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This article will guide you through various bike price ranges depending on bike type. I won’t dive too deep into technicalities. Instead, I will give you a general idea of what to expect.
I have been monitoring the bicycle market for several years, and I know that buying a quality bike for good money is getting more challenging every year, especially since 2020, due to the increased prices of materials, shipping, labor, increased demand for bikes, etc.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The price at which bike to buy is very individual. The unwritten rule is that bikes that are too cheap will not provide a good riding experience. On the other hand, bikes that are too expensive come at a premium for a low-weight or brand. Depending on your preferences, I recommend choosing the Golden Middle Way or trying a second-hand bike.
Check out the table below or read on for more information because it’s not always as simple.
| Price range vs. bike type | Entry-level | Mid-range | High-end¹ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road and gravel bikes | Up to $2000 | $2000–$5,000 | Above $5,000 |
| Mountain bikes | Up to $1000 | $1000–$4,000 | Above $4,000 |
| Hybrid bikes | Up to $500 | $500–$1500 | Above $1500 |
¹Super bikes usually cost over $10,000.
General Recommendations
Before I discuss individual bike types in more detail, I would like to make a few general recommendations regarding bike prices.
You can also read my article on mistakes to avoid when buying a bike for additional tips.
1. Avoid Buying Too Cheap Bikes
Avoid buying bikes under $300 (mainly those from large chain stores) unless you look for a cheap bike that will take you from point A to B.
These bikes are usually heavy, have low-end components, are unreliable, and require additional adjustments.
They are honestly not fun to ride. Many people are demotivated to cycle more just because they have a bad bike.
I am not saying you should buy a bike for $1000 or more. But the difference between a bike for $200 or $500 is huge.
2. Avoid Buying Too Expensive Bikes
But what does a too-expensive bike mean? I will dive deeper into individual price ranges later.
However, there is no point in stretching your budget if you start with cycling and are unsure whether you will enjoy it.
Be a little more conservative unless you know what bike you want or expect (or don’t know what to do with your money).
You can ask a friend to borrow his road bike to try if road cycling is something you are into.
How to Set the Right Budget for a New Bike?
Below, you learn how to set the right budget for a new bike. Due to the complexity and different price ranges between bike types, I divided this section into multiple subcategories.
Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes include fitness, commuter, city, and similar bike types. They are the most affordable and widespread.
There are rare exceptions of hybrid bikes under $300 that might be worth it. Make sure to always double-check the reviews for the given model.
Hybrid bikes between $300 and $500 are tricky. You have to do some research to find a good one, or check out my selection of hybrid bikes for under $500. They are suitable for beginners and people looking for affordable means of transport.
The $500 to $1000 price range is the sweet spot for most people interested in a hybrid bike. These bikes are decent quality, reliable, have good components, and are not too heavy. Feel free to browse hybrid bikes for under $1000 for inspiration.
More expensive hybrid bikes (above $1000) are suitable for people serious about cycling or passionate enthusiasts. They are relatively light (around 25 lbs [11.3kg]), have good wheels and a quality groupset, and are well-made.
… or read my in-depth guide on how to choose a hybrid bike.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes can be divided into two basic categories:
- Hardtail mountain bikes have only a suspended front fork.
- Full suspension mountain bikes have a suspension fork as well as a rear triangle.
Standard hardtail mountain bikes are the most affordable, while full suspension MTBs are more expensive. They can easily exceed $10,000.
Additionally, there are cross-country, trail, enduro, and downhill mountain bikes. Their price differs greatly.
Expect to pay at least $500 for a beginner MTB with low-end components (mechanical disc brakes or rim brakes, short travel fork, etc.).
Mountain bikes for under $1000 will have better components, such as hydraulic disc brakes and longer suspension travel.
The more money you pay, the better frame and components you get. But it doesn’t always mean you will enjoy mountain biking more.
… or read my in-depth guide on how to choose a mountain bike.
Road & Gravel Bikes
Road bikes include subcategories like gravel bikes. Generally speaking, entry-level gravel bikes tend to be more expensive than road bikes because they come almost exclusively with disc brakes.
I recommend beginners buy a road bike for around $1000. You can always upgrade later, trust me.
Based on my research of road bike prices, I discovered that the average road bike price was nearly $4,900 in 2021 and even higher in the following years.
I highly recommend you check out the above research because it illustrates the diminishing returns of high-end road bikes.
You will pay exponentially more for minor weight savings. For the majority of roadies, super-bikes are not worth it.
… or read my in-depth guide on how to choose a road bike.
… or read my in-depth guide on how to choose a gravel bike.
Conclusion
I hope you now know better how much to spend on your next bicycle.
Remember, bikes that are too cheap (under $300) are usually not enjoyable to ride. At the same time, bikes that are too expensive (over $2000) are typically suited for experienced cyclists who know what they want.
Bike prices can vary widely depending on the type of bike. Hybrid bikes are generally the most affordable, while mountain bikes range from cheap to expensive. Road bikes are usually the most expensive of all bike types.
If you have any questions or tips, feel free to leave them in the comments.
