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Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000 Reviewed
Mountain biking is a popular form of exercise and it’s easy to see why.
It’s a complete workout for your whole body and mind. Excelling at the sport of mountain biking brings many cyclists enjoyment and satisfaction.
It’s not only a way to stay in excellent shape, but it also gives you the opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
If you’re new to cycling, then you’ll want to check out affordable mountain bikes to start off with.
It’s perfectly possible to find a top-quality beginner mountain bike for under $1000, with all the features you need for your first off-road adventure.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist, or just starting out, it’s always advisable to go for a quality bike. Cheap mountain bikes may seem ideal on a budget, but they can be poorly assembled, with low-quality materials, and even dangerous if you plan to do some serious mountain biking.
Basic bikes are fine for hopping around the city, but you’ll need something sturdy to tackle more rugged terrain. The best budget mountain bikes, however, are designed to handle this and are available in a range of sizes and styles to suit your needs.
It’s, therefore, well worth looking for a quality mountain bike, but you don’t need to spend a fortune. We’ve put together a list of affordable mountain bikes with the top budget set at only $1000. They each have advantages and features that are also ideal for training purposes.
Whether you’re a beginner or not, you can rest assured you’ll be getting a safer, more durable bike. You can also choose the characteristics and components to match your needs and preferences. With advances in technology, you’ll also get state-of-the-art innovations for less.
Here is our selection of the best cheap mountain bikes, all under the thousand dollar mark.
Check Out Our Favorite Mountain Bike Under $1000
Top Mountain Bike Under $1000 Comparison Chart
Best Mountain Bike Under $1000
1. ANCHEER Electric Bike Electric Mountain Bike
ANCHEER Electric Bike Electric Mountain Bike
As far as cheap mountain bikes go, it’s pretty powerful and will even get you up those hills off-road. It has a 350W motor and speeds of up to 20mph.
The battery life is fairly long and will last 22-40miles per charge, which is plenty for a day or weekend trip. The battery has been upgraded from the previous model, and it’s removable to charge. You can also use the bike comfortably with the power switched off, however.
It handles well and you can pedal easily, taking advantage of the Shimano 21-speed gears. These allow you to achieve stronger hill-climbing power and adapt to a wide range of terrain.
The ANCHEER Electric Bike Electric Mountain Bike has three working modes making it a good beginner mountain bike. These are e-bike, assisted bike, and normal bike, so you can choose whether you want a boost of power or full control.
You can change these settings easily using the LED 4-speed smart meter button. The ANCHEER has standard components of the best budget mountain bikes, including disk brakes, a light aluminum alloy frame, and a high-strength suspension fork.
High-end mountain bikes with stronger components will be able to withstand more abuse, however, but whereas the bike does have its limitations, it’s fine for those starting out. It’s certainly great value for money and has plenty of positive customer reviews.
2. Schwinn Mesa Adult Mountain Bike
Schwinn Mesa Adult Mountain Bike
It comes at a competitive price but is fully equipped with all the necessary features for your mountain biking adventures. It has an aluminum frame and Zoom HL565 suspension fork designed for cycling along harsh terrains.
It’s 21-speed and allows you to shift gears with precision and ease, even at quick speeds. The linear-pull style brakes are also great for maneuvering along trails. These features were all designed with the comfort of the rider in mind and will help to reduce fatigue even on the more grueling trails.
The bike actually comes in three variants: Mesa 1, Mesa 2, and Mesa 3, with Mesa 3 being the most advanced. You can also customize these options, and choose the color, size, and features to suit your needs and budget.
All Mesa bikes have an ergonomic design allowing the rider to maintain the correct posture and avoid pain or injury. Their lightweight yet durable frame also makes them easy to carry if necessary, making them ideal for beginners encountering wild terrain.
If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, it’s worth taking your mountain biking to the next level and investing in a Mesa 2. In any case, the Schwinn line-up of bikes are reliable and built to maximize your comfort without compromising on performance.
3. Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
It’s ideal for testing out dirt paths and rocky terrain with its aluminum dual-suspension frame and big 29” knobby mountain tires. It also has mechanical disc brakes which allow for crisp and efficient stopping on all types of surfaces. You’ll also have plenty of control using the 24-speed Shimano EZ-fire triggers, for smooth gear changes every time. The alloy cranks also allow you to shift gears easily.
The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike handles well and is comfortable to control, but it can take a beating as well. It’s built for durability and can withstand harsh conditions and terrain.
The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike is perfect for those looking to hone their skills. It’s robust and will last a long time, enabling you to develop your abilities off-road. It even comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Although it’s a little bulkier than other cheap mountain bikes, this just makes it more durable. It will absorb any bumps on the way so you’re guaranteed a smooth ride.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for something to boost your confidence and enjoy the freedom of mountain biking. The Schwinn Traxion offers great performance at such a low price and is suitable for all levels.
4. Hiland Mountain Bike
Hiland Mountain Bike
Its 27.5-inch wheels and lock-out suspension fork mean it offers a comfortable ride on a range of terrain, from mountains to forests, or highways.
It also has an ultra-tight aluminum frame with an inner cord design. While being resilient, it’s very lightweight. The framework comes in two sizes: 18-inch and 19-inch, depending on the height of the user.
The Hiland Mountain Bike also has a double hydraulic disc brake, enabling a solid breaking effect, and 27-speed gear shifters, for complete control at all times.
If you’re looking for affordable mountain bikes, you get a good amount of quality components with the Hiland Mountain Bike, and for a very low price.
It’s also a very attractive-looking entry-level option. It’s ideal for those interested in discovering wilder terrain and also doubles up as a great bike for commuting in the city. The Hiland Mountain Bike is easy to assemble.
Like most bikes of this standard, it comes 85% pre-assembled but with all the necessary tools to finish the job at home. Whether you want to climb high mountains or cruise along long trails, the Hiland Mountain Bike will offer a very pleasant riding experience at all levels.
5. Mongoose Switchback Mountain Bike
Mongoose Switchback Mountain Bike
It’s one of the best cheap mountain bikes because it’s lightweight yet durable, and has internal cable routing for added protection. Its 27.5-inch tires can withstand long and bumpy rides and it has solid front suspension.
It’s very light considering it has front suspension. It’s also safe to ride on a range of terrains and has powerful disc brakes, for crisp stopping.
The Mongoose Switchback Mountain Bike is ideal for beginners who want to explore, without causing it excessive abuse. It’s comfortable to ride and easy to control, without compromising on performance.
The Mongoose Switchback Mountain Bike is a great budget option. It’s also a quality bike. It provides an agile ride and has all the standard components needed for off-road exploring.
It’s perfect for those new to mountain biking but it also won’t hold things back as you develop your skills and speed. The only drawback is the fork suspension as it’s not as reinforced as other models, however, the comfy seat and thick tires help to absorb plenty of the bounce.
It’s also convenient for storing in a car or closet, as you can remove one of the wheels. All in all, it’s a great bike for those looking to have fun on a budget.
Top Mountain Bike Under $1000 Features To Consider
In order to choose the best budget mountain bike for you, it’s important to factor in your unique needs and skill level. If you’re just starting out, then a beginner mountain bike would be perfectly adequate for you, but you’ll also want something that will grow with you as your skills develop.
Budget
Prioritize the desired features according to your budget, and keep a clear idea in mind of what you want to use your bike for. This should include the type of terrain, length of trips, and speeds. By outlining your priorities you’ll be able to choose the best cheap mountain bike to help you achieve your goals, and have fun doing so.
Frame
There are several factors that all mountain bike buyers need to consider. This includes size. The bike specs should specify the height the frame is suitable for, and it’s important to check this.
Wheel Size
You also need to bear in mind wheel size. 27.5” wheels tend to be better for shorter adults, and they have slightly better acceleration, whereas 29” wheels provide more stability at higher speeds and may suit taller riders.
Suspension
You also need to check that the suspension travel range is sufficient. For example, most trail bikes will have up to 140mm of travel which is fine for cross-country riding, but perhaps not enough for hardcore or downhill. Look for a mountain bike with a travel range of 130-160mm, which should be suitable on a range of wild terrain.
Brakes
Quality brakes are also an important feature of any mountain bike. Fortunately, with advances in technology, disc brakes are now available on most competitively priced bikes. These provide better stopping power in a range of weather conditions and on different terrain.
They’re also easier to use, even for beginners, so you can focus on the trail ahead. If you’re unsure about spending a little more, check the suspension and the brakes. It’s worth paying for these. You’ll enjoy a much more comfortable and safer ride.
Assembly
If you’re buying a bike online, even the best beginner mountain bike will likely have some assembly required. This is pretty standard, but it’s worth double-checking the kit comes with all the necessary tools and instructions.
Many brands also offer a full customer support service if you have any questions. You could also consider taking it to your local bike shop. Before ordering a bike online, read the size guide carefully. Certain cheaper models only come in one size fits all. It’s better to pay for a quality bike with more customizable options.
Final Thoughts
It’s possible to find cheap mountain bikes that are still of amazing quality. If you know what features and characteristics to look for, you can get more bang for your buck. There are plenty of options if you’re looking to get into mountain biking, or are an experienced cyclist on a budget.
Affordable mountain bikes these days offer great performance and without too much abuse, can last you a long time. There are many benefits of investing in a quality mountain bike under $1000. It will provide you with hours of enjoyment, keep you fit, and you can explore hidden gems near you safely and comfortably.