Top 8 Best Trail Bikes Under $500 Review | Buying Guide

You might be struggling to find a premium trail bike at a reasonable price, right? Well, here we have the best trail bikes under $500 for the sake of giving you quite the best performance and quality inside a reasonable budget range in which you can invest without thinking twice.

Most of the people are looking for a type of allrounder, going well with their journey on mountain climbs, technical descents, and even on rough terrains.

If you are also looking for these types of bikes then there is a high chance you might be in search of Trail Bikes.

You don’t have to search the internet for these Bikes because we have here an article to help you pick the best ones inside a budget. Therefore, without further ado, let’s hop right into the details.

Comparison of Best Trail Bikes Under $500

Products	Tire Size	Material	Brakes	Speed	Price
Mongoose Impasse	Mongoose Impasse	29 Inches	Aluminum	Disc	21	Check On Amazon
Max4out	Max4out	26 Inches	Carbon Steel	Disc	21	Check On Amazon
Mongoose Ledge 2.1	Mongoose Ledge 2.1	27.5 Inches	Aluminium	Linear Pull	21	Check On Amazon
Schwinn Bonafide	Schwinn Bonafide	29 Inches	Aluminium	Disc	24	Check On Amazon
Dynacraft 26 Inch	Dynacraft 25 Inch	26 Inches	Steel	Linear Pull	21	Check On Amazon
Merax 26	Merax 26	26 Inches	Aluminum	Linear Pull	21	Check On Amazon
Sixthreezero Pave n' Trail	Sixthreezero Pave n' Trail	26 Inches	Aluminum	Handbrakes	21	Check On Amazon
Unifly Co Men’s	Unifly Co Men’s	26 Inches	Carbon Steel	Disc, Coaster	21	Check On Amazon

1. Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle 29 Inch – (Editor Choice)

Mongoose Impasse is really the product most people desire and it outsells all the other products in terms of its riding experience and the level of quality with style, manufacturers provided you with. You simply cannot go wrong with Mongoose Impasse in comparison to other products and in case you are looking for something for a comfortable ride and versatile features, it is the right one to bet on.

Our Research:

Mongoose Impasse comes with a really unique design on the physical appearance, not only does it give you a really unique sporty look, but also has a really durable build all around.

Moving to the manufacturing of the bike itself, it has Aluminum manufacturing. Yes, you won’t get the durability of steel manufactured bikes like Dynacraft in our list of best trail bikes under 500$.

Still, the Aluminum makes it really lightweight yet durable enough to move around without having any issues. In comparison to the carbon steel of Max4out and Unifly Co, you really can’t win, which is a drawback of this bike.

Moreover, Aluminum is a generally good manufacturing tool in comparison to the steel one, which is really bulky and you have problems moving here and there.

Moving onto the next part which is the performance of the bike, it has Elemental suspensions that provide you with exceptional comfort, control, and a smooth-riding experience.

When we compare it with other products like Max4out which has shock absorbers, Mongoose Ledge which has a front suspension fork, Dynacraft which also has full suspension, Merax which has dual suspension, and Unifly Co you really get a better one on the Mongoose Impasse.

Yet, the suspensions on the Schwinn Bonafide are the Schwinn suspension fork and the Vibrazorb Front suspension, which might not be better but equal to that of the Mongoose Impasse.

On the braking system, you get some really performance-driven brakes on the Impasse, while most of the bikes in our list come with disc brakes except the Mongoose Ledge 2.1, Dynacraft, and Merax that come with Linear Pull, which is not even close to the Disc brakes or Mechanical Disc brakes.

Finally, gears are what makes a difference in terms of performance, and cherry on top, the Impasse comes with 21 rear derailleur SRAM twist shifters, making it exceptionally easy to change the gears.

In comparison to that, the Schwinn Bonafide comes with 24 speed Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters which are better than Impasse. Yet, it doesn’t make a really big difference once you get to know that Impasse has overall versatile features and better design than Schwinn Bonafide.

All in one, if you are looking for a comfortable and performance-driven cycle on a budget for beginners or someone who is new to mountain riding experience in various terrains, Mongoose Impasse is the right one to get.

On the other hand, if you are really not new to the experience and want something competitive, then getting a high-end cycle is favorable in your condition.

2. Max4out Mountain Bike Carbon Steel:

So, the Max4out is a really differently built product, considering how budget-friendly it is. But, we didn’t include it in our list of best trail bikes under $500 because of its style but also because of its features that sometimes challenge our best pick which is Mongoose Impasse.

The manufacturing material is something that makes it special and well you might be surprised to hear that a budget-friendly product like Max4out has Carbon Steel manufacturing.

Not only does this make it exceptionally durable, but also makes it lightweight. Considering this, you can really compare it with the Mongoose Impasse and choose this over it.

Physical appearance is also something that takes your attention. Starting off with the higher ground clearance to the beautiful rims and the design of the cycle, you can gaze at its beauty for hours.

Still, on the performance side, you are getting a total of 21 really smooth and performance-driven shifters. If you are going to your work regularly, your school, or even taking a ride to the countryside, then this bike is perfect for that scenario.

There are 3 front speed derailleurs and there are a total of seven on the rear side. Combined together, they give you 21-speed shifts. Alongside the gears, there are suspension forks for extra stability.

Furthermore, when you dig deep enough, there is really good ground clearance, and people around 5 feet 2 inches to around 6 feet can easily ride it without worrying about comfortability.

On the drawback side, this bike itself is not the most comfortable to ride on a regular basis. Yes, you can go out without worrying about the size and great riding experience but still, when you are using it quite often, you will experience some issues.

All in one, if you are looking for a budget-friendly bike for your quality time climbing the mountains or going on a trip with your bike partners, then Max4our is actually a pretty solid product to invest in.

3. Mongoose Ledge 2.1:

Mongoose Ledge comes in a really favorable shape for people with shorter height and considering this along with the budget-friendly features we have it in our list of best trail bikes under 500$.

First of all, the Mongoose Ledge 2.1 comes with a really cool design. On the physical appearance, there is a much lower ground clearance that makes the shorter people ride it without any discomfort.

Yet, the manufacturing of the cycle is made of Aluminum that makes it both durable and lightweight. But in comparison to the products with Carbon Steel or Fibre manufacturing, you get a bit less durability.

The physical appearance of the bike is also good, coming in an all-black matte finish, while there are no alloy rims and a central shock that joins the mid to the back of the tire.

It is relatively simple but you won’t get disappointed with the design. Moving onto the performance side, this cycle comes with a Full suspension frame along with a suspension fork on the front.

Moreover, you get to enjoy 21-speed twist shifters that are effortless to use, despite the condition you are in. Last but not least, here you have the old linear-pull brakes and that is the only drawback of the cycle.

Despite being a really well-made and feature-proof cycle, the manufacturer didn’t go with the Disk brakes you get in Mongoose Impasse. So, in comparison, if you are looking for a cycle with a much simpler design and a relatively good list of features on a budget, then Mongoose Ledge 2.1 is a good product to get your hands on.

The brakes are not that much of an issue, you can always replace them. The price is also much more affordable in comparison to the other products we have here on our list, so when the price adds up to the cycle, you get around the same mark.

4. Schwinn 29 Mountain Bike:

Looking for a product that gets the job done without any hurdles in the way? Well, Schwinn Bonafide Mens got your back. There are some top quality features in the product that makes it great in many aspects and that is why we have here in our review the best trail bikes under 500$.

First and foremost, you get really beautiful tires in this product, a large 29-inch tire that can go in all types of terrains without losing its durability, grip, stability, and control.

The physical appearance of the product is relatively simpler in comparison to the Mongoose Impasse, but it is comfortable to sit and use for hours. The manufacturing material is none other than Aluminum.

Aluminum makes it both durable and lightweight, but in comparison to Carbon Steel, Aluminum manufacturing has a bit less durability, otherwise, it works great.

Going to the performance side, there are Schwinn Suspension Fork provided in the product and quite honestly, this cycle has most features that challenge even the Mongoose Impasse.

The Schwinn Suspension forks are great for any type of terrain and give you a fine riding experience, whether it is off-road, on-road, or any other type.

Most people are worried about the braking and the gearing system of the cycle and you get an amazing 24 speed Shimano EZ Fire Trigger that is just perfect. Ranging from its numbers to the way they work and smoothly change themselves, you will be more than pleased with the performance.

The braking system is Disc Brake that is exceptionally crisp and backed up by the Schwinn Alloy Crank. This gives the cycle more usability time and less maintenance, which is good.

So, all in one, if you are looking for a simpler version of our best pick Mongoose Impasse; a product that has all the features inside a budget range, then getting Schwinn Bonafide is your best bet.

Besides, Bonafide Comes with not the typical 21 Speed shifters, rather the 24 Shimano Speed Shifters that are an enhancement, but the design of the cycle limits its usability a bit.

5. Dynacraft 26 Inch Mountain Bike:

Something stylish and feature-proof yet should be less in cost. Well, here we have the Dynacraft Slick Rock trails, which is the most unique one in our list of best trail bikes under 500$.

When you first look at the cycle, you know that something has changed a bit. The product itself looks kind of slick or funky in design. Unlike the Mongoose Impasse, which has a sport design, this bike’s whole outer look is made to look funky.

It has a greyish and purplish color combination that makes it stand out. Then, on the physical appearance, the product’s design is a bit unique. It is similar to the old gear ones when they first launched, having a shock in the center and a set of frame pieces passing each other.

The performance is not like the old typical gear system products because of its full suspension frame that handles the bumps from the ride. It also has 21 Speed Index Derailleurs but not the simplest ones.

Rather, there is a grip on the shifters that makes them much more comfortable to use. If you are setting the gears on the product, then you won’t feel any discomfort.

Furthermore, the braking system is what affects its performance. Yes, you get the same old V-Brakes or Linear brakes that stop when you are either going up or down from a mountain.

These brakes aren’t the worst in the market, but they are not much compared to the products like Mongoose Impasse or others that have disc brakes.

Finally, you get the Quick release seat on the Dynacraft which makes it easy to adjust when you are cycling. All in one, if you are looking for a slick product with a stylish design and comfortable seats that can be adjusted, then getting Dynacraft is a good decision.

6. Merax 26:

Looking for an economic entry-level mountain cycle? Here is the Merax 26 inch Trail that is inside a realistic budget range. Not only will you find it at a good price, but the performance of the bike is also exceptional.

Same as always, on the design side, you experience a sporty finish but there is a catch to it. Unlike most products that come with the singular or double color combination, the Merax comes with a multi-color combination with stylish stickers.

The physical appearance is like most of the products in our list and matches somewhat with the Mongoose Impasse. A singular shock in the center, while the clearance is low and the seat rests on the top frame.

Most people don’t know it but there is a unique switch that changes its mode from Mountain to Street and vice versa. This makes the product what it is known for.

The manufacturing material is also Aluminum which balances the point between durability and weight. In the section of the performance, you have dual suspensions that make the riding experience better in every aspect.

Like the Mongoose Impasse, there are 21-speed derailleurs and shifters, but they are from Shimano and provide a smoother shift. The only problem with the cycle is its braking system, which is linear-pull, but you can change it for a few expenses.

Merax also has the same old dual suspension on the bike which is meant to give you a smoother riding experience. Fascinatingly, the weight of the cycle is around 330 pounds which makes it stand out in comparison to the other products.

7. Sixthreezero Pave n’ Trail Men’s:

Most people can’t ride the typical trail two-wheelers because of issues in comfortability and ride. Here we have a trail bike by the name of Sixthreezero Pave n Trail that is specifically meant for a comfortable riding experience.

It is a Hybrid that focuses mainly on the comfort of your body when you are riding. The design itself is simple, like typical cycles you see in the market.

On the physical appearance side, it has an all-black matte finish and has a stand on the back to put your things. The handle is a bit on the higher end and that is what makes it comfortable.

When you are cycling, the sitting position plays a major role in comfortability. Either, you can go fast, or drive slowly with comfort. This product might not be the fastest but it does provide you with a comfortable ride. Lastly, the manufacturing material is aluminum.

Moving onto the performance of the product, it has Vibrazorb Front Suspension which is no doubt comparable to the best pick Mongoose Impasse.

There is the Shimano Gearing that makes the speed much better in all types of terrains. The maximum you can go is 30 MPH which is not bad for a full-on comfort two-wheeler.

Well, the geometry and the positions of other things like the seat and handlebars take the pressure off from you in return providing you with a comfortable riding experience.

The brakes are fascinatingly simple rear and front handbrakes, which are honestly not the best in the market as of now. But to make it extra safe and easy to go for people with back problems, these brakes work efficiently.

Lastly, there are 21 speeds in the cycle and the tires are made extra slick, absorbing the bumps from use. All in one, if you are looking for a product with a comfortable trail ride experience, then no one can challenge the Sixthreezero Pave n trail.

8. Unifly Co 26 Inch Adults Mountain Trail Bike:

Last but not very least, we have here a Unifly Co adult mountain cycle and it is a retro-style cycle with a completely new type of look. But we didn’t review it in our best trail bikes under 500$ only because of its looks. There are also some amazing features this cycle promises to give.

Primarily, on the design side, this cycle comes with a retro look, combining comfortability with simplicity. The physical appearance is a bit changed as well because the handles are large and straight.

There is also a large comfortable seat that allows you to use the cycle for hours without getting tired. In comparison to Mongoose Impasse, Unifly Co and Sixthreezero pave n trail are much more comfortable.

The manufacturing material is Carbon Steel which is no doubt better than Aluminum and Steel manufacturing. So, it becomes better than Mongoose Impasse in manufacturing as well.

Combinedly these features of the cycle makes it great for city rides but when you consider its performance features like Disc brakes, Rigid suspensions, Hollow chamber rims, and 21 speed; this cycle goes well for both city rides and mountain rides as well.

There are large 26-inch tires as well which have more width than usual and are packed on the Alloys of the bike. This means that you’re pretty much good in every scenario you go out in.

All in one, if you are looking for a product that is best for both comfortable city rides and off-road mountain rides, then Unifly Co. Adult mountain trail is the right one to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

What is the best mountain bike for trail riding?

When trail riding, the best thing you have to notice is its comfortability, riding experience, and performance. Considering this, the best you can get is Yeti SB 115 followed by Mongoose Impasse as the best budget-friendly one.

What is a good trail bike for beginners?

For beginners, a budget-friendly product seems to work great and it should have good manufacturing, all-terrain tires, a better braking system, smooth gear shifters, and a comfortable ride. Considering this, Mongoose Impasse is a good trail cycle for beginners.

Should I Buy an XC or Trail Bike?

If you are going for mild trails or even some smooth roads, then XC is the right one to bet on. On the other hand, if you are going for all-terrain use, then Trail bikes are the best to bet.

Are downhill bikes good for Trail Riding?

You can actually use the downhill for trail rides but if you are motivated to do so. It will in return slow the speed and the fun won’t be there.

Conclusion:

When you are actually looking for a bike that goes well in all types of terrains, there is nothing better than trail bikes. They are comfortable, manufactured with quality, and have good brakes and speed shifters. But, there are even those that are made for a specific purpose only aside from the fact that they are all-terrain cycles. So, for that reason, we compiled this article on the best trail bikes under $500 to help you get the most suitable product at a budget-friendly price.

Besides, if you can’t make up your mind on a single product and want to know our recommendation, then we will surely recommend Mongoose Impasse because of its versatile features inside a single product.