Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 to Get in 2023
It’s easy to get way into the weeds while bike shopping, but buying a mountain bike doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of entry-level models out there to fit all budgets, and even though they’re priced lower than their high-end counterparts, they’ll still last most riders at least a few seasons on moderate trails and gravel roads.
Finding a mountain bike under a strict budget could be tricky since these products often compromise quality. However, you are lucky enough since many trusted brands today are introducing top-quality MTBs with reasonable price tags.
Moreover, it is critical to figure out whether a particular bike serves your purpose or not. The requirements for the suspension system, types of brakes, geometry, and power varies from rider to rider.
- Great Hardtail heat-treated frame
- Reliable mechanical brakes
- Beautiful aesthetics
- Shimano components
- 21-speed Shimano drivetrain
- Dual handbrakes for full control
- Lightweight construction
- Dual suspension
- Knobby thick tires
- Adjustable handlebars & seat height
- Soft front suspension.
- Excellent construction quality
Our Buying Guide for Best Mountain Bikes Under $500
We started with a thorough online research by identifying the best Mountain bikes in our price range. We went through the manufacturers’ website of selected bikes to understand the complete process of building the bike and the underlying technology.
We look into the components used and the quality materials used and the time spent to get the best precision and comfort when delivered.
Our reviews focus on the weight of the bike, the price range of the bike, brake technology, number of gears and quality of the wiring. We also looks at all reviews irrespective of being positive or negative, geometry of the bike along with a few more characteristics.
How We Reviewed Best Mountain Bikes Under 500
To make sure that you get the best quality MTB, our team dedicated their time to research. We spoke to various local shops selling mountain bikes and also several online MTB sellers.
Beyond the sellers, we also spoke with active riders of the bikes. More than 30 mountain bikes along with their features were researched by our bike experts. They spent over 180+ hours and have completed evaluating these bikes after comparing them with every other product available.
This research effort concluded with the 5 best mountain bikes under $500 and those results are immediately below. Have fun!
Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike
Specifications:
- Wheel Size: 29 inches
- Bike Type: Mountain Bike
- Special Feature: Aluminum Frame
Vilano Blackjack 3.0, a mountain bike that boasts of Shimano components, is our next choice for the best mountain bike under $500.The reason why this bike is part of the list is its quality. With a heat-treated aluminum-alloy double-walled frame and low-level but trusted Shimano components, the bike promises stable performance for the years to come.
Our Verdict:
Vilano Blackjack 3.0 with Shimano components and hardtail frame is one the best combination of price and quality you can find under $500. Its double-disc mechanical brakes and a 21-speed drivetrain with Shimano EZ micro-shifters promise the unmatched stability and safety of the riders on challenging off-road rides.
Kent KZ2600 MTB Mountain Bike
Specifications:
- Wheel Size: 26 inches
- Bike Type: Mountain Bike
- Special Feature: Aluminum Frame
KentKZ2600, with 26-inch wheels and a dual suspension system, is another exciting option under $500.Since it comes in the smallest wheel size-26-inch, a higher suspension is incorporated around both front and rear wheels.With a 90mm travel, the bike’s dual suspension soaks all the bumps and shocks, making your off-road rides as smooth as the on-road ones.
Our Verdict:
Kent KZ2600 with full suspension and dual brakes is an entry-level mountain bike. With smaller size wheels, excellent brake control, and lightweight construction, this is undoubtedly an easy-to-handle MTB for kids and teenagers who are new to off-roading.
Huffy Stone Women’s Mountain Bike
Specifications:
- Wheel Size: 26 inches
- Bike Type: Mountain Bike
- Special Feature: Lightweight
Hardtail Mountain bikes are manageable, affordable, and more nimble than full-suspension bikes and therefore are getting popular these days.Huffy Stone Mountain Bike with 26-inch wheels is a moderate option for riders with heights between 5’ to 5’7”. Since it is a hardtail MTB, it features only front suspension with ample travel..
Our Verdict:
Huffy Stone MTB featuring sturdy construction and adjustable geometry is undoubtedly one of the best mountain bikes under $500. With a soft front suspension and linear-pull brakes, this MTB does well for the daily commute, light off-roading, and cross-country rides.
Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike
Specifications:
- Wheel Size: 26 inches
- Bike Type: Mountain Bike
- Special Feature: Fat tire
Riders love fat tires or rigid MTB because of their fewer moving parts, high maneuverability, impressive rollover ability, and easy maintenance. Therefore our list is not complete without a rigid bike, and Mongoose Malus Adult MTB is our next choice.This bike is built to ride on challenging and bumpy terrains and therefore features heavyweight construction for added stability.
Our Verdict:
Mongoose Malus rigid mountain bike with knobby 4-inch fat tire provides unmatched traction, roll-over ability, and stability, making it the best bike for serious off-roading. Although it doesn’t feature premium quality construction, it doesn’t give you the cheapest quality either.
Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike
Specifications:
- Wheel Size: 27.5 Inches
- Bike Type: Mountain Bike
- Special Feature: Lightweight
Schwinn High Timber Mountain bike is an affordable option for taller guys.With a 29-inch wheel size and sturdy steel frame, the bike ensures safety, durability, and stable performance even under challenging circumstances.You can’t really find a professional-grade MTB under this budget, but thankfully Schwinn High Timber combines top-tier construction with advanced features makes the bike an ideal choice for professional riders..
Our Verdict:
Schwinn High Timber MTB is a professional-grade bike that lets you hit the mountain in style. The bike is equipped with highly efficient braking and suspension system that gives you the confidence to take this bike on challenging climbs, descents, and bumpier terrains.
Huffy Hardtail Mountain Trail Bike
Specifications:
- Wheel Size: 27.5 Inches
- Bike Type: Mountain Bike
- Special Feature: Lightweight
Huffy is a trusted brand that has been producing quality hardtail bikes for many years. Our next choice for the best mountain bikes under $500 is the Huffy Escalate Hardtail MTB.Although it is an affordable bike, it doesn’t compromise on quality and features, taking your riding experience to the next level.Depending on the rider’s height, you can choose from various wheel size options like 24-inch, 26-inch, and 27.5 inches..
Our Verdict:
The Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike with a soft front suspension system and the sturdy metal frame is undoubtedly the best mountain bike you can buy for under $500. If you are experienced enough, it’s okay to take this bike to challenging terrains. Since the bike lacks disc brakes, we don’t recommend this bike for newbies.
Mongoose Exlipse Dual Suspension Mountain Bike for Kids
Specifications:
- Wheel Size: 24 Inches
- Bike Type: Mountain Bike
- Special Feature: Lightweight
If you want your kids to excel in mountain and trail riding, it’s your duty to get the best and safest mountain bike in the early years.Mongoose Exlipse with a 15-inch frame and 24-inch wheels make the bike ideal for kids and early year teenagers.What makes the bike ideal for kids is its rugged but lightweight construction.
Our Verdict:
Mongoose Explise mountain bike, with a full suspension system and lightweight construction, is one of the best mountain bikes for kids. Although height is not adjustable, it is ideal for the early years teens and kids between 9-12 years..
Things To Consider While Choosing Mountain Bike Under $500
Although we have provided you with the list of the ten best mountain bikes under $500, it may be still difficult for you to figure out which bike is going to be a perfect fit for you. It is critical to look for what a bike offers to you in different situations you’re into.
Also, barking, gears, and geometry requirements vary from rider to rider, depending on their riding style, terrain types, and level of expertise. To take you out of all this situation, here is a comprehensive guide explaining what you should look for while buying a mountain bike under $500.
Suspension System of Mountain Bike
The suspension system is one of the most critical features when it comes to buying a mountain bike. A suspension system absorbs all the hock and bumps, increases the bike’s life, and makes your ride safe and comfortable.
FAQs
What is a decent mountain bike brand?
Huffy is a decent MTB brand producing premium quality and entry-level mountain bikes for many years. Huffy MTBs feature sturdy steel and aluminum frames and Shimano accessories, making them highly stable and durable. With these bikes, you can explore challenging terrains like a pro.
What is the cheapest full suspension mountain bike?
kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike is undoubtedly the cheapest full suspension bike you can buy today. With 21-speed configurations, lightweight construction, and a dual suspension system, this bike is perfect for the daily commute, light off-roading, and trail-type riding.
Conclusion
We are glad that we could compile this guide for you. Hope this guide helps you in bike purchase. The Schwinn High Timber Youth is our best pick as it has really great engineering works that have gone into the bike which conquers all the off-road paths.
The suspension is great which can bear medium level to extreme level of jerks and rough terrain along with its supreme braking system.
Make sure to list down your requirements before buying the best mountain bike under $500. Match your requirements with the bike’s features and go for it.
Keep Scaling! Keep Riding!
