Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000 – Top MTB Bikes

Not everyone needs a high-end mountain bike that can cost a fortune. There are some great Mountain bikes under $1000 that can meet the needs of recreational riders.

Research shows that mountain biking is trending towards a top source of aerobic physical activity. 

Most Mountain bikes are not light in weight and some may not be equipped with top-end gears, but there are options for relatively inexpensive mountain bikes available in the market.

If you are looking forward to using Mountain Biking as your choice of exercise butt don’t have unlimited funds, then you will enjoy this review!

We have lined up our favorites for 2021: the top quality mountain bikes that are a great option for beginners and young riders. 

However, there are a few things you should know about bikes before you visit any shop or online seller. 

Make sure the bike fits you well, no matter what kind of bike you buy or how much it costs. If your bike fits you perfectly then it will be fun to ride and less likely to end up as clothes hanger.

When searching for a mountain bike under $1,000 price, opt for a hardtail. Hardtails are the best choice for this price range as they are light and practical. 

In A Hurry? The Test Winner After 19 Hours Of Research:

Schwinn Timber Adult Mountain Bike

SCHWINN HIGH TIMBER ADULT MOUNTAIN BIKE

Why is it better?

• Durable Schwinn alloy crank provides steady gearing and less maintenance.
• Schwinn steel mountain-style frame and Schwinn suspension fork combine for a durable and responsive riding experience on a variety of terrain.

92/100our score

9

Researched sources

198

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hours researching

16

products compared

Best Mountain Bikes Under 1000 Dollars In 2021

SCHWINN HIGH TIMBER ADULT MOUNTAIN BIKE

Schwinn Timber Adult Mountain Bike

Image Source: Amazon

SCHWINN HIGH TIMBER ADULT MOUNTAIN BIKE

• Durable Schwinn alloy crank provides steady gearing and less maintenance.
• The front and rear alloy linear pull brakes provide precision stopping power.
• Schwinn steel mountain-style frame and Schwinn suspension fork combine for a durable and responsive riding experience on a variety of terrain.

Meet Schwinn’s High Timber ALX Step-Thru 24 inches mountain bike. The bike is best for kids, teenagers, and adult women alike. 

It is a mountain bike that can get any person into mountain riding sport. 

From pavements to rough trails, this bike gives a combination of durability and responsive biking experience through a variety of surfaces.

The 7-speed offers an amazing exploration with linear alloy-pull brakes and twist shifters for precise stopping. 

The Shimano rear derailleur offers smooth and specific gear changes while out on a trail or any other inclined surfaces. 

The bike is designed with a Schwinn steel mountain-style frame and Schwinn’s suspension fork for utmost comfort and longevity. 

The wheels feature alloy rims for lightweight and the best terrain tires for strong riding experience. 

The bike is the best fit for riders with 8 ages or with 4.5′ to 5.6 inches height riders.

What We Like

• Easy to assemble.

• Perfect fit up to 5.6 inches.

What We Don’t Like

• Not for long rides.
• Quite heavy.

Best Beginner Mountain Bike

Early Rider Limited Seeker  Bike

Early Ride Mountain Bike

Image Source: Rei

Early Rider Limited Seeker Bike

• Gates belt drive system is smooth and lightweight 
• Ritchey Logic controls and powerful, easy-pull, short-lever V brakes
• 2.25 in. balloon mud tires let them coast over bumps and jumps 

With the best 1 gears speed system, the Early Rider Limited Seeker 16 inches kids bike is an amazing option for terrains with assurance. 

It is a great bike option for riders in the 3 to the 6-years-old range.

With the aluminum frame and aluminum steered fork, this bike ensures to absorb big hits of the trails and curbs.

It is a stable and responsive bike. It can work fast and works great on off-road adventures. The bike is designed for adventure, high performance, and confidence and is immediately serviceable. 

You can see your kid’s confidence boost up with this bike due to the Ritchey logic controls and strong short lever V brakes. 

It is a great beginner mountain bike at this price.

What We Like

• Fork suspension is good.

• Lightweight.

What We Don’t Like

• Narrow Pedals

Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Hiland 24 26 Inch Mountain Bike

Hiland Mountain Bike

Image Source: Amazon

Hiland 24 26 Inch Mountain Bike

• Hiland steel frame, 24/26*1.95 Kenda tires, disc-brake, Taiwan ZOOM suspension fork.
• SHIMANO RevoShift twist grip shifters with 21 speeds.
• 85% pre-assembled,come with basic assembly tools.

This is a great bike on the list with high performance and quality, Hiland offers valve to American standards i.e Schrader valve. 

The bike is designed with a Hiland steel frame, Taiwan’s suspension fork, and 24/26*1.95 tires. 

The brand offers a lifetime warranty on the frame of the bike. The bike is engineered with Shimano twist shifters with a 21-speed drivetrain system that makes pedaling up the mountains very easy and smooth. 

The bike is 85% assembled and is delivered with basic tools for assembly. It is fast and easy to assemble. Additionally, the company provides a free kickstand and pedals with the bike.

The kickstands are customized and are high in quality hence, you do not need to buy extra ones.

The bike is a perfect fit for 4.7 to 5.5 height teenagers. You can get various sizes available from the brand.

What We Like

• Affordable.

• Easy to assemble.

What We Don’t Like

• Issues with the valves.

• Uncomfortable seat.

Best Mountain Bike Under 500

Mongoose Ledge 2.1 Men’s Bike

Mongoose Ledge 2.1 Mens Bike

Image Source: Amazon

MONGOOSE LEDGE 2.1 MEN’S BIKE

• 21-speed twist shifters with Shimano rear derailleur.
• Aluminum full-suspension mountain frame with front suspension fork.
• Alloy wheels and 3-piece crank.

Mongoose Ledge 2.1 is an inexpensive mountain bike. The bike can conquer every path, trails, or can ride down a mountain. 

It performs at a new level so that the rider can quickly fall in love with the bike. 

This bike is completely designed with a full aluminum suspension frame, a 21-speed system, and high-quality twist shifters for a smooth ride. The frame is lightweight and durable and offers support and stability while riding.

It also includes a three-piece crank, back derailleur, alloy rims, 27.5 inches wheels, brakes with linear-pull, and steel handlebars. 

It is a multi-use bike that offers a boost to your muscles and strengthens your legs and hips near the back end. 

Additionally, steel handlebars are added for extra control.

The brakes are designed and engineered for precise stopping and are reliable for every weather condition.

What We Like

• Light and sturdy.

• Available with kickstand.

• The wide availability of gears.

What We Don’t Like

• Low Brake quality

Best Mountain Bikes for the Money

Verde 2021 Theory Dirt Jumper

Verde 2021 Theory Dirt Jumper

Image Source: Nashbar

Verde 2021 Theory Dirt Jumper 

• 2.3″ wide Bombtrack tires give ample traction
• double wall rims take a beating making sure that you get to keep riding
• U-brake brake in the rear works around this bike

Need a bike that takes the next level in freestyling MTB? Then check out the Verde 2021 Theory Dirt Jumper 26 inches bike.

The bike is beautifully equipped with the fork of Chromoly w/ 2 Piece Steerer Tube along with tapered legs and welded star nut. The bike offers a comfortable and smooth ride on huge dirt jumps or transfers at skate parks.

It is designed with a Chromoly frame and cranks that ensure that going high and big is not a problem, along with double rim walls to help you stick the landings.

The wheels and tires are remarkably versatile and offer you a great ride whether you are riding on asphalt or dirt.

The U-brake brake in the rear works around this bike and assures precise stopping power when needed.

Overall this is one of the best budget mountain bike you can look for.

What We Like

• Well priced jumper bike.

• Lightweight.

• Looks great.

What We Don’t Like

• Not high-quality forks

How to Choose Mountain Bikes

It is essential to know what you are looking for when buying a mountain bike. Check out a few tips to find the perfect bike for your trail ride.

1. Get the Perfect Size

Everything comes secondary to the right frame size of the bike. But do not rely on the state’s size, one brand’s medium can be another brand’s large size.

Make sure you choose the bike that fits you correctly. Look for the distance from the saddle to the handlebars and distance from crank to the mid tube. 

2. Choose a Wheel Size

Many brands have settled on the stated choice of 27.5 inches or 29 inches. However, plus size wide rim tires have been muddying the water. 

Although strong, light, and stiff 29 inches tires will become a common choice in upcoming years, for now, the choice remains the same. 

The 29er (bicycle) will provide slightly greater performance, but you’ll want to keep your weight under control. A bike with 27.5-inch wheels, on the other hand, will be a little easier to spin swiftly without sacrificing too much rollover ability. 

3. Hardtail or Full-suspension

Extra manufacturing, shock in the rear, and bearing all cost a huge amount of money. However, you get better specifications and parts on a hardtail bike over a full-suspension bike at the same cost.

The bike is easy on maintenance and lesser things go wrong with this bike.

However, full-suspension bikes are more advanced and have many advantages that can outrun their disadvantages. 

The majority of mountain bikes under $1,000 are designed for cross-country riding on easy trails. As a result, their suspension systems are pretty similar, with a front fork with a travel range of 75 to 120 millimeters (a measurement of how much the shock absorbers can compress). These bikes are referred to as “hardtails” since they only have front suspension and no rear cushioning. 

4. Choose Proper Weight

Off-roads weight is an important factor however, strength is slightly more important. Flimsy will have no place when it comes to random rocks and roots that can tackle your way from all angles.

It can drag down your steering, cornering, and confidence with it. It is always better to carry more extra weight and keep your bike out of the fence. 

As the price of the bike decreases, the weight of the bike will inevitably increase. Everything gets heavier, from the crankset and drivetrain to the handlebar and seat post. If you choose a full-suspension bike at this price bracket, you may expect a bike that is somewhat heavy. While it will likely be lighter than a bike from five to ten years ago, the rear shock and linkage all add weight to the equation.

5. Be Cautious of Flashy Trinkets

Don’t get fooled with a good rear derailleur. It is a common feature that many brands spec-up to help sell the bike. 

A high-quality mech is essential, but are also shifters, cranks geometry of the bike. 

Look out for the lower-spec components, they are heavier and not worth paying a high cost for. 

6. Suspension Quality, not Quantity

Make sure you check the fork and shocks before you buy your bike. Check out the manufacturer’s website to get the details of the exact model. 

Note that the original equipment and parts can be different than the similar-looking models in the markets. 

7. Have Some Budget Back-up

You can benefit from a good trail helmet that can give great coverage and a nice peak. You may also need a backpack, sticky shows for pedals, or specific mountain bike shoes and clothes.

You may need to tune up your gearing or customize your cockpit. This all may cost your extra charge. Make sure you plan out your budget accordingly.

8. Frame Material

There isn’t much variety in frame materials in the sub-$1,000 price category, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Aluminum is used in all of the bikes on our list for the following reasons: metal is lightweight, inexpensive, and relatively easy to manufacture.

Steel is another low-cost frame material that is well-known for its strength and durability. Steel bikes survive even longer than aluminum bikes and are better able to resist years of rough use.

Finally, carbon fiber is a popular choice among high-end bikes because it offers advantages such as reduced weight (usually around a pound less than an identical aluminum frame), a cleaner appearance (no welds), and a smoother ride. 

8. Brakes

Disc brakes are one of the most noticeable recent upgrades for bikes priced around $1,000. Mechanically-operated rim brakes are becoming obsolete as technology from higher-level items has trickled down to lower-level products and production methods have been simplified.

Disc brakes provide significantly more stopping power when cycling in muddy or damp conditions. Nothing is more frustrating than grabbing a grasp of brake on technical singletrack and squealing to a halt.

Read Also – Good mountain bikes under 500

Common FAQs

What’s the best mountain bike for under 1000?

• Schwinn High Timber Youth and Adult Mountain Bike
• Early Rider Mountain Bike
• Mongoose Ledge 2.1 Men’s Bike
• Haro Bikes 2021 Steel Reserve 
• ROCKY MOUNTAIN GROWLER 20 BIKE 2021
• Surly Karate Monkey – Mountain Bike
• GT 2021 La Bomba Rigid DJ Bike
• Hiland 24 26 Inch Mountain Bike

What are the top 5 mountain bike brands?

Here are the top 5 best mountain bike brands available in the market: 

• Yeti
• GT
• Cannondale
• Santa Cruz
• Giant

Why are mTB so Expensive?

When compared with other bikes, MTB bikes are more equipped to handle the rough terrains. When you are purchasing an MTB bike you are making an investment. As higher you go in the price range you get more better-performing bikes. 

Should I buy a hardtail or full suspension?

If you are willing to spend more and want to ride on a good trail, then choose a full-suspension bike. You can choose a hardtail bike if you are low on budget or need to spend time on smoother trails.

What should I look for when buying a mountain bike?

• Make sure you choose the bike that fits you correctly. Get the right size.
• Choose a proper wheel size.
• Decide whether you need a hardtail or full suspension MTB bike.
•  Do not haunt the weight of the bike, strength is light more important. 
• Beware of the nice rear derailleur, choose a high-quality mech. It is added to sell the bike more easily. 
• Choose better suspension. Look for quality not the quantity in the MTB bike.
• Always have a budget back-up. You may need it for further additions to the bike.

How much should I pay for a good mountain bike?

Intro level bikes of high-quality range from $2,000 to $2,500 and depend upon what features you want on the bike. You can also get good bikes below this price range. As listed in this article. 

Are expensive mountain bikes worth it?

Riders that demand the best performance and quality out of their bike then yes, an expensive mountain bike is worth it for them. All components that are fitted to the bike are for superior performances making them an expensive choice.

Conclusion

We have listed the best mountain bikes under 1,000 for you so that you can get the best trail riding experience. We have finished the difficult part for you by taking out the best reviews and pros & cons of every mountain bike available in the market.

Now, you need to just choose the perfect one for you. 

The benefit is that you won’t go in the wrong direction while choosing any of this bike. All the bikes are made with quality and have almost similar components. 

Every mountain bike will be a great source of adventure and fun times in the future. 

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