Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 Review 2023

If you plan to go on a mountaineering ride with your friends, then to make your ride a worthwhile experience, investing in a reliable bike should be your first choice.

Different brands have introduced numerous mountain bike models that differ from one another, not just in features but also in pricing. A good quality mountain bike is available on a reasonable budget, and we will prove it right here in front of you.

Below we have a list for you where we have compiled a list of top 10 mountain bikes under $500 to find a perfect option for yourself right now.

Top 10 Best Mountain Bikes under $500

1. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike

A mountain bike that can give a tough competition to others is none other than Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike! You will be impressed with the durability and stable nature of the bike, which makes it one of the most wanted ones in the market. It has huge sized tires with the beauty of stainless steel to fall for it.

Plus, this bike is equipped with the advanced Shimano drivetrain system to have a comfortable and safer riding experience, even on any rainy day.

To keep it precise, the bike has 21 different speed options and a suspension fork to reduce the bumps during the ride time. To let the bike handle be in your control, it offers Kraton grips with linear-pull brakes.

Being manufactured by the most famous brand, Huffy, investing in this bike is a worthwhile decision to make.

You can have this bike available in 6 different color options such as red, metallic cyan, purples, solar flare, denim blue and charcoal. It has 2 different style sizes and 3 frame sizes. For us, it is extremely easy to assemble, which is a task of just 20 minutes. You need to attach the first wheel, pedals, seat, handlebars, and brakes, and there you go!

• Wheel size: 26 inches
• Suspension type: Front
• Number of speeds: 21
• Special features: Lightweight, 21 speed, Dirt bike, Mountain bike

2. Mongoose Dolomite Mens Fat Tire Mountain Bike

This has been probably one of those mountain bikes you need to consider due to its stable and robust performance. It is included with thick and oversized tires to allow you to ride the bike on various topographic. You don’t need to worry about facing slippery problems. Hence, riding it in any weather condition is the most impressive aspect of this bike.

This excellent mountain bike has a rear derailleur and 7 different speed options, which are suitable for anybody or to ride on any terrain surface. Its brake system equally plays a significant role in maintaining a proper balance and controlling the bike even at the highest level.

Based on lifetime guarantee has made this mountain bike to be the favorite one among mountain riders.

When we talk about the brakes, it’s an all-rounder bike to consider. The involvement of dual disc brakes allows you to have complete control of your bike on any ground surface. You can comfortably turn the wheel with the help of 3 piece crank and a large-sized paddle. Through twist shifter, you can have the gear be shifted in any fraction of time. For added performance and speed, robust alloy rims are lightweight and have extra efficiency to ride smoothly.

• Wheel size: 26 inches
• Suspension type: Rigid
• Number of speeds: 7
• Special features: Lightweight, Fat tire, Mountain bike

3. Schwinn Mountain-Bicycles High Timber

Next on our list, we have Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike, a superb bike manufactured from a combination of two different frame materials. This includes steel and aluminum. For some riders, steel can make the bike a bit heavier, so it is perfectly blended with aluminum material.

The bike is offered with a mechanical disc brakes system to have strong control on the bike and can stop at any place you want to.

If you are worried about slipping on rough roads, don’t panic because this bike is available with an optimal knobby tire and has a robust suspension fork to ride smoothly. 7 various speed options are included in the bike and Shimano twist shifter to have a smooth riding experience.

Apart from that, the bike has been fitted with the alloy linear-pull brake system to have motion control during off-road riding. Involvement of a comfortable and quick-release system will help you to adjust the bike according to height preferences.

Hence, Schwinn high timber excellent mountain bike is fully fitted with a powerful alloy wheel to stay in lightweight nature. You can have the wheels available in three different sizes.

• Wheel size: 27.5 inches
• Suspension type: Dual
• Number of speeds: 21
• Special features: Lightweight, Mountain bike

4. Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike

This is another excellent and affordable bike for an enjoyable mountain riding experience by Gravity FSX 1.0 Mountain Bike. This bike is so much loved due to its dual suspension system and mechanical disc brakes at both rear and front sides. This will enable the rider to have strong control over the bike and balance it smoothly over rough mountain surfaces.

Furthermore, the bike is also offering shifters with Shimano drive terrain to enjoy fantastic rides in 24 different speed options. Simply sit on it, choose your favorite riding speed and let’s go!

Its assembling functionality is extremely easy and can be done in just few minutes.

Lightweight yet the strongest aluminum frame of this bike holds a superbly comfortable saddle. It even prevents you from facing sore butt situation during long rides.

Any rider with the weight of 200 pounds can ride this bike very easily. You can have it in four amazing color options including yellow, grey, black and white. Frame sizes are in 4 different options.

• Wheel size: 26 inches
• Suspension type: Dual
• Number of speeds: 15
• Special features: Lightweight, 15 speed, Dirt bike, Mountain bike

5. Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike

To have a perfect mountain bike which is not just affordable but is extremely powerful in riding, then don’t forget to choose Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike. This bike is manufactured from the top leading brand, Mongoose, and they do know how to satisfy their customers by delivering great quality of bike models like this one.

This cheap mountain bike is offered with 21-Speed Rear Derailleur which you can consider for changing the bike speed to ride it smoothly. Plus, it is even offering brake system at rear and front parts to maintain a proper balance during tough riding roads.

To have an extra comfort during mountain riding, the bike has a well-padded as well as suspension fork. As regard the installation is concerned, it is extremely simple and is lightweight due to aluminum alloy frame.

It has the powerful aluminum rim and frame with which you can commute without any hindrance. These two materials even contribute to let the bike stay lightweight because the lighter bike is easy to handle during long biking trips.

• Wheel size: 29 inches
• Suspension type: Front
• Number of speeds: 21
• Special features: 21 speed, Aluminum Frame, Mountain bike

6. Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike

To have a mountain bike by your side which is big and strong, then here we have the best recommendation for you by the name of Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike. This bike is available with a pair of 4 tires which are giant and have a solid grip. These tires are capable of increasing the stability once you start riding on mountain areas.

It has a steel frame which is durable and extra stronger to survive for long years. We highly recommend this bike for the people having large figures.

Plus, it also has the disc braking system which is located at the both rear and front sides. With 7-speed derailleur feature, you can let your bike be in balancing mode during ride time.

Trust me; you will enjoy the riding experience on this bike even on muddy and rough mountain roads without any hassle.

• Wheel size: 26 inches
• Suspension type: Rigid
• Number of speeds: 7
• Special features: Fat tire, Mountain bike

7. Hiland Mountain Bike 27 Speeds

Hiland 27.5 Inch Front Suspension Mountain Bike is no doubt one such bike model which is worth to invest in. Although it is perfect for a mountain riding, but it is equally best for your daily use as well!

The bike has been equipped with advanced double Hydraulic disc brakes system along with lock-out suspension fork to have a full control on your bike during ride time. 27 different speed options are available to change your favorite one.

We definitely call this bike to be the most commendable one for riding on muddy roads, rough roads as well as on rainy roads. Another biggest plus point of this mountain bike is the availability of two different frame options i.e. 18 inches and 19.5 inches to look for the one which suits your height.

• Wheel size: 27.5 inches
• Suspension type: Front
• Number of speeds: 21
• Special features: Lightweight, 21 speed, Dirt bike, Mountain bike

8. ROADMASTER R4047WMJ 26″ Roadmaster Granite Peak Women’s Bike

On the 8^th spot, we have Roadmaster Granite Peak Mountain Bike which is an amazing mountain bike to invest in for women. It is not just affordable but has even proved to be long lasting durable due to its Shimano components.

Shimano drivetrain is not using the latest Shimano bottom bracket technology which majority of the bikes are using. Replacing the bottom brackets of the bike is not expensive at all. Apart from that, usage of Shimano BR-M390 hydraulic disc brakes is letting the stopping and braking system to be the powerful one.

Its weight is 32 lbs which is a bit heavier as compared to other mountain bikes on our list. Offers 700c x 40c with the Schwalbe tires for availing excellent traction and great rolling resistance on any terrain surface!

Granite Peak is also included with Body Geometry Women’s saddle which is comfortably designed according to women fitting. It gives a huge support to the body during long trips.

You can also get an access to 21-Speed Shimano drivetrain based on 21 speeds to let the pedaling stay at a manageable pace.

• Wheel size: 26 inches
• Suspension type: Rear, front
• Number of speeds: 18
• Special features: Aluminum Frame, Mountain bike

9.Tommaso Sentiero Shimano Claris Gravel Adventure Bike

On the 9^th spot, we have this adventurous bike from Tommaso, which is reliable and highly durable to ride on. This bike has a frame made from aluminum material to survive for a long-lasting time.  There is also a lifetime customer warranty for both fork and frame. And these two components have also improved the durability of the bike.

You will surely be impressed with its top speed and powerful performance. It is one of those bikes available with a variety of gears to experience riding in any condition.

The bike is available with 700x40c tires for a quick pace. It has compact frame geometry with wide handlebars for immense power. You can easily cover the extended distance from 100 miles to 10 miles.

In short, this bike has all those excellent features which you won’t be getting in any bike at such a reasonable cost. Few accessories are also attached with the frame to have enough capacity for settling all your basic riding needs.

• Wheel size: 700 centimeters
• Suspension type: Rigid
• Number of speeds: 24
• Special features: Aluminum Frame, Lightweight, Mountain bike

10.Trinx TEMPO1.0 700C Road Bike

Trinx TEMPO1.0 700C Road Bike is the most OK gravel bike to invest in right now! This bike is popularly known for its powerful performance and high durability. The best feature of this bike is its capability where it can easily hold up to 230lbs load.

The bike is built in a robust frame of aluminum alloy, with which you get lifelong usage and better durability. This fantastic frame even makes sure that it withstand the conditions of sun, rain, or wind with much ease.

This gravel bike has the Shimano TZ21 cassette and KMC C50 chain for the fastest pedaling system. Chain and cassette systems ensure that you keep riding the bike smoothly, even on rough surfaces.

Furthermore, the bike has a Trinx Road saddle which is fully padded to have a comfortable hold. You should go on a long riding journey on this bike right now!

• Wheel size: 26 inches
• Suspension type: Rear, front
• Number of speeds: 21
• Special features: Lightweight, 21 speed, Dirt bike, Mountain bike

Important Things to Consider when Buying Best Mountain Bike

Now let’s discuss a few of the major factors which you need to consider when investing in the best mountain bike. Take it as our buying guide instructions.

Frame Materials

Make sure that the bike you are considering should have the frame which is durable and light. Aluminum alloy is the best material which a perfect frame must-have. It is cheap, tougher, long-lasting and water-resistance in nature.

Type of Suspension

A mountain bike has a variety of suspension types to look for. But make sure your bike has the suspension system which is absorbing the shocks within trails. With this suspension system, you are guaranteed to have the bike adjusted with smooth gearing and absorbing quality,

Gears

Thus, you can often look for the variety of mountain bikes which are available in different gear options which you can easily shift. For an experienced rider, lower gears are the best option to consider. But the higher gears are more ideal for the beginners to ride on smoother surfaces.

Size of wheel

The next thing you need to be conscious about is the wheel size which is obviously available in different options. You can have the wheel in sizes of 26, 27.5 and in 29 inches. 26-inch wheels are great in providing extra control and are best for the new riders.

29-inches of wheels can be used by the advanced mountain bikers because they have to tackle rough roads and needs to maintain momentum.

Tires

You should choose the tires on the basis of wheel size and for what purpose you are using the bike for. For the trail bikes, we will suggest you to look for the tires in 2.25 and 2.4 inches. For the downhill bikes, it can be 2.5 inches and for the cross country, it can be 19 inches. Width of the tire can also change the bike’s overall ability to absorb the shock and add more control on the bike.

FAQs

1. Are road bikes faster than mountain bikes?

Mountain bikes have the grippy nature which adds an extra traction in their performance to slow them down a bit. This will enable the rider to have an extra control on trails with high safety, which is not possible in road bikes.

2. What is the main difference between a 27.5″ bike tireand 29″ bike tire?

With 27.5 inch tire you can have greater versatility and it does not compromise on the control. But with 29-inch tires tackle the obstacles and even maintain a proper momentum.

3. Is it easy to use mountain bikes on any pave road?

Mountain bikes can smoothly ride on pave roads without any hassle. In fact they are designed to ride on any surface no matter rough, muddy, rainy, or so on. They have the power to grant the rider with extra comfort during long rides.

4. How to purchase a classic mountain bike?

For purchasing a classic mountain bike, make sure your invested bike has the features of gearing system, durable suspension system, size and weight.

5. Is it worth to invest in a mountain bike?

Investing in a mountain bike for a comfortable and hassle-free mountain ride experience is a brilliant choice. You cannot ride on mountain with an ordinary bike. The best thing about mountain bike is that they are great to use even for daily commuting.

Conclusion

If you really want to make your mountain bike riding to be a wonderful experience, then considering a mountain bike with great suspension system should be your first choice. Plus, it is also important to have a bike with an easy control and must have a durable frame material. You cannot have a comfortable ride on a bumpy mountain road if you haven’t yet invested in a great quality of bike.

When investing in any mountain bike, always do a bit of research and compare different brands and see which one of the bike models stands according to your desires. We hope that our list above and buying guide must have made our task a lot easier.

Our top 3 picks from the above list are:

1. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
2. Mongoose Dolomite Mens Fat Tire Mountain Bike
3. Schwinn Mountain-Bicycles High Timber