Mountain biking can be an excellent hobby, being a great way for you to keep fit. However, it can be hard to know the right place to start when choosing your equipment. A good idea is to get the right bike. This will make the rest of your mountain biking experience much more enjoyable.
So, buying a used mountain bike versus a new one. What’s the best choice? Often, this depends on what you are looking for. Second-hand bikes will often come with a much lower price tag, but they might not have the same warranty protection. On the other hand, when you get a new mountain bike, you can get the latest technology and have a lower chance of getting technical issues.
As you can see, deciding whether you want to buy a new mountain bike or get a used one can be very difficult. There are dozens of things for you to weigh up. Let’s take a closer look at this area, to help you find the right one for you.
How Much Should A Mountain Bike Cost?
The costs of a mountain bike can vary greatly. Often, the type of features that you are looking for, and whether you buy new or second-hand, can have a big impact on the price. However, in most cases, you can expect to pay anything from a few hundred dollars to over $5,000.
As we mentioned, the costs involved with purchasing a mountain bike can vary greatly. Because of this, you’ll need to decide what elements of the bike are most important.
If you are a more experienced rider, you might need certain features. For example, you might know the importance of getting a carbon frame. In other cases, you might want to get a bike that’s been tailored to better suit your favorite type of riding. For example, you can get bikes that have been designed specifically for downhill or cross-country riding.
These extra features will come at a price. The more advanced the bike is, the more expensive it will be. This is true regardless of whether you buy new or used. For a highly advanced mountain bike, you can expect to pay over $6,000, when you purchase them new. Though most new bikes will cost between $600 and $5,000.
If you are buying a new mountain bike from a local shop, make sure to ask whether they offer a package deal. This can be a cost-effective way for you to get the other safety equipment that you need, like a helmet and safety pads, for a lower price.
If you want to save some money, you can choose to purchase a second-hand mountain bike. In most cases, these will be offered at a significant discount, especially when compared to the costs of purchasing a new one. Most used bike sellers will be willing to negotiate on the price, allowing you to get an even better deal.
The price you can get from a second-hand seller can often depend on the type of condition that the bike is in. However, they’ll often start from between $150 to $200.
What Warranties Are Offered On A Mountain Bike?
One of the biggest reasons to choose a new mountain bike is because of the protections they can provide. Typically, a mountain bike warranty will cover various aspects of the bike. This can include the frame, shock absorbers, and paint. The warranty period will vary, depending on the model you purchase.
Having a warranty is one of the best protections that riders can have. Sometimes, your bike can develop a defect. If this happens, you’ll be able to send it back to the factory and have it fixed up. This can give you great peace of mind.
As we mentioned, the warranty period can vary, depending on the manufacturer. It can also depend on the bike part you need to replace. For example, some frames might be certified for 10 years, while other parts will be covered for life. When you purchase new, you’ll be able to find this in the product specifications.
When you purchase a used bike, you might not be able to get these same protections. Often, once you pay for a bike, you won’t be able to return it. Also, some warranties might only be claimed by the original owner of the bike.
If you purchase a defective second-hand bike, you need to pay out of pocket to have the problem fixed. If you get a bike that has a lot of issues, you might need to pay a lot of money to restore the bike to working condition.
What To Do When Buying A Used Mountain Bike?
If you decide to purchase a used mountain bike, there are some things you can do to make sure that it’s high-quality. You will need to make sure that you check everything extensively, to make sure that it’s working properly. In some cases, you might want to bring along a bike mechanic who can help you spot defects. Also, check the fit of the bike, to make sure that it feels comfortable.
The best way to make sure that you’re buying a high-quality used bike is by inspecting it thoroughly. You should be looking for signs there could be a serious problem with the bike. For example, you might want to look for things like rust, or problems with the chain or brakes.
If you’re paying a lot of money for a high-end model, you might want to take along a bike mechanic. Though you will need to pay for their time, you’ll be able to make sure that you’re getting a good deal. However, when you buy a used bike, expect there to be some wear and tear.
You should also check the fit of the bike. This is how well it rides, making sure that it feels comfortable to use it. The best way to check this is by taking the bike out to a local trail for a test ride. Most sellers will be happy to arrange this.
Finally, before you pay for anything, ask for some kind of verification that they own the mountain bike. Though it’s rare, some people might try to steal and sell high-end mountain bikes. Things like social media pictures of the seller using the bike, or receipts should be enough to show that everything is above board.
Related Questions
- Do I need an expensive mountain bike? Often, this depends on the way that you intend to use it. For example, a more experienced rider might need certain features that can only be found in a more expensive option. In most cases, though, you will be able to get away with a cheaper option.
- Can I build my own mountain bike? In most cases, you will be able to build your own bike, as long as you have the right mechanical skills. When you do this, you’ll be able to get all the parts, assembling the bike yourself. This can be a great way to save money.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to purchase a new or used bike will depend on you. Each option has different pros and cons. For example, newer bikes will often be more expensive. However, used bikes might not have any warranty protections, so you’ll need to pay to fix any defects. The best way to avoid these pitfalls when buying a second-hand bike is by inspecting the bike thoroughly.
Tim is the founder of SimpleMTB and has been mountain biking for decades. He raced in the Ontario Cup series during his teenage years and riding continues to be one of his favorite hobbies now as an adult.
