Mountain biking, now more than ever, has become a great pastime. To be able to stay socially distanced and at the same time have fun with friends and family, there’s not a lot that can beat riding the trails on mountain bikes.
The refreshing feeling of speeding down a trail with the wind whipping through your hair and the fresh smells of rejuvenating nature all around you. It really gets your blood pumping with exhilaration. And we love the feeling.
So we put together a list of 14 of the absolute best mountain bikes that were rated for the value at the price and riding experience that each mountain bike had to offer. Each mountain bike we tested was ridden 2 miles a day for ten days (weather permitting) And put through real-life endurance tests and real-world situations, NOT A RIGGED TEST TRACK. They were graded fairly and by numerous people who all had different experiences.
The first one on our list is the best bike under this price range. This Mountain Bike has a 21-speed Shimano Shifter with rear turney derailleur and front disc brakes. This bicycle has a 26-inch full-frame design with a floating beam suspension and alloy wheel rims, as well as a 65mm travel suspension fork.
If you want, you can have it put together for an extra fee. If you decide to assemble it yourself, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on your skill level and if you have the necessary assembly tools, like an Allen wrench and screwdriver. On average, it usually takes about an hour to assemble.
The overall look of it was very nice, and the ride was much smoother than some of the others that I tested. Overall, the bike is light, durable, and a joy to ride with just minor tweaking.
2 ) Roadmaster 26″ Granite Peak Men’s Mountain Bike
This bike is 18-speed and was one of the sturdiest bikes I tested with a steel frame instead of aluminum and a front fork with shocks built right into the frame. Also, this bike has a three-piece mountain crank for more durability.
It is excellent for riders between 5’ 4” and 6’ 2”. The assembly was mostly done for you already, but you will still need an Allen wrench and pliers for handlebars, tires, reflectors, and foot pedals.
The brakes will need to be calibrated also, but it does come with a manual for those. If you are unsure of the process, please take them to your local bike shop; it’s worth it.
The brakes are front and rear linear-pull and will stop on a dime if calibrated correctly. The bike shifts smoothly on the trail and has excellent braking. There are knobby treads on the tires, but I would have liked these a bit bigger for rough trails. It does well on roads and up to medium rough trails.
The most notable feature of this bike is that it is built around a 6061 aluminum frame equipped with an alloy crown suspension fork for efficient performance and durability. The front and rear mechanical disc brakes make stopping on any terrain safe and smooth.
This mountain bike comes with 29-inch double-wall alloy rims and 2.3-inch tires. It also has a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain and a rapid-fire 21-speed shifter.
I have mixed emotions about this bike in particular. The box was severely damaged, but everything seemed to be okay. However, the shocks were a bit spongy, but perhaps that was just me. I would suggest this bike more for desert trail riding. It’s excellent as long as you don’t hit any big bumps.
Equipped with front and rear mechanical disc brakes, 31.8” alloy handlebar, and stem. I liked how the handlebars felt and the overall look but this bike was a rough ride for me and will be for anyone over 150 pounds.
It has a great overall size and feel, and the bike itself was very lightweight. A great buy for the budget biker looking for a decent mountain bike for the long term.
4 ) Hyper Shocker 26″ 18-Speed Men’s Mountain Bike
I had an awesome time with the mountain bike! It was super easy to assemble, and I really loved using the Hyper Shocker on the tougher trails.
The bike felt really sturdy going downhill, thanks to its steel frame and front suspension fork. Plus, I had a blast cruising at a faster pace with its 18-speed gears.
You’ll also love how this bike smoothly handles gravel and rough trails, thanks to its dual suspension. It’s perfect for regular use and provides excellent comfort.
It has a strong frame, given the fact that it is made of HiTensile, which is a form of steel. With a deluxe padded seat and alloy quick-release seat clamp, you will never regret placing your behind on it for long hours.
It is a nice choice for starters, but it may not be the perfect fit for everyone.
I was never really a huge fan of the whirlwind until I rode this one. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised that this mountain bike was easy to handle.
It’s a 21-speed aluminum bike with easy-action grip shifters and has 26” wheels with linear pull, disc brakes, and a rear Shimano Derailleur for the big hills. It had an overstuffed springer-style saddle seat, which I didn’t need to replace for comfort.
The brakes were excellent (almost a first), and when you’re cruising downhill on a mountain, you really need great brake control for speed regulation.
I found I actually missed my whirlwind when I moved on to the next bike to review.
6 ) Cycle Force Men’s Dual Suspension Mountain Bikes
You’ll love that this bike comes 98% assembled and includes basic assembly tools.
The Cycle Force features a steel dual suspension frame with a suspension fork. It is a sturdy pick and can handle long miles, even on rough terrains.
It isn’t very sporty-looking, but it handles well on challenging terrain. This bike has a 26” wheel with 18-speed twist shifters that make it extremely pleasant to ride. Additionally, there are custom decals available for you to customize your bike according to your liking.
However, it may not be suitable for a grown man over 6 ft as the frame and pedals seem better suited for kids or teenagers.
7 ) Merax FT323 21 Speed Full Suspension MTB Bicycle
This bike is made from heat-treated alloy and is a 21-speed mountain bike with full suspension and an aluminum frame. The dual suspension design helps to give you a smoother ride and better handling on hills.
The wheels are 26”, and the bike has a front and rear linear v-pull braking system.
This bicycle is mostly assembled and any remaining assembly can be easily completed using the manual. Additionally, helpful instructions are available on their website or through instructional videos created by independent users on YouTube.
I really like this bike! It looks nice and you can tell there’s quality and thought in the design, style, and parts. The only challenge I faced was leaning when going downhill, which is something I love doing while taking turns on the road.
This was still an amazing bike for the price and well worth the buy.
8 ) Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bikes
I have to admit I was a little hesitant about getting this bike. There were many bad reviews online, especially about the handlebars and chain braking.
Luckily, I had nothing to worry about other than the tedious assembly process when it first came. I opted for the 21-speed and went ahead with 26” wheels for superior all-round performance.
Unlike the other bikes, the Schwinn High Timber comes in several color options to choose from. Let me say I have always been a fan of Schwinn bikes. Although I know and trust the brand, this bike is not their best.
Although the bike is strong, comfortable, and high-performing it has two major design flaws. One is its weak brakes, and the second is the difficulty assembling it.
Overall it’s a great bike for the price but I will suggest changing the brakes for serious biking.
Next up on our list is an excellent all-rounder mountain bike made to suit the needs of modern women who want something personal, strong, and stylish on their mountain biking trip. This Mountain Bike has a steel frame and 26” tires with a linear-pull braking system. It’s an 18-speed with a twist-shift and front suspension and a Shimano rear derailleur.
I was weary after the Schwinn bike took so much effort to put together. However, the Roadmaster was easy to assemble, and I did not encounter any break or handlebar issues like the reviews suggested I would.
But that does not mean everything was perfect. It would be great if they could improve package handling, especially for bicycles, to prevent damage during transit.
I like the way it looked assembled, but I’m 5’4”, and this was a little big for me. It handled well, but the seat alone made me not want to ride for very long.
So it’s a good buy considering its specs but definitely replace the seat for the most comfort.
10 ) BESPORTBLE Mountain Bike with Aluminum Frame Suspension
The next one on our affordable bike number is the Besportble Mountain bike. It has an excellent derailleur system that makes it easy to control and maneuver on steep downhill rides.
You’ll love how easy it is to adjust the gears on this bike, making your ride smooth and comfortable. Plus, thanks to Shimano’s 21-speed gearbox, you can ride with confidence knowing your bike is up for any challenge.
This mountain bike is a 21-speed with aluminum framing and alloy wheels. It has mechanical disc brakes and has front suspension. Another good thing about this bike is that there is a PP water bottle that comes with it, so you will never be dehydrated on your ride.
The alloy disc brakes work fantastically and stop without harsh squealing or bumps. It is pretty easy to assemble and comes with repair tools for future use. It has an attractive sporty look and guarantees a comfortable ride.
Okay here’s another one of my favorites. This mountain bike is an 18-speed with an index shifter (my personal favorite shifter) that runs fast and has great performance on trails.
The bike features a dual suspension frame, dual fork, alloy linear-pull brakes integrated with Shimano derailleur, and a 3-piece crank.
I enjoyed using this bike so much that I ordered two more for my nieces. It handles very well, and the brakes work excellently, even in wet and muddy conditions.
Bravo to the designer of this bike, it was a unanimous favorite and a real crowd-pleaser. Whatever your biking needs are, the Huffy Trail Runner has it all!
The Krusher Dynacraft comes with a full-suspension mountain bike frame. It is sturdy and can handle rough terrains. It features an 18-speed Shimano derailleur with Shimano grip shifters for a smooth rider experience.
The bike performs well in extreme terrain without breaking down, making it a reliable choice for any adventure. You might think a bike at this price might not be so great for serious off-road riding. But, I have tested it with my team of testers through different terrains, and it worked out just fine.
The Krusher Dynacraft is a very popular bike and quite a nice deal for this price range. The V-brakes on both the front and rear perform smoothly and consistently, without causing any wear and tear to the rims over time.
The bike has an adjustable seat post, which is definitely something to be grateful for. You’ll love this bike on your next adventure!
13 ) Mongoose 27.5″ R4054WMC Ledge Trail Mountain Bike
This bike features a 27.5” wheel, 21-speed alloy wheels, and linear brakes on both the front and rear. It also comes with a 3-piece crank and Shimano Derailleur.
It has dual suspension and navigates quite well. This one was a little harder for me to steer but it handled very well both on and off the trail.
Assembly was easy and I would highly recommend this bike. Although, some testers with larger feet complained about scraping while pedaling. This bike was higher up than I was expecting but the seat was easily adjusted and it worked great with heavier weight than some of the other light frames.
All in all a very sturdy bike for the price and a great buy. If you’re a broad man or a heavier-set person, this is a great bike. It’s lightweight and sturdy on most terrain. Very exceptional!
We saved the best for last unless you are among the many who prefer not to use folding bikes. No assembly is required, only minor adjustments such as seat and chain resistance if you want.
The overall look of the bike is sleek, and it’s graceful even on rough terrain. But it’s really all the thought and attention to detail that went into the design of this bike that makes it my number one pick.
This 21-speed lightweight foldable mountain bike is made of carbon steel and has 26” dual spoke wheels with wide knob tires. There’s an indexed Ace TT rear derailleur combined with a micro-shift twist.
High-quality age-resistant rubber and aluminum were used. Everything about this bike was designed for an amazing ride and a great look to boot.
The brakes are fantastic and it’s a breeze going uphill and downhill both on and off the road—a superb ride and bike. I have to brag about the lean and the size of this mountain bike. I can weave so easily in and out of traffic and around turns that it’s become My #1 pick for the foldable mountain bike and the only one on this list. A great buy for the price range!
Finding some of the best mountain bikes under $200 can be a huge undertaking. While there are many highly-rated bikes on the market, they are far from being affordable.
When looking for an affordable mountain bike that is strong, stylish, and durable, it’s important to answer a few key questions.
What would you do with your mountain bike? Would you use it for downhill, enduro, trail biking, cross country, off-road touring, recreation, or light exercise in the park? How much and how far would you be using this bike; for example, on a weekly basis, daily, and distance?
Based on them you then need to consider key things like the suspension, wheel size, frame material, gears and braking, construction, frame size, and traction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are mountain bikes so expensive?
Ans: Modern mountain bikes are equipped with a ton of safety and performance equipment like the front shock, rear suspension, better tires, and efficient braking system. To handle more challenging terrains, they have heavy durable frames and expensive components that can take quite an abuse.
Mountain bikes may look like any other type of bike from the outside, but they offer better control, increased safety, and smoother gear transitions. However, the reason why mountain bikes tend to be more expensive is due to their enhanced safety features.
Q. How much is a decent mountain bike?
Ans: The average cost for most decent mountain bikes ranges somewhere between $500 to $1200. For anything more than that, you are mostly paying for the brand value. Similarly, if you are paying anything less you might buy a less safe mountain bike 5 out of 10 times if you don’t know what to look for.
You may find some decent mountain bikes under $200 or $ 300, but they are extremely hard to find and usually lack in one thing or another: style, build quality, safety, comfort, and durability. So if you don’t have much experience riding mountain bikes go ask an expert, do some research, or be ready to pay more.
Q. What is the best cheapest mountain bike?
Ans: No one bike is one size fits all. They are mostly the ones that may be best for most, but not all riders. Since mountain bikes vary based on gender, terrain, and size, buy one that fits your needs. But if I had to choose one for myself, I would pick Genesis 26″ Whirlwind Women’s Mountain Bike.
It is a great companion for women looking for a beginner-friendly stylish mountain bike. This is a strong bike smooth on gears, durable, and is easy to control with knobby tires to ensure a great grip on the trails.
Would you choose mountain bikes over other cycling options?
Kaye is a mother of two boys who is on a mission to improve her physical and mental well-being. With a passion for trying new beauty products and stacking her supplement intake, Kaye is always eager to discover new ways to enhance her lifestyle.
Useful list for those looking for a mountain bike.
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