Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 in 2023 (Which is #1?)

Best Overall Affordable Mountain Bike

1. Trek 820

Our Rating

9.5/10

$499.99

The Trek 820 is the perfect mountain bike for beginners to explore parkways, city paths, and light trails. Speaking as a bicycle mechanic, I can tell you that this model is one of the most popular entry-level mountain bikes around. The 820 is a common sighting around town, across bike shops, and on tame trails, lasting years given it is taken care of well. 

For such a budget-friendly model, the frame geometry has a good shape that’s reminiscent of Trek’s higher-end designs. The rider position is fairly upright and allows for high stability and confidence on mountain trails. This model can easily double as a hybrid bike to dash through city streets and navigate potholes worry-free.

Riders can choose between a huge range of gears thanks to the triple front chainring and 7-speed rear cassette. Smooth shifting is provided by Shimano Tourney front and rear derailleurs which are solid components for this price range. The 820 missed out on a perfect rating because of outdated parts like the steel frame and small-diameter 26” wheels. The steel material adds heft while smaller wheels can limit the bike’s off-road capabilities.

The 820 has rim brakes instead of more powerful disc brakes to keep costs down. I would rate the bike even higher if it came equipped with stronger brakes. However, for the type of riding most people will be doing on this bike, those brakes offer plenty of stopping power.

Best Componentry on Entry-level MTB

2. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1

Our Rating

9/10

$599

From the popular mountain bike brand Co-op Cycles, the DRT 1.1 is your golden ticket to embark on off-road adventures. REI’s sub-brand Co-op Cycles is well known for offering quality bikes at amazing prices.

The brand put together an impressive beginner mountain bike with hydraulic disc brakes, 100 mm front suspension, and Shimano Tourney shifting, all for just $599. The DRT 1.1’s price tag stretches a bit beyond this list’s $500 budget, but I couldn’t pass up on including it.

The DRT 1.1 features a durable aluminum frame and 27.5” wheels (the XXS size has 26” wheels) to handle rough terrain and off-road abuse. The SR Suntour suspension fork, installed on several bikes in this round-up, provides 100mm of travel to soak up bumps. Kenda Kadre 2.1” tires are grippy enough for technical trails but can still be enjoyed on smooth surfaces.

The shining star of this mountain bike’s set-up is the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes that provide reliable stopping power regardless of weather conditions. Hydraulic brakes are typically reserved for higher-end models, but Co-op Cycles has cracked the code on making them affordable.

The DRT 1.1 has a conventional 3×7 drivetrain with Shimano Tourney derailleurs for buttery smooth shifting, as well as well-chosen gearing to tackle steep climbs. This bike would be rated higher if was a bit more affordable, but for the price it’s a solid value. For the mountain biker that’s willing to spend the extra $100 on worthwhile componentry, the DRT 1.1 is a capable machine that’ll conquer trails for years to come.

Most Affordable 29” Mountain Bike

3. Vilano Blackjack 3.0

Our Rating

9/10

$399

A mountain bike with 29” wheels for only $399? I know— I couldn’t believe it at first either. The Vilano Blackjack 3.0 is ideal for taller riders or riders that want to take advantage of those large 29” hoops to navigate technical trails. Bigger wheels make it easier to roll over sizable obstacles out there on the mountain and give the bike a more stable feel, especially at high speeds.

While the 29ers are the main attraction, the other components do a good job of completing the mountain bike package. The butted 6061 aluminum hardtail frame has standard geometry, and the front suspension fork offers 80mm of travel. That’s not as much cushion as rival bikes, but riders of the Blackjack 3.0 probably won’t be doing any crazy stunts and jumps that require too much extra shock absorption. The fork does have an easy lockout function, though.

Reliable stopping power comes from the front and rear mechanical disc brakes, another impressive piece of tech considering the ultra-affordable price point. The bike has 24 speeds and an alloy 42/34/24 triple chainring, so there are low gears for climbing and high ones for flat-out speed. Better suspension and smoother shifting would get this bike up to a 10 rating. For beginner riders that want their first 29” mountain bike, the Vilano Blackjack 3.0 is a steal of a deal.

Best Fat Tire Mountain Bike Under $500

4. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike

Our Rating

8.5/10

$498

The Mongoose Dolomite is an incredibly priced fat bike with 4” knobby tires designed to handle any terrain you come across. If you’ve never ridden a fat bike, the beefy set-up and ultra-wide rubber make you feel invincible over tough trails with snow, mud, or sand. It’s a fun ride experience on paved paths, too. Mongoose is a brand that’s been around for a long time and is well known for offering quality bikes on a budget.

The Dolomite is built around a durable steel mountain bike frame that isn’t the lightest material, but it’ll stand up to all-terrain use and abuse. The brawny 26” wheels are paired with monster 4” tires with a medium tread pattern for on- and off-road grip. The bike runs a 7-speed drivetrain with a twist shifter. It’s not the best shifting, but, after all, the draw of this bike is the fat tires and not the gears.

Front and rear mechanical disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, especially combined with the high traction of the fat tires. There’s no front suspension, but it’s not very necessary because the large air volume tires absorb many of the bumps. The bike comes with heavy rims and simple shifting, so it doesn’t get full marks.

The Dolomite is a perfect first fat bike for riders that want to try out the category and explore all types of terrain. If you live in an area with severe weather or you frequently change terrains, this Mongoose bike can conquer it all.

Best 29” Steel Mountain Bike

5. Schwinn High Timber 29

Our Rating

8/10

$282.34 – $849.98

The High Timber 29 is a classic mountain bike with modern 29” wheels for cruising around city paths, parkways, and light trails. Ideal for taller riders, the one-size frame best fits people between 5’7” and 6’2”. The Schwinn brand has a long history in bike building and has recently concentrated more on offering affordable aluminum and steel bikes.

This version of the High Timber uses a rigid 18” steel mountain bike frame and Schwinn front suspension. The frame shape provides an upright riding position perfect for beginners improving their skills out on the trails.

Riders that want a lighter bike can check out the more expensive aluminum ALX model that costs $539. The 29” wheels have single wall alloy rims and grippy tires with a stylish green stripe to match the blue and green colorway. The heavy steel can make this bike heavy for some riders, knocking down a point or two on my rating.

Riders have 21 gears at their disposal to climb steep hills and go full-gas on flatter paths, with precise shifting with Shimano Revoshift twist grip system. While the bike doesn’t have disc brakes, the linear-pull rim brakes work fine to provide secure stopping power and control. The High Timber 29 is the right bike for taller riders who want to take advantage of 29” wheels to navigate paths and technical trails with ease.

Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike on a Budget

6. Schwinn Full Suspension Traxion 29

Our Rating

8.5/10

$699

For mountain bikers that tackle steep hills and gnarly descents, the Schwinn Traxion 29 is the full-suspension solution you’ve been waiting for. One of the most affordable full-suspension mountain bikes on the market, it’s a great way to explore all those technical trails you’ve had on your bucket list.

While the bike comes in above the $500 mark, I included it because of its great value to price ratio and an option to riders who are on the fence about buying a hardtail or full-suspension model. A major upgrade to the other Schwinn 29er on this list, the Traxion comes with mechanical disc brakes and 24-speed trigger shifters for precise gear changes.

The all-terrain, knobby mountain tires hook up with the aluminum, high profile double wall 29” rims for great performance in rough conditions and technical routes. The coil spring rear suspension and front fork bring a new level of shock absorption when you’re hitting those bumps and jumps. The Traxion 29 is the ultimate machine for riders who want full-suspension performance but are still on a budget.