When I was researching mountain bikes, I wasn’t sure if the weight of the bike mather and why more expensive mountain bikes aren’t much lighter than less expensive ones, and I really needed a comparison of the more popular bikes regarding weight.
Unfortunately, I could not find such a comparison and if you buy a heavier bike it is costlier to upgrade in the future. I was asking myself what is the average weight of a mountain bike and what is considered to be too heavy.
The average weight of a hardtail mountain bike is 26.95 lbs / 12.22 kg and the average weight of a full-suspension mountain bike is 29.22 lbs / 13.25 kg, while the average price is 2687.9$ for hardtails and 4749.8$ for full-suspension mountain bikes.
In this article, I will compare the most popular mountain bikes regarding weight and I will disclose to you the weight averages of hardtails and full-suspension mountain bikes. At the end of this article, you will know how much you will need to spend to get a light mountain bike or an average one. So keep reading!
Does Weight Really Matter on Mountain Bikes?
The weight of the mountain bike is a decisive factor when sprinting and on uphill portions of the ride, the maximum speed is not influenced by the bike weight. The lighter the bike is the easier is to go uphill and the faster you reach the maximum speed when accelerating.
For road bikes, the weight of the bike is one of the most important features of the bike. In road bike competitions you need to sprint to get ahead of your competitors.
One of the best moments to leave behind your competitors is during uphill portions of the race, so you need to sprint when climbing if you want to win a road bike race. In this scenario, the bike’s weight is very important.
But mountain biking is different, the most important factors here are the bike suspensions and the stability of the bike on rough terrain. Mountain bikers win races by having the best time, you don’t need to sprint better than your opponents, you need to be more technical.
So you see, in mountain biking bike weight is not the most important factor, you need to get a bike with good suspension and the best geometry for riding on trails.
This is why on downhill bikes weight is not at all important (you only ride downhill), the only thing that matters here is the bike’s capability to handle rough terrain.
The best thing you can do is not to be obsessed with the weight of your mountain bike, it is important but the quality of your bike suspension is far more important. Keep in mind that if you have a heavier bike your effort level on ascents will be greater
It is better to spend your budget on a bike with quality suspensions than on a lighter bike.
Mountain Bike Weight Averages
Because the price of an MTB is heavily impacted by the amount of suspension (sus. travel) it has, you will not see a huge drop in bike weight correlated with the price increase. Suspensions are heavy, so you need to make a compromise in bike weight to have an MTB that performs well on trails.
Now let us compare the mountain bike weight average from the most popular manufacturers on the market:
| MTB mabufacturer (HARDTAIL) | Avg. Weight | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Trek | 27.56 lbs / 12.5 kg | 2163.5$ |
| Specialized | 27.17 lbs / 12.32 kg | 2372.5$ |
| Giant | 26.93 lbs / 12.22 kg | 2304.5$ |
| Cannondale | 27.18 lbs / 12.33 kg | 3085$ |
| Santa Cruz | 25.93 lbs / 11.76 kg | 3514$ |
| Overall Avg. | 26.95 lbs / 12.22 kg | 2687.9$ |
The average weight of a hardtail mountain bike is 26.95 lbs / 12.22 kg, while the average price is 2687.9$.
We can see that Santa Crus hardtail mountain bikes are the lightest, but they are the biggest price tag.
Giant hardtails are the best choice from the average weight to a price standpoint.
| MTB manufacturer ( Full-suspension) | Avg. Weight | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Trek | 29.55 lbs / 13.4 kg | 5300$ |
| Specialized | 30.55 lbs / 13.86 kg | 4318.5$ |
| Giant | 29.75 lbs / 13.49 kg | 4061$ |
| Cannondale | 30.33 lbs / 13.76 kg | 4216.5$ |
| Santa Cruz | 25.93 lbs / 11.76 kg | 5853$ |
| Overall Avg. | 29.22 lbs / 13.25 kg | 4749.8$ |
The average weight of a full-suspension mountain bike is 29.22 lbs / 13.25 kg, while the average price is 4749.8$.
We have the same situation here, the lightest full-suspension mountain bikes are the Santa Cruz ones, but they are also the most expensive ones here.
The winner in the average weight to price category is still Giant, their full-suspension mountain bikes have an average weight of 29.75 lbs with an average price of 4061$, practically the lowest price in this comparison.
Trek Mountain Bikes
To paint the whole picture of Trek MTB weights I centralized the weight of the most popular bikes into two main categories, Hardtails, and full-suspension mountain bikes, and the results are:
| MTB Model (HARDTAIL) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Marlin 4 | 30.82 lbs / 13.98 kg | 500-599$ |
| Marlin 5 | 30.80 lbs / 13.97 kg | 600-699$ |
| Marlin 6 | 31.11 lbs / 14.11 kg | 700-799$ |
| Marlin 7 | 29.70 lbs / 13.47 kg | 900-999$ |
| Marlin 8 | 29.10 lbs / 13.20 kg | 1200$ |
| Roscoe 6 | 33.97 lbs / 15.41 kg | 1100-1200$ |
| Roscoe 7 | 30.84 lbs / 13.99 kg | 1700$ |
| Roscoe 8 | 29.85 lbs / 13.54 kg | 2300$ |
| Roscoe 9 | 28.95 lbs / 13.13 kg | 2700$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| Procaliber 9.5 | 25.66 lbs / 11.64 kg | 2200$ |
| Procaliber 9.6 | 24.99 lbs / 11.34 kg | 2700-2800$ |
| Procaliber 9.7 | 23.05 lbs / 10.46 kg | 4200-4300$ |
The average weight of a Trek aluminum hardtail is 30.57 lbs / 13.86 kg while the average weight of a Trek carbon hardtail is 24.56 lbs / 11.46 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Trek aluminum hardtails: avg. weight 30.57 lbs / 13.86 kg –> avg. price 1261$
- Trek carbon hardtails: avg. weight 24.56 lbs / 11.46 kg –> avg. price 3066$
If you what a lighter hardtail you need to really break the bank, on average if you what to so save around 6 pounds on a Trek hardtail you need to increase your budget by approx 1805$.
| MTB Model (Full-suspension) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Fuel EX 5 | 34.61 lbs / 15.7 kg | 2500$ |
| Top Fuel 7 SX | 31.24 lbs / 14.17 kg | 3000$ |
| Fuel EX 7 | 31.92 lbs / 14.48 kg | 3250$ |
| Top Fuel 8 NX | 30.12 lbs1 / 3.66 kg | 3500$ |
| Slash 7 | 33.25 lbs / 15.08 kg | 3700$ |
| Fuel EX 8 | 30.56 lbs / 13.86 kg | 3900$ |
| Remedy 8 | 31.01 lbs / 14.07 kg | 4100$ |
| Slash 8 | 33.15 lbs / 15.04 kg | 4200$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| Top Fuel 9.7 | 25.66 lbs / 11.64 kg | 4000$ |
| Supercaliber 9.6 | 26.96 lbs / 12.23 kg | 4200$ |
| Fuel EX 9.7 | 30.09 lbs / 13.65 kg | 4300$ |
| Slash 9.7 | 31.87 lbs / 14.46 kg | 4800$ |
| Supercaliber 9.7 | 25.13 lbs / 11.40 kg | 5000$ |
| Remedy 9.8 | 29.86 lbs / 13.54 kg | 5700$ |
| Top Fuel 9.8 GX | 25.88 lbs / 11.74 kg | 6000-6500$ |
| Top Fuel 9.8 XT | 26.08 lbs / 11.83 kg | 6000-6500$ |
| Fuel EX 9.8 | 28.88 lbs / 13.10 kg to 29.12 lbs / 13.21 kg | 5500-6700$ |
| Supercaliber 9.8 GX | 23.04 lbs / 10.45 kg | 6500-7000$ |
| Supercaliber 9.8 XT | 22.95 lbs / 10.41 kg | 7000$ |
| Slash 9.8 | 31.44 lbs / 14.26 kg to 32.12 lbs / 14.57 kg | 6000-7200$ |
| Top Fuel 9.9 X01 | 24.92 lbs / 11.30 kg | 8000-8500$ |
| Top Fuel 9.9 XTR | 24.23 lbs / 10.99 kg | 8500-9000$ |
| Fuel EX 9.9 | 27.85 lbs / 12.63 kg to 28.61 lbs / 12.98 kg | 7500-9500$ |
| Supercaliber 9.9 XTR | 21.50 lbs / 9.75 kg | 9500$ |
| Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS | 24.40 lbs / 11.07 kg | 10000-10500$ |
| Supercaliber 9.9 XX1 AXS | 21.58 lbs / 9.79 kg | 11000$ |
| Slash 9.9 | 30.73 lbs / 13.94 kg to 31.14 lbs / 14.12 kg | 7000-11500$ |
| Downhill mountain bikes | ||
| Session 8 29 GX | 38.98 lbs / 17.68 kg | 5000$ |
| Session 9 X01 | 37.65 lbs / 17.08 kg | 7000$ |
The average weight of a Trek aluminum full-suspension MTB is 31.98 lbs / 13.25 kg while the average weight of Trek a carbon full-suspension MTB is 27.13 lbs / 12.3 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Trek aluminum full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 31.98 lbs / 13.25 kg –> avg. price 3518$
- Trek carbon full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 27.13 lbs / 12.3 kg –> avg. price 7082$
On average, if you want to save around 4.85 pounds on a Trek full-suspension MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 3564$.
The first thing we can see is that bike weight doesn’t decrease by a substantial amount in regards to the price increase, this is because in mountain biking the amount of bike suspension you have is very important because it allows you to ride more easily on rougher terrain.
One of the most expensive parts of a mountain bike is the suspension and this is one of the heavier parts also. This is the reason why the price is increased by a substantial amount and the bike weight is roughly the same or even higher.
Specialized Mountain Bikes Weight
| MTB Model (HARDTAIL) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Rockhopper 29 | 30.23 lbs / 13.7 kg | 700$ |
| Rockhopper Comp 29 | 32.69 lbs / 14.83kg | 1000$ |
| Rockhopper Elite 29 | 28.20 lbs / 12.79 kg | 1100$ |
| Rockhopper Expert | 29.89 lbs / 13.55 kg | 1400$ |
| Chisel | 33 lbs / 14.97 kg | 1600-1900$ |
| Fuse Comp 29 | 29.72 lbs / 13.48 kg | 2200$ |
| Fuse Expert 29 | 29 lbs / 13.6 kg | 2700$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| Epic Hardtail | 25.44 lbs / 11.54kg | 2400$ |
| Men’s Epic Hardtail Comp | 24.6 lbs / 11.16 kg | 2450-2720$ |
| Epic Hardtail Pro | 21.3 lbs / 9.662 kg | 5800$ |
The average weight of a Specialized aluminum hardtail MTB is 30.39 lbs / 13.78 kg while the average weight of a Specialized carbon hardtail MTB is 23.78 lbs / 10.79 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Specialized aluminum hardtail MTB: avg. weight 30.39 lbs / 13.78 kg –> avg. price 1150$
- Specialized carbon hardtail MTB: avg. weight 23.78 lbs / 10.79 kg –> avg. price 3595$
On average, if you want to save around 6.61 pounds on a Specialized hardtail MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 2445$.
| MTB Model (Full-suspension) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Stumpjumper Alloy | 35.76 lbs / 16.22 kg | 2500$ |
| Stumpjumper Comp Alloy | 32.5 lbs / 14.74 kg | 3500$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| Epic EVO | 24.49 lbs / 11.11 kg | 3800$ |
| Epic EVO Comp | 26.12 lbs / 11.85 kg | 4400$ |
| Stumpjumper EVO Expert | 31.79 lbs / 14.42 kg | 5000$ |
| Stumpjumper EVO Comp | 31.88 lbs / 14.46 kg | 5000$ |
| Stumpjumper Expert | 27.89 lbs / 12.65 kg | 5900$ |
| Epic Expert | 21.5 lbs / 9.752 kg | 6200$ |
| Enduro Expert | 29.67 lbs / 13.46 kg | 6300$ |
| Epic Pro | 22.53 lbs / 10.22 kg | 8500$ |
The average weight of a Specialized aluminum full-suspension MTB is 34.13 lbs / 15.48 kg while the average weight of Specialized carbon full-suspension MTB is 26.98 lbs / 12.24 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Specialized aluminum full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 34.13 lbs / 15.48 kg –> avg. price 3000$
- Specialized carbon full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 26.98 lbs / 12.24 kg –> avg. price 5637$
On average, if you want to save around 7.15 pounds on a Specialized full-suspension MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 2637$.
Giant mountain bikes
| MTB Model (HARDTAIL) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| ATX (size XL) | 34.17 lbs / 15.5 kg | 480$ |
| Talon 1 | 29.34 lbs / 13.31 kg | 950$ |
| Talon 2 | 29.5 lbs / 13.38 kg | 685$ |
| Talon 3 | 29 lbs / 13.15 kg | 550$ |
| Fathom 29 2 | 29.07lbs / 13.34 Kg | 1420$ |
| XTC SLR 29 1 / 2 | 26.05lbs / 11.94 Kg to 27.04lbs / 12.34 Kg | 1420$ |
| Fathom 29 1 | 29.10lbs / 13.5 Kg | 1770$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| XTC Advanced 29 3 | 26.68 lbs / 12.1 kg | 2250$ |
| XTC Advanced SL 29 1 | 19.69 lbs / 8.93 kg | 5150$ |
The average weight of a Giant aluminum hardtail MTB is 29.15 lbs / 13.22 kg while the average weight of a Giant carbon hardtail MTB is 23.18 lbs / 10.51 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Giant aluminum hardtail MTB: avg. weight 29.15 lbs / 13.22 kg –> avg. price 909$
- Giant carbon hardtail MTB: avg. weight 23.78 lbs / 10.79 kg –> avg. price 3700$
On average, if you want to save around 5.37 pounds on a Giant hardtail MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 2791$.
| MTB Model (Full-suspension) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Stance 29 2 | 30.64 lbs / 13.9 kg | 1685$ |
| Stance 29 1 | 32 lbs / 14.52 kg | 2150$ |
| Trance 29 3 | 30.64 lbs / 13.9 kg | 2400$ |
| Anthem 29 2 | 29.37 lbs / 13.32 kg | 2450$ |
| Reign 29 2 | 32.6 lbs / 14.79 kg | 3500$ |
| Reign SX 29 (size L) | 34.61 lbs / 15.7 kg | 4450$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| Trance Advanced Pro 29 3 | 27.29 lbs / 12.38 kg | 3800$ |
| Reign Advanced Pro 29 2 | 28.88 lbs / 13.10 kg | 4900$ |
| Trance Advanced Pro 29 1 | 27.73 lbs / 12.58 kg | 5850$ |
| Anthem Advanced Pro 29 1 (size L) | 24.6 lbs / 11.16 kg | 6100$ |
| Reign Advanced Pro 29 1 | 30.86 lbs / 14 kg | 6100$ |
The average weight of a Giant aluminum full-suspension MTB is 31.64 lbs / 14.35 kg while the average weight of Giant carbon full-suspension MTB is 27.87 lbs / 12.64 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Giant aluminum full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 31.64 lbs / 14.35 kg –> avg. price 2772$
- Giant carbon full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 27.87 lbs / 12.64 kg –> avg. price 5350$
On average, if you want to save around 3.77 pounds on a Giant full-suspension MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 2578$.
Cannondale Mountain Bikes
| MTB Model (HARDTAIL) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Trail 8 | 32.50 lbs / 14.74 kg | 600$ |
| Trail 7 | 32.89 lbs / 14.92 kg | 700$ |
| Trail 6 | 32.61 lbs / 14.79 kg | 825$ |
| Trail 5 | 32.6 lbs / 14.8 kg | 950$ |
| Trail SE 4 | 31.5 lbs / 14.3 kg | 1150$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| F-Si Carbon 5 | 25.2 lbs / 11.4 kg | 2700$ |
| F-Si Carbon 3 | 23.4 lbs / 10.6 kg | 4250$ |
| F-Si Hi-MOD 1 | 19.7 lbs / 8.9 kg | 9000$ |
The average weight of a Cannondale aluminum hardtail MTB is 32.42 lbs / 14.71 kg while the average weight of a Cannondale carbon hardtail MTB is 22.76 lbs / 10.32 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Cannondale aluminum hardtail MTB: avg. weight 32.42 lbs / 14.71 kg –> avg. price 854$
- Cannondale carbon hardtail MTB: avg. weight 22.76 lbs / 10.32 kg –> avg. price 5316$
On average, if you want to save around 9.66 pounds on a Cannondale hardtail MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 4462$.
| MTB Model (Full-suspension) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Habit 5 | 34.4 lbs / 15.6 kg | 2500$ |
| Habit 4 | 33.29 lbs / 15.1 kg | 3000$ |
| Habit Waves | 34.81 lbs / 15.79 kg | 3300$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| Scalpel Carbon SE 2 | 27.2 lbs / 12.35 kg | 4000$ |
| Scalpel Carbon 3 | 25.93 lbs / 11.76 kg | 5000$ |
| Habit Carbon 1 | 27.3 lbs / 12.4 kg | 5500$ |
| Scalpel Carbon SE 1 | 24.9 lbs / 11.32 kg | 6100$ |
| Jekyll 1 | 29.32 lbs / 13.3 kg | 6100$ |
| Scalpel Carbon 2 | 24.38 lbs / 11.06 kg | 6300$ |
The average weight of a Cannondale aluminum full-suspension MTB is 34.16 lbs / 15.49 kg while the average weight of Cannondale carbon full-suspension MTB is 26.5 lbs / 12.02 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Cannondale aluminum full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 34.16 lbs / 15.49 kg –> avg. price 2933$
- Cannondale carbon full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 26.5 lbs / 12.02 kg –> avg. price 5500$
On average, if you want to save around 7.66 pounds on a Cannondale full-suspension MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 2567$.
Santa Cruz Mountain Bikes
| MTB Model (HARDTAIL) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Chameleon Kit D | 30.00 lbs / 13.61 kg | 2149$ |
| Chameleon Kit R | 28.23 lbs / 12.8 kg | 2649$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| Chameleon Kit R | 27.47 lbs / 12.46 kg | 2999$ |
| Highball Kit R | 24.68 lbs / 11.2 kg | 3299$ |
| Highball Kit S | 22.87 lbs / 10.38 kg | 4049$ |
| Highball Kit XT | 23.07 lbs / 10.46 kg | 4699$ |
| Highball Kit X01 AXS RSV | 20.05 lbs / 9.1 kg | 8099$ |
The average weight of a Santa Cruz aluminum hardtail MTB is 29.11 lbs / 13.2 kg while the average weight of a Santa Cruz carbon hardtail MTB is 23.62 lbs / 10.71 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Santa Cruz aluminum hardtail MTB: avg. weight 29.11 lbs / 13.2 kg –> avg. price 2399$
- Santa Cruz carbon hardtail MTB: avg. weight 22.76 lbs / 10.32 kg –> avg. price 4629$
On average, if you want to save around 6.35 pounds on a Santa Cruz hardtail MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 2230$.
| MTB Model (Full-suspension) | Weight | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum frame | ||
| Tallboy Kit D | 34.62lbs / 15.7kg | 3349$ |
| Tallboy Kit R | 33.06lbs / 15kg | 3899$ |
| Hightower Kit D to S | 35.1lbs / 15.92kg to 34.15lbs / 15.49kg | 3549-4899$ |
| Carbon frame | ||
| Tallboy Kit R to X01 AXS RSV | 31.54lbs / 14.31kg to 28.67lbs / 13kg | 4799-9699$ |
| Hightower Kit R to X01 AXS RSV | 32.03lbs / 14.53kg to 30.31lbs / 13.75kg | 4949-9849$ |
| Megatower Kit R to X01 AXS Coil RSV | 33.52lbs / 15.21kg to 34.54lbs1 / 5.67kg | 5149-10249$ |
| Blur Kit S to XX1 AXS RSV | 26.18lbs / 11.88kg to 22.56lbs / 10.23kg | 5199-11299$ |
| Bronson Kit R to XX1 AXS | 32.89lbs / 14.92kg to 30.56lbs / 13.86kg | 5049-11399$ |
The average weight of a Santa Cruz aluminum full-suspension MTB is 34.23 lbs / 15.53 kg while the average weight of a Santa Cruz carbon full-suspension MTB is 30.28 lbs / 13.73 kg.
Now let’s compare the average weight with the average price:
- Santa Cruz aluminum full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 34.23 lbs / 15.53 kg –> avg. price 3924$
- Santa Cruz carbon full-suspension MTB: avg. weight 30.28 lbs / 13.73 kg –> avg. price 7764$
On average, if you want to save around 3.95 pounds on a Santa Cruz full-suspension MTB, you need to increase your budget by approx 3840$.
FAQ
Is 30 Lbs Heavy for a Mountain Bike?
At 30 lbs a full-suspension mountain bike will be considered to be average weight but if we are talking about a hardtail it will be heavier than the average hardtail, so in this case, it will be considered heavy.
Is 34 Lbs Heavy for a Mountain Bike?
The average weight of a full-suspension mountain bike is 29.22 lbs, so a 24 lbs bike is considered heavy and if your budget can afford it, get a lighter bike.
Is 17 Kg Heavy for a Mountain Bike?
17 kg is an average weight for a downhill mountain bike but for the rest of the mountain bike types, it is considered too heavy. Downhill bikes need suspensions with a lot of travel and they are heavy.
How Much Does a Cheap Mountain Bike Weigh?
Cheap mountain bikes are usually in the weight range of 30 to 34 lbs and they are hardtails, practically you buy a hardtail with the average weight of a full-suspension mountain bike.
You may also like these articles:
- Buying your first mountain bike
- Are lighter mountain bikes better?
- Ride a mountain bike on the road
- Are cheap full-suspension bikes worth it?
I started mountain biking many years ago to improve my overall health state. After my first ride, I fell in love with the sport. Now I spend dozens of hours a week researching and training to compete in local XC and Enduro events.
