Many choose mountain bikes because of their ruggedness, ease of riding, and at the same time, good enough for a starter. What does scare most people away is the exorbitant price of many mountain bicycles. However, you can get the best mountain bikes under $500, decent enough to provide a good mountain ride. Choose the suitable cheap MTB by exploring the buying guides, reviews, comparison charts, and general tips this article provides.
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Table of Contents
Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 – Comparison Chart
Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 | Images | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Best For | Wheel Size | Brake |
 | 21-speed | Aluminum & steel | Adults and beginner mountain riders | 27.5 inches | Linear pull brake | |
 | 21-speed | Aluminum | Beginners and intermediate riders | 27.5 inches | Mechanical disc brake | |
 | 7-speed | Aluminum | Male and female adults | 26-inches | Mechanical Dual Disc Brakes | |
 | 21-speed | Aluminum | Kid girls | 24-inches | Pull brakes | |
 | 21-speed | Steel | Boys and girls | 24-inches | Linear pull brakes |
Mountain Bike Size Charts for Both Men and Women (Adult)
| 0Rider Height (in) | Rider Height (cm) | Frame Size | Frame Size (in) | Frame Size (cm) |
| 4′ 10″ – 5′ 2″ | 148cm – 158cm | XS | 13″ – 14″ | 33cm – 37cm |
| 5′ 3″ – 5′ 6″ | 159cm – 168cm | S | 15″ – 16″ | 38cm – 42cm |
| 5′ 7″ – 5′ 10″ | 169cm – 178cm | M | 17″ – 18″ | 43cm – 47cm |
| 5′ 11″ – 6′ 1″ | 179cm – 185cm | L | 19″ – 20″ | 48cm – 52cm |
| 6′ 2″ – 6′ 4″ | 186cm – 193cm | XL | 21″ – 22″ | 53cm – 57cm |
| 6′ 4″ – 6’6 | 194cm- 198 | XXL | 23″ -24” | 58cm -61cm |
What Are the Best Mountain Bikes Under $500?
Mountain Bikes are notorious for off-road riding. They usually have 26” wheels good enough to grip rough terrains and ensure the handling isn’t shaking while riding. More recently, 27” to 29” wheeled bikes have been launched. These new wheel-size bikes speed faster and generally ride through bumps or sandy areas. We have conducted extensive research and come up with the top 10 mountain bikes. See the detailed review of these best affordable mountain bikes to arrive at the best buying conclusion.
1. Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike
The Schwinn High Timber Mountain bike is sturdy yet affordable for adults, and it is made in multiple sizes and designs to meet your perfect need. We exclusively consider it part of the best mountain bike under 500 due to its good wheel size of 27.5 inches.
Highlights:
- It offers a Suntour suspension
- Comes with alloy crank for steady gear changes
- Knobby tires are durable for mountain and off-road rides
- It is made in multiple frame sizes, weights, and colors
Technical Specification:
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension Type: front
- Wheel Size: 27.5
- Speed: 21
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Easily shiftable gears
- Easy to assemble
- Height adjustment
Cons:
- Plastic pedal
2. Schwinn Mesa Adult Mountain Bike
The Schwinn Mesa 2 is another cheap mountain bike, yet a durable MTB suitable for both young and adults. The bike is extremely lightweight because its frame is built of aluminum. It is an off-road bike that allows you to ride smoothly through dirt, gravel, or mountain. It has tires big enough to make firm grips with the land and absorbs any possible shocks while riding.
Highlights:
- Mechanical disc brake that delivers non-failing excellent stopping power
- Offers Aluminum suspension fork and frame
- Features 21-gears transmission system
Technical Specification:
- Brake: Mechanical Disc brake
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheel size: 27.5 inches
- Suspension: front
- Speed: 21
Pros:
- Suitable for on-road and off-road terrains
- Available in many wheels sizes
- Perfect for beginners and intermediate riders
Cons:
- Vague instructions on how to assemble
3. Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike
The Mongoose Malus is another adult mountain bike under $500 offering all-weather tires with a sleek and elegant design. Its 4.5 inches tires and 24-inches wheels make it possible for you to climb mountains and navigate through sandy, slippery, stony, and dirty terrain.
Highlights:
- It has hydraulic dual disk brakes
- Features rear derailleur for easy gear changes
- Fat 4-inches mountain tires
Technical specification:
- Wheel Size: 26 inches
- Frame Size: 17 inches
- Speeds: 7
- Brake: Mechanical Dual Disc Brakes
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Suspension: None
- Weight: 20.4kg
Pros:
- Affordable
- Uses dual brakes
- Comfortable seat
- Easily upgradeable
Cons:
- Plastic brake levers
- Heavyweight
4. Mongoose Maxim Girls Mountain Bike
The Mongoose Maxim is a good-budget mountain bike exclusively for younger girls. Teens’ bicycle usually focuses on design, and the Mongoose isn’t an exception as it looks clean and stylish yet offers a good riding experience. The aluminum purple-tainted bike supports a rider of about 5’ height, and it has a 21-speed derailleur that allows users to tune their gears for a smooth ride.
Highlights:
- 24-inch wheels for girls around 5’6”
- Aluminum full suspension frame
- Features Shimano 21-speed drivetrain
Technical Specifications:
- Wheel Size: 24 inches
- Suspension: Dual
- Speed: 21
- Frame: Aluminum
- Weight: 17kg
Pros:
- Adjustable seat height.
- Extra suspension double fork
- A kickstand and a water bottle holder
Con:
- Front headphones are not well tight
5. Mongoose Eclipse Full Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike for Kids
The mongoose Eclipse is one of the best 24-inches mountain bikes under $500. It is perfect for youngsters that want to cruise the neighborhood and tour off-road paths. It features a lightweight but strong steel frame and a dual-suspension fork. The MTB also offers a dependable Shimano derailleur brake.
Highlights:
- 24- Inch alloy wheel with linear pulls
- 21 speeds with Shimano rear derailleur
- Front & rear brakes
- Sturdy steel frame
- Features a kickstand
Technical Specifications:
- Frame: steel
- Suspension: Dual
- Speed: 21
- Wheel size: 24- inches
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Easily comprehensible instructions
- Beautiful design
- Adjustable seat
Cons:
- Derailleur and brakes may be tricky to adjust
6. EuroBike X1 27.5 Inch Wheels Mountain Bike
If you are looking for the best value mountain bike, the EuroBike is that underrated bike that offers you an affordable and quality bike. It is a 27.5-inch wheel bike decent enough for averagely tall persons, and it features rear and front disc brakes that provide good stopping power.
Highlights:
- 21-speed Shimano shifter
- Easily maneuverable aerodynamic design frame
- Adjustable steel seat post
- Features a front steel suspension fork
Technical Specification:
- Wheel Size: 27.5- inches
- Suspension: Front
- Frame Material: Alloy steel
- Speed: 21
- Weight: 17kg
- Brake: dual disc brake
Pros:
- 85% factory assembled
- Highly affordable
- Good brakes
Cons:
- Only available in one size
7. Royce Union RMT 27.5” Women’s All-Terrain Mountain Bike
For women that love mountain rides and still want the best inexpensive mountain bike, the Royce Union Mountain Bike is a perfect choice. The bicycle is lightweight yet sturdy enough to ride through rough terrains. It comes with Shimano EZ Fire Plus Trigger and a Shimano Altus rear indexed derailleur braking system for good stopping power.
Highlights:
- It offers an aluminum frame
- Features zoom suspension fork
- It has big 27.5” alloy wheels
Technical Specification:
- Wheel Size: 27.5
- Suspension: Front
- Speed: 21
- Brake: linear-pull brake
Pros:
- The suspension works effectively as shock absorbers
- Available in two color options
- Good braking system
- Wheels are rust-resistant
Cons:
- It may make some noise when pedaling
8. Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike for Boys
The Huffy hardtail mountain bike is one of the best mountain bikes under 500, with a durable steel frame good enough to cycle through rough terrains, including downhill riding and uphill climbing. It is suitable for children between the ages of 5 and 9 years. The MTB features a 6-speed drivetrain and linear-pull hand brakes for a quick halt when the need arises.
Highlights:
- Offers Metallic Cyan blue gloss design
- SHIMANO TZ-31 rear derailleur and the micro-shift twist shifter for pure acceleration
- It features front and rear linear steel hand brake
Technical specifications:
- Wheel Size: 20- inches
- Suspension: Front
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 16kg
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Kickstand included
Cons:
- The handlebar may get loose easily
9. Huffy Stone Mountain Women’s Mountain Bike
If you want the best women’s mountain bike under $500 that delivers both good design and performance, the Huffy Stone Mountain bike should be a good option. It is beautifully designed in a charcoal gloss color, and it offers a steel hardtail frame and a front suspension fork. It is suitable for riders above 5” because of the adjustable seat height.
Highlights:
- Offers an ATB saddle
- Uses Micro-shift twist shifter and Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur to deliver incredible speed
- Removable rear derailleur guard
- Front and rear pull-hand brakes are available
Technical Specification:
- Wheel Size: 26-inches
- Suspension: Front
- Speed: 21
- Weight:
- Frame: Steel
Pros:
- Knobby tires that can ride on any terrain
- Unlimited warranty
- Detail instructional assembly video
Cons:
- Stiff kickstand
10. Dynacraft Vertical Alpine Eagle 24” Bike
This MTB is one of the best mountain bikes under $500 for riders that want to scale new heights in their mountain touring. It features an 18-speed derailleur with grip shifters. The front and linear-pull brake make descending mountains easy, and the stopping is super-firm.
Highlights:
- A steel kickstand that makes resting the bike easy
- Full suspension and steel frame
- The seat post is adjustable
- Front and rear linear-pull brake for excellent stopping power
Technical Specification:
- Wheel Size: 24-inches
- Suspension: dual
- Speed: 18
- Frame: Steel
Pros:
- Take less than 15 minutes to assemble
- Lightweight
- Beautiful design
Cons:
- Some users complained that the handlebar is stiff
Mountain Bikes Under $500 Buying Guide: How to Choose Affordable MTB?
Choosing an affordable mountain bike with excellent quality can be tricky. It is overwhelming because there are varieties of mountain bikes with the new emergence of technological evolvement and high competition of most of these brands. However, there are still decent and reliable mountain bikes under $500 that can meet your needs.
If you are okay with a not too luxury bike, just check through the main features like the wide tires, riding performance, suspension, and frame. The frame determines a bike’s quality, price strength, and weight. Aluminum alloys are common to most mountain bike frames, and they are usually lightweight and sturdy.
A reasonable mountain bike frame can also be made of steel material. Steel is rugged, inexpensive, and tough but heavy in weight. There is no specific wheel size for a mountain bike. It depends on the rider’s size. See the chart above to see the perfect bike wheel for your height.
How Do You Stay Safe on a Mountain Bike?
Before delving into the detailed review of the best mountain bike under $500, you must first understand what it takes to have a mountain ride and the necessary precautionary measure to have a safe ride. Riding is a worthy exercise for both young and adults but can easily pose a risk that could result in serious injury if you are not a diligent rider. Whether an experienced or beginner rider, these are vital steps to protect yourself and fellow riders on the trail.
- Always use a riding helmet
The first precaution to riding a bicycle, especially for a mountain ride, is wearing a protective helmet, even if you are a pro rider. If your bike falls off, crashes, or suddenly stumps on a branch’s underestimated height, the helmet will come through for you. Research shows helmets reduce head injury to about 70%. Ensure the helmet is well-tightened to your head before embarking on a mountain ride.
- Wear quality riding gear
You don’t just wear any casual dress for mountain ride exercise, but you need suitable riding apparel and other gear like gloves and eye protection. Wear a non-baggy quality cloth that won’t rip off when you have an accident. You also need a glass or goggles to protect against flying insects or high-speed wind.
- Understand basic bicycle maintenance
Know little about bike maintenance to ensure maximum safety and avoid unnecessary delay. You can learn the basics via YouTube tutorials or blog guides. Assemble simple tools that can do basic repairs like punctured tires, adjust brakes and gears and fix broken chairs.
- Trail the path you understand
Except you ride in a group, only ride on mountain routes, you are familiar with. You can get into a problem if you suddenly stump on heavy rock or roots. Don’t speed into corners. Also, you can make use of GPS for easy navigation. Many mountain bikes in the market have GPS, and you can perhaps manually fix one on your bike. It will help you trail carefully without getting lost, especially in the wood.
- Eat and stay hydrated
Cycling, like other physical activities, is energy-demanding. Ensure you stay hydrated and take along enough to get you through riding time. If you are thirsty, you will lose the fun of riding, and it may even eventually lead to fainting. Also, ensure you eat before starting your riding journey. You can also put your snacks in your pack to provide your body with the needed energy when you are hungry.
FAQs about Best Mountain Bikes Under $500
- What is the best entry suspension for beginners?
Hardtail suspension is the most considerable for beginners. It is easy to maintain, not too heavy, and cheap. Also, it will make it easy for you to develop basic riding skills.
- Which is better, 27.5″ vs. 29″wheel size?
They are both excellent but work better for different purposes. While a 29” wheel size mountain bike is speedier, stable, and efficient, the 27.5” allows you have a snappier trail feel. Generally, the choice of the wheel depends on your personal preference, except if you are too tall or small, then you can go out of the two wheels.
- What is the ideal height of the rider for a 29″ MTB?
A 29” mountain bike is suitable for a rider that can be 5’6’ tall, and it also works perfectly for taller riders.
- What is the ideal height of the rider for a 26″ MTB?
Bikes with 26-inches wheels are naturally made for people 5’5 to 5’9 tall. A taller person can go for a higher-height bike.
- Do I need a full-suspension mountain bike?
A full-suspension bike is always the best if you want a comfortable ride. They soak up bumps that could have to shake your body and affect your body while reading. A full-suspension bike makes your body stress free and allows you to ride with comfort.
- Are hardtails faster than full suspension?
Hardtails are usually lighter than any full-suspension mountain bike, so they are faster due to their mechanical simplicity.
Conclusion
At $500 maximum, you shouldn’t put your hope high on getting a luxury bike. You need a fair bike that can work diligently for off-road cycling. Though each of these bicycles does not come without flaws, they are the best mountain bikes under $500 you can trust your money on.
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