6 Of The Best Mountain Bikes Under $500

Are you looking for an affordable yet high-quality mountain bike that can handle any terrain? Look no further!

In this article, we will be exploring the best mountain bikes under $500 that will not only meet your budget but also exceed your expectations.

From sturdy frames to smooth gear shifts, we have scoured the market to find the best options for you. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider on a budget, get ready to hit the trails and take your biking experience to the next level.

In A Rush? Here Are Our Top Picks…

Top 6 Mountain Bikes Under $500 On The Market Today

The Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike has been an absolute beast on my off-road trails. The fat tires are quite the spectacle and they’ve served me well in a variety of terrains. Even on super rocky trails, this bike provides a smooth ride. I’ve even ridden it through mud without much struggle.

The bike also has a sturdy frame and feels very stable, even when going downhill at high speeds.

However, there are a few things I don’t like about the bike. The seat is pretty uncomfortable, especially on longer rides. I also had some trouble adjusting the brakes at first, but after some tinkering, I was able to get them working properly.

Despite these minor issues, the Mongoose Dolomite takes the pole position because it provided great value for the price. I was keen on exploring more challenging trails and needed a bike that could handle a variety of terrains without breaking the bank. 

Overall, super fun ride!

Next up is the Schwinn High Timber which is incredibly durable. I’ve taken it on some pretty rough trails, and it’s held up really well.

The frame is made of high-quality steel, and the suspension system does a great job of absorbing shocks and bumps. I also really appreciate the fact that this bike has 21 gears, which gives me a lot of flexibility when it comes to tackling different types of terrain. 

The seat is well-padded and the handlebars are positioned in a way that doesn’t put too much strain on my wrists or back. Plus, the tires are nice and wide. This helps with stability and makes it easier to navigate through rough terrain.

One thing that I don’t love about this bike is that it’s pretty heavy. This can make it a bit difficult to transport. Especially if you’re someone who likes to take your bike on road trips or camping trips.

What I absolutely love about the GT Fireball Moto Dirt Jump Bike is its impeccable durability and responsiveness. This bike is engineered for maximum stability and control. Even on the toughest terrains.

Whether I am out for dirt jump riding, bike park riding, or slopestyle, this bike has always delivered a robust performance.

The single-speed drivetrain also has its charm. It is simple and reduces the need for complicated shifting. Pair this with the bike’s solid disc brakes, it ensures a safe and controlled riding experience.

Plus, the bike’s 26″ wheels offer a perfect blend of speed and control, ideal for my dirt jumping adventures.

One thing that bothered me is the bike’s weight. It is slightly on the heavier side which can make it difficult to maneuver at times. Uphill rides will be hard work.

I also found the mechanical disc brakes to be less effective compared to hydraulic brakes. This might not be an issue for beginner riders but more experienced MTB riders will notice.

Schwinn has packed this bike with key features that more experienced riders rave about. They present it in a package that is both beginner-friendly and wallet-friendly. That’s a combo that’s hard to ignore.

But don’t be fooled by its budget-friendly tag. The Axum is a fully capable mountain bike, featuring a one-by eight-speed drivetrain, twenty-niner wheels, and a dropper post.

It arrived almost fully assembled, so I was able to hop on and hit the trail in no time. There’s something about this bike that had me itching to test it on my favorite paths!

The first snag I hit was with the dropper post remote. It wasn’t working when the bike arrived, due to the cable and housing being too short. While it was a quick fix, it was still an inconvenience I wasn’t expecting.

Secondly, the brakes aren’t the best. They’re functional, but they don’t offer the same level of stopping power as the other models in this roundup.

Finally, the bike doesn’t come with any accessories. This isn’t a huge issue, but it would have been nice to have some basic accessories like a water bottle holder or a kickstand included.

The first thing I loved about this bike was its high-quality aluminum alloy body. I enjoy off-road adventures as much as urban commuting. I appreciated how the body provided a sturdy and reliable riding experience in all types of terrain. I felt secure, confident, and – dare I say – invincible when riding the Giant ATX!

The bike’s weight was another huge plus. At under 31.5 lbs (or 14.3Kg), this mountain bike is one of the lighter ones in the roundup. Coupled with the fast-rolling tires, it made for a smooth and efficient ride, making even the most challenging climbs seem effortless.

The bike’s color options were disappointingly limited. As someone who takes pride in my gear, I would’ve loved a broader palette to choose from. Additionally, the fork performance was rather poor. This led to some discomfort during some of the more technical rides.

I absolutely love how the Rockhopper 27.5 handles on a variety of terrains. Its wide 27.5-inch wheels have been a game-changer. This provides excellent grip and stability. Especially on those fast descents where I used to worry about losing control!

The SR Suntour XCM suspension fork has also proven a solid choice. This offers a comfortable ride on rough terrains and effectively absorbs shocks. Not to mention, the Shimano drivetrain has never disappointed me. It delivers smooth and quick gear changes that I appreciate.

That being said, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. While the A1 aluminum frame is both sturdy and light, I found the bike to be slightly heavier than I expected. This impacted the overall climbing efficiency.

I would also point out that the saddle on the bike isn’t the most comfortable. This can be a problem if you’re planning on going on long rides.

Overall, the Rockhopper offers a lot of value for its price. For this price, it would be a great bike for beginner or intermediate bikers.

Choosing A $500 Mountain Bike – What To Expect

With mountain bikes, you’re not looking for training wheels. You want something that’s rugged, doesn’t rust easily, and can make it through varied terrain.

Buying online can be a bit tricky since you’re only able to inspect the bike after its purchase. If you’re really struggling, we suggest you pop down to your local bike store and ask for some in-store help.

Frame Material

At this price point, you’ll likely find an aluminum, aluminum alloy, or steel frame. This results in a heavier but very durable bike.

Mountain bike frames are also considerably thicker than road bikes to allow them to cope with harsher terrain. Otherwise, you’d find quite a few cracks in your frame!

Titanium and carbon fiber are even lighter but are very expensive. They would be out of scope at this price range. Only look at these types of bikes if you’re looking to make a serious investment in mountain biking!

Getting The Correct Size

Size is probably the single most important thing to consider when you’re shopping for a new bike. For almost all bikes, this is determined by the bike’s frame size.

This can vary depending on the bike you’re looking at. Go by the manufacturer’s sizing chart that’s provided for the bike if you can. Measure your height in either inches or centimeters, then see what bike size it falls under on the chart. 

Check out our bike sizing guide for more help.

Anticipated Terrain

Have a think about the type of roads you will be riding on most frequently. Is it mostly on flat trails or hills? If it’s just for some light off-road riding, consider a gravel bike. But if it’s mostly up and down hills, stick with an MTB bike.

A majority of mountain bikes will easily travel over asphalt and concrete, not just dirt roads.

As with any off-road bike, check to see if the tires are adequate. If you’re not satisfied with the factory tires included with your bike of interest, don’t hesitate to change them.

You don’t want to be on a good biking trail to have a bad pair of tires give out on you at the first sign of a jagged rock!

Choosing Based on Biking Experience

Some mountain bikes are easier to ride and control than others. For instance, if you’re new to riding on trails, it might take a moment for you to find a gear that is comfortable for you to move uphill.

With some models, it could be exhausting to do. For easier maneuvering, more gears are usually better.

Recommended Accessories

As with any bike, you’ll want to have a few handy accessories nearby in case something occurs. You never know when your front and back tires could become damaged.

A bike pump is a good addition, along with a digital bike speedometer if one isn’t available on your smartphone. Speaking of which, you could also use a dock for the phone, then place it on the handlebars. 

Other essential accessories could be a lubricant for realigning the chains, additional seats, and reflectors (for the bike and your clothing).

Frequently Asked Questions