Letting loose your inner adventurer who loves a little rough bike ride with a mountain bike is considered very expensive by most people.
But the reality is different. You may not get all those fancy options and features from premium mountain bike models, but you will get all the essentials to have a ride on the bike that can get you anywhere.
All these best mountain bikes under 500 have the features vital on a mountain bike for the rider’s comfort and safety.
Besides, if you are a beginner in mountain biking, then dangerous jumps and rocks might not be good friends with you at high-speed rides. So, you don’t have to worry about all the things you found on a costly bike.
Even people with the most expensive mountain bike models never take their bikes on perilous trails. So, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a little fun and for a good companion for your adventures.
Table of Contents
Best Mountain Bikes Under 500
1. Merax FT323 Mountain Bike
Another mountain bike that you can get your hands on without spending a fortune is this Mirax FT323 mountain bike. Go for this model if you are looking for a full-suspension bike for your rough road rides.
At a shallow price point, this dual suspension system made the bike listed under the best mountain bike under 500. It ensures a comfortable riding experience by a smooth and fluid ride over bumps and rocks.
When it comes to the gear system, it has the Shimano 21-speed derailleurs and shifters onboard that give a smooth gear shift experience on point.
It has a linear-pull brake system on both ends of the bike that provides enhanced braking power to stop the bike on the spot in an emergency.
It meets all the riding needs that are vital in an economical entry-level mountain bike must-have. So that you can take this bike for a spin with full confidence and it will never disappoint on the rough trails.
Besides, this full-suspension mountain bike from Merax has a weight capacity of 330 lbs so that you can take it for long rides without any fear of overloading.
- Maintenance of this bike is very easy.
- Lightweight bike frame for easy mountain uses
- Full-suspension gives smoothness and comfort on the road.
- The linear-pull braking system may not be efficient as the disc brake system.
2. Vilano Blackjack 3.0 Mountain Bike
- Hand Built Butted 6061 Alloy 29er Hard Tail Frame
- Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Suspension Fork w/ Lockout
- Double Wall Alloy Rims
- Great starter MTB
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A simple looking fully functional mountain bike is the description apt for this Vilano Blackjack 3.0 mountain bike. The design of this bike is nothing fancy but looks appealing to the eyes.
It became one of the best mountain bikes under 500 with the looks alongside the features it carries on it. The frame of this mountain bike is handmade, and that itself makes it special.
On the other hand, the frame's material is 6061 Alloy that is lightweight and gives good control over your ride.
It features a suspension fork on the front end with 80mm travel for the suspension while taking shocks and vibrations from the road. And it also has a lockout system for road ride needs.
The double-walled alloy wheels of 29" along with the 29 x 2.1 tires give more comfort on normal roads, and together they can roll over obstacles in a mountain trail easily.
After all, it uses an 8-speed EF-51 integrated gear shifter and braking lever for easy shifting and great braking power.
- The handbuilt frame is lightweight.
- Mechanical disc brakes give great braking power.
- The suspension has 80mm travel with a lockout system.
- 8-speed EF-51 integrated shifter provides a smooth gear shifting experience.
- The mechanical disc brake system may not get up to the level of the hydraulic brake system.
3. Mongoose Mech Mountain Bike
- Aluminum MTB frame with Hydro formed tubing is strong and durable.
- Front suspension fork smooth's out bumps and thumps on the trail.
- Front and rear v-brakes ensure quick stops out on the trail.
- 21 speeds with Shimano rear derailleur for easy shifting.
- Light alloy rims and 26x2. 1 inch (diameter x width) tires roll over anything.
- Strong riser handlebar with colored end plugs completes the sweet MTB look.
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mongoose is another well-known company that manufactures bikes and bike products in high-quality at a very affordable price range. This Mech mountain bike from the brand is another product from the large list of such products.
The materials and the features make it eligible to be considered in the best mountain bikes under 500, and all these features are a must need in an entry-level mountain bike for safety and comfort.
Remember, this one is also not a full-suspension model mountain bike. Instead, it has a front suspension fork system that will easily take all the vibrations and bump impacts and provide you with a great riding experience.
Besides, the bike has an Aluminum MTB frame with hydroformed tubing that makes the frame strong and durable. Quick braking with excellent stopping power is ensured with the front and rear v-brakes.
An easy gear shifting experience is provided on this bike with the 21-speed Shimano rear derailleur gear system that makes the ride and shifting easy on steep hills and straight roads.
The lightweight alloy rims accompanied with 26 x 2.1-inch tires can roll over anything that you may encounter on a rough road surface or a mountain trail. Beyond all, the strong riser handlebar with coloured end plugs completes the sweet MTB look.
- The aluminum frame is lightweight.
- Shimano 21-speed gear shifting is very smooth.
- Hydroformed tubing of the frame makes it durable.
- It is very easy to assemble and install this bike.
- The linear-pull brake system cannot keep up with the disc braking system.
4. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
- Conquer any off-road trail with ease with this steel-framed mountain bike with supersized all-terrain knobby tires.
- The threadless headset is adjustable for riders of different heights.
- For added speed and performance, the strong, lightweight alloy rims keep the weight down.
- Ride comfortably with beach cruiser pedals and ensure safety with front and rear disc brakes.
- Rear derailleur with seven speeds makes hills easier to climb.
- Sized for adult riders 5' 6" to 6' tall.
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These fat-tire bikes are another best product manufactured by the Mangoose brand, and all of them are very comfortable because of the size of the tire. Besides, the quality of fat tire bikes from Mongoose has no questions and concerns,
First of all, these bikes' fat tires make them the best mountain bikes under 500 because of the extreme comfort they give. Remember, the bike is not equipped with any kind of suspension system on it.
However, for medium-level rough surfaces, a suspension may be unwanted-extra because it gives more comfort than a full-suspension mountain bike by taking all the road bumps and vibrations on the tires.
Any kind of off-road trails can be conquered with this steel-framed Dolomite bike. Besides, the threadless headset on the seat is adjustable according to the rider's height for added speed and performance.
The fat tires confuse the people about pedaling's easiness, but the pedaling on this bike is very smooth and easy with beach cruiser pedals equipped on it.
Moreover, the 7-speed derailleur and gear shifting system makes it very easy on all kinds of surfaces.
- The fat tires give attention to the road and a cool look.
- It can roll over almost any kind of road trails and rocks.
- The disc braking system ensures excellent stopping power.
- It is very affordable.
- It does not have any suspension system equipped on this bike.
5. Schwinn Moab 3 Mountain Bike
- The Schwinn Moab 3 is for the rider who wants to get serious about XC mountain biking.
- Schwinn mountain-tuned N LITENED 2 aluminum frame and SR Suntour XCT30 DS 100mm fork provide a lightweight.
- 24 speed drivetrain with SR Suntour XCE crank offers quick, precise gear shifts.
- Hydraulic disc brakes deliver excellent stopping performance in any riding conditions.
- WTB SX19 rim with alloy disc hubs provide durability.
- 2.25" wide knobby tires add off-road traction, creating a more stable ride.
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moab 3 is another mountain bike model from Schwinn that comes under an affordable price range and is equipped with all the basic needs for your adventurous rides.
This mountain bike can be selected for your needs even if you are a little bit serious about the extreme levels of mountain trails. It is possible because of the mountain-tuned N Litened 2 Aluminum frame.
Besides, the bike has an SR Suntour XCT30 suspension fork with a travel of 100 mm on the front end for absorbing all the extreme shocks and vibrations from the trails. And it combined with the frame makes the bike lightweight and responsive.
A 24-speed drivetrain with SR Suntour XCE crankset is used for the gear system of this bike. It gives smoothness to your ride along with the precise gear shifts at any circumstances of the road.
Moreover, this bike has a hydraulic disc brake system that is mostly recommended on a mountain bike for more stopping power at any riding conditions without decreasing your bike's control.
The bike has a WTB SX19 rim with alloy disc hubs that provide durability while the 2.25" wide knobby tires add off-road traction that provides a more stable ride.
- The aluminum frame is lightweight.
- Hydraulic Disc brakes give great stopping power.
- The overall look of this bike is very cool and stylish.
- 24-speed drivetrain system makes gear shifts very smooth.
- It is not a full-suspension bike, so you have to control the body while riding through very rough circumstances.
6. Schwinn 27.5" Women's Mountain Bike
As the name suggests, this mountain bikes model from Schwinn is a specially designed bike for women. So that it is considered one of the best mountain bikes under 500 for women with all the special features and the design it has.
The lightweight Aluminum metal used for the frame that is manufactured through hydro-formed tubing on this bike makes the whole bike easy to control over any road circumstance.
Besides, the bike's front-end is equipped with a suspension system that contains a very durable and responsive fork.
The 21-speed Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters combined with the Shimano rear derailleur together gives a wide gear range and precise shifting experience all along your ride on any kind of rough road surfaces and mountain trails.
It has excellent stopping power which is crisp in on-point braking with the help of the mechanical disc brakes on both ends of the bike. The bike can be stopped suddenly at any type of trails that you are riding through with this braking system.
Moreover, the bike comes with strong, high-profile alloy rims that add durability to the bike and tires without making the whole ride heavy. It is equipped with 2.2-inch wide knobby tires to roll over any kind of trail.
- Aluminum hydro-formed tubing frames makes the bike lightweight.
- Mechanical disc brakes give great braking power.
- Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters provide a smoother shifting experience.
- The bike is very easy to assemble.
- The mechanical disc brakes may not fill the expectations like the hydraulic disc brakes.
7. Merax 26" Mountain Bike
Merax is well-known for its cool looking and unique designs for all kinds of bikes. They have an extra eye when it comes to the designs of road bikes and mountain bikes.
The first thing that makes them special in the best mountain bikes under 500 is the simplicity of the designs that will look cool on both men and women.
In this specific mountain bike from Merax, they equipped it with front suspension forks that can take almost any level of bump hits and vibrations from the trail that you are riding on.
A 24-speed Shimano derailleur and shifter system are used on this model for reliable and smooth gears shifting alongside giving a very easy riding experience.
Besides, a mechanical disc brake system is equipped on both ends of the bikes to stop power at any emergencies without making it hard for the rider.
After all, this mountain bike is built especially to be the sully featured and economical entry-level mountain bike that will never disappoint you at any riding conditions.
- Shimano shifters provide a precise shifting experience.
- Very easy to pedal with the support given by the pedal.
- The lightweight frame makes it moving even on the hardest terrain.
- The bike has a unique and cool-looking design.
- The linear-pull braking system may not reach up to the level of disc brake systems.
8. Hiland Mountain Bike
- The Hiland mountain bike is ideal for everyday rides to school,work or a cross country ride.
- The brake system consists of double disc brake, giving you the stable and strong braking force.
- Shimano's 21-speed gearbox ensures total control in every situation.
- Hiland specialises in the production of high-quality bicycles that can withstand daily and special loads.
- 17'' frame size ideal for riders between 5' & 6'
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A gorgeous looking yet reliable and affordable mountain bike. That is what we can use to describe this Hiland's 26" mountain bike. This is also considered as one of the best mountain bikes under 500 with all its features.
You can make this bike a regular companion for all kinds of your riding purposes such as a ride to work, cross-country rides, adventurous mountain trails rides, etc. After all, this is not just an eye-catching piece of product.
The bike is equipped with all the essential features that are vital for the comfort and safety of the ride all along the ride. Integrated high-quality wheels used for these bikes are really strong and durable.
A double-disc braking system is used for the stopping function of this bike, and they both work together to make the ride effortless and safer. That alongside the 21-speed Shimano gearbox assures total control in every situation.
Moreover, all the parts used on this mountain bike are made of high-quality and durable materials for safety and bike longevity.
- Shimano gears system makes the shifting smoother.
- Double disc braking system ensures safety.
- The front shock system is maintenance-free.
- A uniquely designed cool-looking frame and wheel combination.
- You might need a little time to assemble the bike if you dismantle other than the wheel system.
9. Viribus Adult Mountain Bike
- Lightweight frame
- 24-speed derailleur
- Dual disk brakes
- Performance wheels & tires
- 1-year warranty
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another one on the list is an entry-level mountain bike yet made with all the essential features on a mountain bike. Viribus made this model of a mountain bike with a front-suspension setup to gain that goal.
This bike's lightweight Aluminum frame provides rugged yet lightweight and sturdy construction to fly through fearless downhill sections and climb uphill trails with confidence.
Besides, it is fitted with the 24-speed derailleur in which has 3 gears in the front and 8 gears in the back give you a combined 24 speeds to keep you pushing through any terrain in your path.
And the powerful suspension fork can absorb any level of shock on rough off-road trails with a travel distance of 100mm. It provides a comfortable ride for whatever terrains.
With the front and rear mechanical disc brakes, you can stop the bike on a dime when riding at high speed which guarantees your safety.
Other highlights of this mountain bike are the high profile, double-wall alloy rims are lightweight yet durable. Moreover, the 1.95 inch-wide knobby mountain tires create a high-performance trail ride that grips any surface you might encounter.
- Very easy to assemble
- Disc brakes provide great stopping power.
- 24-speed gear system makes it reliable in any conditions.
- Hubs work perfectly, and the suspension makes the ride smoother.
- The derailleurs may need to be adjusted by an expert who knows it well.
10. Hiland 26" Mountain Bike
- The Hiland mountain bike is ideal for everyday rides to school, work, or a cross country ride.
- With a size of 26 inches, it is suitable for boys over approx. 5'1'' in height, but also for men.
The brake system consists of a double disc brake, giving you a stable and strong braking force. - Shimano's 24-speed gearbox ensures total control in every situation.
- 85% pre-assembled, easy to assemble, free pedals, required assembly tools and KICKSTAND included.
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This one is another mountain bike model from the above-mentioned Hiland brand. And this one is also not going back in the looks and design along with the color combinations.
A simple looking and a very cool combination of designs come with an Aluminum frame that makes the whole bike lightweight.
The braking system of this Hiland mountain bike consists of double discs, It gives you a stable and strong braking force. Shimano's 24-speed gearbox ensures total control in every situation.
Besides, the shifters and the derailleurs make the shifting too easy, which makes passing through any rough situations very easy. Hiland is known for its high-quality materials used for the making of different parts.
Therefore, only high-quality components are installed, which contribute to the mountain bike's safety and longevity. Moreover, the bike is pretty easy to assemble, so take it along with you on a road trip.
- All the parts are made of high-quality materials.
- A 24-speed gear system makes shifting very easy for you.
- The design and the color combination make the bike really cool.
- The aluminum frame is lightweight.
- Disc braking system provides greater stopping force.
- The rims of these bikes are made with a material that looks like hard plastic and not metal.
11. Vilano Cobra 29er Mountain Bike
This Cobra 29er mountain bike model from Vilano looks plain from the first impression itself. A plain look is essential for some riders who love a minimalist level of looks for their bike.
It's nothing too flashy but has a class design and colour combinations and that what makes it in the best mountain bikes under 500. The hydroformed Aluminum 29" frame is lightweight.
Besides, the suspension fork of this bike has a travel distance of 100mm that can take almost any level of hits and vibrations from the bumps and rocks on the trails you ride the bike.
The hydraulic brake system will make sure about your safety without any failure, and it is the most reliable and useful brake that you can get on a bike of any kind.
When it comes to the tire specifications, this bike is equipped with double-wall alloy rims that are strong and durable along with the 29 x 2.1o-inch tires on it.
After all, the assembling and the tuning of this bike is very easy and has the simplest look that you can get on a mountain bike.
- The hydraulic brake system gives the perfect braking force on time.
- Cranks and shifters with a 24-speed derailleur system make the ride smooth.
- The suspension fork has a lockout system if you need it.
- Assembling is very easy.
- The Aluminum frame is lightweight.
- The back end of the bike is pretty basic when compared to all other models.
Buyer's Guide for Best Mountain Bikes Under 500$
There are an uncountable amount of mountain bikes available in the market in different brands and models. Selecting the right one from that huge amount of products might not be too easy for you.
Here you saw some of the best mountain bikes under 500 that will help your selection a little bit easier. Now, you have to know all the aspects that needed to be considered before buying a new mountain bike.
Size of the Ride
Right frame size comes first before anything on a bike while you are looking for a new bike. A bike that comes with all the premium level features without the right frame size is not at all reliable.
However, there is no specific size chart for the bike industry so that you have to check on the size levels of each company that you are looking for separately. The size chart of one company may be entirely different from another company's size chart.
So, you can take the seat height, handle position, etc. to get an idea about your body language's right size.
Type of the Suspension
As you might know that the mountain bikes come with two different suspension options. Some models don't even have any kind of suspension instead, they use fat tires like Mongoose mountain bikes.
Selecting a full-suspension model at a low price range may not be a good idea because of the parts' quality that may come with those models. Even though some models give reasonable quality in medium-level trails.
However, it is upon you that you can select the full-suspension model if you need a suspension system on both the front and back end of your bike.
Or you can go with the half version that is the one with a suspension system only on the front end of the bike.
Weight of the Bike
Most of the new riders look for bikes that have the least weight so that they can carry them around or corner them easily. But it is not the case.
Never get obsessed with the weight of the bike. A little weight for your bike helps keep the bike from the hedge and for great control. Few pounds is always helpful on your ride for increasing control and confidence.
Price Tag of the Bike
If you are looking to do the mountain trail rides and long-distance rides through rough areas on your new bike, you have to keep some budget back for extra gadgets and safety products like helmets, lights, and backpacks, etc.
That means you have to consider several extra things too alongside considering the bike's specifications and price that you are going to get.
FAQs on Best Mountain Bikes Under 500
Here are some of the most asked questions about mountain bikes from enthusiasts and beginners for you to get more idea about what kind of bike you are dealing with.
What is the basic thing I have to notice when I am starting to do mountain biking?
Mountain biking is not at all similar to any other kind of biking. It is all about sharp edges, unexpected rocks, pits, steep climbs, etc. So, the first thing you have to know is that you need a little bit of experience in biking to start thinking about it.
What is the advantage if I choose a mountain bike for normal use?
Through that, you can fearlessly go anywhere with your bike because as a mountain bike it can almost all kinds of terrains and give you a more comfortable experience with the suspension and other parts than a racing model bike.
Is it better if I go with a gravel bike instead of a mountain bike?
On smoother surfaces, whether paved or gravel, a gravel bike will be much faster and more efficient than a mountain bike.
Is it bad to ride a mountain bike on road?
Mountain bikes are harder to pedal and slower on the pavement. But they have a cushy ride, an upright riding position, and can travel easily on a wide variety of surfaces.
Conclusion
Buying a new mountain bike might be a nightmare for many people, including bike experts, but it is hard for entry-level riders looking for their first bike.
First of all, it's never late to start an adventurous sport as your hobby or workout routine. Besides, you never have to spend a load of money to get your hands on some of the best mountain bikes available on the market.
All these bikes listed above are some of the selected best from all of them so that you can go through all the details and compare them with your needs and the situations that you might take your ride through.
Moreover, the mountain bike buying guide is also included above that way you can know all those things that you have to consider before buying a new mountain bike.
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