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Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 in Reviews

Published In Outdoors and Sports & Fitness

The sheer variety of mountain bikes can make it hard to pick one, but with our reviews and buying guide to help you out you will get something that will be perfect for your outdoor adventures.

Recommendations

 

There is always something to do outdoors, but mountain biking is one of the most thrilling activities that you can do. The beauty of riding mountain bikes is in the fact that it is one of the sports that almost anyone can do even without practicing. And there is nothing much you need besides from a high-quality bike.

Mountain bikes come will come in a variety of styles, and there is something for riding in different terrains. And so if you are buying one from one for the first time it can be a little confusing to choose from the various types and brands. But whether you prefer to go for a cross-country or trail mountain bike it should not be difficult to pick something that suits your needs if you have the right information.

And to help you out with your mountain bike purchase, we review some of the top models in the market and provide a buying guide.

Our Pick

01

Mongoose Impasse 29-Inch Dual Full Suspension Bike by Mongoose

29-Inch

Pros

  • It uses an aluminum frame for comfort and top-notch performance
  • Efficient alloy front and rear disc brakes.
  • The Shimano 21-speed gear makes it a fast mountain bike.
  • Quick release front tire provides extra convenience.
  • It has a sturdy and durable overall construction

Cons

It is quite a weighty bike.
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If you are hoping to get a reliable and durable aluminum frame 29er, this one by Mongoose is one of the best options. It comes with some efficient alloy brakes for the front and rear wheels to make braking smooth, and it also has a 21-speed Shimano gear and quick release front tire.

It is an excellent 29-Inch Mountain Bike choice for bikers that prefer to use something with large tires.

For more about Mongoose Impasse 29-Inch Dual Full Suspension Bike, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Also Great

02

Kent KZ2600 26-Inch Dual Suspension Bike by Kent

Attractive

Pros

  • Comfortable and high performing full suspensions bike.
  • Durable alloy wheel rims.
  • Also uses the efficient front and rear disc brakes.
  • The sturdy aluminum frame makes it a very durable bike.
  • Rugged mountain bike with an attractive look.
  • Easy to assemble.

Cons

The brakes can be a little noisy
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The rugged look of the Kent KZ2600 is very attention-grabbing, and it also makes it look good. This full-suspension bike also has all the essentials that you want on a 26-inch mountain bike. And they include a sturdy aluminum frame, alloy wheel, a full suspension system and efficient front and rear disc brakes.

This rugged bike is durable and high performing, but the attractive look is what makes it stand out.

You know what’s the most important feature of Kent KZ2600 26-Inch Dual Suspension Bike? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

03

Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men's Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike by Schwinn

Everyday Ride

Pros

  • The aluminum frame makes it lightweight and durable.
  • Front suspension fork provides reliable and responsive riding.
  • Disc and V-brake combine to produce smooth stopping in all weather conditions.
  • Light and sturdy alloy tires for durable everyday riding.
  • It has a broad gear range with smooth shifting.

Cons

It is also quite a heavy bike.
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Dual suspension mountain bikes are always the best as they provide comfortable and responsive riding. This particular one also has the 24-speed Shimano shifters that will make it possible to climb the steepest hills and handle the most rugged terrain. The bike will come with some light and sturdy alloy tires and a combination of disc and V-brake for smooth stopping in all terrain and weather conditions.

This is an efficient and durable mountain bike that will be perfect for everyday riding and a variety of conditions.

For more about Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men's Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

04

Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike by Gravity

Recreational Ride

Pros

  • You get to choose from various colors.
  • It includes some easy to use Shimano shifters.
  • Front and rear suspensions are adjustable for comfortable riding.
  • Quick release front and rear wheels.
  • Durable double wall rims for durability

Cons

There are no instructions for the assembly.
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This dual suspension bike is available in a variety of colors, and so you are more likely to get something that you like. And it also comes with an easy to use 24-speed Shimano shifter, quick release front and rear wheel and double wall rims that are both strong and light. This mountain bike uses an advanced aluminum frame with the single pivot technology to make it sturdy, lightweight and comfortable to ride.

It has all the basics of a mountain bike including easy-to-shift 24-speed gear, and so it will be a good pick for recreational riding.

You know what’s the most important feature of Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

05

Kent T-29 Men's Mountain Bike - 29-Inch by Kent

Beginner Riders

Pros

  • It features a lightweight and heat treated aluminum frame.
  • The all-terrain tire provides excellent grip on all surfaces.
  • Lightweight rims for lower rotational weigh to make the bike agile and easy to handle.
  • It is up to 85% assembled when you get it.

Cons

It is not possible to raise the handlebars like with other mountain bikes.
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Assembling a mountain bike might be simple, but you do not want to spend an entire day doing it. This particular one is 85% assembled when you get it, and so it should only take a few minutes to finish the assembly. It is also a high-quality bike with a heat treated aluminum frame, Shimano shifters and some lightweight 29-inch rims that provide lower rotational weight to make the mountain bike agile and easy to handle

For beginner riders, this is the bike for you. The heat treated aluminum frame on this bike is one of the best that you can get, and it is both durable and sturdy enough to make this a long lasting bike.

For more about Kent T-29 Men's Mountain Bike - 29-Inch, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

What to Look for When Choosing a Mountain Bike

Now that you have decided to buy a mountain bike, and want to get something that is under $500, how do you pick the best bike for your needs? Various models will retail at this price range, and every bike will look good enough. But, to make sure that you always make the right pick you should look for the following vital things when shopping.

Bike Style

As you shop for a mountain bike, the first thing should be to determine where you intend to use it as there are different styles for riding in various conditions. In most cases, you will need to pick between trail, downhill and cross-country bike styles. But there are other styles like the fat tire, endure and electric mountain bikes.

Frame Material

The frame makes up the most crucial part of a mountain bike, and it will determine everything from the comfort to performance and durability. Here you will need to pick from various materials that include steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and even titanium. Aluminum is the most popular frame material as it is both lightweight and sturdy.

Suspension

Once you determine the bike style to go for and the appropriate frame material for your need the next step is to choose the right suspension. And the three main options are rigid, hardtail and full/dual suspension. The full suspension mountain bikes will have front and rear shock absorption capability, and so they are the best for rough terrains.

Wheel Size

The wheel size is also an essential factor to take into account as it also determines the comfort and riding capabilities of the bike. The 26-inch wheel is the most common for adult mountain bikes, and it works well for most people. But, you can also get bikes with 29-inch wheels if you prefer large tires.

Conclusion

A mountain bike provides an exciting way to experience the outdoors, and with our reviews and buying guide, it should be easy to get the best. But, if you want something high-quality that performs well in all aspects the Mongoose Impasse 29-Inch Dual Full Suspension Bike is an excellent choice while the Kent T-29 29-Inch Mountain Bike will be perfect for beginner riders.

Buy Now

01 Mongoose Impasse 29-Inch Dual Full Suspension Bike image large Mongoose Impasse 29-Inch Dual Full Suspension Bike
by Mongoose
It is an excellent 29-Inch Mountain Bike choice for bikers that prefer to use something with large tires. Buy now on Amazon
02 Kent KZ2600 26-Inch Dual Suspension Bike image large Kent KZ2600 26-Inch Dual Suspension Bike
by Kent
This rugged bike is durable and high performing, but the attractive look is what makes it stand out. Buy now on Amazon
03 Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men's Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike image large Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men's Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
by Schwinn
This is an efficient and durable mountain bike that will be perfect for everyday riding and a variety of conditions. Buy now on Amazon
04 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike image large Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike
by Gravity
It has all the basics of a mountain bike including easy-to-shift 24-speed gear, and so it will be a good pick for recreational riding. Buy now on Amazon
05 Kent T-29 Men's Mountain Bike - 29-Inch image large Kent T-29 Men's Mountain Bike - 29-Inch
by Kent
For beginner riders, this is the bike for you. The heat treated aluminum frame on this bike is one of the best that you can get, and it is both durable and sturdy enough to make this a long lasting bike. Buy now on Amazon
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