In the world of cycling, mountain bikes are the most popular type that many people choose. The mountain bike can scale any terrain and it has less maintenance than many road bikes. Fortunately, mountain bikes are put in different classes, with the best mountain bike under 400 being the perfect option for intermediates. The Schwinn High Timber Youth and Adult Mountain Bike is one of the best bikes to get you going.
Doing a simple search on the internet will reveal just how many mountain bikes are available. With so many choices, many people can be lost, which makes it harder to find the desired bike. Fortunately, we have done some research and isolated all these bikes. In the following article, we will look at the best mountain bike under 400 dollars, and how you should go about selecting it.
The 3 Best Mountain Bikes Under 400 On The Market Today
| Best Mountain Bike Under 400 | Schwinn High Timber Youth and Adult Mountain Bike (Top Pick) | Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike (Best Value) | Huffy 26″ Nighthawk Men’s Mountain Bike (Best Budget) |
| Frame Materials | Steel | 6061 Aluminum | Steel |
| Frame Type | Hardtail | Hardtail | Dual-Suspension/Hardtail |
| Drivetrain | 7-speed Shimano | 21-speed Shimano | 18-speed Shimano Nighthawk |
| Brakes | Linear Pull Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$ |
| Our Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Best Mountain Bike Under 400 On The Market Today
Before we get into some of the key features, the following bikes are highly regarded by experts. We have dug into some of the more intricate features, showing you what you need to look for and how the bikes can benefit you. The following mountain bikes are some of the best on the market today, offering you some great value for your money.
Top Pick: Schwinn High Timber Youth and Adult Mountain Bike
Whether you have just entered the sport, or you have some experience, the Schwinn High Timber Youth and Adult Mountain Bike come with a big reputation. The bike is designed for kids and adults while featuring a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. It is made with a solid steel frame and features numerous different sizes for all riders.
What We Like
- Hardtail Suspension: The bike features a solid design, with a hardtail suspension that gives you reasonable shock absorption at the front.
- 7-speed shifter: Shimano provides the 7-speed shifters for the drivetrain, with a solid chain to stay on the tracks.
- Alloy Wheels: Alloy is often used for the spokes and wheels, but when you add it to a steel frame, it significantly drops the weight.
What We Didn’t Like
- Weight: The adult version of the bike is heavy. It has a total weight of around 30-pounds when fully assembled.
Best Hardtail Mountain Bike: Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike
Many of you will love the hardtail mountain bikes for their affordability. The Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike makes it onto our list as one of the best hardtail mountain bikes for beginners. The bike features a 6061 aluminum construction while adding mechanical disc brakes to increase the stopping power. The 21-speed drivetrain is from the Shimano factory.
What We Like
- Mechanical Disc Brakes: Most entry-level bikes have linear brakes, but mechanical disc brakes will offer instant stopping power.
- Handlebars: The unit features a 31.8-inch handlebar system, which can be adjusted depending on your needs.
- Aluminum Frame: With an aluminum frame, it is much lighter than steel bikes, making it easier to transport.
What We Didn’t Like
- Rapid Fire Shifters: While these shifters are great for experts, they are extremely sensitive and will need some experience to use.
Most Reliable Mountain Bike Under $400: Huffy 26″ Nighthawk Men’s Mountain Bike
Huffy is one of the oldest brands in the world of cycling and they have designed various bikes for the industry. However, the Huffy 26″ Nighthawk Men’s Mountain Bike stands out as one of the best. It features large 26-inch wheels, which combine with the 18-speed Nighthawk drivetrain system. The drivetrain includes twist shifters for rapid gear changes.
What We Like
- Double Disc Brakes: Much like the top bikes, you have access to disc brakes at the front and rear of the bike.
- Tires: The bike features 26-inch tires, which are ideal for men of up to 6 feet. Additionally, 1-inch knobs on the tires will provide multifunctional traction.
- Resin Pedals: Ergonomics are important for the most comfortable ride and with ATB resin pedals, they are sculpted to provide comfort.
What We Didn’t Like
- Narrow Wheels: Even with the knobby tires, the bike wheels remain narrow, which is not great for bumpy terrains.
Best Mountain Bike For Kids: Diamondback Bicycles Cobra 20 Youth Mountain Bike
Kids tend to get into mountain biking from an early and Diamondback is one of the top brands to consider. The Diamondback Bicycles Cobra 20 Youth Mountain is constructed from steel while featuring 20-inch wheels that should comfortably hold most teenagers. The HL Zoom front fork is around 40mm and it absorbs most of the shock.
What We Like
- Shimano Shifters: Since children are prone to shifting errors, the 7-speed Shimano shifters are equipped with comfortable twist shifters.
- Linear Brakes: We don’t often recommend linear brakes, but for kids, they offer decent stopping power.
- Shocks: The bike features a hardtail design, but a 40mm front fork can dip deep to resist the bumps from rocky terrains.
What We Didn’t Like
- Non-Adjustable Seat: One of the biggest drawbacks of the bike is the lack of an adjustable seat as your kid grows older.
Best Beginner Mountain Bike: Roadmaster Granite Peak Men’s Mountain Bike
Reliability is key for anyone who enters the mountain bike world. If you are strapped to a budget, the Roadmaster Granite Peak Men’s Mountain Bike is one of the best options that will allow you to get started. The bike features a solid steel frame, with 26-inch wheels. Additionally, the basic braking system requires less maintenance than competitors do.
What We Like
- Lightweight: While the bike is made from solid steel, it features alloy wheels and an aluminum fork. It is much lighter than some of the other steel bikes.
- Tires: Compared to some of the other brands, the bike features narrow wheels, which knobs for significantly more traction.
- Budget: Aside from the great features of the bike, it is one of the most affordable options on the market today.
What We Didn’t Like
- Durability: You might come across a few durability issues. The caliper brakes seem to disintegrate over time.
Best Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike: Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Mountain Bike
A dual-suspension mountain bike is widely recognized by the rear suspension which is included. The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Mountain Bike is one of the cheaper dual-suspension mountain bikes, featuring an aluminum construction. The bike features 24-speed EZ shifters while giving you 26-inch wheels for riding.
What We Like
- Shifters: The 24-speed Shimano shifters are very easy to use, with very few glitches that happen when riding.
- Disc Brakes: While the bike only features a singular disc brake in the front, the V-brake at the back offers great support.
- Full-Suspension: It is more comfortable to ride this bike with dual suspension, which makes it one of the best full suspension bikes
What We Didn’t Like
- Balance: The bike lacks a bit of balance and the braking bias is completely shifted to the front of the bike, which can be dangerous going downhill.
Best Mountain Bike For Large Riders: Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike
Large riders often have issues finding the right bike for their needs. However, the Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike is one of the better 29-inch bikes. It features a dual-dual suspension system and disc brakes for optimal stopping power. Additionally, SRAM and Shimano have combined to produce the shifters and drivetrain.
What We Like
- Bike Size: The bike features a 29-inch wheel size, allowing some of the larger riders to find an optimal bike.
- Drivetrain: As mentioned, SRAM and Shimano have doubled down, providing a 24-speed drivetrain with twist shifters.
- Brakes: Users will have access to a dual disc brake system that provides comfort and peace of mind when stopping.
What We Didn’t Like
- Lacks Shock Durability: Unfortunately, one of the first components you will need to replace is the shocks.
Key Features To Consider Before Buying The Best Mountain Bike Under 400 Dollars
Spending $400 on a bike is not a lot, but we all want value for our money. While you can select any of the bikes on the list, there are many more to be explored. The following guide will introduce you to some of the key features. These features should enable you to spot the right features that actually make a bike worth buying.
Frame Type And Materials
One of the first decisions that any rider will need to make is the frame materials they want. While steel is the most affordable, it is often heavy. However, manufacturers try to combat this by making the fork from aluminum. Aluminum is right in between carbon fiber and steel, with aluminum bike prices varying depending on the other features of the bike.
As for the frame type, most mountain bikes made for climbing will not have a rear suspension system. These hardtail bikes might lack a bit of shock absorption, but the bike remains stable. For downhill riders, the full-suspension mountain bikes are often the best, making it easier to absorb some of the shocks.
Brakes
When it comes to mountain bikes, your brakes can make the difference between a serious crash and avoiding injuries. Linear pull brakes are once again the most affordable and work for lower speeds. However, the disc brakes are the best for stopping power but will cost you a little bit extra. Disc brakes are split into mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes. The hydraulic disc brakes are reserved for high-end bikes.
Drivetrain
Most of the bikes you come across will have either Shimano or SRAM as the producer of the drivetrain. Both of these brands are reputable, but Shimano has recently taken over most of the market. Shimano is the main sponsor of the Tour De France, which offers a lot of reliability. The shifters can be either standard or quick-fire, allowing you to quickly shift gears.
Tire Size
Regardless of the bike you choose, you want to feel comfortable when riding it. To ensure that the bike is comfortable, you will need the right wheels to ensure comfort. 26-inch wheels are common among most riders. However, the larger riders might need something bigger. If you are on the larger side, the 29-inch wheels are the best.
Wrap Up – Best Mountain Bike Under 400
Finding the perfect bike for your needs should not be rocket science. There are many helpful guides, but this one will show you how to find the best mountain bike under 400 dollars. These bikes have been scrutinized and tested, allowing you to find the one that meets your needs in the best possible way.
