Cost

How much does mountain biking cost?

$761 buys all 3 essentials. $111 of that is the half that has to fit you, and the rest can wait.

3 priced items · checked 10 Sept 2026 · retailer prices, we earn a commission

Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick

$761

3 items, nothing rented

$111 to fit you, buy now$650 that can wait

Cheapest real way in

$111

The half that has to fit you. Borrow or rent the rest.

Against 247 hobbies

Top 1%

Dearer than 99% of them. Median hobby: $84.

What each thing costs

Every essential item, cheapest sensible option first. Mid-range and top picks alongside.

Mountain Bike essential

mid $900top $1700

$650

Helmet essential

mid $82top $95

$80

Gloves essential

mid $40top $40

$31

All 3 essentials

$761

Buy this first

$111

The cheap half of the kit, and the half that has to fit you. You keep all of it whatever you decide about the rest, so this is where the first money should go.

Helmet

$80

Trail-specific, MIPS-equipped. Never buy used.

Giro Fixture II MIPS

mid $82top $95

Gloves

$31

100% Ridecamp Gloves

mid $40top $40

The main buy

$650

The expensive part, and the part worth deferring. Rent, borrow or buy used until you have done mountain biking enough times to know you are staying.

Mountain Bike

Mountain Bike

$650

A trail-worthy hardtail with hydraulic disc brakes is the foundation.

Specialized Rockhopper

mid $900top $1700

Later, if you stay

Not needed to start. These are the upgrades that matter once the habit has stuck.

Hydration Pack

$72

CamelBak Classic Bike Hydration Pack

mid $142top $173

Knee Pads

$43

100% Fortis Knee Pad

mid $63top $80

Startup cost · all 247 hobbieslog scale
$1
$84
$1245
$756

Mountain Biking costs more to start than 99% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.

Cost questions

How much does Mountain Biking cost to start?

About $761 for the 3 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each. $111 of that is the cheap half, and the remaining $650 can wait until you know you are staying.

What does each thing cost for Mountain Biking?

Mountain Bike: from $650. Helmet: from $80. Gloves: from $31.

Is Mountain Biking an expensive hobby?

Mountain Biking costs about $756 to start, dearer than 99% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this is one of the pricier ones to get into.

What should I buy first for Mountain Biking?

helmet, gloves — $111 together. They are the cheap half of the kit and the half you keep whatever you decide about the rest.

Hobbies that cost about the same

The 6 nearest to mountain biking by startup cost, out of 247.