Mountain Biking Costs Impact Trail Builders

Mountain biking is not immune to being labeled elitist. When entry into this sport or recreation (and lifestyle) is a $2,000-$7,000 bike (or more), it becomes problematic for many. At the same time, we know that anyone on a janky $100 bike from a thrift store can have a blast riding, but there are still obstacles that mountain biking needs to overcome.

However, it’s not just about getting new people into mountain biking, which is a challenge from a financial perspective. Trail builders who make mountain biking possible cannot always keep up in the bike arms race. In preparing for this article, I heard from a few trail builders who expressed this concern.