News
How New China Tariffs Affect Bike Prices—and Why Karbon Bikes Remains “Tailored for You”
Feb
If you’ve been considering buying a new bike, you’ve probably heard about the recent trade developments. As of this week, there’s an additional 10% tariff on bikes and components from China—on top of the existing 25%. This has many riders, retailers, and enthusiasts wondering how it will impact bike prices going forward.
In this post, we’ll break down the changing tariff landscape, explain why many big-name bikes will see a price spike, and show how Karbon Bikes’ “Tailored for You” approach keeps you in control of both quality and cost.
The Tariff Landscape
- Existing Tariffs: Imported bicycles and components have already been subject to a 25% tariff.
- New Increase: An additional 10% is now in effect, bringing the total to 35% on many complete bikes and a variety of bike parts.
Most major brands in the U.S. market still fully assemble their premium mountain bikes overseas. In fact, according to the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA), roughly 90%+ of bicycles sold in the U.S. are manufactured in Asia—mostly in China. When these fully assembled bikes arrive at U.S. ports, the entire unit gets hit with the full tariff rate.
Why This Hits Most Big-Name Bikes Hard
- Higher Retail Prices
The added tariff on a fully assembled bike means higher landed costs. Brands often pass these extra fees onto you, the consumer, meaning a noticeable jump in the final purchase price. - Fewer Options for Personalization
Big overseas production runs aren’t set up for individualized customization. You often end up paying more for a bike that isn’t tailored to your exact riding style or specs. - Potential Delays
With global supply chains already stressed, additional tariffs can create logistics bottlenecks—translating into long wait times for popular models.
Karbon Bikes: A Different Approach
Karbon Bikes stands out because we import components only and assemble each bike in the USA. This strategy results in two main advantages over fully imported brands:
- Reduced Tariff Impact
We still source some parts from China (as do nearly all bike makers), but only the cost of these components is subject to the tariff. The rest of the value—our U.S. labor, local assembly, and custom finishing—doesn’t get tariffed. Consequently, when tariffs go up, they affect a smaller portion of our overall pricing. - Tailored for You
We call our approach “Tailored for You” because that’s exactly what it is. By handling assembly in-house, we can work directly with riders to adapt the build. From the drivetrain to the cockpit, we collaborate on the details that matter most to your performance and comfort. Your bike becomes an extension of you—without forcing you to pay for a cookie-cutter overseas build that includes sky-high tariff costs.
The Benefits of “Tailored for You”
- Personalized Specifications
Whether you need a beefier suspension setup for hard charging enduro riding or a custom lightweight wheelset to conquer XC trails, our domestic assembly model lets us integrate these preferences at the build stage—no more compromising. - Transparent Pricing
Because we only pay tariffs on the imported components, we can more accurately estimate costs. You get an upfront price that’s both competitive and reflective of the exact bike setup you want. - Local Quality Control
“Tailored for You” also means hands-on quality control at every step. Each Karbon Bike is built, inspected, and tested right here in the U.S., so you get a product we’re proud to stand behind.
Act Now Before Prices Shift Further
The latest tariffs are already driving up costs, and there’s no telling when (or if) they will recede. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to invest in a new mountain bike, consider this your nudge:
- Lock In Your Build: Because we keep a close eye on component pricing and supply, our quotes stay accurate—no surprise hikes.
- Secure Your Spot: We build in limited batches to maintain quality and customization levels. Placing your order now ensures your bike is next in line, reducing wait times and guaranteeing current pricing.
Ride With Confidence
Karbon Bikes’ domestic assembly model means that while no company is entirely immune to tariffs, our exposure is far less than a fully imported bike. More importantly, our “Tailored for You” philosophy means you’re investing in a bike that truly matches your riding style, goals, and budget—without absorbing the full brunt of extra overseas costs.
Ready to get started on your custom-tailored ride?
- Contact us today to discuss your dream build and learn more about how we’re navigating the new tariff environment.
- Our team is dedicated to helping you ride confidently—on a bike that’s built, tested, and perfected on American soil.
Sources & Further Reading
Disclaimer: Tariff regulations change frequently. All pricing and availability are subject to updates as policies evolve.