Tested: 5 of the Best Mountain Bikes Under $3,500

Mike Kazimer
·2 min read

This article originally appeared on Outside

There’s no denying that mountain biking is an expensive sport, and the prices of top end models can be high enough to make you consider taking up barefoot running instead. Luckily, the more reasonably priced options are better than ever, thanks to advancements in geometry, brakes, and suspension.

Pinkbike’s editors recently reviewed five great options that all retail for $3,500 or less. All of these bikes are capable of tackling a wide range of terrain, and could serve as an excellent upgrade for riders on a budget looking for a bike that won’t hold them back. Watch the roundtable discussion below, and check out the individual reviews at the link below each model.

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2022 Trail Bike Field Test photo by Tom Richards.
Photo: Tom Richards

Specialized Status 160

* Travel: 160mm rear, 160mm front
* Wheel size: 29″ front / 27.5″ rear
* Head angle: 63.2deg / 63.7deg
* Seat angle: 76deg
* Reach: 487mm (S4)
* Chainstay length: 426mm
* Weight: 34.6 lb / 15.7 kg
* Price: $3,000 USD (Was on sale for $2,250)
* Full review

2022 Trail Bike Field Test photo by Tom Richards.
Photo: Tom Richards

YT Capra MX Core 1

* Travel: 170mm rear, 170mm front
* Wheel size: 29″ front / 27.5″ rear
* Head angle: 64deg / 64.3deg
* Seat angle: 77.4deg / 77.7deg
* Reach: 464mm (lrg)
* Weight: 36.6 lb / 16.6 kg
* Price: $2,699 USD (Was on sale for $2,299)
* Full review

2022 Trail Bike Field Test photo by Tom Richards.
Photo: Tom Richards

 

Vitus Mythique 29 AMP

* Travel: 140mm rear, 140mm front
* Wheel size: 29″
* Head angle: 65.5deg
* Seat angle: 77.5deg
* Reach: 482mm (lrg)
* Chainstay length: 445mm
* Weight: 33.8 lb / 15.3 kg
* Price: $2,599 USD
* Full review

2022 Trail Bike Field Test photo by Tom Richards.
Photo: Tom Richards

 

GT Sensor Comp

* Travel: 130mm rear, 140mm front
* Wheel size: 29″
* Head angle: 65.5deg
* Seat angle: 77deg
* Reach: 485mm (lrg)
* Chainstay length: 440mm
* Weight: 34.2 lb / 15.5 kg
* Price: $2,600 USD
* Full review

2022 Trail Bike Field Test photo by Tom Richards.
Photo: Tom Richards

 

Marin Rift Zone 29 XR

* Travel: 130mm rear, 140mm front
* Wheel size: 29″
* Head angle: 65.5deg
* Seat angle: 77deg
* Reach: 485mm (lrg)
* Chainstay length: 435mm
* Weight: 34.8 lb / 15.8 kg
* Price: $3,499 USD
* Full review

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