Paying mucho for a mountain bike. Why are they so %#%#$ expensive?

[iwearnosox]

Well I bought it. Even while deal hunting for a quality bike they're soooo expensive. I cannot imagine paying retail, these things depreciate worse than cars. My last bike is in mint condition still but it's probably only worth $500 from a retail of $3000.

/rant.

 

[saltedeggman]

quality dual setup mtn bike = $$

 

[Anubis]

1) its a Marin
2) its fill susp - the rear shock alone will sell for 500+
3) that fox frint shock also isnt cheap
4) full XT setup and hayse Hydros
5) they are hand built IIRC

 

[Blieb]

You get what you pay for. The wheels alone are about $500 (REI)

If you had a POS bike before, you'll wonder how you ever rode it when you get on this puppy.

Also I prefer XT over XTR ... slightly more heavy, but so much more durable.

 

[iamtrout]

That thing's "very light"? The frame has so many crossmembers and the rear suspension swingarm is so thick... damn.

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: Blieb
You get what you pay for. The wheels alone are about $500 (REI)

If you had a POS bike before, you'll wonder how you ever rode it when you get on this puppy.

Also I prefer XT over XTR ... slightly more heavy, but so much more durable.

My last bike was a hard tail Schwinn 2000 homegrown, it was almost too light. The standover was correct but for some reason the geometry never worked for me. It's a gorgeous bike though. I learned my hardtail lesson, man my ass hurt after riding that thing hard.

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: iamtrout
That thing's "very light"? The frame has so many crossmembers and the rear suspension swingarm is so thick... damn.

With those wheels it weighs 26 pounds.

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: Anubis
1) its a Marin
2) its fill susp - the rear shock alone will sell for 500+
3) that fox frint shock also isnt cheap
4) full XT setup and hayse Hydros
5) they are hand built IIRC

Good to know. Do you think $1500 delivered was a good deal then? Even around here a $1500 bike at a dealer would carry $120 in tax alone- I hate that.

 

[episodic]

Walmart has a nice one for 58$. . .

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: iamtrout
That thing's "very light"? The frame has so many crossmembers and the rear suspension swingarm is so thick... damn.

With those wheels it weighs 26 pounds.

yea and that very light for a ful sp bike, the pros that win the high end NORBA races have theirs down to 22-23 lbs, lighter shocks and all XTR for weight saveing

 

[Kalbi]

hand built in a socialist country in europe

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: Kalbi
hand built in a socialist country in europe

Unless you know something I don't I think they're entirely made just north of San Francisco in, well, Marin. I live near here so it's kindof like adopting it and bringing it home. :heart:😀

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Anubis
1) its a Marin
2) its fill susp - the rear shock alone will sell for 500+
3) that fox frint shock also isnt cheap
4) full XT setup and hayse Hydros
5) they are hand built IIRC

Good to know. Do you think $1500 delivered was a good deal then? Even around here a $1500 bike at a dealer would carry $120 in tax alone- I hate that.

yes thats an amazing deal for that bike, i built my own bike because i can and its cheaper but my frame alone and rear shock cost 1100$, had it all together for less then 2K

my friend just got a Kona Stiinky Delux Full sp free ride bike, for about 2K retails for over 3, a buddy of ours owns a shop, most decent full susp bikes are gonna cost at least 1500, most are 2k and up, thats retail

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Anubis
1) its a Marin
2) its fill susp - the rear shock alone will sell for 500+
3) that fox frint shock also isnt cheap
4) full XT setup and hayse Hydros
5) they are hand built IIRC

Good to know. Do you think $1500 delivered was a good deal then? Even around here a $1500 bike at a dealer would carry $120 in tax alone- I hate that.

yes thats an amazing deal for that bike, i built my own bike because i can and its cheaper but my frame alone and rear shock cost 1100$, had it all together for less then 2K

my friend just got a Kona Stiinky Delux Full sp free ride bike, for about 2K retails for over 3, a buddy of ours owns a shop, most decent full susp bikes are gonna cost at least 1500, most are 2k and up, thats retail

It sounds like this is a very serious hobby for you, I can appreciate the work and dedication to putting one together yourself. The biking world seems to suffer more depreciation than the computing world based on the retail to ebay pricing I've seen. 🙁

I can't wait to get the bike. There was no buyer assurance on it but the guy said I'd have a tracking number today. There's so many things that can go wrong with an ebay transaction, I hope it goes smoothly!

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Anubis
1) its a Marin
2) its fill susp - the rear shock alone will sell for 500+
3) that fox frint shock also isnt cheap
4) full XT setup and hayse Hydros
5) they are hand built IIRC

Good to know. Do you think $1500 delivered was a good deal then? Even around here a $1500 bike at a dealer would carry $120 in tax alone- I hate that.

yes thats an amazing deal for that bike, i built my own bike because i can and its cheaper but my frame alone and rear shock cost 1100$, had it all together for less then 2K

my friend just got a Kona Stiinky Delux Full sp free ride bike, for about 2K retails for over 3, a buddy of ours owns a shop, most decent full susp bikes are gonna cost at least 1500, most are 2k and up, thats retail

It sounds like this is a very serious hobby for you, I can appreciate the work and dedication to putting one together yourself. The biking world seems to suffer more depreciation than the computing world based on the retail to ebay pricing I've seen. 🙁

I can't wait to get the bike. There was no buyer assurance on it but the guy said I'd have a tracking number today. There's so many things that can go wrong with an ebay transaction, I hope it goes smoothly!

i purchased a Specialized FSR from ebay, years ago for not much money, it came from canada, i got it fine, im sure you will be fine also

 

[iamtrout]

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Anubis
1) its a Marin
2) its fill susp - the rear shock alone will sell for 500+
3) that fox frint shock also isnt cheap
4) full XT setup and hayse Hydros
5) they are hand built IIRC

Good to know. Do you think $1500 delivered was a good deal then? Even around here a $1500 bike at a dealer would carry $120 in tax alone- I hate that.

yes thats an amazing deal for that bike, i built my own bike because i can and its cheaper but my frame alone and rear shock cost 1100$, had it all together for less then 2K

my friend just got a Kona Stiinky Delux Full sp free ride bike, for about 2K retails for over 3, a buddy of ours owns a shop, most decent full susp bikes are gonna cost at least 1500, most are 2k and up, thats retail

It sounds like this is a very serious hobby for you, I can appreciate the work and dedication to putting one together yourself. The biking world seems to suffer more depreciation than the computing world based on the retail to ebay pricing I've seen. 🙁

I can't wait to get the bike. There was no buyer assurance on it but the guy said I'd have a tracking number today. There's so many things that can go wrong with an ebay transaction, I hope it goes smoothly!

i purchased a Specialized FSR from ebay, years ago for not much money, it came from canada, i got it fine, im sure you will be fine also

In building your bike did you get all used parts from Ebay? I see new parts all the time being sold and it just seems that it's a lot more value just to get a complete pre-assembled bike. Old parts on the other hand can be pretty cheap.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: iamtrout

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Anubis
1) its a Marin
2) its fill susp - the rear shock alone will sell for 500+
3) that fox frint shock also isnt cheap
4) full XT setup and hayse Hydros
5) they are hand built IIRC

Good to know. Do you think $1500 delivered was a good deal then? Even around here a $1500 bike at a dealer would carry $120 in tax alone- I hate that.

yes thats an amazing deal for that bike, i built my own bike because i can and its cheaper but my frame alone and rear shock cost 1100$, had it all together for less then 2K

my friend just got a Kona Stiinky Delux Full sp free ride bike, for about 2K retails for over 3, a buddy of ours owns a shop, most decent full susp bikes are gonna cost at least 1500, most are 2k and up, thats retail

It sounds like this is a very serious hobby for you, I can appreciate the work and dedication to putting one together yourself. The biking world seems to suffer more depreciation than the computing world based on the retail to ebay pricing I've seen. 🙁

I can't wait to get the bike. There was no buyer assurance on it but the guy said I'd have a tracking number today. There's so many things that can go wrong with an ebay transaction, I hope it goes smoothly!

i purchased a Specialized FSR from ebay, years ago for not much money, it came from canada, i got it fine, im sure you will be fine also

In building your bike did you get all used parts from Ebay? I see new parts all the time being sold and it just seems that it's a lot more value just to get a complete pre-assembled bike. Old parts on the other hand can be pretty cheap.

used a combination of older parts i took off the other bike, like shifters and break levers that more or less work forever and then some new pats i ordered online

 

[sygyzy]

LOL. You think mountain bikes are expensive? Look at road bikes.

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
LOL. You think mountain bikes are expensive? Look at road bikes.

Yeah I want to trade my old hardtail for a used road bike. I haven't even begun investigating that but I'm sure it will get ugly. 🙁

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
LOL. You think mountain bikes are expensive? Look at road bikes.

I got a pretty damn nice road bike for <$900 after shipping, but it doesn't have near the quantity of moving parts of that Marin. Like Iwearnosox's new bike, it was about half of its original cost.

Handmade in the USA

 

[iamtrout]

Yay for Reynolds 853 🙂

 

[iwearnosox]

I wonder if my old hardtail is worth more if I sold it for parts. It's pretty mint. Hmmm...

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: sygyzy
LOL. You think mountain bikes are expensive? Look at road bikes.

I got a pretty damn nice road bike for <$900 after shipping, but it doesn't have near the quantity of moving parts of that Marin. Like Iwearnosox's new bike, it was about half of its original cost.

Handmade in the USA

Under $900 for a nice used cannondale seems pretty reasonable. What complexity do you need in a road bike? I'd think the one you bought is quite nice.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Mwilding

Originally posted by: sygyzy
LOL. You think mountain bikes are expensive? Look at road bikes.

I got a pretty damn nice road bike for <$900 after shipping, but it doesn't have near the quantity of moving parts of that Marin. Like Iwearnosox's new bike, it was about half of its original cost.

Handmade in the USA

Under $900 for a nice used cannondale seems pretty reasonable. What complexity do you need in a road bike? I'd think the one you bought is quite nice.

Basic road cycling is about turning your body into a machine and generating power. A light bike that fits you that has a smooth drive train is your basic aim. If you have that, then your next thing is to get your fitness level up to roadie standards. Then you focus on technique and start ogling fancier bikes.

If you are looking at getting a roadie, your best bet is to pick a price point first and then shop within that range. You will have a choice of frame materials and component levels at any level. An aluminum bike with Shimano 105 components is a great starting level bike and can be had new for under $1000 easily. It would be race worthy, but not too expensive. I have been telling everyone to buy this bike lately. If I hadn't just bought my Cannondale, I would be riding one myself.

 

[iwearnosox]

Hey Mwilding that bike actually seems pretty compelling. What size would you recommend, I'm considering buying it. I'm 6'2" 190, 33 inch inseam.

Edit: their largest bike is 61cm which is 23.8 inches. With a 33 inch inseam this seems awfully small unless road bikes aren't subject to mountain bike sizing...

Edit 2: They replied back that 61cm is my size. This still seems small.