Cheap Mountain Bikes: 10 of the Best MTBs for Your Money in 2017
Nowadays, there are so many different mountain bikes on the market. There are hardtail mountain bikes, dual suspension mountain bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes, ones with slim tires and other with super fat tires and so on. In fact, there are so many mountain bikes now that even some of the more experienced riders can become confused with what is available. What’s more, if you were to go to your local bike shop looking for the best mountain bikes available, the salesman will happily show you bikes that are anywhere from $2,000 to over $4,000. What he won't tell you, however, is that you can buy an excellent beginner mountain bike or a budget mountain bike for less than $1,000 that will still tackle some seriously rough terrain. Here is a list of the 10 best budget mountain bikes you can get that are $1,000 or under for 2017 and get on the first step to becoming a seasoned mountain biker:
10. Diamondback Line Mountain Bike
This bike has a lightweight aluminum frame with a sleek and fashionable design to it. The really great thing about this bike is that the parts are of good, solid quality. For example, it has a SRAM drivetrain which makes for greater reliability.
On the Plus Side
One of the things that is best about the Diamondback Line Mountain Bike is the fact that it has 120 mm front suspension. Once the price of a bike hits $1,000 they usually have 12 cm front suspension and 9 gears. That boils down to having one ring at the front and 9 on the rear.
On the Down Side
The handlebar on this bike is the widest of most bikes at 785 mm.
9. Alton Mammoth 2.0
Now, this is the best fat bike for under $1000. Nowadays, the number of fat bikes purchased is steadily increasing because of their adaptability. They offer serious endurance and enable you to ride in all weather conditions, even snow and mud.
The frame of the Alton Mammoth 2.0 is made for 26" wheels. The weight of the bike is around 43 lb, which is heavy for a bike, but all other fat bikes weigh about the same amount and the many advantages to owning one are a lot greater than this one minor fault.
On the Plus Side
The Alton Mammoth 2.0 has 27 gears that rate entry to mid-level and are dependable.
Disc brakes are also a welcome part of this package and make stopping and controlling the bike a whole lot easier.
On the Down Side
Too many gears. Around half the time fatbikes have only rear derailleurs, which is just fine.
8. Raleigh Tekoa Comp
Like all of the bikes in this range, the frame is 6061 aluminum. The front fork is an SR Suntour Raidon with 100 mm of travel and lockout/Rebound control. Its one flaw is that it doesn't allow a lot of adjustment. But it's still a great fork.
On the Plus Side
The components are basically SRAM. The rear derailleur and shifters are SRAM NX, mid-level components.
On the Down Side
It has 29" diameter rims made by Weinmann. This size is quite popular. But Weinmann is known for making low to mid-level products and the rims are heavy.
7. Rocky Mountain Soul 27.5
The Rocky Mountain Soul 27.5 has an aluminium frame with a riding position that permits more trail riding. Because the frame is coil-sprung instead of the usual air-sprung, the fork allows this bike to be used for more rugged riding and gives it more durability as well.
While there isn't anything special to point out with this bike, there aren't any negatives either.
6. Specialized RockHopper Comp 29er
It provides a low price tag to go with a lot of cross country power. The Rockhopper Comp has both Shimano and SRAM on the drivetrain, plus 29” wheels. Also, the geometry of the bike is geared mostly toward trail riding. The end product is a bike that can tolerate a good, hard XC race every now and then and can also cope with the needs of a beginner.
On the Plus Side
The Specialized RockHopper Comp 29er has both Shimano and SRAM on the drivetrain.
There’s no real downside to this bike which is well worth the money.
5. Trek X-Caliber 8
Trek has teamed up with the man affectionately known as the grandfather of mountain biking, Gary Fisher, to produce some of the fastest cross country mountain bikes you can find. The G2 fork offset located on Trek's 29er bikes is the main reason for this. It serves to make the X-Caliber 8 feel comfortable at fast speeds, yet allows it to still perform great at low rates.
There is no real downside to this bike and it's offered at a great price too!
4. Scott Scale 970
Now, the Scott Scale bike is created for speed and actually looks sharp and fast prior to ever hitting the trail. The fork is able to be adjusted to meet the special needs of every individual rider and also the internal cable routing is a nice plus to the sharp, fast look.
3. Motobecane Fantom 29 Elite
The reason the Motobecane Fantom 29 Elite brand is so impressive is that they have actually turned the creating of affordable spec bicycles into a style of art all their own. This particular bike has an aluminium frame and provides a host of amazing features.
The RockShox Recon Silver fork ranks high compared to most of the other available forks that cost about the same. It provides better legs, more freedom to adjust, and there is also a remote for the lockout that is placed on the bar.
In truth, this bike has so many positives about it that there really aren't any negatives to point out. So, if you're looking for a reasonably priced mountain bike, give this one a try and you might just find it's right for you.
2. GT Verb Comp
The best feature of the GT Verb Comp—and there are many good things to say about it—is that it has full suspension but costs just $1,000. With an aluminium frame and ProMax Solve Hydro brakes, you get your money's worth with this bike and then some.
There aren't any negatives to report about this bike either.
1. Marin Pine Mountain 1
One of the best features about the Marin Pine Mountain 1 bike is the plus-size 27.5" tires, sometimes called simply 27+. They are very wide and offer lots of traction and a nice, easy ride. This is one of only a few bikes that were built from chrome steel. It’s the perfect material for a mountain bike because steel takes up the bumps and isn't as stiff as a standard aluminium frame.
On the Plus Side
This bike is reasonably priced at just under $1,000 with durable frame material.
On the Downside
This bike has no suspension.
All in all, most of these road bikes may be a bit pricey, but they are all great buys for children who are just getting into riding. Give one of them a try today!
