Anyone with even a passing interest in mountain biking will be able to tell you it can become a very expensive hobby.
Once you've got over the hurdle of buying a bike, you then need the kit to ride it. Jackets, jerseys, waterproof trousers, helmets, gloves and shoes don't come cheap – and they're even more important when you're riding through the cold winter months.
Then there's the cost of maintaining your pride and joy, buying new tyres, inner tubes or sealant, brake pads, bike lights and a whole host of other components and accessories to keep yourself on the trails.
Fear not, we've been there, and we've got a host of tips that can numb some of the financial pain and help you get the most out of your mountain biking in 2025.
1. Rotate to save
Swapping around some of the consumables on your bike is a neat trick to keep your mountain biking expenses in check.
When the tread on your front tyre starts to wear, stick it on the rear, where you don’t need as much grip, and put a freshy up-front.
The same is true of brake pads – if you find the front ones wear out faster than the rear ones, rotate them instead of replacing both sets.
2. Fix it yourself
Acquiring a solid grasp of basic bike maintenance will save you money and make you feel like a boss.
Being able to replace cables and index gears, set wheels up tubeless and bleed brakes will prove invaluable, as will learning what wear and tear to check for.
That said, it’s still a wise move to entrust tricky jobs to the experts, to avoid inadvertently inflating your expenses.
3. Service schedules are your friend
Staying on track with service schedules will pay off in the long run.
While dropping a hundred quid on a fork service might seem pricey, it’s a far cry from the cost of replacing your fork.
The same applies to frame bearings, dropper posts and brakes. There is a bit of leeway, but it’s best to play it safe.
4. Make your own
Why buy expensive, specialised products, or spend a fortune in trailside cafes, when you can make your own energy drinks or bars?
By investing a bit of time, you can create tasty snacks and drinks to fuel your rides.
Explore online recipes for homemade bars and energy drinks, and nip to Aldi or Lidl so you can make a delicious packed lunch before heading out on the bike.
5. Play the long game
Opting for a higher up-front investment can pay off in the long run.
Choosing items that are easily serviceable may involve a bit more initial expenditure, but should ensure improved longevity.
MTB pedals are a prime example – we reckon it’s worth investing a little extra for a set that can be repaired and rebuilt, sparing you the need to keep purchasing replacements.
6. Mix and match
When it comes to replenishing consumables such as cassettes, chains and brake pads, consider more affordable alternatives.
You’re not bound to stick exclusively to Shimano XT just because your bike came with it.
Numerous brands offer compatible components, so why not opt for a lower-spec part to save some cash?
7. Wear and repair
If you splash out on some technical gear, make sure to look after it.
Follow the care instructions and be considerate to your garments – don’t leave that £100+ waterproof jacket scrunched up in the back of your van after a soggy ride.
Many brands, including Alpkit, Berghaus, Patagonia and Rapha, offer repair services or kits, so you can keep your gear fresh, year after year.
Re-soling MTB shoes is another great cash-saver.
8. Think outside of MTB
Use clothing and kit you already own. Sure, MTB-specific gear is great, but you don’t need the latest and greatest to have fun on your bike.
Zip ties have a multitude of uses, from cable tidies to truing wheels.
Duct tape works well as rim tape (even if it’s a nightmare to get off afterwards) or even for fastening a spare tube to your bike.
Grab a cheap hip pack rather than an MTB-branded one. The possibilities are endless.
9. Ride from home or hitch a ride
If you can ride straight from home, it’s a no-brainer to save a few quid.
For those living further from the trails, consider lift-sharing with your mates and taking it in turns to be the ‘taxi driver’. It’s more fun travelling together.
10. Buy second-hand
Why buy new when you can buy a perfectly good second-hand bike and save yourself a chunk of cash?
With a keen eye and a bit of time, you can uncover fantastic deals on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Looking for a new bike? Consider picking up an ex-hire one.
Despite potential extensive usage, these rigs are generally meticulously maintained, ensuring they're a reliable investment. We don’t recommend buying second-hand helmets, though!
11. Keep your money in your pocket
Don’t buy it if you don’t need it. Mountain biking is rife with temptations, with the latest gear often luring us in.
However, if you stop yourself and ask whether that stuff is truly essential for being able to go out and have fun on your bike, chances are the answer will be that it’s not.
Remember, the easiest way to save money is to not spend it.
