Why can't i buy a mountain bike wheel for less than 50 bucks?

Question

I bent my old rear tire. i can buy a new bike for $70 but it will cost me almost that to replace the rim.

Answer 1

try used like craigslist or ebay

Answer 2

search for good but cheap stuff on craigslist

Answer 3

Consider what a new rear wheel entails and you'll soon see why:

hub:  at least 30 bucks

Spokes:  2 bucks apiece times 32 gets you about 60 bucks

rim:  30 bucks

If you need a cassette:  at least 30 bucks

So 50 aint much really.............

Answer 4

try ebay

Answer 5

Call a local shop and see if they can get you one cheaply....like others said, though, an ultra-cheap wheel isn't going to handle much abuse just like your old wheel apparently didn't.  

If your bike is made to handle the normal 135mm rear hub width that most mountain bikes use, you can buy a set of Rhinolyte wheels with Deore hubs for about $90 if you check the internet.  It's a very durable wheel, but a bit heavy.  The price is right and chances are you'll never damage it, though, so consider buying a pair of those.  

Also, people sell good used wheels and wheelsets all the time.  Check craigslist in your area, as well as any local riding club forums or bulletin boards....I'll bet you can find a wheel for cheap that way.  If you don't see anything listed, post something that says you need a rear wheel and someone may reply with a deal for you.   I've seen decent wheelsets go for as little as $40-$100 depending on the quality (about 1/3 to 1/2 the price of what they are new).  Single wheels often go for peanuts.  

Good luck, hope you can find what you need in the budget you have to spend!    :o)

Answer 6

If you think you can buy a new bike for $70, then its obvious why your rim bent.    

Department store bikes are made cheaply of inferior components and will not stand up to hard use.    Simple as that.

If your budget won't handle a new wheel, or a real bike, my suggestion would be to cruise the 'hood on garbage day and find something you can strip for parts.

Answer 7

your $70 bike isn't made to take the abuse of riding technical trails, or anything more than fireroads actually. so, make the upgrade, and start looking to upgrade your bike too, or buy a new toy everytime something breaks.

Answer 8

A bike for $70 ? Not a real one. Rims cost alot because of quality.