The general perception is that the mountain bike is quite heavy. It is true to a certain extent as well. However, the weight of not every mountain bike is the same.
Today, I will shed some light on the actual weight of the mountain bike. Once you are aware of the same, buying a mountain will become easier for you. You will understand the significance of the weight of the mountain bike as well.
Before you make that buying decision, go through this article to understand more about the weight of the mountain bike.
How much does a mountain bike weigh?
The weight of the mountain bike is around 29 lbs. Of course, some of them are heavier and some are lighter. However, it is the average weight.
Rather than thinking that it is too heavy, it is time to understand which part of the mountain bike weighs the most. Once you are aware of the same, you will understand the significance of the higher weight of the mountain bike.
Which part of mountain bikes weighs the most?
When you look at the overall weight of the mountain bike, you will realize that two-thirds of 67% of the weight of the mountain bike is spread across just four parts.
I will go into the details of these four parts below.
1. Wheels:
The wheels of the mountain bike are approximately 33.6% of the overall weight of the mountain bike.
The reason for the same is that mountain bikes often consist of sturdy and thicker wheels. The width of these wheels is on the higher side as well.
The tread pattern is also more significant.
All these features increase the weight of these wheels.
Many times, the size of the wheels is also on the higher side. That, too, contributes to the extra weight of the wheels of the mountain bike.
2. Fork:
The 2nd heaviest part of your bike is, of course the fork. The fork is responsible for the front suspension. It weighs approximately 15% of the weight of your bike.
Also, the 15% weight is with the exception of the stem on the handlebar. It means that the average weight of 14.85% is just for the fork.
3. Frame:
The frame of the mountain bike weighs 11.38 %. The weight of only 11% might surprise some. The reason for the same is because the frame of the mountain bike has to handle a lot. It undergoes a lot of wear and tear as well.
The only reason why the frame weighs so less is that it can consist of aluminum, carbon fiber, and other such lighter materials. That, however, does not mean that the strength of the frame is on the lower side.
It is the 3rd heaviest part of the mountain bike.
4. Drivetrain:
The 4th heaviest part of the bike is the drivetrain. The drivetrain helps you control the speed of the bike. It is also responsible for changing the gear.
The weight of the drivetrain of the bike is 7.14%. When you couple in the chain, it is an additional 2.5%.
These are the four parts of the mountain bike which increase its weight. However, they do so with a purpose. That is why you cannot complain about the quality or the weights of these parts.
Should you go with a lighter or a heavier mountain bike?
As I have highlighted above, the average weight of the mountain bike is 29 lbs. That, however, does not mean that there is no heavier or lighter mountain bike available.
Since there are heavier and lighter mountain bikes available, the question which arises is, should you go with a lighter or heavier mountain bike?
The answer is you should always choose something in between. The weight from 25 lbs to 29 lbs is a good choice to go with.
When you’re going with such a mountain bike, you can get proper sturdiness, control, and balance. If you lower the weight too much, you will lose these attributes.
On the other hand, if you go with a bulky bike, you might improve on these attributes, but it will become really difficult for you to handle the bike. In the mountains, you might have to change the direction of the bike safely. If you are dealing with a bulky bike, you will not be able to do so. Also, you will often experience hand fatigue. Due to the same, it becomes difficult for you to ride the bike for long hours.
What are the downsides of a lighter mountain bike?
Instead of falling into the allure of buying a lighter mountain bike, it is essential to understand the downsides of buying such a bike. I will cover them below.
1. Less stability:
The main problem with buying a lighter bike is that the stability will be on the lesser side. The uneven trail will push the bike in a certain direction. Consequently, it will become difficult for you to gain proper stability.
If the stability is not up to the mark, you might fall from the bike as well. In the mountains, this can be detrimental to your health.
That is why; you shouldn’t go with a lighter mountain bike.
2. Not that efficient shock absorption:
To lighten the bike, many manufacturers compromise with the shock absorber of the bike. If the shock absorption capability is not up to the mark, you will get fatigued soon. You might suffer from body pain when you’re riding that mountain bike for a long time.
Due to this reason, you shouldn’t go with a lighter mountain bike by compromising on the shock absorption capability of the bike.
3. Higher wear and tear:
The lighter mountain bikes also suffer from higher wear and tear. The higher wear and tear means that the bike’s durability will not be up to the mark. Mountain bikes are actually pretty expensive. If they do not last for 5 to 7 years, there is no point in buying a mountain bike.
It is another reason why you shouldn’t buy a lighter mountain bike.
Thus, when looking at the average weight of the mountain bike, it is around 29 lbs. However, there are lighter and heavier mountain bikes as well. If you have a choice, you should certainly go with mountain bikes that weigh anywhere between 25 lbs to 29 lbs.
Now that you are aware of the weight of the mountain bike, I will share with you some of my other posts on the topic. I will cover a 21-speed mountain bike in my post here. Similarly, I have covered accessories like an outdoor bike rack and women mountain bike helmet in my post here and here.