Buying mountain bike but too heavy?

Question

my mum is worried that if i buy a bike, im gonna break my back carrying it up 4 levels to my apartment. im a strong girl and i know i can handle it. if i have trouble, ill slow down or push it up the stairs.

are mountain bikes heavy these days or is that just in her time 20 years ago?

Answer 1

They are lighter. A decent bike, I believe, is in the 25-30 pound range. Just go to a bike shop and lift a few models up to see if you can carry it.

Answer 2

Mountain bikes are actually very light and get lighter as they get more expensive. You should be able to get a mountain bike that weighs about 20 pounds or less for $200  - have a look on ebay or lift some in a bike shop.

Your mother is about 20 years out of date.

Answer 3

Mountain bikes are made lighter now than before. it wont break your back unless you are carrying loads of other things also.  most bikes now are made of light alloys of metal so its lighter than bikes years ago.

Answer 4

Well i am 13 years old and my sister has a 26" mountain bike and that can be carried by me and almost anyone, an average mountain bike is carry able but if you buy a downhill bike like i have got then you will notice a increased weight difference.  What ever you chose will be carry able to a degree but you may do your back with a bike that weighs a lot.  If you ride every day than go for a light mountain bike or a hybrid bike.

Answer 5

I suggest getting to your local bike shop. try a few bikes to decide which one will work best for you. depending on your riding needs and budget, I'm sure you'll find one you can lift up the stairs. buying from a bike shop will also mean the bike is already assemble when you get it home, thus answering your last question as well..

Answer 6

If you can find a mountain bike that weighs 20 lbs for $200 please let me know.  Most of them will weigh around 30 lbs but you are doing it for the exercise right..

Answer 7

A general rule of thumb, the cheaper the bike, the heavier it will be, some steel framed bikes with front and rear suspension weigh in the region of forty pounds. So, buy an alloy framed one and don,t have rear sus unless you really need it, its no use in ordinary riding and adds to the weight and soaks up effort when riding.