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mountain bike prices compared to offroad motorcycles

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imported_hscorpio

Golden Member
I've been researching new full suspension mountain bikes as well as new 250cc offroad motorcycles.

I can buy a new honda crf250r motorcycle for around $6000.

Mean while a top of the line specialized enduro sl mountain bike somehow costs over $7000!

Something doesn't seem right here... They both have two wheels, front and rear suspension, frame, etc, but in every case one would expect the burly motorcycle components to cost more right? Plus there has to be way more technology and parts in that Honda, considering its got a four stroke 250cc race engine.

Is this just an economies of scale type thing or are mountain bike companies making a killing in profit? I'm not comparing them against each other, I will eventually be getting both. I just can't help but wonder why the mtb's are so expensive. Its sort of like thinking of a canoe that costs more than a power boat...
 
the price of a good is what the market will pay for it, not the cost of the things that go into it.
 
i'm going to say that manufacturing techniques plus quirky demand for the high end mountain bikes keeps the price up. i'm riding a $400 hardtail Giant with updated forks right now, but the girl is riding a carbon fiber Trek Top Fuel 98, with all kinds of upgrades. (~$4000)
 
Originally posted by: ElFenix
the price of a good is what the market will pay for it, not the cost of the things that go into it.
Click to expand...

True...Same reason why Gucci/Louis Vuitton handbags run into thousands of dollars.
 
Originally posted by: Slew Foot
Spending more than a grand on a mtn bike is ridiculous unless youre into racing or something.
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I have to agree. I will admit my girl's bike is nice to ride, but it doesn't feel $3500 better.
 
Originally posted by: ElFenix
the price of a good is what the market will pay for it, not the cost of the things that go into it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it just seems that the type of people that buy such items are similar. I'm just surprised moto's don't sell for more when people are willing to shell out thousands for a mtn bike.

 
Just spent $2700 for a Trek Fuel EX-8, Sidi shoes, other accessories and tax today. OK, it is expensive. But at the same time, it's not really a big dent in my budget considering I will use it for 10 years.
I mean I could have gotten a big screen TV so I can sit on the couch and watch it on the weekends and get fat. Or I can get a mountain bike that I can ride instead and stay in shape. A far as why it is so expensive, it mostly has to do with components, and amortizing the cost of R&D and fabrication equipment. If you go for higher volume, midrange model made of aluminum, you get a pretty good deal because R&D and tooling is amortized over larger volume. If you want the carbon fiber and fancy brain shock like that enduro, you will have to pay more money because there are fewer people covering all those fixed costs. Plus it's more expensive to design lighter components that are strong enough, so if you want space age engineering, you will have to pay for it.
 
its not what they can do, but what trim level they are within their type. 6k bike is for people who have too much money lol🙂 and they've figured out they can pull off that price😛 basically its a luxury item, the motorcycle is just a motorcycle.
 
Originally posted by: senseamp
Just spent $2700 for a Trek Fuel EX-8, Sidi shoes, other accessories and tax today. OK, it is expensive. But at the same time, it's not really a big dent in my budget considering I will use it for 10 years.
I mean I could have gotten a big screen TV so I can sit on the couch and watch it on the weekends and get fat. Or I can get a mountain bike that I can ride instead and stay in shape. A far as why it is so expensive, it mostly has to do with components, and amortizing the cost of R&D and fabrication equipment. If you go for higher volume, midrange model made of aluminum, you get a pretty good deal because R&D and tooling is amortized over larger volume. If you want the carbon fiber and fancy brain shock like that enduro, you will have to pay more money because there are fewer people covering all those fixed costs. Plus it's more expensive to design lighter components that are strong enough, so if you want space age engineering, you will have to pay for it.
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I like the new EX8! Been looking at them, what color did you get? pics?. I agree with the TV and keeping in shape thing. But I don't think the cost difference compared to motocross bikes can be explained through component cost and R&D. Think about a motocross bike, they probably have more money in engine R&D alone than an entire mtn bike. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of the mtn bike suspension technology is derived from motocross, especially with companies like fox and white brothers that have become popular for mtn bikes. They also have the same weight vs strength issue where the lighter race bikes are more expensive than the trail bikes.
 
Originally posted by: hscorpio
Originally posted by: senseamp
Just spent $2700 for a Trek Fuel EX-8, Sidi shoes, other accessories and tax today. OK, it is expensive. But at the same time, it's not really a big dent in my budget considering I will use it for 10 years.
I mean I could have gotten a big screen TV so I can sit on the couch and watch it on the weekends and get fat. Or I can get a mountain bike that I can ride instead and stay in shape. A far as why it is so expensive, it mostly has to do with components, and amortizing the cost of R&D and fabrication equipment. If you go for higher volume, midrange model made of aluminum, you get a pretty good deal because R&D and tooling is amortized over larger volume. If you want the carbon fiber and fancy brain shock like that enduro, you will have to pay more money because there are fewer people covering all those fixed costs. Plus it's more expensive to design lighter components that are strong enough, so if you want space age engineering, you will have to pay for it.
Click to expand...

I like the new EX8! Been looking at them, what color did you get? pics?. I agree with the TV and keeping in shape thing. But I don't think the cost difference compared to motocross bikes can be explained through component cost and R&D. Think about a motocross bike, they probably have more money in engine R&D alone than an entire mtn bike. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of the mtn bike suspension technology is derived from motocross, especially with companies like fox and white brothers that have become popular for mtn bikes. They also have the same weight vs strength issue where the lighter race bikes are more expensive than the trail bikes.
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I got this exact one:
http://www.trekbikes.com/image...uelex8_blacksilver.jpg
I'll take more pics once it stops raining and I can take it into its element.

Making motorcycle components smaller and lighter is expensive. It requires precision engineering and tooling. Also, when it's you pedaling and carrying the weight and supplying the power, second order effects like pedaling efficiency and incremental weight savings become crucial. In a motorcycle, you don't have to get as perfect, because there is always engine power on tap and bigger tires to smooth things out. A bike is a more precise and adjustable machine where everything has to be damn near perfect, and small inefficiencies become much more frustrating, as anyone who has ridden a poorly designed/equipped full suspension bike on an uphill can attest. It just saps your power and makes you miserable.
 
Originally posted by: senseamp
Just spent $2700 for a Trek Fuel EX-8, Sidi shoes, other accessories and tax today.
Click to expand...

What is this one replacing? I could use an updated ride. 🙂
 
Nice. Were there any other bikes you were debating getting? I'm having a hard time choosing what to get, there are so many nice bikes and options! I like your ex8, but I also like the spec. pitch, and so many of the 'boutique' brands like turner and intense.

Are you in socal?
 
Originally posted by: hscorpio
Nice. Were there any other bikes you were debating getting? I'm having a hard time choosing what to get, there are so many nice bikes and options! I like your ex8, but I also like the spec. pitch, and so many of the 'boutique' brands like turner and intense.

Are you in socal?
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I am in NorCal. I was also considering the Stumpjumper.
I think the Trek looks better, and has more advanced suspension geometry. The rear shock is floating and it has an "active brake pivot" that goes through the rear axle. Also, it has LX shifters which I like more than the SRAMs on the Stumpy because you can shift with both thumb and finger (push or pull)
 
Originally posted by: Coquito
Originally posted by: senseamp
Just spent $2700 for a Trek Fuel EX-8, Sidi shoes, other accessories and tax today.
Click to expand...

What is this one replacing? I could use an updated ride. 🙂
Click to expand...

It's replacing a 6 year old specialized hard rock, which needs to have the drivetrain (bottom bracket, cassette, some other things) replaced, which would cost more than I want to spend.
I am getting rid of the specialized, and it is a very nice hardtail frame, so if someone wants it, make an offer, otherwise it's going to charity.
 
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