5 Tips for Mountain Biking on a Budget

Mountain biking is an exciting and rewarding sport, but it can also get expensive fast. Between the cost of bikes, gear, maintenance, and park entry fees, it’s easy to feel like you need to spend thousands just to get started.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy mountain biking! I’ve been riding on a budget for years and still have plenty of fun and adventure without overspending. Over time, I’ve figured out where to save money and where it’s worth spending a little extra.

If you’re looking to get into MTB without draining your wallet, here are five essential tips to help you ride more and spend less.

1. Buy Used Bikes & Gear

You don’t need to buy a brand-new, $4,000 bike to get into mountain biking or have a great time on the trails. Buying used can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars while still getting a solid bike.

Where to Find Good Used Bikes & Gear:

• Facebook Marketplace

• OfferUp

• Craigslist

• Local Bike Shops (Some Sell Used Bikes!)

I’ve personally bought several great used bikes for under $1,500—and they handled just as well as high-end models. Depending on your riding style, you can find a solid used bike for a few hundred dollars—perfect for local trails.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re just riding easy trails, you don’t need a top-tier full suspension bike. A decent used hardtail can get you started for $500-$1,000 and still offer a great ride.

🔧 What to Look for in a Used Bike:
✅ Frame condition (No cracks or major dents)
✅ Suspension (No leaking seals, smooth compression)
✅ Drivetrain (Shifts smoothly, chain not too worn)
✅ Brakes (Pads and rotors in good shape)
✅ Wheels (True, no big dents)

And remember—it’s not about the bike, it’s about the rider! A skilled rider can shred on a budget bike and still have a blast. The picture below is me jumping on a $200 used bike I got from offer up.

2. Rent Before You Buy

If you’re new to mountain biking, it might not make sense to spend thousands upfront on a bike and gear—what if you don’t enjoy it?

Many local bike shops and even some bike parks offer rentals, allowing you to test different bikes before committing to a purchase.

I also rent bikes when I want to ride something nicer, like a downhill bike or even an electric mountain bike. For example, I’m planning an upcoming bike trip with my dad to a bike park that doesn’t have lift access, so you need to pedal to the top. My dad is a bit less fit than I am, so I plan to rent an electric mountain bike for him. This way, he can enjoy riding the trails with me all day and we can get our money’s worth out of the tickets without totally exhausting him.

Benefits of Renting Before Buying:

✔️ Try different bike types (hardtail vs. full suspension)
✔️ Test sizes to find the right fit
✔️ Avoid spending big money before knowing if MTB is for you

👉 Pro Tip: Some shops apply rental fees toward a bike purchase if you decide to buy later, so ask about this option!

My Dad on a rental bike at Snow Valley bike park.

3. Ride Local Free Trails

You don’t need to pay for bike park passes to have a great time mountain biking. There are tons of free trails in almost every region—you just have to know where to look!

Where to Find Free MTB Trails:

• Trailforks (Check Here)

• Strava (Check local ride heatmaps)

• MTB Facebook Groups (Ask locals!)

Riding free local trails saves money on park fees and travel costs, letting you spend more time riding and less time worrying about expenses.

🚵‍♂️ Pro Tip: If you live near national forests or BLM land, many areas allow mountain biking for free, and you can explore awesome trails with zero cost!

4. Learn to Work on Your Bike

Taking your bike to a shop for minor repairs can get expensive fast. Learning basic maintenance can save you hundreds of dollars per year and keep your bike running smoothly.

Basic MTB Maintenance to Learn:

🔧 Fixing a flat tire (Carry a repair kit!)
🔧 Replacing a chain (Prevents wear on expensive drivetrain parts)
🔧 Adjusting derailleurs (Improves shifting performance)
🔧 Bleeding brakes (If you ride a lot, this is a great skill to have)

If you’re new to bike maintenance, check out some beginner-friendly MTB maintenance books or YouTube tutorials to get started.

🛠️ Recommended Gear for DIY Maintenance:

• Basic MTB tool kit ([Amazon link])

• Bike repair stand ([Amazon link])

• Tire repair kit ([Amazon link])

• Chain lube & cleaning supplies ([Amazon link])

Learning how to fix your own bike will save you money and keep your bike running longer—plus, it’s a satisfying skill to have!

5. Join a Mountain Biking Community

Mountain biking is more fun when you ride with others, and joining a local MTB community can actually help you save money!

Why Join a Local MTB Group?

🚗 Carpool to trails and split gas costs
🚲 Swap or trade gear with other riders
🛠️ Learn bike maintenance tips from experienced riders
💰 Find exclusive discounts at local shops

Many areas have weekly group rides where you can meet other riders, learn new skills, and even get gear recommendations.

👉 Where to Find MTB Groups:

• Facebook Groups (Search for “[Your City] MTB Riders”)

• Meetup.com

• Local Bike Shops (They often host group rides!)

Joining a community not only saves money but also helps you improve your skills, find new trails, and stay motivated to ride!

Final Thoughts: Mountain Biking on a Budget

Yes, mountain biking can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! By following these budget-friendly MTB tips, you can get out and enjoy the trails without breaking the bank.

🔥 Quick Recap:
✅ Buy used bikes & gear – Save hundreds on second-hand deals.
✅ Rent before you buy – Try MTB before committing.
✅ Ride free trails – No need to pay for bike parks.
✅ Learn to work on your bike – Save money on repairs.
✅ Join a community – Carpool, trade gear, and ride more!

With smart budgeting and the right mindset, you can enjoy epic rides, progress your skills, and explore new trails—all while keeping costs low.