Best Mountain Bikes Under $500

Best Mountain Bikes Under $500

In an increasingly competitive world, staying fit and healthy is challenging but not impossible. Mountain biking is one of the most fabulous options for a fun workout and staying active all week.

The freedom, the feeling of fresh air, and the ability to move from place to place, especially over different terrains, help considerably reduce stress and become productive. Cycling improves your balance and coordination your heart health, strengthens your muscles and joints, and improves your social interaction.

However, youll need to find the best mountain bike to get the most out of it. You cant expect to ride different terrains on a poor-quality MTB. The repairs and extensive maintenance required can cost you a lot of money, and youll wish you had made a better buying decision.

The best MTB under 700 has specific qualities that only a discerning eye can identify. We discuss these qualities and list some of the best MTBs for your budget so you can get out of your comfort zone and get healthy and fit.

 

Merax 26″ Aluminum 24 Speed Mountain BikeOpens in a new tab.

Merax 26 inch Mountain BicycleThe Merax MTB is one of those good entry-level mountain bikes at a very reasonable price. It looks good and rides well, and thats what counts.

The frame is made of aluminum, and its size is 19 inches. Although sturdy, it is not light, making the whole bike quite heavy.

Shimano again handles the mechanism. It comes with a Shimano EF500-3/8 shifter, 24 speeds, and Shimano front and rear derailleurs for smooth and reliable shifting and performance.

There are dual disc brakes for additional stopping capabilities. Dual brakes work effectively to stop the bike.

Its suitable for a good range of riders, from under 53″ to 63″ and up, weighing up to 330 pounds.

Pros

  • High-quality Shimano parts.
  • Smooth ride.
  • Dual disc brakes.

Cons

  • Assembly is difficult and time-consuming.
  • Tires are not perfect for the mountains.

 

Kent T-29 Men’s Mountain Bike

Kent T-29 Men's Mountain Bike, 29-InchThe T-29 is a great mountain bike for beginner and intermediate riders and one of the best value mountain bikes simultaneously. This bike was designed with basic cycling needs in mind, and I think it is one of the best beginner mountain bikes under $300.

This bike is suitable for riders between 56″-6′. 30″. It will challenge you because youll have to put a lot of muscle power to ride it fast, which helps with the exercise.

It has a strong, lightweight heat-treated aluminum frame that provides a great base. The frame is one of the best-selling points of the bike and is surprisingly sturdy at this price point.

The bike is equipped with reliable Shimano RS25 Shifters and TZ31 Derailleurs. They provide a fairly crisp and precise drivetrain, but theres room for improvement. While the 3-speed front shifter is excellent, the 7-speed rear shifter needs adjustment to work smoothly. It also tends to make noise at times.

The brakes are on point. They work well. The alloy rims have a lower spin weight, making the bike more agile.

It comes about 85% assembled, and the rest of the assembly is also easy.

Pros

  • A sturdy frame, a solid base.
  • Safe braking.
  • Alloy rims.
  • It is not expensive.

Cons

  • An unpleasant smell comes from the tires.
  • The seat is relatively small.

 

Akonza Cobra 26″ Mountain Bicycle

Akonza Cobra 26 inch Mountain BicycleWhat makes the Akonza Cobra 26″ mountain bike one of the best under 300 euros is its various features. This is the type of mountain bike that comes with complete features to make you a great rider. So you can be a beginner or a professional and enjoy riding the mountain bike.

The derailleurs and shifters are efficient and allow you to ride uphill, downhill fast, and flat terrain. This is the ultimate all-terrain bike you will enjoy riding on different terrains and, of course, enjoying the outdoors.

Most people like the quick-release front hub wheels that make storage a simple exercise. You can quickly put the MTB away without worrying about anything. Plus, it doesnt take up much space in your garage or shed. This feature also makes transportation easier, and you can comfortably carry the MTB in the back of your truck or hatchback.

Regarding safety, while riding, you dont have to worry about the pedals and tires being efficient enough for the job. The nylon pedals with curved handles are very strong to ensure durability and an excellent grip. Speeding down a hill can be very dangerous, and have your foot slip when you least expect it. The quality of the pedal grip can mean the difference between a fun and safe ride and a nasty injury. No one would choose the latter for anything, so you must be careful when choosing.

The pedals are also quite comfortable on your feet. And you dont feel as much pressure on the bottom of your foot.

The MTB is also equipped with non-slip tires allowing you to stay on the track at different speeds.

The tires also have excellent traction; you can increase and decrease the speed as needed and ensure you wont skid. It also absorbs impact quickly, so you can ride efficiently and enjoy it to the fullest.

Pros

  • Complete mountain bike for beginners and professionals.
  • It has good quality derailleurs and shifters to ride efficiently on different terrains.
  • Quick-release front hub wheels allow for efficient storage
  • The MTB is easy to transport with a motorized vehicle

Cons

  • There can be problems with the crank
  • It may not be the best for pros

 

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Stowabike 26″ MTB V2 Folding

Stowabike 26 inch MTB V2 FoldingThe folding mountain bike is another good option for adventurous people with minimal storage space. It is easy to carry and store.

And in addition to the folding feature, the mountain bike is lightweight, and anyone can handle it without a problem. Other MTBs are not as heavy, but in our opinion, this one is light and easy to handle. As a beginner, youll need a bike thats easy to handle, and you cant go wrong with this one.

Plus, the folding steel frame, pedals, and other bike components are of good quality. The Stowabike 26 MTB v2 folding dual suspension is durable, and you can use it comfortably on different areas and surfaces.

Pros

  • The bike is easy to transport and store
  • The bike is relatively light and easy to handle
  • The dual suspension for comfort and ease of use

Cons

  • There can be problems with the brakes after using them for a while
  • It is pretty heavy and cumbersome for some people

 

Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain BikeOpens in a new tab.

Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain BikeThe Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er mountain bike features 29-inch wheels and 8-speed shifting for adventurers who arent looking for so much in a bike. The product may present itself as a low profile, but its pretty effective on the road and when it comes to handling.

The 29-inch wheels are precisely what some people find useful in mountain biking. The larger wheels hold momentum better than the smaller wheels on other bikes. Once you get up to speed, you can enjoy moving quickly and getting to your destination faster.

Another pro of the big-wheel bike is that it can roll over the obstacle, and you can keep riding without any interruption.

Pros

  • Large 29-inch wheels that better maintain momentum
  • It rolls easily over obstacles
  • The double-walled alloy rims

Cons

  • It may not be the best for smaller riders
  • Slower acceleration compared to other types of bikes.

 

Titan Wildcat Women’s 12-Speed

Titan Wildcat Women's 12-SpeedThe Titan Wildcat Womens Mountain Bike has a glossy green and black paint job to give it that feminine look you love so much. But thats not the only color available; there are others you can choose to match your favorite theme.

The steel hubs and alloy wheels are pretty sturdy and comfortable too. Riding a mountain bike is a fun experience for any woman or female spirit going on an adventure.

Youll find that the 12-speed transmission is quite functional and efficient. It is quiet and easy to use, and any beginner will have no problem riding it. Its perfect for commuting around town. The adjustable seat height allows you to customize the MTB to suit your needs and preferences.

Pros

  • Glossy green and black paint to make it attractive.
  • It has steel hubs and alloy wheels to make it robust and comfortable
  • The bike is easy to use
  • Efficient 12-speed gearing
  • It has an adjustable seat height

Cons

  • It may not be sturdy for rough terrain
  • The gearing is not very smooth

 

Merax FT323 Full Suspension Mountain BikeOpens in a new tab.

Merax 26 inch Mountain BicycleThe Merax FT323 Full Suspension mountain bike is synonymous with a comfortable bike. Thanks to the dual-suspension design, the mountain bike is comfortable on various terrain, and you can ride long distances effortlessly.

The quiet derailleur and 21-speed shifters make the mountain bike quite efficient on uphill and downhill rides. You dont have to get off the bike when you hit a steep hill, and thats what a mountain bike is. It doesnt get any better than that.

And if you do have to stop, the linear-pull brakes make it easy. Theyre pretty effective, even at high speeds. This 330-pound weight capacity mountain bike is quite functional and has improved stopping power that you wont be able to match with some other bikes on the market.

Pros

  • Efficient dual-suspension design that makes riding fun
  • Quiet 21-speed shifters and derailleurs for riding on a wide variety of terrain
  • Linear traction brakes that help you stop wherever you want
  • 330 lbs weight capacity to accommodate a wide range of people

Cons

  • The assembly is not necessarily straightforward

 

Takara Ryu Front Suspension Disc Brake Mountain BikeOpens in a new tab.

Takara Ryu Front Suspension Disc Brake Mountain BikeThe Ryu is another decent hardtail mountain bike with a reasonable price tag. Its a good mountain bike overall, but a better city bike.

The front suspension frame is made of lightweight aluminum and works very well. It absorbs shock very effectively and provides a smoother ride over rough mountain terrain. In the city, it provides a more comfortable ride.

It has a medium-sized 27.5 x 1.25-inch tire that has a good grip. Larger wheels would be better for mountain terrain.

There are Shimano parts included. The Revo twist derailleurs work and provide a smooth shift. The Tourney derailleurs work well.

This bike has very secure braking, which I loved. The low-profile handlebars make for an effortless ride, but it feels cheap.

Pros

  • The front suspension is excellent.
  • The gearing is smooth.
  • The braking is safe.
  • Great for city riding more than mountain riding.

Cons

  • Handlebars look cheap.
  • Hard seat.

 

Mountain bike considerations

You need to think about a handful of factors before buying that mountain bike to stay in shape. A wise man once said, one mans meat is another mans poison. In other words, what may work for your friend may not work for you. Here are the different factors that will help you choose the proper MTB.

Type of MTB

Trail bike

One of the most common types of mountain bikes is the trail bike. Its best suited for the occasional downhill or uphill ride, making it versatile. You may not use it for racing, but its an excellent weekend option to meet up with friends and other adventurers who want to experience the outdoors while getting some exercise.

A high head tube angle means the MTB is good at climbing and making tight turns. A shallow angle is more stable and is quite deft at high speeds. However, it will not perform as well as a steep head tube angle when climbing.

Fat Bikes

Fat Bikes have characteristic oversized and wide tires that offer the best traction than other types of bikes. These bikes are perfect for beginners and people who ride on snow and other slippery surfaces.

Cross country

For climbing prowess and fast riding, the cross-country mountain bike may be best for you. So, if you plan to get competitive and ride up to 25 miles, this cross-country MTB may be for you. In most cases, the head tube angle is about 71 degrees, and the suspension is between 80 and 100 mm.
Cross-country bikes are light and agile to handle different terrains with ease. These bikes are great for steep descents and mountain climbing. If you are a daredevil or an adventurer looking to have fun in the mountains, then the all-mountain riding bike is the best for you. The angle of the head tube is usually about 68°.

Size Matters

You may have to carry your bike behind your truck or another vehicle. You may also have to carry it by hand to the truck. So pay attention to the weight and overall size of the bike.

Comfort

Comfort is important. Make sure your bike has a comfortable seat and an ergonomic seating position. If you must sacrifice the seat to get other pros, consider investing in another seat later.

Style

Performance doesnt have to go out of style. Make sure you choose a bike that fits your test and your style. If not, how are the Instagram photos?

Gears

Gears are responsible for keeping the bike running smoothly. You want to choose a bike that has high-quality components and gears. Well-designed bikes will be smoother to ride.

Brakes

Brakes are one of the most crucial aspects of any vehicle. Dual disc brakes should be your first preference because Safety first. Otherwise, single disc brakes will do just as well if they are high quality and well designed. You should choose a bike that guarantees safe braking first.

Suspension

The suspension is crucial to rider comfort and the longevity of the bike. Absorbing shocks make the ride smoother for the rider and reduce stress on other components. Buy a bike with a responsive suspension.

Frame Material

The type of frame material of the mountain bike determines the riding efficiency, durability, ease of use, weight, and overall quality.

Aluminum alloy is the most common material because it is durable and lightweight. However, you will always find lighter and more expensive aluminum materials. Other materials are titanium, steel, and carbon fiber.

And while steel is strong and inexpensive, it is a bit heavy for mountain biking. Titanium is light and strong, but youll have to pay a lot. On the other hand, carbon fiber is light and durable and doesnt cost too much compared to titanium.

Budget

A mountain bike is a brilliant investment, but that doesnt mean you should waste everything you have on one. You should buy according to your abilities, and youll find MTBs at different price points.

Buy something decent that is durable enough and that you can use for a while. If its too cheap, it wont serve you for long.

 

Conclusion

The best mountain bike under 300 is a great buy to help you stay in shape and shed those extra pounds. The mountain bike is durable and easy to use. You must be careful what you choose if you want something that will last, which is the main idea.

Our first choice, the Akonza Cobra 26″ Full Suspension 21-Speed Compatible Outdoor MTB Bike, is quite versatile and easy to use. Whether a beginner or a professional cyclist, this mountain bike will meet your needs.

 

 

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