You no longer have to settle for disappointing trail riding on a budget mountain bike. While the price of decent bikes has definitely gone up, you can still find a top mountain bike for less than you might think – if you know what to look for.
The experts have picked their best budget options, but it’s good to know what to look out for yourself. Budget mountain bikes will always involve some compromises, this should be kept in mind when shopping for them. In order to keep the price down, a bike might have an excellent drivetrain, but a low-end suspension. While most components work pretty well these days, we highly recommend that you read our guide to what you need to know when buying a budget mountain bike.
Best budget mountain bikes
GT Aggressor Expert
Characteristics
- Fork: SR Suntour M3030 Axle: Shimano 3X8 Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG (27.5in), SM, MD, LG, XL (29in).
- Signature Triple Triangle seat stays + 29″ or 27.5″ wheels
You no longer have to settle for disappointing trail riding on a budget mountain bike. While the price of decent bikes has definitely gone up, you can still find a top mountain bike for less than you might think – if you know what to look for.
The experts have picked their best budget options, but it’s good to know what to look out for yourself as well. Budget mountain bikes will always involve some compromises, this should be kept in mind when shopping for them. In order to keep the price down, a bike might have a great drivetrain, but a low-end suspension. While most components work pretty well these days, we highly recommend that you read our guide to what you need to know when buying a budget mountain bike.
MACH ONE 16
Characteristics
- Race Styling Aluminum Frame for GT Mach One
- Aluminum Forks designed for BMX by GT
- A steel forged 1 piece crank
GT Mach One 16 is an affordable kid’s race bike designed for performance and speed. This model has the design and components of pro racing bikes without the price tag. The frame is made of alloy, and the fork is made of aluminum steel. With a frame and fork combination like this, you can race hard and still have great feel and durability. This high quality and reliability rank this bike among good mountain bikes.
PRO SERIES 24
Characteristics
- The hub is slotted 14mm and has a disc axle
- The G-1 Chain Tensioners are 14mm peg sized to hold tight to your wheel
- Pegs made of lightweight 14mm knurled-alloy alloy are lightweight
The GT Speed Series Pro 24 Cruiser Bike is a continuation of the GT race heritage. It features cruiser geometry as well as all the high-end components of the Pro series 20′ bikes and is the best full suspension mountain bike under 1000. The company has a lot of BMX racing experience and the Speed Series range includes Promax components such as the stem and hydro disc brake system. There are also touches such as a BOX Echelon combo seat/post. Double-walled alloy wheels are used for lacing fully sealed hubs with stainless steel spokes.
Giant Talon 4 29
Characteristics
- An SR Suntour EXE equipped with a Shimano Microshift 2x7drivetrain. Available in sizes XS – XXL
- Great value for money
- Plus hydraulic brakes
- Plus, rolling tires
Budget mountain bikes are the best because they offer the best compromise between price and performance. Giant is the world’s largest manufacturer of bicycles, and has complete control over production, from raw material to the finished bike. This allows Giant to achieve huge scale and excellent quality at all price points.
