Mountain biking is a common hobby amongst bike enthusiasts. The sport has grown immensely over the last couple of years and manufacturers have also lifted their game to accommodate the needs of some of the best riders. However, they can be expensive and we have searched for the best mountain bike under 300 to help those strapped to a tight budget. The Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle stands out as one of the best.
The sport of mountain biking is something I personally love and I also love to follow it. If I don’t have the time to enjoy this hobby, I love reading the latest news and following the top riders. This has given me some experience in the technology of bikes. I have also put in a lot of effort when it comes to finding the best bikes on the market today.
In this article, you should be able to keep your budget under tabs and find the ideal mountain bike that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Additionally, we have included a small buyer’s guide, allowing you to see which features are the most important for your selection process.
Best Mountain Bike Under 300 On The Market Today
As a hobby, you like to test out new things and look at some of the best brands and features. However, hobbies are expensive and when the economy gets a little tough, your budget should not hinder you from having some fun. That being said, here are the top mountain bikes under $300 on the market today:
Top Pick: Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle
Coming in first on our list, we have the Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle. It has been constructed from top-grade aluminum and the frame features a dual suspension. Compared to the hardtail bikes, this bike is much better for tough terrains. It is designed to reduce the strain from bumpy roads on your body.
Shimano is highly rated amongst the top bike enthusiast. This bike comes loaded with a 21-speed derailleur from Shimano and it makes it possible to navigate virtually any terrain. The alloy wheels can quickly be replaced when you have a puncture as well. Additionally, disc brakes are used to ensure maximum stopping power.
As for the price, the bike is really affordable. If you need something that will help you look professional as a beginner, the Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle will definitely help you. It is also worth noting that the 29-inch wheels will make this bike perfect for the heavier riders close to 300-pounds.
Runner-Up: Schwinn Men’s High Timber Bicycle
The Schwinn Men’s High Timber Bicycle is a close runner-up and it features some of the same features as the number one pick. The bike features a durable steel frame that might be a little too heavy for advanced users. However, it offers the best in terms of durability in a sport where falling off the bike is inevitable.
Shimano has once again provided the state of the art 21-speed derailleurs, making it easier to navigate different terrains. With the dual suspension, you should also have a nice break from the bumps when you are descending. However, uphill could be a battle compared to the hardtail mountain bikes that are on the market today.
Once again, the bike is really affordable and for all of these features, it is a real bargain. While it might not really appeal to the advanced riders, it is perfect for beginners. Much like the Mongoose, the bike features 29-inch wheels, setting it up perfectly for the larger riders. We would recommend this bike for the avid beginner.
Best Hobbyist Bike: Merax Finiss 26″ Aluminum 21 Speed Mountain Bike
If you see mountain biking as a hobby, the Merax Finiss 26″ Aluminum 21 Speed Mountain Bike should be one of the best options to consider. Made with an aluminum frame, the bike is reasonably durable and the weight is also kept at a limit. The hardtail design makes it possible to ascend easily with the smooth double-wall rims for even more comfort. The Merax Finiss is ideal for up-hill riding.
Once again, the bike features a 21-speed derailleur, perfect for navigating different terrains and improving your performance. We love the addition of the disc brakes, as they offer the maximum stopping power one could need. The bike comes in numerous sizes as well, perfect for all riders of every size.
Since it is somewhat affordable, the bike does stand out as an excellent option for beginners and hobbyists. It is no secret that this bike won’t win your competition, but help you have some fun. It is worth noting that the bike does require some assembly as well. However, basic skills are all that is needed. We would certainly recommend it to avid hobbyists.
Best Bike For Women: Kawasaki K26 Hardtail Mountain Bike
Kawasaki is mostly known for its motorbikes, but we have found the Kawasaki K26 Hardtail Mountain Bike that is designed specifically for women. The bike features a durable steel frame for added durability. However, the stylish design is what makes it stand out. This could be the ideal bike for your wife to join you outdoors.
With an 18-speed derailleur, the bike is perfectly made for all tough terrains. It also features a hardtail design that should make ascending a little easier. Linear cantilever brakes are included and they might not be the best for descending, but will certainly save you a couple of bucks. The front suspension system is a definite bonus for reducing strain on your body.
As one of the cheapest bikes on our list, it is ideal for the avid beginner. The assembly process is swift and easy, making the bike stand out amongst hobbyists. If you plan to ask your wife to join you on your outdoor adventures, this will be the bike to help you. For the price and the features, it is highly recommended.
Best Bike for Students: Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
Students are always strapped for cash and looking for ways to reduce their expenses. Having a bike to commute between campus and your home is one of the best ways to make this possible. The Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike is not only affordable, but it is made from lightweight aluminum as well.
The bike features a dual-suspension design and as a student, this is perfect for reducing the bumps and shots your body will need to endure. The 21-speed derailleur is ideal for beginners to understand the different speeds and also reduce the strain on their legs from tough terrains. Finally, disc brakes are added to make the stopping power as high as possible.
As we have already mentioned, this is one of the most affordable options on the market today. From experience, we can state that the bike is really easy to assemble and this will have you on the road in no time. We highly recommend the bike for students as the price is really affordable and should be a great investment.
Key Features To Keep In Mind When Looking For The Best Mountain Bike Under 300
Now that you have seen some of the best affordable options, you might wonder how we picked them. To help you look for a bike anywhere else, we have isolated some of the most important features. These features will make or break the quality of the bike and it could have a massive impact on the price as well. When looking for a mountain bike, keep these features in mind:
Frame
The frame is one of the first things that will affect the price. Whilst the steel frame is really affordable and durable, it does make the bike heavier. When you need a lightweight, yet still durable frame, the aluminum frame is definitely the best option to consider. However, it could be a little more expensive as well.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain can make or break the bike. If you have a good drivetrain, you have more comfort when it comes to riding. We recommend Shimano derailleurs if you are in this price range as they also offer excellent durability and functionality. Nevertheless, combining them with SRAM shifter will make the shifting process easy and fluent.
Size
Your bike should be the right size or you could put a lot of strain on your joints. This is much more imperative if you have knee problems. You might also consider looking for the best bike for bad knees if this is the case. We would recommend bikes of 26-inches or higher for taller and larger riders.
Wrap Up – Best Mountain Bike Under 300
Now that you have a better understanding of the cheapest mountain bikes, nothing should keep you from enjoying your hobby or even commuting around town. These bikes might not compare to the best commuter bikes, but they are versatile. We recommend any of them for mountain bike lovers and we believe you will have some fun.
We would like to thank you for reading this article and encourage you to share some of your thoughts. Let us know in the comment section if you have ever used any of these bikes before. We look forward to reading your insightful comments.
