Do you want to hit the trails on a brand-new bike? If so, you’ll need to equip yourself with a good mountain bike. Read this guide and learn about the best mountain bikes that will not break the bank.
Buying a good mountain bike is a great idea. This will give you the chance to get out there and explore the world. You’ll get a little exercise while you explore Mother Nature. If you were going to be riding on a paved surface, you would want to stick with one of the best road bikes at a reasonable price. In this guide, you’re going to learn about the middle-class mountain bikes.
These bikes are best for rough terrain and dirt. Once you’ve purchased a good mountain bike, you’ll be able to explore the best Mother Nature has to offer. Be sure to read this guide thoroughly before making your final decision.
Comparison table: Best mountain bikes under $500
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1. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
In all likelihood, the Mongoose Dolomite is the top men’s mountain bike under $500. It possesses the characteristics required to be named one of the best bikes on the market. It is available in several colors and it comes with 7 speeds. This combination should help make this bike a good investment for most men. Of course, the bike is versatile and it can easily be used by a woman as well. The fat tire guarantees that it’ll be able to plow through the trails without any problems at all.
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Color Options
You’ll want to look great when you’re out there on the trail. This is why you’ll want to consider buying the Mongoose Dolomite. This bike is available in four colors. You need to choose from black, red, light blue, and navy blue. Each color scheme is very attractive so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that meets your expectations.
Dual Disc Bakes
When it comes down to it, the brakes are one of the most important components on a bicycle. Without good brakes, you’re going to have many problems out there. Poor brakes mean you’re going to have a greater chance of getting into an accident. Well, the Mongoose Dolomite features dual disc brakes. This ensures that you’ll be able to stop the vehicle very quickly.
Suitable For Most
To ensure that you’re going to be comfortable on a bike, you need a bike that suits your height. The fat tires make this bike a little taller. It is recommended for people from 5’6” to 6’. This is a good range. In all likelihood, this bike will suit your size perfectly.
Pros
- Suitable for most people
- Great for dirt and trails
- Features 7 speeds
- Dual disc brakes work great
Cons
- Features some cheap parts that may break in the future
- May arrive with parts missing
2. Mongoose Impasse Full Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
This is arguably the best full suspension mountain bike under $500. On pavement, it cannot compete with the best hybrid bikes under the same price. Nevertheless, this one is going to satisfy on dirt. The silver finish is very sleek. When you’re cruising along those trails, you can guarantee that you’ll attract attention. The price is right on target too. After all, this is a bike that is going to last many years.
- 18-Inch/Medium Aluminum suspension frame maximizes comfort & performance
- Element suspension fork smooths the bumps and increases control
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Speeds
It should be noted that this bike is equipped with 21 speeds. The Shimano rear derailleur and SRAM twist shifters work great. You need to make sure that you’re able to change gears quickly and easily. These components are best for this purpose. You won’t have any trouble at all changing gears when riding the Mongoose Impasse. With this bike, you’ll find it easier to change gears than you would with one of the budget class mountain bikes.
Element Suspension Fork
Riding through the trails can be rough. If the bike doesn’t have a good suspension system, it is going to be even tougher. This is why you’ll want to invest in the Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike. This one features an Element Suspension Fork. It is designed to reduce the impact of bumps. It’ll also keep you in full control.
Weight And Warranty
Ultimately, this bike weighs around 44 pounds. That isn’t too bad. There are much heavier bikes out there. You shouldn’t have too much difficulty lifting the bike in and out of your vehicle. It is also great that the warranty offers plenty of protection. The steel frame is guaranteed for as long as you own the bike.
Pros
- Excellent warranty
- Element Suspension fork reduces the impact
- Shimano and SRAM components
- 21 speeds to play around with
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Very little distance between the front wheel and the pedal when turning
3. Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
If you’re going to be riding on dirt and pavement, you’ll want to check out the best hybrid bikes. If you’re going to stick to the trails, you’ll want to check out the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Mountain Bike. This bike is very sleek and you have the option of choosing the color that you prefer. It is reasonably priced as well. This bike will last a lifetime. After all, it is manufactured by Schwinn. Most serious riders hold this company in high regard.
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Color Options
You’ll want to look stylish and cool as your bike barrels through those trails. Therefore, you’ll want to choose a cool color. With the Schwinn Protocol 1.0, you’ll be able to choose from three colors. You can choose red, red and blue, or blue. All of these colors look great. Either way, it is nice to have options to choose from.
Alloy Crank
One of the best things about this bike is the Schwinn alloy crank. This will make a big difference in the long run. It ensures that you get the best gearing possible. Simultaneously, this reduces the amount of effort it requires to maintain the bike. If you want the best performance with fewer headaches, this bike is worth checking out.
Warranty
You never know what is going to happen in the future. Therefore, you need to buy a bike that is protected by a good warranty. The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 has a great warranty. First and foremost, the frame is protected for the life of the bike as long as it remains in your care. You also be able to take advantage of a 1-year warranty on most Schwinn proprietary components. This excludes the tires, cables, and tubes. Nevertheless, the warranty makes this bike a better investment.
Pros
- Protected by a good warranty
- Full suspension helps
- Offers 24 speeds
- Very durable and fun to ride
Cons
- Somewhat squishy on flat surfaces
- A little heavy at 43 pounds
4. Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike
There is no denying the fact that Schwinn makes some of the best bikes on the planet. Whether you’re looking at the best mountain bikes or the premium hybrid bikes, you can guarantee that Schwinn bikes will make the list. Well, the Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike is one of the best. This bike offers the features that you want at affordable prices. On top of that, it features a sleek finish that will look great out there on the trail.
- The Bonafide Mountain Bike features an aluminum mountain frame and a powerful suspension fork that soaks up bumps and thumps to provide you with a fun, durable riding experience
- 24-speed trigger shifters and front and rear derailleurs make gear changes easy and smooth
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Decent Warranty
Ultimately, you have to protect your investment. One way to do that is by choosing a bike that is protected by a good warranty. Schwinn protects this bike for a period of 5 years. The limited warranty will put your mind at ease. Should anything go wrong you can guarantee that the company will take care of it. Schwinn is well-known for its excellent customer support.
Great Brakes
Another thing to note is that this bike is equipped with great brakes. There is a good chance that you’ll need to stop in a hurry. With poor brakes, it can take a lot longer for the bike to come to a halt. This won’t be a problem with the Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike. It features rear and front mechanical disc brakes. The brakes can stop you in all conditions.
Pros
- Comes with 24 speeds
- Front and back disc brakes for quick stopping
- Looks very cool
- Protected by a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Getting parts can be a hassle
- May arrive with missing parts
5. Gravity FSX 1.0 Mountain Bike
Many mountain bikes are going to satisfy your needs. Of course, some will do that better than others. There is a good chance that you’re going to like the 2018 Gravity FSX 1.0 Mountain Bike. It looks great and rides even better. The aluminum frame is built to last and it helps to keep the overall package lightweight. This bike is also available in two colors and three sizes. Additional details about this bike can be found below.
- Disc Brakes Front and Rear, Strong and Durable Aluminum Frames
- Easy to Use Shimano Shifters
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Quick Release Wheels
There is a possibility that you’re going to be required to remove the wheels to get the bike into your trunk. If this is the case, you’ll want a bike with quick release wheels. The Gravity FSX 1.0 Mountain Bike has quick release wheels. This ensures that you’ll be able to remove the wheels within a matter of seconds.
Shimano Shifters
When it comes to bike shifters, you’ll want to go with Shimano. The company offers the best shifters out there. They work great and they’re more reliable than the competition. With these shifters, you will not have any trouble making switches as you go.
Durable Frame
This bike is manufactured from aluminum. It weighs right around 35 pounds. This makes it much lighter than many of the alternatives. You aren’t going to have any trouble picking the bike up and placing it into your vehicle.
Pros
- Lighter in weight
- Several sizes and colors
- Features quick release wheels
- Suspension is adjustable
Cons
- Tires could be better
- Brakes aren’t the most reliable
How To Choose The Best Mountain Bikes under $500?: A Quick Buying Guide
Mountain biking is an extremely popular sport. It is especially popular among teens. Riders can spend hours in the mountains, making their way through some of the roughest terrains on their bikes. Hardcore mountain bikers demand a lot from their bikes. And, manufacturers are aware of these demands, which is why they utilize the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art technology for their bikes. If you are a newbie, you may not be familiar with the basics of a mountain bike. A list of things to consider when shopping for the best women’s mountain bike under $500 is listed in the article below.
Size
The size of a bike is extremely important. The bike should fit your body stature and type to a tee to ensure full control, maximum comfort, and easy handling. Before you start shopping for a new mountain bike, you need to take the time to measure your torso, legs, and arms. Utilize these measurements to find the right sized mountain bike for you.
Braking System
The braking system is one of the most important components of a mountain bike. Bike manufacturers utilize a variety of braking systems, including direct-pull, disc, and cantilever brakes. All of these options offer unique advantages but many experts believe the disc brake system is top-of-the-line. These brakes are new to the mountain bike world but have grown in popularity at an alarming rate. Since the introduction of the disc brake, manufacturers have begun to utilize them on several types of bikes.
Mountain bikes are taken over some very rough terrain. The bike must be able to scale down mountains, over rocks, through water and mud, and around large boulders. The braking system must be designed to withstand frequent stopping and going.
Frame
A mountain bike is exposed to the elements with every use. The frame must be constructed to endure the toughest conditions. And, if fails, the entire bike will be rendered useless. Most manufacturers utilize aluminum-alloy materials for the construction of their bike frames. This material is durable, strong, stiff and resistant to the elements.
FAQ
Why are disc brakes located on the front and rear?
Disc brakes utilized on mountain bikes are very similar to those installed on automobiles. While disc brakes are still new in the mountain bike industry, they are gaining in popularity at an alarming rate. The popularity of these brakes is based on their many capabilities. The disc brakes are designed to resist water, mud, heat, and moisture. They also require lower lever effort and will not produce black dust that leads to aluminum-alloy rim damage.
Are disc brakes the best option for mountain bikes?
Yes, disc brakes offer a variety of advantages that are not offered by conventional braking systems. These advantages include a higher level of safety, consistent braking, more reliability, and better control.