Running a Mountain Bike on a Budget
There really is nothing quite like getting out in the fresh air on your mountain bike. These bikes allow you to access places that would normally be out of bounds and experience them in an interesting and exhilarating way.
The only problem is that mountain biking can get a bit expensive, so if you do not have an endless supply of money keeping your bike going can turn into a bit of a headache. If you are not careful, your bike can end up sitting in the garage gathering dust rather than out on the track gathering mud.
With the challenge of running a mountain bike on a tight budget in mind, we have written this post. Below are our tips to help you to continue to enjoy your bike even when money is tight.
Shop around for parts
If your bike needs parts take the time to shop around. You can buy most bike parts online, which makes it easy to compare prices.
Just be careful to buy from well-established firms that have a reputation for providing good quality and genuine parts. Buying really cheap parts normally turns out to be a false economy and can potentially be dangerous.
Do it yourself
Learning how to maintain your bike yourself will save you a lot of money. There are some great courses out there, and once you have the basic skills, there are good videos to show you how to change most parts on your bike and do so safely.
Let your mates give you a hand
However, it is important to know your limits. If you are not sure how to do a job or fit a part, you should not attempt to do it on your own.
It only takes a wheel or other part to work its way loose while you are hurtling downhill for a nasty accident to occur. So, if you are not 100% confident that you know what you are doing you need to get a professional to do it for you or ask a friend who does have the relevant experience to help you.
Stay close to home
The cost of travelling can soon mount up. Petrol is not cheap, so the further you go from home the more expensive mountain biking becomes.
There are new tracks and trails opening up all the time. If you have not done so for a while take a look at what is available in your area. You may be surprised and find new places that are close to home for you to take your bike.
Also, consider revisiting local tracks and trails that you have not ridden for a while. The fact you have not ridden them for a bit and that, over the years, your riding technique will have improved means you will be experiencing these local routes in a completely new and fresh way.
Following these tips will help you to enjoy your sport on a budget. In addition, you can put aside some of the money you save and use it to buy a better bike in the future.
