Best Budget Mountain Bikes | Top Cheap Picks

This article will get you through some of the best budget mountain bikes but first, let me introduce you to what mountain biking actually is. Let’s start.

Mountain biking is safer than road biking for a variety of reasons. Because there are no other motorists and you have better control, MTB allows you to ride worry-free and even helps you avoid accidents.

Mountain biking has recently gained international acclaim as a recreational and competitive sport. Technology has also shaped the present face of cycling.

Since the first model was produced in the 1970s, mountain bike technology has advanced, making it easier for riders to conquer more difficult terrain and ride at higher speeds.

We’ve compiled a list of the five best cheap mountain bikes along with a buyer’s guide.

Top 5 Best Budget Mountain Bikes

The top 5 best affordable mountain bikes are listed below.

1. Merax Hardtail Mountain Bike
2. Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike
3. Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike
4. Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Mountain Bike 
5. Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

Best Budget Mountain Bikes Reviews

This post will go through the features and benefits of the best budget mountain bikes that will pay for themselves if purchased.

We’ll also go over the pros and cons of each bike so you can figure out which one is ideal for you.

Let’s get into the in-depth reviews of the top-rated inexpensive mountain bikes.

1. Merax Hardtail Mountain Bike

Key Features:

• Sturdy aluminum frame
• Lightweight
• Shimano 21-speed shifter
• Professional ergonomic saddle
• Front and rear mechanical disc brakes

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The Merax Hardtail Mountain Bike sports a 19” mountain frame made of heat-treated aluminum. The aluminum frame of this bike is quite light, allowing you to go rapidly, and the heat treatment increases its longevity.

When driving downhill at high speeds, you must be able to quickly stop if necessary. The Merax Hardtail Mountain Bike’s two mechanical disc brakes provide the decent stopping power and are also fairly durable.

Merax Hardtail Mountain Bike boasts 21 speeds with Shimano derailleurs and shifters for quick, smooth, and simple shifting whether you’re riding uphill or downhill.

It includes 26-inch wheels with double-wall aluminum rims for increased flex and durability, helping you to move rapidly and effectively over uneven terrain. The tires are designed to work effectively on uneven terrain.

The Merax Hardtail Mountain Bike’s front suspension fork boasts 80 mm of travel to absorb as much force as possible. Finally, the bike’s handlebar grip is outstanding, allowing you to easily grasp and maintain control at all times.

Related: Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes | Reviews & Buying Guide

Pros

• Extremely long-lasting
• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Disc brakes are excellent
• The front suspension is fantastic
• Large wheels are used to mount tires with a lot of traction
• It can be used on both uphill and downhill terrain

Cons

• It is not straightforward to assemble
• Immediate adjustments are required after assembly

2. Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike

Key Features:

• Aluminum mountain frame
• Powerful suspension fork
• 24-speed trigger shifters
• Easy gear changes
• Front and rear mechanical disc brakes
• Alloy rims

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The Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike’s 24 gears are a standout feature, allowing you to actually push up and downhill or across the flat ground at breakneck speed when needed.

Shimano, a well-known company, known for its long-lasting components, manufactures both trigger shifters and derailleurs. This gear system is incredibly smooth and easy to operate. The high-quality Schwinn alloy cranks are also worth noting.

The Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike’s 29-inch wheels are large enough to move quickly and smoothly over rugged terrain, and the 2.25-inch wide knobby mountain tires are designed for maximum grip on off-road routes. The wheels are double-wall alloy rims with a high profile that are lightweight and durable.

The metal frame of this little mountain bike isn’t very remarkable, but it gets the job done. It’s robust enough to withstand a beating while also being light enough to propel you forward without exerting excessive effort. You might also be interested in the high-quality front suspension system, which helps absorb impact.

Mechanical disc brakes on the front and back of the Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike provide split-second stopping power to keep you in control at all times. The handlebar grip is built of durable but soft and grippy materials that allow you to hold on when descending a mountainside.

Pros

• Long-term durability
• Exceptionally light
• Shimano’s top-of-the-line shifting components
• 24 gears for versatility
• Exceptional traction by the large tires
• Exceptional quality disc brakes

Cons

• The assembly instructions are insufficient
• Tires require a lot of tightening after long journeys

3. Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike

Key Features:

• 18-inch aluminum suspension frame
• 21 speed rear derailleur
• SRAM twist shifters
• Alloy wheels
• Alloy front and rear disc brakes

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The Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike’s aluminum frame makes it one of the lightest bikes on the market today. It’s something that will allow you to move rapidly and easily while still being fairly durable. Although it isn’t the most powerful mountain bike, it is more than capable of withstanding a great deal of punishment.

The Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike also boasts an in-frame suspension system below the seat, so you won’t feel too many bumps on your back. It also comes with an excellent metal front fork with a front suspension. This bike is one of the best on the market today for removing bumpy rides.

For consistent, rapid, and smooth gear changes, this mountain bike boasts a 21-speed system with excellent derailleurs and SRAM twist shifters. The Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike has a lightweight and durable 29-inch alloy wheels, as well as wide tires with a knobby texture for maximum off-road performance.

The Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike also has front and rear mechanical disc brakes, letting you come to a complete stop at any time. It has a relatively comfortable seat and excellent grip handlebars, allowing you to maintain a secure grasp at all times.

Pros

• Front and rear suspension are both mechanical
• Shock absorption is excellent
• Large wheels
• Excellent gear system
• Lightweight

Cons

• The pedals may become loose with time

4. Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Mountain Bike

Key Features:

• Rear derailleur for smooth gear
• 4-inch wide mountain tires
• 4-inch alloy rims
• Front and rear disc brakes
• Alloy a-head stem

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The Mongoose Malus Mountain Bike sports incredibly wide alloy rims that are 4-inches wide. They’re quite light despite their size, and they’re also extremely durable, thanks to their alloy construction.

The bike’s 4-inch-wide knobby mountain bike tires provide plenty of traction on any surface. These tires are made to withstand rough terrain. Keep in mind that the wheels are 26 inches in diameter, which means they won’t be as fast as the bikes with 29-inch tires. They are, however, still capable of moving quickly.

The Mongoose Malus Mountain Bike is the first steel-framed bike on the list today, with a steel mountain-style fat tire frame. Despite the fact that aluminum is significantly lighter, steel is much stronger and has a lot of flex than aluminum. Steel is the preferred material for mountain bikes for both of these reasons.

Both the front and rear mechanical disc brakes on the bike provide superb control at all times. To help you maintain control while lowering weight, it incorporates alloy handlebars and an alloy front fork. They’re still tough, but they’re also light and have a terrific grip on the handlebars.

Although the Mongoose Malus Mountain Bike lacks suspension, it does boast a fantastic seven-speed transmission that makes crossing uneven terrain a breeze. This bike isn’t built for speed; instead, it’s built for maximum mountain control and safety. Both the rear derailleur and the shifters are of high quality.

Pros

• Long-lasting steel frames
• Exceptional traction is provided by extra-large tires
• There are seven different speeds for navigating hilly terrain
• Exceptional quality disc brakes
• Aluminum is used for the fork and handlebars
• Affordable price

Cons

• The brake levers aren’t exactly the best

5. Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

Key Features:

• 26-inch aluminum MTB frame
• Suspension fork 65mm travel
• Alloy wheel rims
• Shimano 21 Speed Shifters
• Front and rear disc brakes

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The Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike has an aluminum frame, as well as the bulk of the other components. This mountain bike is one of the lightest on the market, making it easier to handle and less exhausting to ride.

It’s also remarkable because the frame is a full-suspension frame with a high-quality suspension coil coupled to the back wheel and frame. This is paired with the front fork’s suspension system, which has 65 mm of travel to maximize impact absorption.

The Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike features a 21-gear system with Shimano shifters and Tourney derailleurs for rapid and efficient movement. Both components are of good quality and provide smooth consistent shifting.

On the Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike, standard rear and front mechanical disc brakes give superb stopping power. The high-traction tires on the bike may also appeal to you.

Related: Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes | Reviews & Buying Guide

Pros

• Lightweight
• The shock absorption is really good
• 21 gears for versatility
• Excellent price/quality ratio
• The durability is sufficient
• Good-sized mountain riding tires
• Disc brakes are really good

Cons

• The durability of the product is fairly restricted

Best Cheap Mountain Bikes: Buying Guide

Consider the following factors when shopping for the best budget mountain bike to guarantee you buy a nice one that will last you a long time and matches your budget.

The Frame’s Material

The material utilized to manufacture the mountain bike’s frame is the first thing you should look for. Steel and aluminum are both low-cost options. On the one hand, aluminum is extremely light; on the other hand, steel, despite being heavier, is significantly more durable and has significant flex. Frames made of carbon fiber are also available, albeit they are not cheap.

Tires

A mountain bike’s tires are another key aspect. It is necessary to choose tires with a, particularly knobby and rough traction pattern. To ride over rocks, sticks, bumps, dirt, and other obstacles, keep in mind that you’ll need a lot of traction. Smooth tires are useless on a mountain bike.

Brakes

You must be able to stop fast when mountain biking. It all comes down to safety, and mechanical disc brakes on both the front and rear axles are the only option. Regular caliper brakes may suffice, but they are no match for disc brakes.

Rims

Mountain biking puts a lot of strain on wheels, so you’ll need double-wall rims. To help you move fast and efficiently, choose rims that are between 26 and 29 inches in diameter.

Budget

Of course, you must consider your financial budget. Remember that you get what you pay for when buying a mountain bike, so don’t go for the cheapest option. It’s possible that you’ll have to fix and change it on a frequent basis, which takes time and money.

Conclusion

Are you looking for the best budget mountain bike on the above list? Well, let us recommend you.

The Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike, which has excellent features and is the best all-around option for its inexpensive price, is our top recommendation for the best budget mountain bike. However, any of the other four mountain bikes reviewed today are terrific options.