Cheap vs. Expensive Cycling Gear: Where can you save money?

Cycling can be an expensive sport. Whether it's components, bikes, or apparel, some items can put a serious dent in your budget. So which purchases are actually worth the investment?

Anyone who is just getting into cycling, or has already started, has probably been surprised at least once by how financially demanding this sport can be. However, as in any other industry, quality comes at a price.

But how much should you pay? What's too much, and what's too little? Is there an ideal price?

Ideal Price-to-Quality Ratio

Finding a quality product at a reasonable price isn't difficult if you have a good understanding of cycling. You don't necessarily need a premium, top-tier brand, which is typically appreciated most by experienced cyclists who ride more than 20 hours a week.

When choosing any new equipment, I ask myself five questions:

1. Do I really need this product, or can I do without it?
2. How will it affect my ride?
3. How long will it last? (estimate)
4. How often will I use it?
5. Am I overthinking this unnecessarily?

Let's look at a few bike components, accessories, and apparel to provide a basic overview. Consider these examples. You can find a wide range of products offering excellent value for money in our MTBIKER shop.

Apparel

Cycling apparel is a complex topic. While some cyclists prefer more expensive clothing and premium brands, others are perfectly satisfied with more affordable options.

It all depends on how much you ride. If you're an occasional cyclist who rides for an hour once a week, you probably don't need premium apparel with the latest technologies.

On the other hand, if you ride frequently, especially on longer rides, poor-quality or improperly chosen apparel can reduce comfort and even ruin the experience. Your riding discipline also matters. If you participate in more extreme disciplines where falls are more likely, your clothing will inevitably get damaged sooner or later—at least in my experience.

Therefore, when choosing apparel, focus on:

• How often you ride
• How long your rides are
• Your preferred discipline

For beginners, I recommend Force and Silvini, which are among the more affordable brands offering excellent value for money.

💡 Tip: In the e-shop, sort products by rating.

Helmet

Don't compromise on safety. That doesn't mean you need to buy the most expensive helmet or protective gear right away.

First and foremost, you need to own a helmet. Any helmet. However, if you ride more frequently or participate in more demanding disciplines with a higher risk of crashes, it's worth considering a mid-range helmet. Even in the €30–€60 range, you'll notice meaningful differences in quality and features.

Helmets come with various certifications, and it's best to see and try them in person. Quality is often apparent at first glance.

Differences may include better materials, features such as Fidlock magnetic buckles, protection against rotational forces during impacts (e.g., MIPS), integrated lights, or even premium materials such as carbon fiber.

Components

Now we come to the big question: how much does one saved gram cost? But seriously, when it comes to components, especially for beginners, it's worth investing a little more in certain categories. Brakes are at the top of that list.

Brakes

When it comes to brakes, spending a bit more is usually worth it. Take Shimano, for example. A brake with a one-finger lever (or upgrading to one separately) offers better sensitivity and modulation than a brake with a two-finger lever. You'll notice the difference immediately.

Rotors and brake pads also play a major role in braking performance. Sometimes, simply upgrading to a larger rotor or higher-quality pads (such as Galfer) is enough, rather than replacing a 2-piston brake with a 4-piston model. Proper maintenance is equally important.


When it comes to shifting, specifically the rear derailleur, the main differences are lifespan and weight. More affordable models tend to be heavier and often wear out sooner.

With SRAM, I personally found it worthwhile to upgrade to at least a 12-speed GX groupset rather than SX or NX. In my case, one GX derailleur outlasted two NX derailleurs (approximately €100 versus 2 × €65).

For Shimano, the functional differences between 12-speed derailleurs are minimal. A Deore derailleur is a reliable choice.

Higher-end shifting systems offer smoother and more precise operation, but the price increases significantly. For beginners, I recommend Shimano Deore or higher, and SRAM GX or higher.

💡 Tip: For one of the best price-to-performance combinations, consider pairing a 12-speed Shimano Deore derailleur with a Shimano XT shifter. The shifter provides a more noticeable improvement than upgrading to an XT derailleur.

Tires

Prioritize the front tire. The front tire determines how the bike tracks and handles, so if you're trying to save money, at least choose a mid-range front tire. Since front tires wear more slowly, it will last a long time while consistently providing excellent grip. Higher-end tires can cost anywhere from €35 to €90.

Saddle

A quality saddle doesn't have to be expensive. Choosing the right one often comes down to trial and error. Since you'll spend hours sitting on it, the wrong saddle can cause discomfort and other problems. For that reason, I wouldn't cut corners here.

Pedals

The right pedals (rather than basic plastic pedals supplied with many bikes) are essential for comfort and, most importantly, safety. They don't need to be the lightest available.

For flat pedals, focus on good pin placement and a sufficiently large platform. For clipless pedals, the key considerations are the cleat system (Shimano, Crankbrothers, etc.) and weight. Quality flat pedals can be purchased for as little as €20–€30.

Other components

Components such as cranks, stems, and handlebars generally have less impact on ride quality. It's usually better to invest in components that noticeably improve your riding experience.

Accessories

Do you really need a bike bottle that costs €100? Some accessories are worth the investment, while others may not justify the extra expense. It all depends on how often, how long, and under what conditions you ride.

If you frequently ride in hot weather and will benefit from an insulated bottle, the investment may be worthwhile. Likewise, if you often ride in the evening or at night, quality lights are something you should not skimp on.

What I recommend based on experience:

• Cycling shoes are more important than a branded jersey.
• A quality helmet is a better investment than an expensive GPS watch.
• Invest in quality brakes rather than the latest electronic shifting system.
• The right saddle and pedals matter more than a carbon seatpost or handlebars.
• Only buy premium apparel if you'll truly make use of it.
• Choose quality glasses that protect your eyes and provide clear vision instead of very cheap alternatives that wear out quickly.

Treat Yourself!

Cycling is our passion and hobby. If we enjoy it, there's nothing wrong with treating ourselves from time to time. You can often find excellent discounts and promotions that make premium products much more affordable.

In our e-shop, in addition to regular sales, you can also find great deals in the "Deal of the Week" section, where products change every week.

Don't forget: the most important thing is to ride and enjoy cycling. It doesn't matter what bike, accessories, clothing, or components you have.