Mountain biking adventures are an exciting activity for anyone, no matter their age. If you're looking for new cheap mountain bikes and don't want to spend thousands on a new bike, there are some options that can work within your budget.
Riding a bicycle has always been one of the best ways to stay healthy and fit. It is also a good way to explore our beautiful planet and enjoy great countryside views. At a $500 price point, there are quite some good mountain bikes you could buy.
If you're on a budget and looking for a good entry-level mountain bike, then that's what we're going to take a closer look at. Hopefully, with this guide, you'll be able to make an informed decision on which bike you should get.
How We Search For The Best Choice
When you are looking to buy a budget mountain bike, it is important that you take your time and search for the best one. A good mountain bike will help you get through all of your rides with ease. It will also be able to handle anything that comes its way.
There are many different kinds of budget mountain bikes out there on the market today, and each one has its pros and cons. If you want to find the right bike for your needs, this article will help you! We are going to discuss what makes a good mountain bike, where to buy them, and more!
Size and weight
These two things have a direct impact on how easy it is to ride your bike. If your bike is too large or too heavy for you, it can make riding more difficult, especially if you're trying to go uphill or downhill terrain.
Frame material
Your frame material affects both the durability and overall look of your bike. Aluminum frames are usually lighter than steel ones but can still be quite sturdy if built well. Carbon fiber frames are usually lighter than aluminum ones but also tend to be more expensive as well as being more fragile than other materials.
Brakes
Brake systems include disc brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, and rim brakes (cable-operated). Disc brakes offer better stopping power than rim brakes, but they require more maintenance.
Our Top Picks
We researched and compared hundreds of different mountain bikes for this article. These are our five tip choices:
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for beginner mountain bikers who are looking for a bike to get them started.
The 8-21 speed gear range allows you to adjust the bike according to your needs and preferences. The 27.5-inch wheels provide you with more stability and balance while riding through tough terrain, while disc brakes help you stop on a dime when necessary.
You can ride this bike in both hilly areas and flat roads without any trouble! The aluminum frame and lightweight materials used in its construction make this mountain bike very durable and reliable so that you can enjoy riding it for years to come!
Things That Are Good To Know
The Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike is perfect for trail rides. It has a small aluminum frame with 27.5-inch wheels that are suitable for adult riders.
The 21-speed drivetrain with trigger shifters provides smooth gear changes, while the front and rear mechanical disc brakes provide all-weather stopping power so you can ride through mud and rain without worry.
The comfortable ride is also aided by double-wall alloy rims that deliver grip and stability, keeping you going even on long rides or rough terrains like rocky trails or muddy paths. A padded comfort saddle offers a smooth ride as well, making this bike great for beginners who don't want to spend too much money on their first mountain bike purchase!
Fun Story From A Product User
A happy customer wrote:
"I've used this product for about a month now, and I have to say that I'm quite pleased with it. The bike rode smoothly and had the gears needed for any terrain I encountered.
The tires are wide, which makes them perfect for riding on dirt trails and even in the mud. It's easy to control, even when riding on slippery surfaces.
If you're looking for an affordable mountain bike that can take you anywhere, this is it!"
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Mongoose Dolomite Men's Fat Tire Mountain Bike is quite a versatile bike that can be used for multiple purposes. It comes in several different colors, so it will fit your requirements easily.
This bike features 26-inch wheels and 4-inch wide knobby tires that make it easy to ride on many terrains, including grass, sand, and dirt. This product has 7 speeds which means you can choose the right speed for your ride depending on how rough the terrain is or how fast you want to go at any given moment.
The steel frame makes this mountain bike highly durable and lightweight enough so that you don't feel too tired after using it for some time. The front and rear brakes are adjustable so an optimal setting will always be available depending on your preferences and riding style without compromising safety in any way whatsoever."
Things That Are Good To Know
This is a versatile option for cyclists of all levels and abilities. The steel-framed bike has front and rear disc brakes, ensuring safety while riding on any terrain.
This mountain bike is constructed with great pedals to ensure comfort when riding off-road trails like those found in forests or parks; it has strong alloy wheels that allow you to go through sand and gravel without having to worry about damaging them; it rides smoothly on paved roads without feeling like you're pedaling through quicksand—imagine how much more fun it would be if you were actually biking on sand instead!
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted customer said:
"I was looking for a mountain bike that was not too expensive but would be able to handle the rough terrain around my house. This bike handles great and has not let me down yet. It's perfect for riding on trails, roadways, and off-roading.
I've used this product for about two months, and it has worked perfectly for me. The brakes work great, and the gears shift smoothly. The tires are wide enough to support all types of terrain without getting stuck in any mud or sand. I have had no problems with this bike so far!"
Best Choice For Both Men And Women
Mongoose Status Mountain Bike, Mens and Womens
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Mongoose Status Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for those looking for their first mountain bike. This bike comes in both men’s and women’s models, so you can get the perfect fit for you.
This bike is made from a high-quality, lightweight aluminum frame, making it easy to carry around when necessary. The Status bike has an adjustable seat post that allows riders of all different heights to get comfortable on this bike and easily enjoy riding off-road trails.
This model's “Vernier” V-brakes provide excellent stopping power even when riding downhill at high speeds or over obstacles like rocks or roots. Its durable steel frame construction and sturdy wheels make this model hold up through the years.
Things That Are Good To Know
This bike is easy to ride and maintain, so it's perfect for beginners. The aluminum MTB frame helps you stay stable while riding on different terrains, and the powerful front suspension fork absorbs bumps in the road to ensure a smooth ride.
The 21-speed shifters make gear changes quick and smooth, so you can enjoy the scenery more than worry about how hard you're pedaling.
The front and rear V-brakes will stop your bike quickly when necessary, ensuring you don't fall off or take a wrong turn when riding over rough terrain.
Alloy rims are strong enough to withstand repeated use without bending or breaking down easily, making them perfect for beginners who aren't sure how much they'll be using their bikes yet!
A riser handlebar gives you an upright position for better visibility on long rides through nature trails—or even just around town!
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied butter said:
"I love it! The bike is made of high-quality materials, the shocks are very responsive, and rides like a dream. It's also easy to adjust the seat and handlebars.
I highly recommend this bike for anyone looking for an entry-level mountain bike that can be used on trails or in the street."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
If you're looking for a mountain bike under $500, then the Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail is just right for you. It features a steel frame material that makes it sturdy enough to withstand any trail conditions and an easy assembly so you can get out on the trails sooner!
It comes in a gloss red color, so it'll be easy to spot during your outdoor adventures! Its kickstand will be handy when parking outside stores or restaurants so that no one accidentally runs into your bike while walking by (or so that other people don't steal it).
Things That Are Good To Know
It has 21 speeds to take on pretty much any terrain and can be used by ages from 12 and up. The durable steel frame makes the bike more resilient while still being comfortable enough to ride all day long.
Its steel frame material is ideal for going uphill or downhill because of its strength and durability—you’ll never have to worry about breaking down somewhere between destinations again! If you're ready to conquer nature's toughest terrain, look no further than this mountain bike today!
The Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur helps keep your chain in place, so it doesn’t fall off when you need it most. The alloy wheels come with matte black paint that looks great on this model, and the Slight-rise handlebar allows riders to maintain an upright riding position so their back and shoulders won’t get fatigued as easily.
Fun Story From A Product User
A glad biker wrote:
"I've used this product for a few years now, and it's still my favorite bike! It's a great bike for just getting out and riding. I don't need to worry about the trail being too rocky or muddy since the tires are wide enough to handle most situations. The brakes work well, too, so I can stop quickly if necessary.
If you're looking for something that's going to make your rides more comfortable, then this isn't it! But if you want something cheap and easy to ride, then this is definitely worth checking out!"
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Huffy Valcon Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for a boy who wants to ride his bike more often and explore more places. The bike has 20 inches wheel size and six speeds.
It also comes with dual suspension, which is very comfortable. This model includes a grey and orange frame and silver rims, making it look very attractive.
It has a full suspension front fork that provides extra comfort and control during rough terrains or bumpy roads. It also features front and rear linear-pull handbrakes that are easy to use while controlling speed while riding the bike on hills or steep paths.
Things That Are Good To Know
This Huffy Valcon Mountain Bike has an exciting Quick Connect kids bike that is ideal for ages 5-9. This bike features a 6-speed indexed Shimano derailleur with great design features.
The handlebar grips are soft foam for comfort during long rides! It will make your little one feel like he's riding the same pro model as you!
This model offers many benefits at an affordable price compared to other models under 500 dollars, depending on where you buy it from online shopping sites like Amazon.
Fun Story From A Product User
A glad user wrote:
"I've had it for about a year and have been using it daily since then. I'm an 8-year-old mountain biker, and this one was perfect for me!
I love how light it is, even though it's a steel frame, which makes it durable. It has an aluminum fork which helps absorb shock from bumps on the trail and makes the bike lighter than other models with steel forks."
Emma
Mountain Bikes Under 500 FAQs
The best mountain bikes under 500 are available in today's market. However, finding the right bike for your needs may be difficult because there are so many models to choose from. This guide will help you make an informed choice by answering all your questions about this category of bikes.
What is a hardtail mountain bike?
A hardtail mountain bike is an affordable mountain bike with no rear suspension. It is also called a rigid mountain bike or a hardtail MTB. Hardtail mountain bikes have become popular as they are much cheaper than full-suspension bikes. They are also much lighter and simpler to maintain.
A hardtail mountain bike is best suited for off-road riding on rough terrain where you want better control over your bike. This can include trails, mountains, rocks, and other obstacles you may encounter on your ride.
Can I use a mountain bike on regular roads or only off-road?
You can use a mountain bike on regular roads. However, you will need to adjust your riding style and technique.
Changing some of its components would be best for using your quality mountain bike on regular roads. You will need to replace the knobby tires with slick tires designed for pavement riding, and you’ll also want to remove any gear shifters or brakes that aren’t compatible with road bikes.
Off-road bikes are designed for rugged terrains like trails and dirt paths. They have wide knobby tires that give them more traction when they hit soft surfaces like mud or loose sand. On top of this, they have suspension systems built into the frame that absorbs bumps in the road so that you don’t have to pedal as hard over them.
What are the common causes of mountain bike accidents and how can I avoid them?
Riding on uneven ground is the most common cause of mountain bike accidents. When riding on uneven ground, it is important to keep your eyes ahead of you as much as possible so that you can see any obstacles in your path.
If you cannot avoid an obstacle in time, aim to hit it with your front wheel instead of your handlebars or back wheel because this will cause less damage than if you hit it with another part of your bike.
Another common cause of cheap mountain bike accidents is hitting rocks or roots while riding over them. This happens when riders try to ride too fast through these obstacles and lose control of their bikes when they hit them at high speeds.
To prevent this from happening, try slowing down when going through large rocks or roots so that you do not lose control of your bike when hitting them at high speeds.
You can also prevent this by practicing riding over obstacles before attempting them at high speeds so that you know how they feel when approaching them at different speeds.
What is a mountain bike used for?
Beginner Mountain bikes are designed to be ridden off-road. They are commonly used for cross-country, trail, and all-mountain riding.
Mountain biking is a sport that has a variety of disciplines, including downhill, cross-country, and dirt jumping. Downhill mountain biking involves descending mountains and steep terrain along rocky paths.
Cross-country mountain biking involves traveling over rough terrain on trails that range from smooth dirt paths to steep rocky single tracks. Dirt jumping involves performing jumps on ramps and other structures built specifically for the sport.
Mountain bikes are made with different types of suspension systems, including hardtail, full suspension, and rigid frames. The type of suspension system depends on how much comfort and control you want while riding your bike. Hardtail bikes typically have front suspension only, while full suspension bikes have front and rear suspensions.
How does a hardtail mountain bike's lack of rear suspension affect the riding experience?
When you ride a hardtail mountain bike, there is no rear suspension to help absorb bumps in the trail. This can be a big change from riding a full-suspension mountain bike; some people find it feels like jumping on and off a pogo stick.
The lack of rear suspension also means that your weight is more centered over the front wheel, which makes it easier to lift the front end off the ground and do tricks like wheelies or bunny hops.
On the other hand, without rear shock absorbing bumps, your body will take more of a beating as you ride over rocks and roots. This will result in soreness with each ride and might even lead to injury if you’re not careful enough to avoid hitting your knees on rocks or roots while riding downhill.
Hardtails have less traction than full suspensions because of their lower center of gravity. You won’t have as much grip when climbing up hills or pushing through mud or snow because there’s no shock-absorbing mechanism built into the frame to smooth out rough terrain.
What Is The Best Mountain Bike Under 500 For You?
Mountain bikes have been around for decades and for a good reason. They offer a great deal of versatility with the different types of terrain that they can traverse. Choosing the best mountain bike under 500 has never been so difficult due to the inclusion of numerous quality mountain bikes on the market.
Our top mountain bike picks under $500 provide you with a good starting point in identifying great values. We hope this list helps you narrow down your options and find your perfect match!
Emma
