How soon until you buy your next mountain bike?

It's a confusing time to be a mountain bike buyer, and we want to know when you're planning your next MTB purchase.

By Jeff Barber
December 1, 2024

18 comments

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A bike workshop with two technicians working on bicycle assembly and maintenance. One technician is assembling a bike frame using tools and equipment, while the other is standing near a large cardboard box labeled "FOX" and working with parts. The environment features workbenches, tools hanging on the walls, and a cart with bicycle wheels. — File photo: Jeff Barber.

First, we couldn’t find new mountain bikes to buy. Then, there were so many available—and at such great prices—that some riders started snapping up two or three at a time. Now, there are still a lot of bikes available, many still heavily discounted.

It’s a confusing time to be a mountain bike buyer. Should we wait to see if prices go lower, or have we hit bottom? Will bike companies cut back on production in the next round, making it difficult to find the perfect size/build/color that we want?

Given these questions, we want to know when you’re planning your next MTB purchase.

Tell us why in the comments below — particularly if you have inside information or a crystal ball we can look into. 🔮

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18 Comments

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[email protected] New Jersey // 2024
Dec 1, 2024

If you have a Ripmo AF with carbon wheels you need nothing else.

4 reply

Darius Long Vermont // 2024
Dec 1, 2024

Agree in principle but it's a Banshee Prime with carbon wheels over here.

1 reply

thebadpixel Delaware // 2022
Dec 5, 2024

At today's prices, not until my current one literally crumbles to dust.

2 reply

Robert McFadyen 2024
Dec 1, 2024

Bicycle discounts have levelled out in Australia .

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Dec 1, 2024

Here in the States, it has leveled to some degree however, odd prices are still happening, here and there.

DanK_NoCo Colorado // 2010
Dec 8, 2024

Every 7 yrs, when the frames break...

Chris Waggett Colorado // 2015
Dec 6, 2024

I have a 2023 Niner JET9 RDO and a 2020 Niner RLT9 RDO and at 61yo am eMTB curious.
Not ready just yet but fully expect to make the switch in the next couple of years depending how hard climbing (and recovery is) next summer!
It'll be a SL eMTB like the Levo SL or Rise SL.

marvinmartian 2009
Dec 2, 2024

I just bought a new mountain bike in the past 6 months. At 60 and with 30 years in the sport I have bought so many bikes that I'm sure I cannot remember them all. I want this bike to last long as my final bike. That is why I got rid of my Full suspension Kona Hei Hei CR/DL and "downgraded" to an aluminum hardtail with all of the current standards like the Kona had but no rear suspension to get clapped out in a few years. As long as there are no more unnecessary standard changes to make the bike obsolete, then I should be good with this as my final forever bike

Rockpicker Missouri // 2022
Dec 7, 2024

I still own all the MTBs I have ever purchased. There are five. About one per decade. Just bought one for the next ten, likely the last (bike) but I could be convinced to buy a nice light XC bike. Most XC bikes are now in the "downcountry/trail" realm and that would suit me. Trail bikes too heavy these days.

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
Dec 2, 2024

I think I want a new bike, but then I get an upgrade to a component and delay the decision to purchase a whole new bike.

Doneyparker Arizona // 2023
Dec 6, 2024

If or when I decide to get a home equity loan

Gordon Seslar Washington // 2016
Dec 6, 2024

I’m strongly considering buying a Tern Orox, fat cargo/mtn e-bike for winter off road bike packing. What’s stopping from pushing the buy now? No bosch batteries for sale greater than 500 watt hours. Amazing e-bike that’s dual battery capable. But they won’t sell them with two batteries, and at least here in the states, I can’t find a dealer with one for sale.

Zachary Abelardo 2014
3 weeks ago

My 2021 Trek Rail is still performing great and I see no burning need to arbitrarily go out and upgrade stuff. I got the 9.8 GX model and it’s specced well enough to just wait for stuff to wear out or break.

AwintersTale California // 2024
Dec 8, 2024

My first bike was a Klein Pinnacle. My second, a LaMere custom full suspension built up by Jean of the same name, out of Minnesota. My last bike I just took delivery on, is a steel hard tail in the Classic (or Newsboy) style, built as a frame by Curtis Ingles of Retrotec Bike in Napa, CA. I simply don't have the funds to buy every new variation of something. I ride what I have and where I live, I ride.

Hap Proctor Florida // 2014
Dec 2, 2024

My wife has testing bikes since mid September in North Carolina and Florida. She wants one with a bit more suspension than her 4 year old short travel XC bike, but she wants it to climb well and be light. So far, I’ve gotten off cheap for her birthday and if she doesn’t find the “perfect” bike soon I might manage a Christmas without maxing out the credit card.

Greg Heil Colorado // 2008
Dec 1, 2024

While sure, most people plan ahead, I've seen some of my friends who weren't *really* in the market for a new bike jump on some of the screaming deals to be had right now. Seems like the deep, deep discounts are succeeding in moving some bikes, but how long can brands sell bikes for 50% off?

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
Dec 6, 2024

Similar thing happened to the auto industry in "Cash for Clunkers". They pulled demand ahead of the normal cycle creating chaos in the supply chain then left a post program slump. In this case it was the closing of gyms that caused people to buy bikes at huge levels.

First, I sit down and open a new drawing in CAD. Waitaminnnute!! First, I sort out the usage of the bike. Then I begin the drawing phase, while I sort out the material to be used. 4130 or Ti. I don't do plastic since custom and plastic don't get along.

From the last bike, 2019 on, all will be custom tailored.

-1 reply

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