Depending on tour riding level and experience, $600 can be a lot of money or it can mean a cheap bike. However, we believe that every person who loves cycling should consider having one, even if it just for fun and as a hobby. The best mountain bike under 600 makes it possible for beginners to get into the sport, while intermediates can make a few upgrades. The Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive is the perfect place to start for any beginner or intermediate rider.
Personally, I believe that a serious mountain biker should not spare any expense if they want to be the very best. However, we all run into a financial snag and this got me believing that I should look at a couple of the cheaper bikes. I have done some in-depth research and consulted with a couple of top riders to find out which bikes are the best.
In this article, we have decided to look a little deeper at the cheaper mountain bikes. $600 is actually the perfect price range for an intermediate rider. This means they could add all the needed additions to ensure that they improve. However, choosing a set bike can be hard and this is where we come in to help you make the best decision.
Best Mountain Bike Under 600 On The Market Today
Before we delve into a couple of the technical aspects that may help you get a competitive edge, you need to look at the bikes. These bikes have been rigorously tested and recommended by numerous riders. They have an intermediate price range and they might help riders to propel themselves into the professional scene.
Top Pick: Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive
Diamondback has always been an extremely reliable brand. They have been one of the oldest bicycle brands for quite some time as well. With this experience, they have produced the Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive. The bike is the Best Mountain Bike Under 600 for intermediate riders, with a hardtail design to make short work of those steep gradients.
It has been constructed from durable aircraft-grade aluminum and since the bike is hand-built, you have your own unique touch added. An 8-speed Shimano drivetrain is included and this enables you to quickly adjust the bike for a comfortable ride. With disc brakes added, the bike also offers some of the best stopping power in all conditions.
The bike just makes the $600 cut and this means that it should have most of the features that you need. As an intermediate or beginner, you should not need to make many adjustments to the bike. We also found the assembly to be really easy as it comes partially assembled. This is definitely one of the top bikes for intermediate riders.
Runner-Up: Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike has been edged out by Diamondback for the top spot, but this is only just. It has also been constructed from durable aluminum for the frame and a dual suspension. This makes it the perfect bike for overly tough terrains and those downhill sections.
A 24-speed Shimano drivetrain has been added and this gives you a lot of versatility. It also allows the riders to comfortably adjust to a gear that makes life a little easier on climbs. The addition of the V-brake and the disc brake is great for all users and offers decent stopping power. However, we think the knobby tires make more sense to ride in wet conditions for the grip they offer.
The price is not too heavy on this bike and while it is still a reasonable bike, you have the opportunity to make some adjustments as well. With almost zero maintenance, the bike is great for intermediate riders stuck on a budget. We also think that it could be upgraded to meet the needs of entry-level professionals.
Best Dual-Suspension Bike: Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Dual suspension mountain bikes might be a little expensive for some users. However, they are ideal for those taking on bumpy terrains without too much pain. We have selected the Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike for this purpose. It is designed with a durable and lightweight aluminum frame to support the adjustable suspension.
The bike includes a 24-speed drivetrain, making it perfect for those who are just beginning. It is also marketed as a great bike for entry-level riders. Additionally, disc brakes have been mounted for the best possible stopping power as well. We would also recommend that you look at the sizing, as the bike can be found in virtually any size for any user.
The price should not be an issue. We think it might be a little too cheap for your intermediate riders, but beginners will enjoy all of these features. Since you are saving a couple of bucks, you can buy a decent helmet and even a couple of upgrades. We highly recommend it to beginners that like dual suspension bikes.
Best Bike for Women: Raleigh Bikes Ziva Women’s Mountain Bike
If you are a female rider, you should consider buying a bike that is designed for you. The Raleigh Bikes Ziva Women’s Mountain Bike is designed with an aluminum frame and it comes with numerous features for all riders. The ergonomic design should be the best part, making it much more comfortable for the women to enjoy.
Hydraulic disc brakes have been added, giving women all the peace of mind they may need to take on tough conditions. To help you navigate the tough terrains, Raleigh has added a 24-speed Shimano drivetrain with easy to use shifter for beginners. It is also worth noting that it is a hardtail mountain bike, making it better for climbers.
With such an affordable price, you should not need to worry about the features that are not included. Most of them are included, but you can make some upgrades as well. However, you will need some professional assembly for the full warranty to come into effect. Unfortunately, this will add to your expenses.
Best Budget Mountain Bike: Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike
If $600 is still a little too much for you and you are not sure how serious you are about the sport, the Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike is a great option. It also features an aluminum frame with a dual suspension. You also have the ability to adjust the suspension to meet all your specific needs.
A 21-speed Shimano drivetrain is included, giving every beginner the opportunity to explore the different gears. We love the 26-inch wheels and this will be beneficial for those larger riders. However, they might not compare to the best bikes for 300-pound people. One of the biggest problems we have found is that the weight might be a little too heavy.
As we have mentioned, the bike is not very expensive. This makes it ideal for beginners and hobbyists alike. Most of the features can be upgraded as you progress to the intermediate level as well. However, you might outgrow the bike really quickly and be on the lookout for something a little more professional. If that were the case, we would recommend looking for a decent carbon mountain bike.
Important Features To Look For In Mountain Bikes?
Now that you have seen the Best Mountain Bike Under 600, you might be wondering which features we used. If you decide you want to look for a different mountain bike, you can use these features. It is also worth noting that they will help you select a mountain bike regardless of the price range or limit you have.
Type
Mountain bikes are always split into either hardtail or full suspension. If you are under the misconception that one is better, you are wrong, since they feature different purposes. The dual suspension bike is the best option for rugged terrain and it makes descending a little easier. However, the hardtail design is much more stable and solid, which greatly benefits riders who love climbing hills.
Materials
Every professional will suggest carbon fiber for your frame. However, they are a little too expensive for beginners. Using an aircraft-grade aluminum bike should be sufficient to help you keep the weight down. We don’t recommend steel bikes too often as they might be a little too heavy. However, they are cheaper and have a better durability rating.
Brakes
Brakes are really important for any bike. If you have good breaks, you can take a few more risks and this will even give you confidence. Disc brakes are some of the most trusted brakes on the market today and they are easy to install as well. However, the cantilever brakes are a little more affordable and most cheaper bikes have them included.
Wrap-Up
Your budget should never get in the way of your mountain biking passion. We have selected some of the top bikes that have been tested on various slopes to ensure their value. If you need a new mountain bike and you don’t want a cheap entry-level version, we recommend any one of these models for beginners and intermediates.
We would like to thank you for reading this article for the Best Mountain Bike Under 600 and encourage you to share some of your comments. Let us know which one you like and would love to have on this list. We would also like to know if you think we might have missed any of your favorites.
