Top 7 Best Inexpensive Mountain Bikes 2024 – Buying Guide

If you are here, you might be in search of the best inexpensive mountain Bikes, right? Well, not long ago, the top-tier mountain cycles were only available from the branded manufacturers, which cost quite a lot and were not purchasable by most people.

In comparison to today’s production, you can get affordable mountain bikes in a really budget price range, while the features will be nearly the same.

Most of the top brands you can find in the market for best mountain brands are Trek, Santa Cruz, Giant, Yeti, Pivot, and such which are comparably much more expensive.

On the other hand, we have here Mongoose, Schwinn, Merax, Raleigh, and Diamondback in our review that is not only capable, fun, and reliable but also much more inside a budget-friendly range when compared with top tier products. So, let’s hop right into the details of the article!

Comparison Table of Our Best Budget Mountain Bikes

Products	Tire Size	Brakes	Gears	Material	Price
Mongoose Dolomite	Mongoose Dolomite	26 inches All terrain	Disc	7	Steel	Check On Amazon
Mongoose Malus	Mongoose Malus	26 inches All terrain	Disc	7	Steel	Check On Amazon
Schwinn S29	Schwinn S29	29 inches Off-road	Mechanical Disc	21	Aluminum	Check On Amazon
Schwinn Bonafide	Schwinn Bonafide	29 inches Off-road	Mechanical Disc	24	Aluminum	Check On Amazon
Merax 26	Merax 26	26 inches regular	Dual Linear Pull and Disc	21	Aluminum	Check On Amazon
Raleigh Rowdy	Raleigh Rowdy	24 inches Off-road	Alloy V/Linear Pull	7	Aluminum	Check On Amazon
Diamondback Overdrive 29	Diamondback Overdrive 29	24 inches regular	Mechanical Disc	24	Aluminum Alloy	Check On Amazon

1.Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike:

There are quite a lot of products and inside our list, the best Pick is Mongoose Dolomite. The reason behind it being the best in its overall design and its tires. The overall standover clearance is less, making it easy for everyone to sit and stand on the bike, while the tires are wider and you can use the tires in basically all types of terrains, either it is sand, mud, mountain, off-road, or on road

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First and foremost, when we talk about the physical design of this cycle, we need to consider the stand-over clearance, which will work out exceptionally for everyone with a bit shorter height.

The manufacturing of the design itself is done in a steel frame that makes the cycle more durable and strength-driven, but you need extra physical strength to move it around, which is its drawback. Comparing it with the Mongoose Malus, Malus has the same standover clearance and same tires, but the gear system is a bit not up to the task

Furthermore, when you ride it physically, you need to adjust the seat accordingly and then sit on it properly. Due to the shorter clearance, you can ride it effortlessly, but adjustment on the seat is essential. Besides this, the physical appearance and the product usability are the same as others we have on our list.

So, you might ask, what special does it provide that other products in our list don’t have? Yes, it has a rear rack mount and a fender mount as well, which allows you to put that extra stuff on the cycle, yet you can find most of the parts from the market due to the product being an entry-level bike.

On the performance side, you will find the tires to be exceptionally fascinating because of their width and size, which is around 26 inches and yes, you can use them in any type of terrain irrespective of damaging the tires.

The Schwinn S29 and Bonafide both are exceptionally good but they are not meant for various terrains or surfaces and their manufacturing is done of Aluminum, which raises questions on the durability of the product.

You would have been happy with typical drivetrains or gears of the cycle, but the manufacturers went with the 1×7 Shimano drivetrain or Gears that are probably best for any bike rider around, helping you in riding the hills or downhill with ease.

Comparably, the Merax is meant for people who are looking for something exceptionally budget-friendly and easy to ride, but they can go for the Mongoose Dolomite, which is equally comfortable to sit on and has much better features

So, all in one when we do compare to other products in the market, Mongoose Dolomite has specifically aimed at the performance of the cycle like its all-terrain large wheels, seven shifters, alloy rims, cruiser pedals, and a smooth-riding experience, all inside a budget range.

Raleigh Rowdy is a different type of product, being best for children, while the Diamondback is something that challenges the Dolomite. Diamondback would be better if it has the same tires that were usable in all types of terrains and here the Dolomite takes the best product title.

Finally, let us talk a bit about the downside of the product and the downside is its larger wheelbase which makes its portability and its agility questionable for most people. Besides this, Mongoose really went a bit ahead of competitors providing you with something adjustable and performance-driven.

2. Mongoose Malus 26″ 7-speed Fat Tire Men’s Cruiser Bike

Secondly, we have here the Mongoose Malus, which is aimed specifically for people with a bit more age and those who need something exceptionally easy to handle. In comparison to the Mongoose Dolomite, Malus comes with better rear and front disc brakes and has precise control over speed. Yet, the physical appearance and the performance are nearly similar.

Moving over to the design of the cycle, its frame is made from steel, while the standover clearance is also a bit low, making it exceptional for people with shorter heights. In the physical appearance, the handles are a bit above the seat but when you are going to ride the cycle.

This riding position allows you to sit correctly and properly without developing any pain in the back. Furthermore, the comparable feature of the design with other products is its sitting position and its standover clearance, which are much better.

On the performance side, it has the same old large and fat type, which can be seen in the Mongoose Dolomite.

These types of tires allow you to effortlessly ride them in various scenarios like mountains, plain roads, off-road, muddy grounds, and such. Comparable to the dolomite, Malus also has a much lighter weight because of its alloy rims.

In the performance, the gear system is the same as Dolomite but the components are operated with Shimano rear Derailleur on this one. They also mentioned that the braking system is a mechanical disc on both sides which is much better than the older V-Brakes.

You can see in our best budget mountain bikes review that its other version came with the V-Brakes, which are comparably less performance-driven in comparison to the Mongoose Malus Mechanical Disc Brakes.

So, finally, when we compare it with the competitors like Dolomite, we can see that it is more on the strength and comfort because of its physical appearance, while it is also lighter and comes with better controllability, allowing it to be better suited for aged people.

3. Schwinn S29 Mountain Bike

Now that we are over with Mongoose products, let’s take a dip into the other products that are competitors to the ones we have above in our list of best inexpensive mountain bikes.

Here we have the Schwinn S29 Men’s which is a rather famous product because of its overall design, its features, and riding experience all inside a budget range. Well, you might ask, what special does it provide that no other inexpensive cycle has?

First of all, it comes with a really unique design, somewhat similar to the branded mountain bikes you see in the market. It has shock placement in the central frame, while the frame itself has been made from aluminum.

You can also see the shock on the front side, making it immune against bumps and hence, a really durable choice for your offroad rides. The main standing point of the cycle on the outside is its physical appearance, which you will notice first.

Moving onto the performance, it comes packed with some exceptional changes that can make you get in love with the cycle. Starting off with the Tires, it has the 2.9 x 2.0 tire that comes with a suspension frame and a front suspension system, while there are shocks on the rear part of the cycle. Not only does this make it exceptional for outdoor use but also makes it best for off-road rides.

The shocks can easily absorb the bumps and also support the cycle in several ways, increasing the life of the product itself. On the gear side, it doesn’t have those 9 gears found in Mongoose products, rather 21 of those gears and it comes with derailleurs speed shifters, that make the experience of shifting gears smoother and better.

The braking system is another topic to talk about there because Schwinn really went a bit ahead with those braking systems. In comparison to the other branded products in the market, this here comes with Mechanical Disc brakes on both front and rear, while they are adjusted in such a way that you will have the crispest and controlled stopping power.

Lastly, there is the seven-speed freewheel that is combined with the triple crank Schwinn Alloy to give you the best performance. So, when you compare it with other products in the market, you will surely find it as a feature-proof and performance-driven cycle, but keep in mind that the aluminum manufacturing is not much durable and the wheels limit its usability to only off-road.

4. Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike 

Looking for something with a top-notch performance on a budget? Here is the Schwinn Bonafide Men’s, which is completely different from the Schwinn S29, except for a few things in comparison. The Alloy rims and the gear systems are the same, while the disc brakes and the manufacturing of both products are completely the same.

Same as always, starting off with the overall design, the cycle is relative to the S29, it has no physically visible shocks, while the framing itself is singular and there is no extra stuff attached to the cycle.

The manufacturing of the product is done on Aluminum, which makes the cycle somewhat durable, but the main effect of Aluminum occurs on its weight, making it a relatively lightweight bike in comparison to the ones that are made with steel. That is all on the design and manufacturing, nothing more to talk about here

But when we go to the performance of the cycle we see some amazing features like there are internal suspensions provided in the cycle that saves you from bumps and thumps. It is mentioned that there is a front suspension on the cycle that has been upgraded and makes the riding experience even better.

In the same review, we can see that the Schwinn provides you with the 24 Speed Shifters named

EZ Fire Trigger Shifters, while there are rear and front Shimano Derailleurs that make the shifting precise and smooth. You will have overall better control over the hills.

Moving onto the break side, Pedallers mentioned that the front and back brakes are Mechanical Disc brakes that will stop the bike in nearly every situation, but they also keep the cycle under control when out of balance.

Furthermore, the Tires of the cycle are similar to the Schwinn S29, meaning they are comparable to only the off-road cycles and not the ones that are made for various scenarios. Yes, you can use them on plain surfaces or roads, but they are properly functional on Off-Road scenarios.

Finally, when we compare it with other Mountain Bikes, we get to know that it has a much better overall profile, like its durability, its braking system, and its lightweight design makes it best for beginners or intermediates, who are getting started with the mountain or off-road riding experience.

5. Merax 26 Mountain Bicycle With Suspension Fork 24-speed

People are always looking for something unique and for that specific reason, we have here the Merax 26-inch bicycle. Being inside our best affordable mountain bikes, Merax comes with a super built quality and one of the best balances between its pricing and its features.

Yes, you will see that the physical appearance of the cycle is its standing point, but there is a reason behind its curvy design. The Bike has a low profile on the top, meaning the frame is a bit low to allow the shorter people to easily use it.

Being a Mountain bike specialist, it comes with a higher handle than the seat, while the pedals are a bit low, making it really comfortable. You can also adjust the seats and the handlebars according to your own need, but the overall experience of the cycle is really good.

So, what is the manufacturing of the cycle? Well, it is made from Aluminum but not the simple one, rather the Heat Treated Aluminum, making it really durable and lightweight. The rims are double-walled, which are comparatively much better than the typical ones we have in the market.

Talking about the Performance of the bike next, it has the 24 gearing system (Shimano Fitted) Derailleurs, and also the shifters that make the whole experience comfortable and accurate. The brakes are the typical disc brakes and not the mechanical ones, which is a drawback of the product.

Yes, it does have those suspension forks to make the riding experience a bit better, but they are not as good when compared to the Schwinn Suspensions that are made for the off-road ride.

So, all in one, Merax is all about the comfortable riding experience and quality of the cycle inside a budget range

If you are actually looking for a Mountain Bike with comfortable sitting positions, durability, adjustments, and average quality features, then Merax is the right one to bet on. Yes, the average components are included in its drawbacks because they raise a question on the durability of the product.

6. Raleigh Bikes Rowdy 20

You probably have a child who is looking for a mountain bike under the age of 12 or 62 inches in height, in that scenario, there are not a lot of the best inexpensive mountain bikes to choose from. For that reason, we have here the Raleigh Rowdy, which is meant for children under the age of 12.

Being a cycle for children, the physical appearance is impressive and the sitting position is also really comfortable. The handle bards are naturally set to be equal to or smaller than the seat making it a bit sporty. The clearance is a bit low, making it comfortable to ride for short-height children.

Manufacturing can easily be judged based on the physical appearance, which is made from Aluminum, which makes it lightweight but raises questions on its quality and durability. Being a choice for children, Aluminum is just fine and will work out in even the roughest scenarios.

The performance is where this cycle shines, coming with the 24-inch wheel and the seven-speed gear system. The brakes of the bike are also the V brakes that are not even close to the disc brakes but have better control for children.

So, when you are actually looking for something balanced, budget-friendly, and feature-proof for your child, then getting the Raleigh Rowdy is the best bet. On the side of drawbacks, you will find this product to be only usable by certain people and there are also some safety concerts for children because of its break and durability

7. Diamondback Overdrive 29er 

Lastly, we have here the Diamondback Bicycle Overdrive which is a real competitor to the other products we have in our list of best affordable mountain bikes. Well, it is made for people looking for a lightweight yet performance-driven product.

First of all, this cycle has an impressive design, coming with an all-over black look that has lower standover clearance, making it comfortable to sit and stand on the bike. The handle is straight and low, while the seat itself is really sleek, making it easy for you to travel with it anywhere.

The manufacturing is done of Aluminum Alloy, having a hardtail frame, making it not only a really durable product but also exceptionally lightweight. You won’t have to worry about traveling with this product anywhere.

In comparison to other products we have in our review of the best budget mountain bikes, DiamondBack provides the best durability to weight ratio, being both light in weight and also exceptionally durable.

On the performance side, you will be surprised to see the balanced flow of the bike because of its suspension fork and comfortable trail. The gear system is the Shimano eight-speed drivetrain, while the Chain is KMC Z82, making it more performance-driven in comparison to Mongoose.

The braking system is also exceptional, coming with the Mechanical Tektro Disc Brakes, providing more braking capabilities in a really compact design. Finally, you don’t have to worry about the assembling time because it comes mostly preassembled in the box. Yet, the wheels are workable in all types of terrains.

So, when you compare it with the other products in the market, you will find that Diamondback gives you a really balanced bike, having exceptional performance features along with light in weight body and durable construction, which is not found in any other product. The only drawback is its design, making it a bit tall to ride for certain people, except this, the product itself is flawless.

Buying Guide For Best Inexpensive Mountain Bikes

Now that we are over with our product reviews of the best inexpensive mountain bikes, you might be asking yourself, how to pick the right one for a specific scenario? Don’t worry we have here our Buying Guide in which we have all the factors mentioned to help you compare the products and pick the right one for your scenario. So, let’s hop right into the buying guide of the article!

Cost

The first and foremost thing you need to consider is the cost, and keep in mind that a mountain bike should never be too expensive, neither should it be too cheap. Just take a look at some of the best products in a budget as we have in our review and then compare the products later.

Full Suspension or hardtail?

There are two types of features you will have to mainly focus on, these are the Full Suspension or the Hardtail.

Full Suspensions

These types of cycles have a suspension fork on the rear or the front shock. Their handling is much better than the hardtail because they have shocks absorbing the bumps on the rear part as well.

Hard Tail

These cycles have suspensions on the front part resulting in a real rigid rear wheel and mainframe. This further results in a much cheaper and lighter in comparison to the full suspensions

Features

There are various features you need to take into account like.

Materials

Yes, you also need to take the materials into account because they make an impact on the cost, performance, and usability of the bike. Most of the bikes we have in our review are made from Aluminum and only the Mongoose ones are made from Steel. When we compare Aluminum with steel, one is lightweight yet the other is durable. Aluminum comes in various forms like Heat-treated one or the Alloy, you can pick accordingly.

Tires

when it comes to picking a product based on a comparison of all-terrain, off-road, on-road, or others, then you need to consider Tires. They basically come in various heights and widths, but the terrain is the main feature you need to look for.

Brakes

Finally, you will have to notice the braking system of the bike. Some come with the V-Brakes, others come with Disc brakes, but the noblest of them all is the Mechanical Disc brake that is present in nearly all the products we have reviewed in our best inexpensive mountain bikes article.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

What are the Best Cheap Mountain Bikes?

There are quite a lot of best cheap mountain bikes based on their features, performance, design, and comparisons, but the best amongst them is the Mongoose Dolomite followed by Rocky Mountain Growler

How much does a decent Mountain Bike Cost?

When it comes to Mountain bikes, there are variations in pricing, so the question remains, how much should you spend? A good product will come in between the range of 1500 to 1000 Dollars, but some good products are well around 800 dollars as well.

What is the best mountain bike under 500?

The best mountain bike under 500 is Trek Marlin 5 for Trail, Rockhopper for aggression, and Orbea MX50 for balanced attributes.

What is the best affordable mountain bike?

The best one out there is none other than the Mongoose Dolomite for being all-terrain, followed by Raleigh Rowdy for kids and Schwinn S29 for being top tier for mountain rides.

How can I get a cheap mountain bike?

You can get a cheap one by simply narrowing down the budget according to the products. Then taking your requirements and finding them inside the products. Furthermore, you can check various products or reviews to narrow down the searches to get the best cheap product.

Conclusion

Mountain bikes are something that can empty your wallet if you are not picking the right product. There are various purposes for specific bikes that are based on tires, brakes, features, etc., and for that reason, we have here our review of the best inexpensive mountain bikes followed by an amazing buying guide to get you started with your first purchase.

If you cannot make up your mind about a single product and want our recommendation, then we will surely recommend Mongoose Dolomite. Comparable to all other products, it has all-terrain tires, exceptional sitting posture, effortless adjustments, a better braking system, and a beautiful design, all inside a budget range.