Do Mountain Bikes Hold Their Value? (Read This First)
Before or after buying mountain bikes, many people have been asking if the value of mountain bikes depreciates rapidly.
These people ask how to buy or sell used mountain bikes at bike stores from a friend or a random seller willing to sell them.
Like cars, the value depreciates only by 10% after a year; even if you want to sell your used car(s), you can still get close to the actual amount.
Mountain bikes hold little of their value as time passes by. They can lose up to 50% of their value. It solely depends on how old the bike is, the bike’s physical condition, the bike’s brand, the bike’s frame material, the bike’s features, and the bike’s lifespan.
Sometimes even expensive mountain bikes lose their market value faster than the cheaper ones lose theirs, so you will have to consider those that can retain their value.
Do Mountain Bikes Retain Their Value?
Yes, mountain bikes retain their value. But mountain bikes do not retain their market value compared to cars.
According to statistics taken by some bike store owners, mountain bikes can lose up to 50% of their market value.
For example, if you get a mountain bike for $5000, you can sell it for $2500 at the end of a year or more.
Factors Affecting the Value of mountain bikes:
Some factors will affect the price you can buy or sell your mountain bikes.
#1. Age
The time the bike has been in use will drastically affect the price you can sell the mountain bike for.
For example, for two mountain bikes, A and B, A has been used for three years, while B has been in use for only a year
The price of B will be higher than that of A, except if A is in a better condition than B, then it can alter the price.
The table below shows the depreciating value for a mountain bike bought for $5000 at first purchase
| Age of Use | Depreciation Rate | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Less than one year | 20-40% | $3000-$4000 |
| Less than two years | 40-60% | $2000-$3000 |
| Less than three years | 60-70% | $1500-$2000 |
From the above table, you’ll understand that the bike’s price decreases with us as the year goes by.
#2. Physical Condition
The bike’s condition at the time of sale affects the market value (price) of the bike upon buying.
A bike with minimal or no scratches for a year plus will sell higher than a bike with many scratches for six months.
Other conditions like punctured tires, broken chains, or broken 0arys of the bike can also reduce the value of the bike.
When you’re buying an old bike, do well to check for any form of scratches, cracks, or breaks on the bike.
It will determine how well you can bargain for the bike’s price. Even if there’s no bargain, it will determine if the bike is worth the price tag.
#3. Features
The physical features or capabilities of the bike will also determine the price of the bike.
Old models will sell for a lower price than the modern and current models of mountain bikes in the market.
Some bikes have unique features, giving them a higher market value than other bikes.
Even with the unique features, if the bike has scratches or other deformities, it will still have a power price when selling.
Before buying, check for these features or possibly detect if it’s an old or new bike model before proceeding to purchase.
#4. Bike Frame
The bikes’ frames are from different materials and are called based on the frame material used.
For example, carbon fiber mountain bikes, aluminum mountain bikes, steel mountain bikes, and titanium mountain bikes.
As we all know, carbon fiber mountain bikes are very expensive, so they will tend to sell higher even if they’ve been in use for a long time.
Aluminum mountain bikes are the cheapest, so the value is less than the other mountain bikes.
Steel is cheaper than carbon fiber and titanium. Titanium is also expensive, but it is only somewhat in use like the carbon fiber mountain bikes.
#5. Lifespan
Carbon fiber mountain bikes have been observed to last shorter than other types of mountain bikes.
People buying it for riding will tend to buy the one that will last longer than the other.
If the carbon fiber mountain bike is not strong again, it gets old with time. The price will be less than a new steel mountain bike.
But those who want to use the bike for racing will go for bikes with lesser weight and friction, like the carbon fiber mountain bikes.
So it also depends on the purpose and choice of the buyer.
How Fast Do Mountain Bikes Depreciate in Value?
Compared to cars, mountain bikes depreciate faster. A mountain bike’s value can drop to 50% at the end of a year or possibly two years after use.
Some mountain bikes that are very expensive can lose their value faster than cheaper mountain bikes.
For example, carbon fiber wears out easily compared to aluminum, steel, or even titanium.
So the value of a carbon fiber mountain bike will be different from that of a steel mountain bike after three years.
Some major terms describe a mountain bike’s condition at the point of sale.
#1. Mint
It describes a new bike with minimal injuries (scratches) on it.
For bikes like this, the bike’s value will still be high since it has not been used for a long time and has not been overworked.
#2. Excellent
Describes bikes used for cycling several times, but the frame still looks new.
It might have little scratches on them. Though these scratches will be small, the frame will still look okay.
#3. Very Good
The bike still looks alright but with some noticeable scratches.
These bikes will have to undergo minimal repairs of some parts to be in a fit condition for riding or cycling.
#4. Good
Doesn’t look good, but it is manageable. Some punctured tires, broken chains, or other damaged parts or accessories need fixing.
#5. Fair
These bikes have many scratches or sometimes broken handles or parts.
They have multiple damages and need serious mechanical attention before they can be fit for a ride again.
What is the Lifespan of a Mountain Bike?
The lifespan of a mountain bike solely depends on the material used and the bike’s brand in question.
Mountain bikes can last up to 20 years of age, although they will need repairs or changes of parts or accessories.
For mountain bikes with the relatively shortest lifespan among other mountain bikes, it lasts an average of 10 years.
Below are some factors that can determine the lifespan of mountain bikes
- Riding environment
- Maintenance
- Brand of mountain bike
- Frame material
- Frequency of use
Tips for Increasing the Resale Value of a Mountain Bike
As earlier stated, the resale value depends on age, brand, materials, and other factors. You can also keep a good resale value if you plan on the bike later.
Your resale value depends on all on the bike and its appearance and features, so if you want a good resale value, you should go for better bikes.
You can increase the resale value of your mountain bikes with some major tips
- The bike should be from a famous brand
- The frame material should be of good quality
- Frequent maintenance on the bike
- A new model
- And if of good appearance.
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