How much does a bike cost?

“How much does a bike cost?” We hear this question all the time, and with hugely varying prices within bike shops, we can understand why people ask. For recreational bikes, it can be as cheap as $150. For a pro-level racing bike, it can be a whopping $20,000. 

In this article, we will discuss what influences a bike's price, whether you should buy new or second hand, industry secrets, and also discuss how much does a good bike cost.

How are bikes priced?

Bikes are priced depending on various factors, and to fully understand how this works, we will break down the main factors. Here’s what you need to know.

Brand

The first factor to mention is brand. If you are buying a bike from an unknown brand, it is typically cheaper than going to Specialized or Trek, for example. The only exception is if you are going to a boutique brand that makes custom bikes per order, then considerably more. 

Price impact: Lower for unknown brands; higher for established or boutique brands.

Frame material

Next, we have frame material. Carbon fiber and titanium are more expensive due to the extensive manufacturing process, but they offer more performance. Aluminum and steel are easier to make and offer less performance, so they are cheaper. 

Price impact: Higher for carbon fiber and titanium; lower for aluminum and steel.

Components

When a bike is built, it’s equipped with a certain level of components. Some for racing will offer higher speeds, be lighter, and be easier to use. More basic components for general day-to-day riding are much cheaper. This is one reason why the newest Rose Backroad FF is more expensive than the Rose Backroad.

Price impact: Higher for racing components; lower for basic components.

Release year

When a new model is released, the price is generally full RRP (recommended retail price). After it has aged and the new model comes out, the price generally drops. Many cyclists buy bikes a year after providing they can find the size for them.

Price impact: Higher for newer models; lower for older models.

Type of bike

Another big factor is the type of bike. If you are going to buy a cheap single-speed commuter, it’s not going to cost you much. However, buying a full-suspension bike will cost much more because there’s much more to it, such as dual suspension. 

Price impact: Higher for specialized or advanced bikes; lower for basic commuter or entry-level models.

Technology

Technology also makes a big difference in a bike's price. If a bike comes with extra features such as a suspension stem, electronic gearing, or some very unique aerodynamic handlebars, then it’s going to come at a premium price. 

Price impact: Higher for bikes with advanced technology; lower for bikes with standard features.

Market demand

Finally, we have market demand. If a certain type of bike is very popular, then it’s not rare to see the prices rise. For example, when gravel bikes became very popular, they would barely see the shop floor before being sold. It was tough to get them, and prices were inflated because of this.

Price impact: Higher for popular or limited-edition models; lower for less in-demand bikes.

How much does a bike cost?

How much does a bike cost in the real world? With all these above, you can price a bike. But let's take a closer look at this. Here are some questions you might ask yourself.

What is the average price of a bicycle?

In the United States, the average price of a bike is typically between $1,000 and $2,500 for a quality bike suitable for most riders.

A lot of people find themselves in a middle ground. This is where you can get a high-end performance bike that is a few years old in an undemanding market for half the price it was when it was new.

You might also find a brand new steel or aluminum bike with basic components that have just come out and are incredible value for money. It is surprising that when you know why bikes are expensive, you can easily find bargains.

How much does a good bike cost?

A good quality bike suitable for most riders typically starts at around $500 and can range up to $3,000 or more for higher-end models. For many a good bike is not about flashy components, it is about having the right bike for the riding you are doing and which fits you well.

Why are some bikes so expensive?

A bike can always be improved; each component can contain the latest technology and the most precious and innovative materials. The thing is, a bike has quite a lot of components. If each one of them represents the best available, then prices can skyrocket.

How much shall I pay for a bike?

With all these above, you can price a bike. So now, it all depends on your expectations and budget. For example, if you were to buy a steel bike with entry-level components that is a few years old, it is going to be fairly cheap. If you were to buy a carbon fiber bike with racing components and lots of new technology, which was recently released, you would be spending a lot more money. You will also find that anything custom-built is fairly expensive. In most cases, the best way to evaluate a bike is by frame material, component level, and age.

Price variations across different bike types

The price of a bike varies based on technical details and the quality of components, as previously explained. However, prices also vary greatly depending on the type of bike. Here is an overview of the types of bikes whose prices are often in question on the market.

How much does a city bike cost?

City bikes will generally cost anywhere from around $100 to $700. They use basic components that are made with very basic materials.

How much does a road bike cost?

A road bike will be around $300 to $20,000. They are incredibly expensive in some cases, but every little helps when racing, and people will pay for any advantage. 

How much does a Tour de France bike cost?

If you were to buy a bike currently in the Tour de France, it would cost around $15,000 to $20,000. It is worth remembering that they have many custom parts designed for them, such as unique stem lengths.

How much does a mountain bike cost?

A budget mountain bike can be as cheap as $200 all the way up to around pro bikes of $16,000. They probably have the largest cost range but greatly differ along the range. 

How much does a BMX bike cost?

For an entry level bmx you could be looking at around $150 all the way to $1500 for a competition bike. 

How much does an e-bike cost?

A very basic e bike will be around $500 and a top level e bike, you can spend around $5000. They have decreased in price a lot in recent years as the technology is more mass-produced. 

How much does a cargo bike cost?

On average, a basic cargo bike can range from $1,000 to $3,000. However, high-end or specialized cargo bikes with advanced features can cost $4,000 or more.

New or second hand?

Pre-owned bikes: the best value for money

If you are looking to get an amazing bike for a great price, you should get a used bike. When you buy a new bike, it quickly loses value, just like buying a brand-new car. As soon as you take it out of the shop and ride it, the value can drop around 30%. 

buycycle: affordable prices, minimal risks, premium quality

Many people are happy to take the chance on a used bike because the savings are so high. It comes with some risks, such as the bike having some issues, and you need to ensure that it hasn’t been stolen. At buycycle, we make it easy to purchase a used bike by removing all the risks of the second hand market, keeping the prices incredibly low, and ensuring that what you are buying is exactly what you are getting. And if you are not happy with the bike you receive, you can send it back and we will reimburse you.

The price of a bike: industry secrets

Next we are going to tell you some interesting secrets when it comes to bikes and how they are sold. You might be very surprised to hear this, and it will make you question every time you step into a bike shop.

Frames from factories

Surprisingly, many big brands have all their frames made in one of a few factories, generally located in either Taiwan or China. So, there is a strong possibility that your bike was made next to many other brands. 

It is important to remember that they are made to specification, using different material blends and through different processes. Just because they are made in the same place does not mean they are the same quality. 

All about upsell

In modern times, there is not a huge markup on bikes, and bike shops are not laughing all the way to the bank. In fact, they often do not make huge amounts, and the more you spend, the smaller their profit margin is. 

They do make more money on accessories, labor, and other services such as bike fitting. Many bike shops heavily try to upsell other goods to increase the profit on a bike sale. You can read our guide to know the best place where to buy a bike.

Losing money

Although you might think this is crazy, there are some bike shops that lose money on sales. The big chains often discount goods so much that they are selling them for under cost, which is the opposite of what a business should be doing.

There are many reasons for this, such as needing to clear out old stock or even if the components have been updated to newer versions. If they ca not sell it, sometimes it is easier just to let it go for whatever they can. 

Get best value: buy second-hand!

When buying another bike, it is good to do your research and make sure you are getting the bike at the right price. This could be done through other websites or even by looking at what it has been selling for elsewhere. 

We also have guides to find the best value for money bikes:

• Best road bikes under 2.000
• Best gravel bikes for beginners
• Best mountain bikes for beginners

If you buy a used bike, it is important to also do research and ensure you are paying the right money and that the item is not broken or stolen. The best route to buying secondhand is through buycycle, as it makes the process easy and offers another level of protection you do not get elsewhere. Now you know how much does a bike cost.