Why Are MTB Tires So Expensive? (Must Read)

Mountain bikes are the best for off-road cycling as they can withstand the rough road riders expose them to.

Luckily, a mountain bike’s tire is best equipped for such terrains, so there are more likely chances of wear and tear, making replacements and repairs crucial.

Sadly, this isn’t an economical process as mountain bike tire costs a lot and are capable of burning holes in wallets if replacements are constant. But why are these tires expensive?

Mountain bike tires are costly because of their dimensions and broadness. Since these tires are in constant contact with the rough earth surface, they must be made of high-standard materials to ensure smooth and safe riding. These tires give you the best possible experience, produced to withstand any barriers with their thick casings and vast treads.

Reasons Mountain Bike Tires Cost Much

Some factors affecting the price of MTB tires are:

#1. MTB Tires Are Bigger and Wider

MTB tires have a conventional size of 27.5 x 2.0, indicating the exterior area is approximately 28 inches.

A tire’s width describes its contact zone as tires with extensive areas offer improved surface contact with the road through increased grips.

The bigger tires allow the mountain bike rider to move steadily around unforeseen road obstacles, unlike the road bike tires designed for regular cycling on paved roads.

On the other hand, you can opt for cross-country tires if you prioritize speed, as they offer minimum rolling friction, ensuring safety while riding in dry and wet regions.

#2. MTB Has Massive Tire Treads

Mountain bikes are expensive due to their large tire treads designed to deliver maximum control over the movement and abrupt stops during riding instead of acceleration.

These tires experience more obstacles and unanticipated twists, so their broad, well-spaced knobs and tread patterns are modified to fit whatever terrain.

For example, fat bike tires are designed for specific off-road terrains like sand and snow but won’t do well in mountainous regions.

But tires in mountain bikes have broad knobs well-fitting to smoothly pass loose dirt and maintain steady traction on steep areas.

#3. MTB Tires Are Inflated With Presta Valves

Most MTBs have Presta valves to provide higher pressure, a feature lacking in road bike tires.

MTB tires use Presta valves instead of the regular Schrader valves as they are lean and metallic, offering easier inflation, potent wheels, and effortless maintenance.

#4. MTB Tires Have a Distinct Rubber Makeup

The rubber makeup of MTB tires defines their longevity. The good news is that mountain bike tires employ stout knob rubber stuff invulnerable to rapid wear and tear.

But, unsurprisingly, the such good composition will cost you more than regular tires making mountain bikes expensive.

#5. MTB Tires Have Thicker Casings

Pointed rocks can cause damage to tires, but the thick casings of these MTB tires are there to save the day.

For this reason, it isn’t wise to use cross-country tires on mountain bikes when riding on those roads as their light weight makes them susceptible to punctures.

Why Do MTB Tires Cost More Than Car Tires?

A logical reason MTB tires will cost more than car tires is the tire and car type.

High-end tires are more expensive and durable than cheap tires, and the Mountain bike type also makes a difference.

Comparing expensive MTB tires and the various mountain bike types to tires of a regular car will prove the MTB tires cost more.

But comparing expensive tires of MTBs to luxury cars is different as such vehicles will cost more.

Cheap tires cost less than expensive tires and also offer low performance.

However, the rubber and build-up of expensive bike tires give them an edge over inexpensive tires; hence they deliver better handling, grip, and enhanced performance on their specific terrain.

Mountain bikes differ, and each come designed for precise road surfaces.

For example, the cross-country tires are the best MTBs for a bit of racing on such steep regions as they are light and have thinner tires.

Another is the trail mountain bike, best for climbs and rough roads; next is the downhill MTB designed to withstand the effect of hard hits and massive obstacles.

Last is the fat tire bike with real fat tires best for soft or loose surfaces like snow and sand.

These different MTB categories come with various tires precisely designed for their terrain and could cost more than some car tires.

How Much Does a Mountain Bike Tire Cost?

Mountain bike tire costs under $100 depending on the mountain bike type, tire specifications, and riding purpose.

You can always consult a tire size chart guide to know the measurements of your MTB and determine what you’ll be using it for to get the perfect match.

Some tips for buying MTB tires are:

MTB tires measure in inches, so always locate the supposed tire’s wheel size to ensure they are a suitable fit for your bike or consult a size chart guide.
Contemplate what tire width will suit you, as narrow tires deliver speed and minimum resistance but are no reasonable alternatives for wet terrains. If you use a Downhill MTB and wish to buy a replacement tire, you should only opt for fatter tires according to their dimensions.
Assess what kind of tire tread you’ll be needing for your riding. Tires with high carcass and TPI will be lighter and vulnerable to puncture, while lower TPI tires are heavier, so only go for what you need.
Confirm tires’ tread patterns before choosing; tires with tapered knobs offer better grip than smooth tires. Hence, only buy them for the respective terrains you wish to move on.
Check if a tubeless or tube MTB tire is best for you before buying. Both types have pros and cons, so ensure to understand that before deciding.

Conclusion

Mountain bike tires cost more due to their build-up to provide the best possible ride.

They’re made of high-standard materials to ensure they fit the terrain they’re used on and make your riding experience worthwhile but safe.

Since these tires make the most contact with the road, you should only buy high-quality ones after carefully confirming their features fit your requirements.

Author
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Josh Matthews

Born in the 80's and raised on the plains at the foot of the Colorado mountains. I went to the University of Denver before giving 100 percent to my passion: outdoor cycling. That's the reason I created this website : I love speaking and sharing about my hobbies. I also travel around the world and really like alternate travelling ways like RV or kayak.

Why Are MTB Tires So Expensive? (Must Read)