The Best Budget-Friendly Mountain Bikes Balance Capability With Affordability

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

While it’s easy to get overwhelmed with sticker shock at specialty bike shops, you don’t have to choose between paying rent and buying a mountain bike. Sure, a higher-end model might have more durable components, but there are plenty of entry-level bikes on the market for all budgets. And a lower-priced ride doesn’t mean “beginner bike” either. Whether rail-trail commuting or ripping fun singletrack, affordable mountain bikes will give riders of all skill levels seasons of use.

These days, even affordable bikes have updated geometry for more efficient riding, and many have at least 75mm of travel in the front suspension, as well as disc brakes and reliable shifters. There are plenty of lightweight aluminum options, as well as a range of wheel sizes and gear ratios.

I don’t recommend taking the cheapest models deep into technical backcountry terrain, but these bikes are good options for a variety of riders, accessible, and ideal for families, commuters, or mountain bikers looking for a wallet-friendly addition to their fleet. Read on for quick info on the best cheap mountain bikes, followed by important factors to keep in mind as you’re choosing, plus our full reviews.

The Best Cheap Mountain Bikes

• Best Overall: Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1

• Best Beginner-Friendly Bike: Mongoose Switchback

• Smoothest Shifting: Schwinn S29

• Best Gear Ratio: Neffice 24-Speed 27.5-Inch

• Most Versatile: Schwinn High Timber

What to Consider

Hardtail vs. Full-Suspension

These are your main two categories of mountain bike. A hardtail has suspension in the front in the form of a fork around the front wheel but nothing in the back, while a full-suspension bike has both front and rear shock-absorbing components. If you’re shopping by price, you’ll be able to get a slightly nicer hardtail for the same price as a lower-end full-suspension. But if you think you’ll be riding on more rugged trails, you might prefer a bike with give at both the front and the rear.

Disc Brakes vs. Rim Brakes

To stay truly on the cheap side, rim brakes will be the most affordable, but they take more pressure to slow you down. Disc brakes do run at a higher price, but they’re more powerful and will last longer, so you could very well save money in the long run. I typically list bikes with disc brakes, but if you’re looking elsewhere, be sure to check the brake type as you shop.

Wheel Size

Most current models have 27.5- or 29-inch wheels, with some more affordable options still rocking 26-inch wheels. A larger wheel has more travel per pedal stroke and more clearance for rolling over rocks and roots, but some people prefer smaller wheels, as they can be easier to maneuver. Plus, they’re usually often more budget-friendly. And it should go without saying, but kids’ bikes will have smaller wheels, usually around 24 inches.

Frame Size

Like kayaks, skis, or other outdoor gear, most bikes come in different sizes. Some frames are measured in centimeters, but many are simply “small, medium, large.” While each model has a different geometry, if you can’t try the bike in a shop, I recommend measuring yourself in correlation with the size chart—often available on the brand or retailer’s site—to ensure you’re getting the right size.

The handlebar height and seat height are adjustable on most bikes, but if the frame is too small, you’ll feel compressed and your pedal power will be reduced. But if the frame is too big, you’ll be reaching for the handlebar and putting uncomfortable pressure on your shoulders and wrists.

How We Selected

I’ve been mountain biking since I moved to Montana, regularly taking trips to slickrock routes in Utah and high-desert Nevada terrain during the shoulder seasons. I started out riding a used bike from a bike swap and have firsthand experience on a range of bicycles in all price points.

I’ve ridden bikes from a range of brands, in a variety of styles, and at multiple price points, so we used that knowledge as our baseline when compiling our picks. From there, we sifted through the readily available offerings within our price range of $200-$880. Once we narrowed this down, we considered features, components, and what compromises we weren’t willing to make in the name of a good deal. We wanted these bikes to be budget-friendly but also worth the purchase, which means they need to last.

For more great cycling gear, check out our picks for the best bikes, e-bikes, and road bikes.

DRT 1.1 Mountain Bike

REI’s line of bikes continues to impress us. They have similar components to bikes many times more expensive, but by opting for a ride under the REI/Co-op Cycles name, you avoid paying a premium. This bike has a Shimano 3 x 7 drivetrain, which means 21 reliable gears for everything from cross-country riding to steep climbs.

You’ll get 100mm of travel with the front suspension and trustworthy hydraulic disc brakes for hard stops on a variety of terrain.

Switchback Adult Mountain Bike

A great option for the beginner mountain biker and bike commuter, the Switchback is a reliable hardtail for easy to moderate trails, four-wheel-drive roads, and some singletrack. The spacious geometry means it can accommodate a triangle frame bag with ease, hence the good crossover potential as a commuter bike as well as a moderate mountain bike.

The Switchback has a 3 x 7 drivetrain for 21 gears, though some of the lower gears will have trouble staying in place. The bike comes with 27.5-inch wheels, a middle ground ideal for adult riders of a range of abilities and a breadth of trail conditions.

S29 Mens Mountain Bike

Key Specs

• Wheel Size: 29 inches

• Gears: 21

• Frame Material: Aluminum

With 29-inch wheels, this aluminum full-suspension bike is an excellent all-around mountain bike for people looking for a ride that can handle more rugged singletrack.

Larger wheels mean easier rolling over rocks and roots, plus more ground covered with each pedal stroke. The bike has 21 speeds and smooth shifting, along with front and back disc brakes for fast stopping. Trigger shifters mean simple movement for the shifting, and the bike comes in a wide size range for riders of all heights.

24-Speed 27.5-Inch Mountain Bike

We love a bike that can tackle steep climbs and descents without breaking the bank, and this offering from Neffice does just that. Built with a tough, lightweight aluminum alloy frame that can support up to 330 pounds, this model is equally comfortable for men and women.

The bike has trigger shifters, multiple options for hand placement on the rubberized handlebar, and reliable disc brakes. The 24 speeds are the most of any bike here, and you can get into a granny gear and keep grinding up the steep stuff. The 27.5-inch wheels keep you rolling over obstacles and covering more ground.

High Timber Mountain Bike

We recommend the High Timber for anyone from the beginner rider looking to take on some moderate singletrack to the commuter who wants the option of cruising in-town trails to work or class. The steel frame is heavier than aluminum but will last season after season. This hardtail comes with disc brakes and 21 gears, which you switch between via twist shifters on the handlebars, though those can be clumsy to operate if you’re not stopped. The seat has a quick-lever release for easy up-and-down adjustments.

Line 27.5 Mountain Bike

This modern geometry is extremely efficient for cross-country travel, helping maintain speed and efficiency over rolling terrain. The front fork has a responsive 120mm travel as well as an easy-to-reach lockout for road sections or long climbs on smooth surfaces. The Shimano disc brakes are reliable and reactive. And while the Line doesn’t come with a dropper post, the bike is internally routed if you want to put the money into the modification and be able to adjust the seat height from the handlebar.

Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike

This beefy little bike is ideal for the kid who can’t stop sending it on the trail. With six speeds and a rugged build, it has plenty of efficiency on cross-country trails but little pedalers can gear down on the climbs. The twist shifts and handlebar brakes are easy to use, keeping adjustments simple and speed under control, therefore keeping riders safer. And it has a rear derailleur guard to help keep all components in one piece. This 20-inch model is best for riders aged 5 to 9.

Rangefinder Deore 10-Speed 29 Mountain Bike

The hydraulic brakes and simpler 1x drivetrain are meant to keep this bike on the trail and out of the shop, though some riders might appreciate a wider gear ratio. We love the cushioned 120mm front suspension and the classic Salsa geometry that feels just as comfortable going uphill as it does cruising berms on the downhill. The forks are compatible with 29- or 27.5-inch wheels, so you have the option of swapping out, though we love the coverage of the 29ers for rolling roots and rocks.

Bonafide 29-Inch Mountain Bike

This is a burly bike for the price point, with knobby, 2.25-inch tires on 29-inch wheels. The rims are made of a lightweight alloy that resists dings and dents, and the Bonafide has a smooth front suspension. The seat is easy to adjust, and the pedals have well-placed pins to help keep you in place. Schwinn does say the bike is a fit for riders up to 6-foot-2, but the build might have taller people feeling a bit compressed.

26 27.5-Inch Mountain Bike

This affordable hardtail designed for women has a lower top tube that makes throwing a leg over easier for shorter riders and will feel comfortable for a range of heights. We appreciate the reliable mechanical disc brakes, as well as the versatile 3x8 drivetrain for power on flat terrain and easier gearing for climbs. You can lock out the front suspension on smooth terrain for more efficiency, and the seat is also women-specific, wider and breathable.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?