Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 for Summer 2018
Mountain bikes are specially designed bicycles purposed for off-road cycling. Also known as “all-terrain bikes,” mountain bikes feature an array of performance features intended to enhance the cycling experience on even the roughest terrains.
Generally, mountain bikes feature front-facing full suspensions, comparatively oversized tires, enhanced wheels and brakes, reduced gear ratios for biking up the steeper inclines, and elevated gear ratios for easy ambling down hills and mountains.
The array of enhanced performance features found on mountain bikes make them excellent choices for cycling on any type of terrain, from mountainous paths to unpaved roads, and singletracks
Mountain bikes have evolved in recent times to meet consumer demand for enhanced suspension systems and increased number of sprockets and gears to result in highly optimized performance.
Today’s market features a bevy of mountain bikes at assorted price points and with a multitude of features that cater to beginning cyclists, enthusiasts and even seasoned pros.
Read on below to see the best mountain bikes under $500 for Summer 2018!
Huffy 26″ Men’s Alpine Mountain Bike
Huffy’s 26” Alpine Mountain Bike has been a consumer favorite since its inception on the market. Attractively priced at just $102.10, the Alpine Mountain Bike can be readily had by consumers with a range of budgets.
Finished in a high-gloss midnight blue color with complementary red accents, this sporty bike features a durable hardtail frame along with a variety of user-friendly perks to create a smooth and enjoyable ride on an array of terrains.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 51 x 27 x 8 inches
- Weight: 38.8 pounds
Highlights:
- Sporty design with brightly hued colors creates high visibility in any type of weather conditions
- Effortless shifting via a simple twist to access eighteen different speeds
- Rear-facing indexed derailleur assists smooth gear transitions
- Front and rear steel brakes provide excellent stopping action
- Three piece “Kolo” steel crank
- Weather-resistant and performance enhancing alloy rims
ORKAN 27.5″ Full Suspension Hybrid Mountain Bike
Encompassing value, performance, and eye-catching aesthetics, Orkan’s Full Suspension Mountain Bike continues to top best-seller lists across the internet. Equipped with high-performance Shimano derailleur and suspension forks, this bicycle provides cyclists with a smooth, secure, and exciting ride with excellent stopping power and ultra-precise control.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 49 x 26 x 8 inches
- Weight: 35 pounds
Highlights:
- Shimano manufactured suspension forks ensure a comfortable ride on even the bumpiest terrain
- Eye-catching black and blue color scheme
- Lightweight with very little vibration
- Twenty-one smoothly shifting speeds with precision control and stopping
- Shimano manufactured derailleur
- Adjustable seat can accommodate cyclists from 5’1 to 5’9
- Ergonomic seat for long rides
Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle Women’s Road and Mountain Bike
Designed specifically for women, the Dynacraft Speed Alpine Road and Mountain Bike comes in unique colors such as “glossy grape” and “metallic pool blue.” Packed full of dynamic features, the Speed Alpine bike is notable for its precise stopping action, Kolo 1200 shock-absorbing suspension fork and front and rear-facing linear-style enhanced brakes.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 51 x 27 x 8 inches
- Weight: 34.9 pounds
Highlights:
- Enhanced brakes provide precise stopping action
- Super durable all-steel frame features a brightly hued hardtail accented with stylized red graphics
- Ergonomically designed handgrips reduce fatigue in the hands and wrists
- Comfortable padded saddle-style seat
- Ideal for beginners and expert riders
- Eighteen speeds can be quickly adjusted via thumb shift
Merax Finiss 26″ Aluminum 21 Speed Mountain Bike with Disc Brakes
The Merax Finiss is a super lightweight back fashioned from aluminum. Weighing in at just 32 pounds, this bicycle enables riders to speed along trails and roads effortlessly. Equipped with Specialty Shimano parts such as the 21-speed derailleurs and thumb shifter, rides are pleasant and easy with a high-end feel.
Accentuating the overall smoothness of the ride is the 80mm suspension fork that absorbs shocks and impact while increasing control and stability.
A great value for the money, this bike is well-suited for beginning cyclists and season pros alike.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 52 x 27.5 x 8 inches
- Weight: 33.8 pounds
Highlights:
- Heat Treated Aluminum Frame is exceptionally lightweight
- 26-inch Double Walled design aluminum rims/wheels for smooth and easy rolling
- 80mm suspension fork absorbs impact
- Shimano shifter provides quick and effortless shifting
- Shimano 21-speed derailleurs
- Front and rear mechanical disc brakes
Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle
Mongoose has been building exceptionally well-crafted mountain and road bikes since its early beginnings in 1974. A veritable legend in the cycling industry, Mongoose makes some of the most affordable and performance-oriented bikes around. Their R2780 Impasse bike is beautifully designed in gleaming silver with black accents and thick black tires ready for mountainous terrain.
Advertised by the company as “the ultimate 29er at an affordable price,” this bike is fully equipped with an aluminum suspension and frame, SRAM twist shift controls, front and rear disc brakes, and a high-performance Element front fork.
Heavy-duty and ready to roll, the Mongoose R2780 can go toe to toe with its much higher priced counterparts in the $1,000 and up category.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 57 x 9 x 31 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
Highlights:
- All-aluminum full-suspension frame, this trail-capable bike offers a
- Provides a smooth, precise, and controlled ride through varying terrain
- Element brand front fork
- SRAM twist shifters for effortless shifting
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Shimano gears
Vilano 26″ Mountain Bike Ridge 2.0 MTB 21 Speed Shimano with Disc Brakes
Vilano has been making some of the most unique looking mountain bikes since their initial inception on the market. Favoring a mostly black color with fun splashes of colors like red, yellow, or green, Vilano’s bikes are instantly recognizable buy cycling enthusiasts across the world.
A popular budget/starter mountain bike for students and professionals alike, this bike is a common site on daily commutes across cities and school campuses. Ideal for casual use and light riding, Vilano’s top-selling mountain bike offering encompasses performance, durability, and affordability
The Vilano Ridge 2.0 MTB is a fun looking bike, and perfect for light trail riding, commuting to work, or cruising around campus! This quality entry level mountain bike has plenty of awesome components including the suspension fork (with lockout), mechanical disc brakes, and 21 speeds.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 8 inches
- Weight: 41 pounds
Highlights:
- 26-inch suspension fork with lockout
- Mechanical disc brakes
- 21 variable speeds
- 3-spoke mag wheels
- Double Butted frame – 6061 Aluminum
- Shimano manufactured EF-51 Easyfire 7 speed shifters
- Shimano Tourney TZ50 rear derailleur
- Shimano TZ30 front derailleur
URSTAR 26″ Aluminum 24 Speed Mountain Bike with Front and Rear Disc Brakes
Designed in an eye-popping color combination of bold red, black, and chrome, the URSTAR 24-speed mountain bike is a true sight to behold. Online reviewers love the red-rimmed tires and gleaming black pedals and agree that the bike is as at home on the city streets as it is on the mountain trails.
URSTAR even describes its hike as being “totally different,” due it integrated buffering wheel and ultra-strong frame. Ideal for a wide variety of activities from casual commutes to riding up rugged trails, the UPSTAR has quickly become a favorite for beginning cyclists as well as seasoned pros.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 63 x 27.6 x 38.6 inches
- Weight: 36.5 pounds
Highlights:
- Integrated buffering wheel
- Front and rear mechanical brakes provide users with instant stopping power
- Shimano 24-speed derailleurs for effortless shifting
- Has a unique, modern look
- 70mm suspension fork absorbs shock easily
- Double aluminum rims optimize reliability on all types of surfaces
- Effortless shifting via a simple twist to access eighteen different speeds
- Rear-facing indexed derailleur assists smooth gear transitions
- Front and rear steel brakes provide excellent stopping action
- Three-piece “Kolo” steel crank
- Weather-resistant and performance enhancing alloy rims
Kent Excalibur Men’s Mountain Bike
While not as widely known as computing mount bike manufacturers such as Mongoose or Diamondback, Kent makes top-notch bikes that have a classic appearance, are affordable and are packed full of user-friendly gear. Of note is the heavyweight of Kent’s bikes. Extremely durable, strong, and heavy, bikes such as the Excalibur travels securely across surfaces while offering plenty of traction and control.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 73 x 26 x 44 inches
- Weight: 38 pounds
Highlights:
- Aluminum Frame is handcrafted
- 50mm front shock features alloy materials
- 31.8-inch alloy stem
- Front disc brake
- Rear linear-style pull brake
- Prowheel steel crank
- Shimano manufactures TX 35D rear derailleur
- 29-inch wheels
Huffy 26″ Men’s Alpine Mountain Bike
Huffy’s 26” Alpine Mountain Bike has been a consumer favorite since its inception on the market. Attractively priced at just $102.10, the Alpine Mountain Bike can be readily had by consumers with a range of budgets.
Finished in a high-gloss midnight blue color with complementary red accents, this sporty bike features a durable hardtail frame along with a variety of user-friendly perks to create a smooth and enjoyable ride on an array of terrains.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 51 x 27 x 8 inches
- Weight: 38.8 pounds
Highlights:
- Sporty design with brightly hued colors creates high visibility in any type of weather conditions
- Effortless shifting via a simple twist to access eighteen different speeds
- Rear-facing indexed derailleur assists smooth gear transitions
- Front and rear steel brakes provide excellent stopping action
- Three piece “Kolo” steel crank
- Weather-resistant and performance enhancing alloy rims
Mantis COLOSSUS 29″ BIKE
The Lime Green COLOSSUS bike from Mantis is a traditional 29 inches and features many of the essential elements found on much pricier bikes in the same category. In addition to its unique looks, the COLOSSUS features 21-speeds that can be easily shifted through, Shimano derailleur in the rear for sudden stopping, and big twenty-nine-inch tires that roll easily along smooth and rugged surfaces.
The 29″ wheels roll along any surface, dirt or asphalt. Front disc brakes and a Shimano® rear derailleur let you stop on a dime, while twist-grip shifters switch effortlessly between the 21 speeds.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 49 x 2 x 8 inches
- Weight: 39.5 pounds
Highlights:
- Shimano rear derailleur
- 21 speeds
- Aluminum rims
- Wanda King brand mountain bike tires
- 3-piece crank
- Twist-style shifter
- Threadless Stem
- Steel riser style handlebar
- Built-in kickstand
- Front mechanical disc brake
Raleigh Bikes Talus 2 Mountain Bike
Raleigh’s newest version of their Talus features an assemblage of optimized and revamped elements that have reviewers across the internet singing its praises. Hyped by the company as their premier bike for the entry level cross country and mountain biking category, the Talus 2 is truly versatile. Able to amble up hills and mountains easily, the Talus can also rocket across flat,
Within the many performance elements found in the bike, the most noteworthy are the “SR” Suntour brand 75mm Coil, 27.5-inch top-quality suspension fork that absorbs bumps easily, and expansively sized wheels that roll easily over the many rocks, roots, and hard materials found on trails.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 51 x 27 x 8 inches
- Weight: 38.8 pounds
Highlights:
- 27.5-inch wheels with 2-inch wide tires roll easily over rocks, roots, and more
- 27.5-inch top-quality suspension fork absorbs bumps and shock easily to provide a comfortable and pleasant ride
- Shimano manufactured EZ feature 21 variable gears
Today’s market offers an immense selection of mountain bikes, from bikes perfect for beginning cyclists with casual commuting purposes to high-performance bikes ideal for expert cyclists who traverse trails, up hills, and at high speeds.
With the wide array of mountain bikes that are available under $500, any consumer interested in cycling can take up the hobby without breaking the bank and be well on their way to the pleasurable joy that only a great bike can provide.
Visit us today to learn more about the bestselling mountain, racing, and road bikes that are available for purchase today!
