much do bikes cost?
Type of Bike
Average Price Range
Department store road and MTBs
$100 – $500
New entry-level road bikes
$800 – $3,000
New entry-level MTBs
$800 – $3,500
Quality mid-range used road bikes
$1,000 – $2,500
Quality mid-range used MTBs
$1,500 – $3,500
The above price ranges are what most first-time buyers will usually encounter when shopping for an entry-level or beginner bike. Here are some things to consider:
Department store bikes are incredibly cheap, and that’s reflected in their quality. They use cheap frames, cheap components, and usually aren’t put together by professional bike mechanics. These might be fine for cruising around town, but for “serious” riding, it’s better to seek higher quality bikes that are safer and built to last.
New entry-level bikes have a higher price point than department store bikes, but are a better option for riders who intend to ride regularly and improve over time. To stay affordable, they usually use basic aluminum or steel frames, which weigh more, but are tough and reliable. They also use entry-level Shimano or SRAM components which work fine, but don’t have the features of higher-end options.
If you’re shopping the used bike market, you can find quality mid-range bikes with much nicer frames and higher-end components, but spend the same as you would on a new entry-level bike. For most aspiring cyclists, this is the ideal option.
Experiencing sticker shock? Well, read on to learn why it might be worth saving up to spend a bit more on a higher-quality bike.
Rule #1: Spend $1,000-2,500 on your first bike
This may seem like a lot of money to some. To others, it may seem like too little. But this is a good starting point for newer riders who are motivated to get into cycling but aren’t ready to eclipse the cost of their cars.
If you don’t plan on riding often, if you’re only doing brief rides and locking your bike up permanently outdoors, if you’re not sure you’ll take to cycling as a hobby, or if your life circumstances just don’t allow it, it’s entirely okay to spend less than this on a bike to satisfy your needs.
Otherwise, the old adage of “buy cheap, buy twice” (or “buy once, cry once”) applies here. Spending approximately this much will get you a good, pre-owned, recent model-year bike that won’t need many upgrades if any. They will have frames and components designed to work reliably for years to come. This price range opens up a huge selection of good options for entry-level to mid-range machines.
