 0
 You must be referring to the top of the line rigs, with their astronomical price tags. Sure margins are nice on those (eg. S-works). Their mid range bikes are all fairly, if not very competitively priced though for the performance you get. 2016 Stumpys starting at $2900 with zero upgrades needed. Doubt another bike in that range can perform as well, even the comparative d2c models. Still unsure if my next ride will be d2c for under $3k, or a Stumpy.
  • 3 0
 Y'all talking about Russian Czars (Tsars) and communism like they're the same thing that happened at the same time. Read a book, holy cow.
  • 1 0
 lol good call mountain biker eduction is required in broader fields than just wheels springy bits and ride things
  • 1 0
 I think all models should come with the same great shock and fork. Prices should then range based on components and wheels. The lower end models in a lineup usually come with a crap fork and that's something people are often looking to upgrade.
  • 4 2
 I would never storm into a Mercedes dealership demanding that they drop the price on an SL65 AMG to match the price of the C class simply because I want one. Why do so many people think that's the way it works for bikes?
  • 1 0
 Look at YT, Canyon.. They have high end stuff on there bikes and DONT cost me a kidney or two.. I would pick a yt before all other brand just beacause i GET more bike for the buck!. And Hey.. Specialized, Trek.. Those other brands do sell many bikes...
  • 1 0
 The question of price will always come down to what the customer can afford. Companies offer elite level, F1 category, high dollar, low volume "Halo Bikes" that represent their absolute best and is usually what their WC riders are on. There are adequate price points below these Halo bikes from almost every manufacturer, but what we see marketed is the highest end. It's important that we allow technology to advance and give manufacturers a place to sell these exotics, with time most everything you see on an exotic the first year is "trickled down" on lower models in future model years. It's equally as important for manufacturers to create product that packs as many features as possible from their Halo product into an affordable package so that the higher volume "value" bikes are indeed a good value to the customer.

Speaking of "volume", this sport of mountain biking and specifically the categories of riding we're talking about (DH/FR) are EXTREMELY FRINGE in terms of participation. We are a minority within the bicycle industry and when comparisons are drawn to other products (Like Dirt Bikes) that seem to pack a lot of technology into that same price, the topic of volume needs to be addressed. The volume of units produced in the DH/FR category are very small, many times just barely meeting a MOQ to produce. When even the minimum volume to justify a production run yields slow sales and eventually closeout pricing, the business model is destined to fail. When your a small group like we are, you have to pay a premium for the equipment.
  • 1 0
 Lol, amusing notion Richard! I stay in the 3k to 4k price range for my trail bikes in part because above that they get more difficult to sell a year later. I also don't think there is any real advantage when the rubber hits the trail for most riders above 4k. Just like a placebo those benefits of the uber bikes are mostly imagined. People really should take more credit for their riding skill and experience. Uf a new bike gets you out more its the added miles that make you faster and better not big buck bikes. You can't buy talent in a bike shop and as long as you have a capable and correct type of bike and fit for how you ride the rest of it is minor details. Save your money for riding clinics, coaches and trainers and riding vacations.
  • 2 0
 Bike is still just 12-16 kg of aluminium (and some carbon) + engineering. I do respect engineers and all the effort of all other people involved but lets stay reasonable Wink
  • 1 0
 Interesting poll. I'm not sure I'd want to ride a full carbon bike with second tier components. However, I would definitely ride an aluminum framed bike with top tier components.
  • 1 1
 Bicycles are so overpriced it's ridiculous. I was thinking of buying my sister's kid a bicycle when I realized it was simply cheaper to buy an electric motorcycle, approximately $250 US.

Pricing for bicycles is next great travesty after US Healthcare Costs. There is no sane reason that a bicycle costs as much as a 250 cc motorcycle. The economics of cycling are out of tune with reality.
  • 1 0
 Unfair comparation. Compare prices of common motorcycles with that of common bycicles, for light urban use. A good mountain bike is so more advanced than a common one as a MX motorcycle is from a common urban motorcycle.
  • 1 1
 Ah, the latest Pinkbike editorial bemoaning the price of modern mountain bikes. Alas, the fair price for a mountain bike easy to find: just visit the website of any bike manufacturer. The fair price is the price people are willing to pay. Manufacturers price their bikes in such a way that they make profits while not losing too much market share.

For example, if Specialized start asking $5000 for an an Stumpjumper FSR Comp, then they would lose too much market share to justify the price hike. So they find a price that a decent amount of people are willing to pay and that's the price. Turns out the fair price for brand new Stumpjumper FSR Comp Evo 650B is $3,400(www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/stumpjumper-fsr). If people weren't buying that bike, it would either be 1) price lowed or 2) not manufactured in the first place. Because lots of people think $3400 is a fine deal, the bike is priced at $3400.

Personally, I don't like paying $3,400 for a bike, so in 2014 I bought a used 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp EVO for $1,600 in close to new condition!! I spent $150 on pedals, wide bars, and a short stem, and got what I consider to be an incredibly awesome bike for $1,750. Sure it doesn't have the latest greatest wheel size or a carbon frame, but who cares, because it's fun as hell and it's performance amazingly well.

If it was really easy to make a really cheap high performance bike, someone would be doing it right now. If it was possible to mass produce a bike that MSRP'd at $1500 but delivered the performance of today's $5k bikes, then somebody would have done it and made a killing. Turns out its damn expensive to make bikes increasingly lighter but higher performing at the same time. Consumers have spoken and people buy up new gear at feverish rates: New wheel sizes, automatic seatposts, ultralight carbon frames, fancy drivetrains, $250 derailleurs that will be smashed on rocks in a few months time!!!

I've never bought a bike new and can't imagine ever doing so. I buy used aluminum bikes with the geometry I like, install appropriate sized handlebars and stems, and if I want to increase performance further I upgrade suspension. But it's very entitled to think it's "not fair" a company won't deliver you every fancy-gadgety piece of technology at price you desire.

But I want to hear from Mr. Cunningham himself: What do you think is the "fair price" for a mountain bike? What exactly is "not fair" about about Specialized choosing a price and thousands and thousands of people choosing to buy a bike at that price?
  • 1 0
 Re: Stumpy -> and insane that the 2016's look like the best Stumpy ever (basically all EVOs) and start lower than prior years at $2900. So much bike for under $3k with fully capable suspension, wheels and droppers.
  • 1 0
 It truly depends on your size and riding style. I know guys on $600 hard tails who shred harder and faster yet destroy less gear and components than some guys I ride with on $6k+ bikes!
  • 1 1
 This is a good poll PB we get to have our say!

Drive Train: I don't care about an expensive drive train as it gets trashed after 6 months anyway.
Suspension: Good quality basic suspension is what is needed, most people don't need lock out or propedal etc. Also coil forks work well and are cheap.
Wheels: Don't skimp on rims, wheels that buckle at the first rock are pain in the arse.
Brakes: Big rotors are a riders friend. Most riders don't need anything more that that.
  • 1 1
 In my opinion, major component companies (Shimano, Sram) have such a monopoly over the industry, they are directly responsible for producing and swaying trends in the mtb industry. Not only have they cheaped us all out by building intentionally less-reliable, "expensive" components, they force the little guys and also much better brands I. E. Hope brakes, to a point where they have to cut costs to remain competitive in the industry. I say that here, and also on a geo-economical scale, monopolization should be banned.

This begs the question, when is a company considered "too big" ?
  • 2 2
 SRAM and Shimano will not stop YOU from starting your own company and sell better products at a lower price. So why don´t YOU do it? Easier said than done. Those companis produce good products for many types of consumers. They compete with each other and with non-existent companies, because they know that iif they get lazy, someboby will enter the market and outcompete them.
  • 1 1
 For the reasons I've just stated yes it's easier said then done. Not only that we have not seen ANY major innovation in the last ten years all we have seen it a sad attempt to change standards and make parts incompatible with each other. The big brands in my opinion are ruining the sport and should be boycotted immediately. The bike major bike company doesn't care about the consumer, they care about profits and dependency on their product. On the flip side we have smaller companies producing real innovation and quality and they are all being squeezed out by big brands. Everyone should be fed up with the big brands yet you are all pushover accepting this tripe for components
  • 3 1
 Gotta be the worst handle on pinkbike.
  • 2 0
 worst...poll...ever
the industry just gave the finger to 90% of the user base with the 650b train. very doubtful they care what we think msrp should be...
  • 1 0
 Well there's the complete ibis hd3 $4k, giant has several, Norco. ..intense 26" spyder frame $600.
But of course, bikes would suck donkey balls w/said communist approach as mfgs would shut down
  • 1 1
 Look at the motorcycle industry and you will get the answer. In motocross, a top of the line bike is around 8k $, in the bike industry, a top of the line bike is over 10k $ I simply don't get it. motocross got an engine, everything is bigger, much more component needed and it's still cheaper than a bicycle.
  • 1 0
 Nonsense. A top of the line moto, as in one that a pro would use, costs many tens of thousands. A top of the line mtb that a pro would use can be be bought of the shelf for significantly less.
  • 3 0
 the correct answer to the question about the price of mountain bikes, is the sound of the colour seven
  • 1 0
 let's see... $10K CAD for a top of the line Norco Aurum, or $9500 CAD for a Yamaha WR450 Dirtbike that I could rig with turn signals and mirrors for commuter use. I'll take the WR450.
  • 1 0
 My 2012 Yeti 575 w/XT went for 4200, I got it for 3200, It is alloy weighs in at 27's still works great, had the Fox Float suspension rebuilt this year for 200. Probably won't be the Market for another bike for a while; )
  • 4 5
 Suspension, tyres and frame geometry are the most important things by far.

Components like stem and handlebar should be roughly the same cost for whichever size is wanted.

I wouldn't waste money (£200) for a seat post to go up/down by pressing a button, or for some CNC-machined anodised bling component. I also wouldn't spend the extra £1000 for a carbon fibre frame from an Alu one. £2500 max (4000 usd) seems fair to me.
  • 39 1
 Don't knock dropper posts until you've tried them. Seriously, they're awesome.
  • 2 0
 Too right, I think is struggle a lot more without a dropper now. They really help maintain flow and give you more space where you wouldn't necesseraly drop your rigid post. If anything can improve your overall riding, I agree that tyres, frame geometry and suspension are vital but droppers really do noticeably help you ride faster.
  • 17 0
 For trail riding, I'd rather run a hardtail with a dropper post than a full suspension bike without it, that's how important it is.
  • 7 0
 @Ruffletron go and demo a bike with a dropper, seriously. It will change your world. If you're into xc riding, enduro or whatever its being called - if you're into mountain biking where you have to go up and down hills on the same bike, its a complete transformation, xc bike going up, downhill bike back down.
  • 2 4
 dropper posts are useless for dh though, although they are fun and cool they do remind me of desk chairs every time I pull the lever - which don't cost that much
  • 1 1
 LOL!!!! office desk chairs.... ha ha ha ,,, good one
  • 4 0
 Given your responses here, i think i will go try a dropper post before i buy my next bike then!
  • 3 0
 Defo at least try it! I'd say they are great for everyone riding up and down unless you are raing xc world cups.
  • 3 0
 droppers always seemed like a luxury item until i tried one. if i had to start over on a $600 hard tail, my first upgrade would be a dropper
  • 2 0
 I was unconvinced about the advantage of droppers until I tried one. Honestly I think they're one of the most significant truly new thing to come out in a long time.
  • 1 0
 Sounds like Nascar. Let's limit riding to repetitive loops as well. If you can't afford it (I can't) then you'd better be having fun as is.
  • 1 0
 ^^^ Not to disrespect RC's exercise in thought though, I think it's a good one. Limiting the money going toward the industry would take us back to the stone ages of cruisers. RC suggests however putting a cap on pricing, components vs frame aside.
  • 2 0
 ^^^ I'd take a steel frame single pivot with high end components and suspension.
  • 1 0
 Well if your intention is to say: "Screw the frame just go for good parts" then i need to answer : ive done exactly that, ive bought a cube stereo carbon and what happened was that im completely f*cked because the frame is shit the rear suspension is f*cked up (really im bottoming out all time, im weighting 60kg, at 15% sag with the .6 ci spacer in my lv fox float) i need to admit this is the wrong way to think, dont do the same mistake i did
  • 5 1
 YTIndustries
  • 4 0
 I was going to say, ask YT Industries this question- they already figured out the answer.
  • 2 0
 I'd rather have the top end frame technology as lets face it everyone changes parts out to get exactly what they want.
  • 2 3
 Not sure what a fair price for a complete bike is but the individual components are beyond belief. I have 16 inch travel shocks on my buggy, they cost less than 400 USD each. A Cane Creek DB air Inline is 550 USD. How is that even in the realm of logical. Apply this to other individual components and tell me why bikes should cost so much.
  • 3 1
 How many shocks does Cane Creek sell in a year, and how many of those 16-inch-travel shocks get sold in a year? I assure you the bike industry isn't all driving AMG Mercedes and pissing in golden toilets.
  • 1 1
 I bet they are. I bet they are all just rolling in money and living large. Of course they only charge fair prices for their units. No one would over charge and make exorbitant amounts of profits.
  • 1 1
 Then where's the evidence of that? Why aren't investment bankers leaving Wall Street for the bike business?
  • 2 0
 Because no one can make more money than by ripping of the filthy rich.
  • 1 0
 "DrPete" doesn't think mtbk prices are inflated...maybe context of your user name comes into play here...hahaha
  • 1 0
 When I was Pete I bought the bike I could afford at the time and still had fun. And if I couldn't afford a higher-end bike now I'd do the same, knowing that the objective differences get smaller and smaller as price goes up.
  • 1 2
 If said bikes were the product of slave labor then I wouldn't pay anything for 'em 'cuz I wouldn't buy 'em.

For anything without a motor, more than $5,000 is just fvcking stupid. For anything without a motor or an internally geared trans, anything over $3,000 is just fvcking stupid. It's a fvcking bicycle FFS.

Anyone has any right to ask w/e they want for their products though. There will be a rich enough moron out there to buy your overpriced status symbol bicycle just like there's a myriad of morons out there buying Gallardos & Veyrons for the same trivial reasons when much better cars can be had for much less scrilla.
  • 6 8
 I know we all complain about the astronomical prices of the best DH bikes, and I do know that $10 000 is an insane amount of money to spend on a bike. But, if we put it in comparison to other sports, a top touring car would set you back at least half a million dollars, a real Moto GP bike that the pros are using will tens of thousands more than the equivalent as a bike. And it is pretty damn cool that we can have the exact bike part for part that legends such as Peaty, Hill etc ride!
  • 1 1
 Your answer is right from the standpoint of the pro rider but what you havent considered ist the stnadpoint of fabrication and marketing ... they gain a lot more money per bike compared to the car industy for example VW makes approx. 500€ so around 650 USD per car ... probably an enve wheelset gives the company more profit, than the carbon frame ...
  • 2 1
 But VW probably sells 25,000 cars a month at a conservative estimate, Enve probably has sold a total of a few thousand wheelsets in all the time they have been in business. Your comparison is both pointless and invalid.
  • 2 1
 Folks, Price, Cost & Value are three different things that are inter-related.
  • 2 0
 Makes me think of x-fusion vs the bigger names.
  • 2 0
 latest price of bike is a real madness....
  • 1 0
 You damn mountain bikers better save your money. I'm going to sue all of you! You ruined my life! I can't go outside!
  • 1 0
 It is not the bike in race, its the race in the rider. As has been said before "just ride it like you stole it",
  • 2 0
 TPP partnership in mountain biking.
  • 1 0
 They'll be ratcheting up the price of park bikes to keep the rabble out of the resorts. Back to the woods boyz!
  • 1 0
 Humm I way over the norm and I didn't even get and carbon fibre on my new bike. Bos springy bits though...
  • 2 0
 Someone should make a bike called Comrade, that analogy made me laugh
  • 7 4
 This article is moronic.
  • 1 0
 I have to agree in a way... This article has major flaws in the way they designed a storybook scenario that is a little ridiculous when dealing with an important issues such as this. However it does raise an excellent point about the industry right now...
  • 2 0
 I disagree, bikes represent much better value than they did 10 or 20 years ago.
The problem lies in capitalism - people feel that because mass manufactured products with a relatively high level of technology inside them (ie iphone) are fairly cheap to get hold of, something like a bike should also be fairly cheap. This isn't the case - bikes are made in much smaller runs - more money, and because they shift comparatively few of them, the margins need to be much bigger.
Again, more of a case of people feeling they deserve to pay nothing for a quality product, rather than people being ripped off.
  • 1 0
 :::selects $3000:::

:::fistpumps because everyone else chose that:::

oh wait...
  • 1 0
 thats why i still ride 26 and will until all the 26 inch clearance parts are gone
  • 1 0
 id like to know what the brass of these major companies net each year into pocket
  • 2 0
 Commencal
  • 1 0
 We can call it nascar instead.....
  • 1 0
 No option to vote if I don't want to live in this communistic nightmare?
  • 1 0
 that norco is just something else.
  • 1 0
 Frame Suspension Wheels Brakes Everything else doesn't matter
  • 1 0
 :/ 3k for a bike would be super sick though
  • 1 0
 Look at the YT Tues. the cheapest option is $3k and is nicely spec'd.
  • 1 0
 I would love to have one, but I'm lined up to get a carbon demo from a homie of a homie in a few weeks.
  • 1 0
 /Users/emiliederome/Desktop/moto-velo.jpg
  • 1 0
 Why are wheelsets so f*kin pricey?
  • 1 0
 bikes should be priced like the canyon torque DHX is
  • 1 0
 That is one of the better polls I've seen in a while.
  • 3 3
 Why is $2000 the lowest option? I was thinking $500-$1000... Why not?
  • 5 1
 Because it actually does cost money to manufacture things, transport them, sell them, and provide support for them?
  • 1 0
 @DrPete I think $2k is a pretty stiff starting price still...Airborne was just selling their entry level downhill bikes with domain triple crown forks for $1400. My Iron Horse SGS DH Pro with Boxxer and 4-way Manitou Swinger cost $1100 at Super Go, granted this was in 2002. I bought the top of the line Stihl FS 450 weed wacker with about 4 times the amount of parts including an internal combustion engine for $450...Stihl also has manufacturing costs, transportation, sales, marketing too...talk about getting youth into mountain biking...Pricing is insane right now...it's forcing people out...motocross is cheaper for crying out loud!
  • 1 0
 cool blog
  • 8 9
 Anything SWORKS for $2000-3000.. Even for a day.. Please.
  • 4 1
 why did this get negative "props"? Who wouldn't want a carbon demo or enduro for that price. Even if you could get the frame for 2 or 3 g's it would be a steal....
  • 1 5
flag freeride-forever (Jun 5, 2015 at 15:48) (Below Threshold)
 Got negged prob 'cuz everyone but you two chodes know enough about Sped to know why they suck dirty donkey balls. :/
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