So you have decided to start mountain biking? The sport of mountain biking in going huge in the last few years. But even with the huge number of mountain bikes produced each year, the sport is not among the cheap ones. For sure, it always depends on how you approach it. You can get a decent used mountain bike for around 700USD and all you need then is your legs and some forest trails. In theory once you get your hands on a mountain bike mountain biking is free. You pick up the bike, sit on it and ride. It’s like running. But that is mostly theory. The reality is a bit different.
Once you get hooked you will want to get a new bike. A top of the line mountain bike will set you back anywhere from 5,000-9,000USD!? You can get a new car for that price. Now count how many different pieces are in one car and how many are there in one mountain bike. It would be understandable if mountain biking business was a small niche hand crafted industry (for sure there are a couple of companies like that) but the number of bikes produced and sold each year is massive.
Anyway, that is the bike. But shopping and spending money does not stop there. You will also need some protection. Knee guards, elbow guards, mtb gloves and a helmet. You will also want a mtb specific backpack with water bladder and back protection. And eventually also some mtb specific shoes to help you stay on the pedals. Then there are the small things – spare tubes, chain lube, air pump, shock pump etc…
You think you are done? No you are not :)! If you go to bike parks there are bike park tickets and bikes also needs maintenance. There is always something loose, squeaking, derailleur is crooked, and once a year your shocks need to be serviced and it is not cheap. But don’t let all this discourage you.
Entrepreneur and writer Mike Brcic very eloquently stated: “A bad day on a mountain bike always beats a good day in the office.” If you have adventure in your veins and you are seeking a hobby that will get the adrenaline pumping, mountain biking is the thing! I will try to give you some tips on how to overcome the first obstacle standing between you and your dream hobby: the price tag of mountain biking. If you are serious about safely flying down mountains you need to have decent gear and the finance for it. Although finding extra money to spend on a hobby is often tough, a few basic tips will show you just how doable it can be once you put your mind to it.
Budget like a pro
As tempted as you may be to go on a shopping spree and buy everything mountain bike-related you can lay your hands on – don’t. Draw up a budget to determine how much you can spend immediately and how much on a monthly basis. Then first only buy the essentials. And yes, protection gear is an essential :). Although top of the line bikes go for 5,000USD plus, a decent bike that will not require endless costly repairs does not have to set you back more than $3,000. You can also pick up a good condition second-hand bike for about $700. Apart from a bike, the first item you need to have is a helmet.
Set up a rainy day fund
Despite budgeting, you may still be faced with expenses that you are not quite prepared for. If you make it a habit to regularly contribute towards a rainy day fund, you will have some extra money at your disposal when you need it most. So if your budget is too limited for a mountain bike right now, start putting even just $50 a month into a dedicated savings account. If you are lucky enough to get a tax refund after you efile your tax return then you could always use that to jump-start your rainy day fund. Just make sure you set up a separate savings account for your mountain biking as it is never a good idea to mix your normal savings with your recreational savings. This will also make it easier for you to keep up with any repayments you may have, keeping your credit score looking healthy and allowing you to apply for credit should the need ever arise.
Save money where you can
If you are battling to find enough money to finance your newly-found mountain biking addiction (you know the saying, “Mountain biking is as addictive as cocaine but unfortunately twice as expensive!” or “Whoever said that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer did not check Fox fork shock prices.” :) ), try saving money in other areas of your life. By simply investing in energy saving bulbs and turning off appliances when they are not in use, you can save as much as $550 a year. And investing in a healthy hobby can eventually also cut your medical expenses. Hm…when I think again, mountain biking may can also increase your medical bills haha. We have all flown over the handlebars and sometimes the landings are not all that soft.
So if you are looking for an exhilarating new hobby, mountain biking is the thing. Yes it is expensive and even all the budgeting and saving tips won’t help the fact that eventually you will have to spend some serious amount of money. But in the end, it will not matter. It’s totally worth it.