Best Cheap Mountain Bikes

Our Top Pick

Rockhopper 29

Specialized Rockhopper 29 Review

Our Picks
Rockhopper 29

Specialized Rockhopper 29 Review


Pros:

  • 29-inch wheels for greater traction and a less bumpy ride.
  • Shimano mechanical disc brakes.
  • Front suspension fork with hydraulic lockout to conserve energy on flat surfaces.
  • Light and nimble, users say.
  • Smooth shifting among 24 speeds and quick acceleration.
  • Tackles most rough trails and is very responsive.


Cons:

  • At the very top of Cheapism's $500 budget.
  • Typically found only in local bike shops or online to ship to a bike shop.


Takeaway: The Specialized Rockhopper 29 comes from a well-known, well-respected brand that makes mostly high-end bikes. This lower-priced model doesn't sacrifice quality parts. Users praise this hardtail bike for its responsiveness on even the toughest rides. While it's currently a smidge over the $500 mark, reviews suggest it's worth the price.

Diamondback Overdrive


Pros:

  • Mechanical disc brakes.
  • More widely available than many other brands -- can even be purchased online.
  • Users report smooth braking and gear shifting, with 24 speeds.
  • Handles rugged terrain with ease.
  • Experts are especially impressed with the traction on the 27.5" tires and the doublewall rims (relatively rare in the price range), which make the wheels even sturdier.


Cons:

  • Several gripes about an uncomfortable seat.


Takeaway: The Diamondback Overdrive is easy to find -- which is unusual for the category. It's available on Amazon and at REI, as well as big-box stores and smaller local bike shops. With a smooth ride and nice features for the price, this budget hardtail comes highly recommended by users and experts alike.

Trek Skye S

Trek Skye S Review


Pros:

  • Mechanical disc brakes.
  • Choice of 27.5- or 29-inch wheels.
  • Front suspension fork with hydraulic lockout to conserve energy on flat surfaces.
  • Durable structure, sturdy frame, and quality craftsmanship for which the Trek brand is known.
  • Highly rated by users, who say it provides a smooth ride over rocky trails or on flat pavement, no matter the weather.
  • Saddle is said to be comfortable for long rides.


Cons:

  • Available only from approved Trek retailers.
  • Price approaching $500.


Takeaway: For consumers seeking a mountain bike specifically made for women, the Trek Skye S garners few complaints, and glowing reviews abound. Many users say the comfortable saddle and suspension on this hardtail bike have them riding more than ever. The price tag may seem a bit steep, but the bike feels like it's made for a lifetime. Consumers who want to save a few bucks can check out the Trek Skye for about $50 less -- but expect rim brakes instead of mechanical disc brakes and a few other downgrades.

Diamondback Octane 24


Pros:

  • Easy for young riders to operate, most buyers say, with 24-inch tires and an aluminum frame sized for kids about 8 to 11.
  • Provides a smooth, quiet ride and handles light trails and bumps without a problem.
  • Available at many retail outlets.
  • Easy to assemble.


Cons:

  • On the pricey side for a youth bike.
  • Cheaper V-brakes, although they're easier for kids to control than disc brakes.
  • Reports of gears and knobs sticking.


Takeaway: The Diamondback Octane 24 is a good-looking, reputable bike that's easy to put together and use. For kids who are a little more serious about mountain biking, this is a starter bike that will hold up better than the average disposable model from a big-box or department store. There's also a 20-inch version for smaller riders (starting around $245).

Giant ATX 2

Giant ATX 2 Review


Pros:

  • Mechanical disc brakes.
  • Lightweight aluminum frame stands out as being very good for the price and comes in a wide range of sizes, starting at 12.5" XXS.
  • Brakes and gears have a "superior" feel, according to reviews.
  • Users say this is an excellent hardtail bike for beginners that can provide a great ride on tough terrain or paved roads.


Cons:

  • A few mentions of the gear chain sticking.
  • Several users assert that regular maintenance is especially important with this model.


Takeaway: A solid choice for a starter mountain bike from a brand known for both high-end excellence and affordable value, the Giant ATX 2 has entry-level parts that work well together to provide a smooth ride and quality feel. With regular maintenance, this budget mountain bike will not disappoint.

Nashbar AT29


Pros:

  • 29-inch wheels.
  • Mechanical disc brakes.
  • Front suspension fork with hydraulic lockout to conserve energy on flat surfaces.
  • Very inexpensive given the impressive specs.
  • Covers gravel paths and uneven trails very well and handles rocks and tree roots with ease, users say.
  • Some appreciate the understated "stealth" look of the relatively sticker-free -- and sturdy -- aluminum frame.


Cons:

  • A few users report that the brakes require a lot of force.
  • The suspension may not suit riders over 200 pounds.
  • Hard to find online in any size other than medium.


Takeaway: The Nashbar AT29 is considered a reliable workhorse. It's easy to assemble and use, even on bumpy trails, and strong enough to attach a hitch for carting the kids (or any other kit) around. Despite entry-level parts and a few issues with the brakes, most users find this a solid 29er that's much cheaper than similar models from big-name brands.

Genesis V2100

26" Genesis V2100 Review


Pros:

  • Incredibly cheap price.
  • Mechanical disc brakes in front.
  • Users appreciate having the rear shock.
  • Good basic bike for those looking to add their own improvements.


Cons:

  • Comes in only one size: 19 inches.
  • Some reviewers say the seat isn't very comfortable, but that's easy and cheap to fix.
  • A few reports of the rear brakes slipping and needing an inexpensive adjustment.


Takeaway: Many experts warn against buying a full-suspension bike under $1,000, because it will most likely be heavy and made of poor-quality parts, but the Genesis V2100 seems to buck that trend. Many frugal mountain biking enthusiasts say this bike performs surprisingly well for the price and provides a good base for upgrades. (If this super-cheap model is sold out at Walmart, consider the Kent Thruster KZ2600, which comes from the same manufacturer and has nearly identical specs. Priced at $200, it's a best-seller on Amazon, and available from retailers like Target, Kohl's, and Sears.)

Titan Pioneer 26"

Titan Pioneer 26" Review


Pros:

  • The most widely available budget mountain bike we researched.


Cons:

  • Heavy steel frame.
  • Comes in only one size: 18 inches.
  • Poor overall quality, according to reviews.
  • Gears are hard (and loud) to shift, and some users report issues with gears shifting on their own.
  • Brakes are said to squeak.
  • Parts like the pedals break easily.


Takeaway: While the Titan Pioneer might seem like a great deal, reviews suggest it's a cheap bike with poor quality parts that will likely need to be fixed within months or, in some cases, completely replaced. There are much better options for those willing to dig a little deeper.

Buying Guide

Choosing a Mountain Bike

In the past, cheap mountain bikes featured few speeds and many parts borrowed from lighter, faster bikes intended to be ridden on pavement. They were also hard to find and primarily marketed to enthusiasts who couldn't afford even an entry-level model from a big name, many of which cost well into the thousands. But mountain bikes have become much more versatile, affordable, and accessible for consumers just learning to ride the trails, embarking on a fitness routine, or simply commuting to work or school. Our analysis of features and online reviews shows that riders who aren't ready to spend a fortune on a featherweight, carbon-fiber bike with state-of-the-art geometry can find a good mountain bike for $150 to $500. Experts warn against spending less than that, though, because at super-low prices, the parts aren't likely to hold up or provide much riding comfort.


One of the best entry-level mountain bikes on the market today is the Specialized Rockhopper 29 (starting around $525). Although it's a smidge over our price ceiling of $500, it appeals to more discerning riders with a widely respected brand name and a full array of top-notch components, including large, 29-inch wheels. For beginners looking for an inexpensive bike that's more readily available, another top choice is the Diamondback Overdrive (starting around $400). Its specs are quite similar -- although it sports smaller, 27.5-inch wheels -- and it earns raves from consumers and experts.


Two other highly praised discount mountain bikes are the Giant ATX 2 (starting around $415), with 27.5-inch wheels, and the Nashbar AT29 (starting around $400). Want to spend even less? Although the quality choices are slim, the 26" Genesis V2100 (starting around $149) can be found at Walmart stores and has made it to many lists of the best mountain bikes under $200. Its smaller, 26-inch wheels and a somewhat dubious claim of "full suspension" make it better suited for lighter recreational trail riding than more rugged off-roading, but users generally say it's a real value and a good base bike for add-ons and improvements.


One cheap mountain bike to steer away from is the Titan Pioneer 26" (starting around $169). While also widely available, it seems to have more than its share of quality issues. Reviews everywhere complain of broken parts (more than one cites pedals that actually broke off), and a generally poor build -- not to mention a meager 12 speeds and heavy steel body.


Mid-range mountain bikes run about $1,000 to $3,000, and the price for a truly top-of-the-line bike extends all the way to $10,000 and up. The bikes in these brackets sometimes boast components like powerful hydraulic brakes, full suspension (meaning that they have shock absorbers on the front and rear), and more gear ratios to help with pedaling uphill. Regardless whether they tout the full range of amenities, they tend to be lighter and more durable than lower-priced models and deliver better performance.


Women's Mountain Bikes

Most of the top picks on our list, with the exception of the Genesis V2100, come in a range of frame sizes and could be considered unisex or non-gender-specific, but there are select women's bikes. The difference between men's and women's mountain bikes is subtle. Mountain bikes designed for women have a shorter top tube to accommodate a shorter torso. They also feature narrower handlebars and wider seats, but the critical features remain the same. Our top pick for a cheap women's mountain bike is the Trek Skye S (starting around $490). If that price is too high, look to the regular Trek Skye (starting around $440), which has rim brakes instead of mechanical disc brakes (see below).


Mountain Bikes for Kids

Kids' bikes are built for young riders with smaller physiques and less experience. In this segment, we like the Diamondback Octane 24 (starting around $300). Despite a few quibbles about build quality, this mountain bike is a good value for kids about 8 to 11. It gives a comfortable ride, survives spills, and can take curb jumps and moderate off-road riding. For those who want to take the kids out on the trails without spending a fortune on a bike that's going to be quickly outgrown, this cheap mountain bike is a solid choice. There's also a smaller version, the Octane 20, that's suited for kids between about 7 to 9 years old (starting around $245).


Where to Buy Cheap Mountain Bikes

The Diamondback mountain bikes on our list are widely available at chains such as REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Walmart, but many mountain bike brands -- particularly from higher-end names -- are generally found in specialty bike shops rather than the general retailers and big-box stores that carry cheaper models. Also, since bike shops typically don't have the floor space to stock and display that many models, some bikes must be ordered from the manufacturer and shipped either directly to consumers or to local authorized bike dealers for pickup.


A few models can be found on Amazon or via other online bike merchants. Although online shopping widens the selection considerably, the downsides of an online purchase are the possibility of shipping damage -- a complaint that sometimes surfaces in mountain bike reviews -- and the DIY assembly. Regardless where you buy the bike and who puts it together, experts recommend a professional tuneup; minor tweaks will likely be necessary before you're ready to hit the road or trail.


Mountain Bike Reviews: What We Considered


Demand for mountain bikes has increased over time due to the real advantages this style of bike offers. While mountain bikes of any price aren't designed to be fast, the trade-off is greater durability and a more comfortable riding position. Riders sit higher and more upright on a mountain bike than on a road bike, making it often a better option for people with back problems.


These days there is a plethora of information available on mountain bikes, literally hundreds of different models, and scores of reviews from both experts and consumers. In researching our picks, we favored reviews from sources like Bike Radar, MTBR, and Singletracks, where staff experts are familiar with a wide array of bikes and know what features are necessary for a superior ride. We also sifted through countless reviews and comments in biking forums from consumers, ranging from beginners to expert riders, to get a feel for what works and what doesn't in the budget bikes we picked. This proved valuable in researching picks like the Trek Skye S women's mountain bike, which garners few expert reviews but glowing feedback from users.


The consensus in the mountain bike reviews we read is that the models we chose deliver decent, if not pretty darn impressive, overall performance and durability within the constraints of their budget prices. These entry-level models are not engineered for daredevil stunts or hardcore shredding, but for light to moderate off-roading and travel along paved surfaces, they hold their own.


Suspension

Suspension is one of the features that sets a mountain bike apart from other types of bikes. The suspension makes riding on rough terrain smoother and more comfortable by absorbing some of the shock. Reviews warn, however, that the low-quality suspension on some budget models doesn't sufficiently protect the body against painful jolts and jarring. Our research shows that you don't have to spend big bucks to buy a mountain bike with adequate suspension.


Bikes with front-only suspension, also called hardtails, are extremely common and especially prevalent on the budget end of the market. Most of the mountain bikes on our list, including the top-choice Specialized Rockhopper 29 and Diamondback Overdrive 27.5, are front-suspension mountain bikes that users value for their smooth ride. The Rockhopper and Nashbar AT29, along with the women's Trek Skye S, also feature hydraulic lockout on their forks, which means suspension can be turned off when riding on pavement or in other situations, like climbing, where a rigid ride would be more efficient.


Dual- or full-suspension mountain bikes, which feature shock absorbers for both the front and back wheels, are also becoming more common but are for the most part reserved for the mid-range to high end. Here, especially, heed the experts who say that cheap suspension can actually make a bike's performance worse, due to added weight and other issues. While the dual suspension on the ultra-budget 26" Genesis V2100 seems to be a plus, for instance, one enthusiast who has generally positive things to say about the bike on Amazon mentions that the recoil from the rear shock can actually throw the rider from the seat.


If you're on a budget but full suspension is a must-have feature, take a look at the Diamondback Recoil 29 (starting around $600), one of the best full-suspension mountain bikes under $1,000. In addition to dual suspension, the bike features 29-inch wheels and mechanical disc brakes. In reviews on Amazon, users comment that this is an excellent full-suspension bike for riders just beginning to get more serious about mountain biking. It provides a comfortable ride, and at only about 30 pounds, it's lighter than many others in the category. A couple of more seasoned riders suggest that the coil shock in the rear could be upgraded, but it should serve the average rider well.


A final note on suspension: Pay attention to the brand name on the suspension forks, the part that has the greatest effect on the quality of the ride. A fork that doesn't provide proper travel or that doesn't have enough compression damping means a rough ride. Forks from sought-after brands like Fox and RockShox can cost more than $1,000 alone. On the budget end, the most common respected brand is Suntour. If a bike's specs don't list a fork manufacturer, it's usually a sign that corners have been cut and the quality of this component might be in question. This is the case with both bikes on our list that sell for less than $200, the Genesis V2100 and the Titan Pioneer. Although the Genesis has enough positives to make it a great value overall, the front fork is one of the first things buyers talk about switching out.


Frame

The two most common materials used for inexpensive mountain bike frames are steel and aluminum (on the higher end, carbon fiber and titanium alloy also become options). Although some consumers might believe a heavier bike is sturdier, steel (comparatively heavy) and aluminum (comparatively light) can be just about equally durable.


However, there are pros and cons to each material. Heavier steel bikes move more slowly, require more effort to ride, and are generally more arduous to store and carry. Experts and users agree that aluminum, with its lighter weight, is superior on these fronts. Additionally, aluminum doesn't rust, which means less maintenance. On the other hand, a steel mountain bike frame may provide the smoother ride, because it's naturally more flexible, making bumps on the trail a little less jarring.


All our picks feature an aluminum frame, which is becoming the norm and is usually a sign that a budget bike has better quality parts all around. The Titan Pioneer is the only mountain bike we reviewed with a steel frame, and it gets a fair share of complaints from users at Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Amazon regarding poorly made parts, such as gear shifters that are hard to operate, squeaking brakes, and pedals that snap.


Choosing the right frame size for your height is of the utmost importance. Some frame sizes for mountain bikes -- for example, 23-inch-frame mountain bikes (this measurement refers to the seat tube length) and 14-inch-frame men's mountain bikes -- are harder to find than others. Our top choice, the Specialized Rockhopper 29, has riders covered on both ends, with its smallest size measuring 13 inches and its XXL size going all the way up to 23 inches. The Giant ATX 2 is also suitable for smaller riders, offering a 12.5-inch XXS size; it tops out at 22 inches. The Genesis V2100 and Titan Pioneer are single-size men's bikes, with a 19-inch frame on the former and an 18-inch frame on the latter.


Brakes

While there are many variations of mountain bike brakes, most budget models come equipped with one of two options: rim brakes or disc brakes. V-brakes, a type of rim brakes (also called direct-pull or linear-pull brakes), are most common, especially on cheap mountain bikes. They work by pulling on a cable that presses padded calipers on the rim of the bike wheel. These mountain bike brakes are cheaper and lighter weight than disc brakes and less prone to locking up a tire if applied suddenly, but they're also less reliable, especially in wet or muddy conditions. Not surprisingly, the Titan Pioneer and the kids' Diamondback Octane have V-brakes. The inexpensive Genesis V2100 features a rather odd combination of rear V-brakes and front disc brakes.


Disc brakes work much like those on your car; that is, calipers press against a rotor (disc) attached to the hub of the wheel to slow the bike. According to Cycling Weekly, they're heavier than V-brakes but gaining ground with riders for their superior technology, which allows for greater modulation and more powerful braking.


Disc brakes are becoming increasingly common on budget mountain bikes, and most of our top picks have them. There are two types: mechanical and hydraulic. The Specialized Rockhopper 29 has mechanical disc brakes from highly esteemed parts manufacturer Shimano, while the others carry Tektro brakes, which are also considered among the best mechanical disc brakes for mountain bikes. The Promax front disc brakes on the Genesis V2100 are about the quality to be expected on a basic bike.


Hydraulic brakes are much pricier, because they operate on a different system altogether. With this sealed fluid system braking is easier to modulate and has a better feel and more power. The downside to this system is price, and it's much more difficult even for fairly knowledgeable riders to maintain and fix hydraulic brakes themselves. There aren't many cheap mountain bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. One affordable model we would recommend is the GT Verb Comp (starting around $1,080). With upscale parts, including proprietary All Terra shocks (the rear shock is air sprung, making it lighter and more easily adjustable than the cheaper coil shock on the inexpensive Diamondback Recoil 29), the GT Verb Comp is considered one of the best cheap full-suspension mountain bikes out there. User reviews are all quite positive, with one buyer on retailer Performance Bicycle's website saying simply, "Perfect. It doesn't get any better."


Tire Size

In years past, the standard mountain bike tire size for adult models was 26 inches. Smaller tires are generally available only on children's bikes, although women's bikes occasionally come with 24-inch tires. A recent development in mountain bike tires is the introduction of 29ers -- bikes with 29-inch tires. These used to be confined to the high end, but models with 29-inch tires have now trickled down to the budget price range. The Nashbar AT29 is a particularly cheap 29er mountain bike at just $400.


When it comes to 26- vs. 29-inch wheels on mountain bikes, the benefit of the bigger tires is that they roll over obstacles more easily, making the ride less bumpy, and they tend to have better ground grip due to their larger surface area. As a compromise between the two, a popular tire size in budget mountain bikes is 27.5 inches. These tires are lighter, cheaper, and accelerate faster than 29-inch tires, and while they can't match the larger wheels for grip, they've got better traction than 26-inch tires.


Gears/Speeds

Speeds refer to the different combinations bicycle riders can achieve with the gears on the rear wheel hub (the cassette) and the gears (chainrings) on the crankset, where the pedals are located. With multiple speeds, riders can easily adjust the amount of power needed to move the bike forward, providing a more efficient and more comfortable ride. There's no one right speed for everyone in a given situation, so finding the gear combination that's comfortable for each individual rider takes some trial and error. This is especially important when it comes to mountain bikes, because pedaling up and down hills and across varying terrain requires many different gear ratios. More speeds allow more control.


All our adult-size top picks feature 21 to 24 speeds, or gear combinations (although in practice only about two-thirds get used). The Titan Pioneer offers a lackluster 12 speeds. Again, this is a moment to pay attention to brand names, as the manufacturer of the derailleurs can make all the difference between effortless transition among speeds and gear shifting that's a constant struggle. Shimano is among the industry leaders (alongside SRAM and Campagnolo) and all our top picks make use of the brand for both front shifting between chainrings and the all-important rear derailleur charged with lifting the chain and moving it to the appropriate cog. Again, the Titan Pioneer is an outlier.


Different Types of Mountain Bikes

While "standard" trail mountain bikes and cross-country mountain bikes make up our top picks, we also spent some time looking at fat tire bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes, and downhill bikes. While some of these mountain bikes are priced outside of our Cheapism price range, we did find a few relatively affordable models for consumers looking to expand their options -- or keep up with the latest trends -- without breaking the bank.


Hybrid mountain bikes could be considered jacks of all trades. They can tackle pavement, trails, and loose gravel, according to an REI buying guide. Wheel size isn't as big a factor with these bikes; most have 700c wheels (about 28 inches). They often have rim brakes, but disc brakes are ideal, and front suspension is the going style.


While a host of cheap bikes claim to do double duty, mountain bike enthusiasts looking for an affordable bike that takes off-roading as seriously as commuting might turn to the Fuji Traverse 1.7 Disc (starting around $499). This "sport hybrid" comes from a well-respected brand and has a butted aluminum frame, mechanical disc brakes, 24-speeds, and slightly wider 700 x 38c wheels. Riders posting reviews on Performance Bicycle say the Fuji Traverse 1.7 is lightweight and report a smooth ride no matter the surface area. Fuji's entire Traverse line turns in great performance for the price, according to testers at Icebike.org, who give it a "top notch" rating of 9 out of 10 stars. The Traverse 1.7 comes in six different sizes, including a 15-inch (XS) frame, and there's also a specific women's version available for the same price.


Fat tire mountain bikes, or fat bikes, have bigger-than-average tires with low pressure to provide extra traction in sand, loose dirt, and snow. They are designed for going off the beaten trail or commuting in wintery climates, and they've also become a staple of the beachfront scene. A good cheap choice here is the 26" GMC Yukon Fat Bike (starting around $467) with 26-by-4-inch tires. Users agree that this is a fun bike to ride, and several comment on how well it performs in snow as deep as 6 inches. According to a few seasoned riders posting on Amazon, this is a good beginner's fat tire bike that needs a few adjustments but overall provides a unique riding experience.


Electric mountain bikes are sometimes dismissed by biking purists or critics who aren't entirely aware of how they work. Some, indeed, might be considered mini-mopeds of sorts, allowing the rider to coast along, feet up and fancy free. But most models geared toward more serious mountain bikers are pedal-assist bikes -- by and large regular mountain bikes with electrical components that require the rider to keep the pedals moving in order to engage the motor and get that extra bit of electrically generated push. There's no denying that electric bikes have their share of positive attributes when it comes to fun, convenience, and, perhaps most important, opening up greater possibilities to senior riders or others who may not be able to fully, or continuously, operate a mountain bike on their own.


While the debate over so-called e-MTBs rages on -- particularly in regard to their use on trails -- They continue to grow in popularity and many major bike manufacturers have started producing their own models. Prices on most electric mountain bikes fall well outside of the Cheapism range. That said, one affordable example is the X-Treme Trail Maker (starting around $849). This model, from electric bike and scooter manufacturer X-treme Scooters, comes equipped with a rear hub motor and a removable 300-watt battery pack. The bike can operate three different ways: in pedal-only mode, PAS (power assist) mode, or a straight Power mode that requires no pedaling at all. Users can expect to get 20 to 25 miles per charge out of the battery, and max speed is about 20 mph. Other than the added motor, the bike's geometry is that of a traditional mountain bike with 26-inch wheels, an aluminum body, and 21 speeds. This model comes highly recommended by professional reviewers, sellers, and users alike, who are impressed with the quality parts despite the relatively low price and the sturdy ride. Ease of assembly and customer service don't earn equally high marks, however.


Downhill mountain bikes, or gravity bikes, are the furthest away from the Cheapism cost ceiling. Prices typically start around $2,000 and go up from there. The downhill bike occupies a particularly specialized niche, and as reviewers at Dirt Mountain Bike point out, this type of bike is useless to most average riders. Its main purpose is to go downhill at incredibly fast speeds. It has more suspension and technology to help it do this in a safe and fast manner, but pedaling such a bike uphill, on pavement, or on a trail is just not ideal. The technology involved in these bikes (as well as the price associated with it) and the fact that they aren't suitable for most riders who aren't looking to fly down cliff faces have excluded them from our list.