Hardtail MTB, Dual-Suspension E-MTB & Gravel Bike Compared

Whether you’re commuting, riding singletrack, or exploring long gravel tours, knowing what wears out—and how much it costs—is key to budgeting and performance. This analysis breaks down the realistic replacement costs of key components over 15,000 km for:

• 🟢 Hardtail Mountain Bike
• 🔵 Dual-Suspension E-MTB (click here to rent it in Vienna)
• 🟡 Gravel Bike

📌 Assumptions

🧩 Component Wear & Cost Breakdown (15,000 km)

💰 Total Maintenance Costs (15,000 km)

⚙️ Insights & Takeaways

• Gravel bikes have lower wear rates thanks to lighter weight, less aggressive terrain, and no motor assistance.
• E-MTBs generate the highest drivetrain wear due to torque and weight, especially chain and cassette wear.
• MTB and E-MTB have added costs from suspension service and brake system stress.
• Gravel bikes have road-like maintenance patterns, but tires and brakes still wear faster than road bikes due to gravel surfaces and added load (bags, gear).

📊 Cost per 100 km

💡 Tips to Minimize Costs

• 🔧 Use wax-based chain lubes on gravel and MTB bikes to repel dirt better.
• 🔄 Replace chains proactively (before 0.75% stretch) to double cassette life.
• 🎯 On gravel bikes, run tubeless tires with sealant to reduce flats and wear.
• 🛠 Bleed disc brakes every 5,000–7,000 km for better modulation and pad life.
• 🧰 For E-MTBs, avoid overusing turbo mode to preserve drivetrain and extend battery range.

🧠 Fun Facts

• Gravel tires last longer than MTB tires but are more puncture-prone unless run tubeless.
• Some gravel riders use road groupsets (like Shimano 105/GRX), which have longer chainring life but more delicate derailleurs.
• E-MTB motors produce up to 4x human input, putting stress on drivetrain—some brands now use steel chainrings for durability.
• Over 15,000 km, a gravel bike costs about the same to maintain as 3 full car services—and gives a lot more fresh air.

🆚 BONUS CHAPTER: Car vs. Bike Spare Parts & Service Cost Comparison

Let’s compare basic car maintenance costs over 15,000 km with our bike totals. We’ll take a typical compact car (e.g. VW Golf, Toyota Corolla, or Citroën C3).

→ Total estimated car service cost for 15,000 km: ~785 €

🚗 vs. 🚴 Summary Table Bike vs Car

Final Thoughts

• Bikes beat cars in fuel and emissions, but component wear adds up faster—especially with torque-heavy E-MTBs.
• Gravel bikes are the clear winner for cost-efficiency in endurance touring.
• Even if maintenance is comparable, bikes improve health, reduce emissions, and often save time in cities.