If you’ve been mountain biking for a while, you probably won’t find the stuff in this article surprising. But if you’re new to the sport, some of these things might seem a bit odd.

Your bike is worth more than your car.

Mountain bikes are expensive. Even the basic ones can cost a few grand, and some top-of-the-line models can cost over $11,000. So, when it comes to spending money, many mountain bikers choose to invest in their bikes rather than their cars. That’s why you’ll often see them driving around in old beat-up cars while riding high-end bikes.

But it’s not just about the price tag but the value mountain bikers place on their bikes. They see them as more than just a mode of transportation—they’re tools for adventure and exploration. And when you’re out on the trails, having the right bike can make all the difference.

You need a bike for every trail.

Once you go mountain biking, you realize one bike isn’t enough. Different trails require different bikes. Beginners might start with a basic bike, but tackling more challenging trails will require something more advanced.

For example, if you’re riding smooth, flowy singletrack, you’ll want a lightweight cross-country bike that can handle tight turns and steep climbs. But if you’re hitting up technical downhill trails with big jumps and drops, you’ll need a beefier full-suspension bike with plenty of travel.

And then there are fat bikes for riding on snow and sand, gravel bikes for tackling rough terrain, and downhill bikes for bombing down steep mountainsides. So, it’s not uncommon for mountain bikers to have multiple bikes for different riding conditions.

You love looking at your bike.

Mountain bikers have a weird habit of staring at their bikes. They’ll spend hours admiring their bikes in the garage after making upgrades or during the off-season when they can’t ride.

Part of it is practical—they want to ensure everything is in working order and ready for their next ride. But it’s also about appreciation. Mountain bikers take pride in their bikes and the adventures they’ve had together. They love to reminisce about epic rides and share stories with fellow riders.

And it’s not just a solo thing—mountain bikers love getting together with friends to show off their bikes and talk shop. Whether swapping stories about the gnarliest trails they’ve conquered or debating the merits of different bike components, there’s nothing quite like bonding over a shared passion for mountain biking.

Ultimately, these quirks are just part of what makes mountain biking so fun and rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the sport, there’s something special about the bond between mountain bikers and their bikes.

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