Mountain biking is a fabulous way to explore the great outdoors, exercise, and have fun. The choice of the best mountain bikes depends on what you are going to do with them.
If all you want your new mountain bike for is going for a delightful leisurely ride on the canal path or a ride in the woodlands with the dog, don’t need to spend too much. You won’t require a full-suspension downhill machine with 4-inch travel on the forks and a fully articulated rear end with damping and rebound control.
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Differences Between Mountain Bikes And Other Bike Types
Mountain bikes (MTB) are precisely designed for rocky, rough, and rugged terrain. It highlights a lightweight sturdy frame, large tires, and multiple gears. MTBs are not suitable for long-distance rides.
MTBs cannot be very fast on the thoroughfare and are difficult to pedal. Yet, it is obvious that mountain bikes are flexible on challenging tracks and can be ridden on various surfaces. Also, MTB is weightier than hybrid and road bikes.
Road bikes can go fast and steady on paved trails and roads in contrast to MTBs. The drawbacks of road bikes do no longer make sense on intense routes and the riding condition may not be comfortable from time to time.
Cruiser bikes have a very good outlook and appearance. Because of its layout, it is far just appropriate on pavement and pathways. This bike type is an excellent choice for a steady and slow ride across the metropolis.
Hybrid bikes, popularly known as cross bikes, experience the same features as road bikes, like, being speedy and easy to pedal. Moreover, hybrid bikes are the blend of versatility and ruggedness of MTBs. However, it is lighter than mountain bikes, though.
- Differences Between Mountain Bikes And Other Bike Types
- Mountain Bikes Buying Guide
- Things To Consider When Choosing the Best Mountain Bikes under $500
- 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $500
- Top-rated Beginner’s Mountain Bike for Men
- Best Fat Tire Mountain Bike For Men
- Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike For All Ages
- 21 Speed MTB Bicycle with Suspension Fork
- Big And Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike
- Best Mountain Bike For Tall Guys
- Mongoose Status 2.2 Men’s and Women’s Mountain Bike
- Best Mountain Bike for all Terrains for Women
- Best Folding Electric Mountain Bike
Mountain Bikes Buying Guide
If you consider any off-road riding then big tread tires may be all you need, but if you think you might try some rough stuff then you will need suspension. Gears will possibly be Shimano, brakes must be V-brakes but could be made by a few different makers, all the rest of the MTB parts will depend on how much you can spend.
In case you visit your neighborhood bike shop or big sports shop and see what they’ve got to offer, then buy it or have look on the internet, and possibly you’ll find the same stuff at a better price.
Perhaps you want to be a bit more adventurous, more off-road, woodland tracks, and dry boulder river beds, then you’ll want something a bit lighter, with suspension forks. A better mountain bike will have sportier handling and will be easier to struggle up the hills before you come flying down the other side since it is lighter.
The quality of the components will rely on how much money you can spend on V-brakes and Rapid-fire gear shifters, along with the Shimano chainset, bottom bracket, and headset. Handlebars, stem, and seat pin should be alloy and along with a comfortable saddle, you’ll be set to take to the hills.
More Money, More Bike
The next level up on the mountain bike ladder would be good enough to race on. There are many to choose from. The top manufacturers make the nicest frames with the best mountain bike parts available at the price.
Gears will be either Shimano or SRAM, brakes could be V-brakes or cable disc brakes, both are very good and light. Most of the other MTB parts, of course, will be Shimano and as usual, get the best you can afford. There are many combinations of hubs and rims to make up your wheels; hubs from Shimano and rims from Mavic are the usual mix.
Then you have to choose which suspension forks to put on your bike. You may not get a choice. Depending on which bike you buy, the main ones are Suntour, Manitou, Marzocchi, RockShox, Fox, and RST, buy any of these and you won’t go far wrong.
Top Bikes, Top Money
You will have to pay a lot of money for a professional MTB. As with road bikes at the top of the range, you can specify what you want to build up your dream bike. Top bike frames to spend your money on could be Klien, Scott, Rocky Mountain, Gary Fisher, Santa Cruz, and K2. These are some of the most sought-after bike frames in the world and would be the envy of your friends.
Probably the best forks to put on your frame would be RockShox SIDs. These are light and do all the things you need with control of all functions, there are many others to also to consider. Look at how much travel they have and the rebound and damping systems. Gears again will be either SRAM or Shimano Rapid-fire, XT, or XTR.
More money could be spent on carbon or very light alloy cranks, the brakes should be hydraulic discs from Hayes, Pace, or Magura or stick to the trusted V-bakes.
Wheels from Shimano or Mavic or some fancy carbon wheels, but remember they will have to take a lot of suffering, so maybe it is better to go for reliability over lightweight expense. Carbon handlebars, stem and seat pin, and a lightweight race saddle and Time or Shimano SPD clipless pedals.
Then your choice of tires will depend on what terrain and ground conditions you are going to ride on.
Downhill
Downhill bikes are very different, more like cross-country motorbikes. But without the engine, low center of gravity, and a lot of travel on the suspension on the forks and the rear end, disc brakes, wide rims, and fat tires. Gears are only at the back as usually a single chainset is used.
There is no point in buying one if you are not going to do a lot of downhill racing. You have to get up the hill first before you can come down and as lightweight is not an issue with downhill bikes. They are very heavy to get uphill without the use of a tow rope or a ski lift.
Things To Consider When Choosing the Best Mountain Bikes under $500
Frame Material
Never sacrifice the frame materials of an MTB regardless of your budget, since it is the most crucial part to determine the durability and easiness of the ride. At the sub $500 price limit, you’ll find a variety of quality bikes with sturdy frames. There are mainly three popular frame materials that come in this range.
Carbon fiber is the costliest out of the cheapest yet it’s well worth it because carbon offers the highest endurance and lightness degree at the same time.
Aluminum is significantly less expensive than carbon. Aluminum frames are noticeably thick on mountain bikes to be strong enough to withstand harsh terrain. Also, you’ll notice that frames tend to be thicker where tubes join to prevent breaking.
The biggest advantage of aluminum frames is their lightness and rust resistance. It’s also durable but not as high as carbon fiber. It can’t handle rough terrains either.
Steel is the cheapest alternative available for somebody who is actually on a tight budget. It stands out in the race for top-notch sustainability that can tackle well in harsh terrains. However, it’s the heaviest.
Wheel Size
There are three common options for MTB wheel sizes:
26” – It is not really ideal for mountain riding but it’s helpful for beginners because it gives complete control. It was the only choice available for mountain bikes for many years.
That all changed with the introduction of 29-ers and later 27.5” wheels.
27.5” – The most popular and noted for its decent nimbleness and ultra-fast acceleration, permitting you to tackle corners more aggressively.
29” (also called 29-ers) – Exceptional for its unmatched traction to capably roll fast over uneven and rough terrain. In other words, it’s more efficient than the rest. 29-ers are also a bit heavier.
The selection is really up to personal preference. Bikes with 27.5” wheels have faster acceleration while 29ers offer more efficiency. Also, 27.5” wheels are the best option for short riders.
Drivetrain
MTB triple chainring setup is of three types.– 24/34/42T. These terms link to the number of teeth in each ring. The smaller the ring or the fewer the teeth, the less speed is delivered per pedal stroke. However, small rings give extra ease of pedaling, which is excellent for climbing and negotiating off-road terrain.
At a $500 price point or under, rear cassettes on MTBs normally feature ultra-large cogs up to 36T.
The biggest strength of these is the easier pedaling, which delivers more doable steep climbing.
Disc brakes
Cantilever brakes were the only option available for cheap MTBs in the past. But with the advancement of technology, disc brakes can be found on every mountain bike from low to high end.
The variation now is in the type of disc brakes. There are two types, hydraulic brakes & mechanical brakes.
The hydraulic type is commonly found in higher-end MTBs because it offers better modulation and stopping power. It engages the brakes by applying brake lines filled with fluid.
Mechanical disc brakes are more commonly found at the sub $500. They’re actuated through cables running from the brake lever to the brake calipers.
Frame material, wheelsets, and components all determine the total weight of your bike. At the sub $500 price point, all these elements will be entry-level technology only, which generally implies they will be heavier.
10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $500
Following are the 10 best mountain bikes under $500, all of which offer a marvelous performance.
Top-rated Beginner’s Mountain Bike for Men
Mongoose Impasse
- Ride on rough terrain with the Impasse by Mongoose.
- The Impasse highlights a lightweight aluminum hardtail frame with a front suspension fork that’s ready for the trail.
- The 21-speed SRAM twist shifters with rear derailleur let you adjust to your terrain with ease, while the front and rear disc brakes provide crisp stopping power every time.
- The 29-inch knobby tires give you all the traction you need to conquer rugged trail conditions. There’s literally nothing you can’t do on a Mongoose.
- Alloy wheels with a quick-release front
Best Fat Tire Mountain Bike For Men
Mongoose Dolomite
- Conquer any off-road tracks with ease with this steel-framed mountain bike with supersized all-terrain knobby tires.
- The threadless headset is adjustable for riders of varying heights; For added speed and performance, the strong, lightweight alloy rims keep the weight down.
- Ride conveniently with beach cruiser pedals and ensure safety with front and rear disc brakes.
- A rear derailleur with 7 speeds makes hills easier to climb, while twist shifters make it smooth and easy to change gears while riding
Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike For All Ages
Schwinn High Timber
- It is an excellent MTB for tall bikers, however, the quick-release saddle makes it great for bikers of all height preferences.
- This Schwinn bike offers you two frame choices: steel and aluminum. Steel would be better for a long-lasting and reliable service. Linked with the SR suspension fork, the mountain bike certainly rides smoothly and efficiently on and off-road.
- 21-Speed shifters with rear derailleur for quick gear changes on the path.
- You can quickly stop when required using the responsive alloy linear-pull brakes.
21 Speed MTB Bicycle with Suspension Fork
HH HILAND
- This MTB is equipped with an aluminum mountain frame, a powerful suspension fork, and 21-speed shifters to soak up all the shocks and provide you with pleasure and comfortable rides.
- SHIMANO Shifters and SHIMANO 3×7 drivetrain make a better configuration than other bicycles. The brake lever and shifter in one piece are more advanced and bizarre than the other split type which gives a better riding experience.
- The 26-inch is suitable for a person 5’2- 5’8 tall. The 27.5/17-inch frame is suitable for a person 5’7″- 6′ tall. And, the 27.5/19-inch frame is suitable for a person 6’- 6’6″ tall.
Big And Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike
Schwinn Bonafide
- The Bonafide Mountain Bike features an aluminum mountain frame and a strong suspension fork that soaks up bumps and knocks to provide you with a fun, enduring riding experience.
- 24-speed trigger shifters and front and rear derailleurs offer gear changes easy and smooth.
- Front and rear mechanical disc brakes deliver crisp all-condition stopping out on the tracks.
- Long-lasting alloy cranks provide steady gearing and less annoying maintenance.
- High-profile double-wall alloy rims are light and sturdy for added durability.
- 2. 25-inch wide knobby mountain tires are ready for bumpy terrain and the wheels measure 29 inches.
Best Mountain Bike For Tall Guys
Schwinn Protocol 1.0
- 26-inch wheels fit riders 5’4″ to 6’3″ tall.
- Schwinn aluminum full suspension frame with a front suspension fork for reliable, responsive riding.
- 24-speed trigger shifters provide a wide gear range and smooth shifting out on the tracks
- Front and rear mechanical disc brakes deliver crisp all-condition stopping.
- Light and sturdy alloy rims support knobby mountain tires for durable everyday riding.
- Schwinn alloy crank allows optimal gearing and less pesky maintenance on your end
Mongoose Status 2.2 Men’s and Women’s Mountain Bike
Mongoose Status 2.2
- An aluminum MTB frame with hydroformed tubing and a powerful front suspension fork are strong and reliable.
- 26-inch wheels fit riders 64 to 74 inches tall.
- 21-speed shifters make for smooth gear changes on each ride.
- Front and rear V-brakes assure quick stops out on the tracks.
- Light, enduring alloy rims and 26×2.125″ (diameter x width) tires roll over anything.
Best Mountain Bike for all Terrains for Women
Royce Union RMT
- RMT is one best bike to ride. The hardtail frame is made from durable, no-rust aluminum, lighter than steel. This bike is easier to accelerate, easier to maintain momentum, and easier to handle.
- The complete Shimano 21-speed drivetrain delivers seamless shifting between gears as you adjust to your path.
- 27.5-inch wheels keep rolling momentum. All-terrain tread pattern provides less rolling resistance than typical mountain bike tires.
- Machined alloy wheel rims facilitate superior brake pad contact to allow the alloy linear-pull brakes to consistently stop on demand. Kraton grips and pedals seem good and comfortable.
Best Folding Electric Mountain Bike
VIVI Folding 350W Ebike 26inch
- VIVI The foldable electric mountain bike is made of an ultra-light aluminum alloy that can be folded up quickly and is easy to stow away. It can be easily stowed in the car trunk or in the room and is easy to transport at any time. Provided with adjustable seats and handlebars for people of different sizes.
- Equipped with a powerful 350W motor with a speed of up to 25 km / h. Removable 36 V / 8 Ah lithium-ion battery, charging only takes 4-6 hours.
- With the 3-speed front wheel and the 7-speed rear wheel, the foldable Vivi e-bike offers professional 21-speed capability, increased climbing ability, greater range variability, and better adaptability to the terrain.
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