The style and design of mountain bikes have greatly evolved over the last couple of years and the quality of these bikes has improved a lot. While $500 might not seem like much, it is still enough to buy an entry-level mountain bike. This has led us to look for the best mountain bikes for under 500 on the market today. The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike is one of the top complete bikes with all the features you need to get started.
With bike prices getting more expensive, it becomes increasingly difficult for beginners to start with a low budget. While you might not have the same features as the high-end bikes, you will have a decent bike to get you going. Keep in mind that many of these bikes also offer you the opportunity to upgrade them as you become more professional.
| Bike Type | Drivetrain | Brakes | Price | Rating | |
| Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike | Aluminum Full-Suspension | 24-Speed Shimano | Mechanical Disc Brakes | $$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike | Hardtail Steel Frame | 21-Speed Shimano | Caliper Brakes | $$ | ★★★★★ |
| Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike | Hardtail Aluminum Frame | 24-Speed Shimano | Mechanical Disc Brakes | $$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike | Hardtail Aluminum/Steel Frame | 7-Speed Shimano | Linear Pull Brakes | $$$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike | Full-Suspension Aluminum Frame | 21-Speed SRAM | Mechanical Disc Brakes | $$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Huffy 26 Inch Women’s Trail Runner Mountain Bike | Full-Suspension Steel Frame | 18-Speed Shimano | Caliper Brakes | $$ | ★★★★★ |
| Mongoose Hitch Men’s All-Terrain Fat Tire Mountain Bike | Fat Tire Steel Frame | 7-Speed Drivetrain | Mechanical Disc Brakes | $$$ | ★★★★★ |
| Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike | Full-Suspension Steel Frame | 21-Speed Shimano | Mechanical Disc Brakes | $$$ | ★★★★★ |
Best Mountain Bikes For Under 500 On The Market Today
Mountain bikes have numerous features that make them stand out. You rarely find one mountain bike, which allows you to have a comfortable ride on every terrain. Once you understand the features of the top mountain bikes, it will be easier to find the right bike. Here is our list of the best mountain bikes for under 500:
Top Pick: Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
The first bike to enter our list is the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike. It features full aluminum construction, including the fork, which helps to reduce weight. Additionally, the full-suspension design will give you more shock absorption. The bike features a 24-speed EZ fire Shimano shifter with the Shimano drivetrain.
What We Like:
- Disc Brakes: The user will have access to the front and rear mechanical disc brakes, which have been proven to give you great stopping power.
- Gear Versatility: A 24-speed drivetrain is more than most mountain bike riders will need, but will give you more functionality.
- Wide Rims: Compared to many other bikes, this one features double-walled rims, which are 2.25-inches thick for more durability.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Handle Grips: The grips on the handlebars tend to wear off quite rapidly, which could be frustrating.
Best Hardtail Mountain Bike: Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
Huffy is one of the top brands when it comes to affordability. The Huffy brand has tons of different features that will ensure you have a comfortable ride. One of our favorites is the Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike. The bike features a steel frame and a 21-speed drivetrain for versatility. However, the brakes are only caliper brakes.
What We Like:
- Drivetrain: Having a 21-speed drivetrain is more natural and comfortable for most users to get started.
- Brand: We have included Huffy for the brand as well and you can find tons of excellent bikes from the Huffy brand.
- Sizes: There are numerous sizes to choose from if you need one to make you feel the most comfortable.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Weight: Unfortunately, steel is one of the heavier materials, but will offer you more durability than aluminum.
Best Mountain Bike For Large Riders: Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike
It is often hard to find the right mountain bike for some of the larger riders. However, the Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike comes with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame. The frame is combined with a 29-inch wheelset, which is sure to help some of the larger riders get into shape and find a bike to get started.
What We Like:
- Durability: The bike has one of the most durable frames, which means that large athletes can use it.
- Wheel Size: At 29-inches, the bike has a large wheel size, which allows any 300-pounder to enjoy the bike.
- Disc Brakes: Once again, you can find mechanical disc brakes for an affordable price, which makes it a great bike.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Assembly: It can be tedious to assemble the bike since many of the instructions do not always seem clear.
Best Mountain Bike For Kids: Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike
Kids are often the first people in the family that want a new bike, especially around the festive season. The Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike is the perfect option for kids due to the unique design and option of steel or aluminum frame. The steel frame will be the cheaper option that we recommend for kids.
What We Like:
- Frame Choice: The bike has two frame options that you can choose depending on your skill and budget.
- Twist Shifters: The twist shifters from Shimano are not as fast as the EZ fire, but they are more reliable.
- Color Variations: There are numerous color variations that one can choose from depending on the gender and bike you like.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price: The steel version of the bike might be affordable, but for aluminum, it will be slightly more expensive.
Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bike: Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike
If you love to take on the downhill trails and you want a bike that will accommodate these downhill trails, the Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike is one of the top options to consider. The bike features a full aluminum frame and SRAM shifters, but the dual suspension is the real icing on top of the cake.
What We Like:
- Shifters: Shimano might be one of the best brands, but SRAM is known for top competitions like the Tour De France.
- Dual-Suspension: If you want a bike with great shock absorption, you will want to use the dual-suspension feature.
- Disc Brakes: We like choosing bikes with disc brakes due to their incredible stopping power in all weather conditions.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Rear Suspension: One of the downsides is the rear suspension tends to feel a bit saggy when going uphill.
Best Women’s Mountain Bike: Huffy 26 Inch Women’s Trail Runner Mountain Bike
The sport of mountain biking is now one of the top sports on the women’s calendar. Many female riders enjoy the sport to such a degree that they challenge men. When looking for the best women’s mountain bike under 500, you will need to consider the Huffy 26 Inch Women’s Trail Runner Mountain Bike, aside from the ergonomic design, Huffy is a great brand.
What We Like:
- Ergonomic Design: The first thing that draws your attention is the ergonomic design, which makes it more comfortable for women.
- Full-Suspension: Nothing is more frustrating than having to deal with all the bumps and shots from the bike, the full-suspension design counteracts this.
- Durable: If you are prone to falling with the bike or scraping it, the durable steel frame will add some protection.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Height: Unfortunately, the bike is not comfortable for women under 5 feet, which makes it too big for kids.
Best fat Tire Mountain Bike: Mongoose Hitch Men’s All-Terrain Fat Tire Mountain Bike
Snow and mud can be tedious to ride your bike through if you don’t have the right experience. Fortunately, the Mongoose Hitch Men’s All-Terrain Fat Tire Mountain Bike is a low-profile mountain bike with fat tires that will make it easier to trek through these loose terrains. It also features a durable steel frame.
What We Like:
- Fat Tires: The first thing that you will notice is the fat tires. Yes, the bike has wide tires that could help you on all terrains.
- Frame: The steel frame and fat-tire combination will ensure that the bike remains durable and easy to ride.
- Price: For a bike with all these features, you will not have to break the bank and have some peace of mind.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Weight: Unfortunately, the combination of steel and fat tires makes it one of the heaviest bikes on the market.
Best Beginner Mountain Bike: Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
Last but certainly not least, we have one of the most prominent entry-level bikes on the market today. The Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike is a dual-suspension steel frame bike that features mechanical disc brakes. It comes with a 21-speed drivetrain for versatility and a well-rounded design for all the features.
What We Like:
- Dual-Suspension: Having a valuable suspension like this will be great for beginners that have to deal with shock.
- Drivetrain: When looking at affordable bikes, it is hard to find bigger drivetrains like the 21-speed from Shimano.
- Price: Finally, the price of this bike is what makes it stand out and you can be sure to get value for your money.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Upgrades: The bike does not have a lot of room for improvement, which might be frustrating for beginners that are moving up in their respective classes.
What You Need To Know Before Buying The Best Mountain Bikes For Under 500
Mountain bikes are usually complete when you buy them off the shelves. However, there are tons of different features that you need to look for. The top mountain bikes have numerous great features that will make them stand out. Here is a short breakdown of the criterion we used in selecting the top options on the market today:
Frame Materials
Unlike the top road bikes, mountain bikes are slightly more complicated and different frame types need to be considered. The hardtail mountain bikes are best for climbing up hills. Additionally, full-suspension mountain bikes are better for going downhill. However, they can be a bit saggy when using them for climbing.
Frame Materials
When you have a budget of $500, it is hard to be picky when it comes to different frames. You will probably be limited to steel and aluminum frames. The steel frame is much heavier but has more durability. Additionally, aluminum is lighter but will make the bike lighter and easier to control. However, aluminum is much more expensive.
Drivetrain
With every bike, the drivetrain is one of the most important parts of the bike. It helps you navigate different terrains and adjust the tension. Shimano and SRAM are the two most common designers of the drivetrain. However, Shimano drivetrains tend to be slightly more affordable than their SRAM counterparts.
Brakes
Finally, brakes are what help you stop when the bike is traveling at speed and it is one of the features that you should not skimp at. The best brakes might not be affordable, but disc brakes tend to be better at stopping the bike at top speeds. Additionally, these brakes can bring the bike to an immediate stop on all surfaces.
Wrap-Up
The best mountain bikes for under 500 dollars are ideal for beginners to get started. Most manufacturers try to have at least one affordable bike, which opens up the world when it comes to different choices. Now, it is up to you to find the best bike for your needs, and let us know if we missed the best mountain bikes for under 500 dollars that you like
