Updated November 12, 2022
A quick Google search reveals that it is easily possible to reach your credit card limit by purchasing even a mid-range mountain bike. If that doesn’t suit your circumstances, don’t fret. There are dozens of well-crafted models on the market with advanced features and good reliability that can give a commendable performance offroad in a price range of $200-$600.
Running the models available through a sieve to separate out the weaker performers, a range of credible mountain bikes have been selected to save you some research time. The best are presented in a comparison table followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom.
For more information on bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Folding Bikes Cycling Cameras MTB Lights Hardtail Mountain Bikes Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Budget Mountain Bike Review
- Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
- Raleigh Bikes Talus 2 Mountain Bike
- Schwinn Axum Dropper Seatpost Mountain Bike
- Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike
- Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike
- Hiland 26″ Aluminum Mountain Bike
- Mongoose Dolomite Fat Bike
Best Budget Mountain Bikes Comparison Table
| Photo | Bike | Frame | Gears | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 24 Speed Shimano | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Raleigh Bikes Talus 2 Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 21 Speed Shimano | 4.6 | $$ |
 | Schwinn Axum Dropper Seatpost Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 8 Speed | 4.3 | $$ |
  | Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 21 Speed Shimano/SRAM | 4.0 | $ |
  | Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 21 Speed Shimano | 4.3 | $ |
  | Hiland 26" Aluminum Mountain Bike | Aluminum | 21 Speed Shimano/Microshift | 4.7 | $ |
  | Mongoose Dolomite Fat Bike | Steel | 7 Speed Shimano | 4.4 | $ |
| Photo | Bike | Frame | Gears | Rating | Price |
Lightweight, Quality 24 Speed Drivetrain, Dual Suspension
The Traxion Mountain Bike by the classic Chicago manufacturer is a durable smooth-riding 29-inch model with a dual-suspension aluminum frame and suspension fork, great for trail riding.
Suitable for all-terrain it has 24-speed Shimano derailleurs with EZ fire trigger shifters, and front and rear mechanical disc brakes for crisp stops.
It is also equipped with sturdy alloy cranks and double-wall alloy rims for the 2.25-inch all-terrain knobbies.
The matte gray/neon green color combination is striking and a limited lifetime warranty assures your satisfaction.
- Size: 18-inch
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: front and back
- Tires: 29 x 2.25-inch knobby mountain tires
- Rims: double-wall alloy
- Gears: 24-speed Shimano derailleurs with Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters
- Brakes: front and rear mechanical disc brakes
- Reliable, durable alloy cranks
- Color: matte gray/neon green
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Raleigh Bikes Talus 2 Mountain Bike
Range of Sizes, Hardtail, High-Quality Aluminum Frame & Front Suspension
The Raleigh Bikes Talus 2 Mountain Bike is a hardtail model made of high-quality 6061 aluminum with an SR Suntour suspension that has 100mm of play to smooth out the ride on technical trails or cross-country riding.
It has a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain with convenient trigger shifters and dual Tektro mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power.
Available in 5 frame sizes with 27.5-inch or 29-inch grippy knobby tires depending on the frame, there is a size to suit a broad range of riders from 5’4” to 6’4”.
It comes in a choice of red or gray with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame.
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (for riders 5’4” to 6’4”)
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 heat-treated aluminum
- Suspension: hardtail, SR Suntour XCE-28 fork with 100mm coil-spring suspension
- Tires: progressive sizing – 27.5-inch on XS and S frames, 29-inch on M, L, and XL frames, 2.25-inch knobby tires
- Rims: double-wall alloy, 32 hole
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano derailleurs with Shimano trigger shifters
- Brakes: front and rear Tektro M280 mechanical disc brakes
- High-quality Shimano Tourney cranks
- Includes rack and fender mounts
- Color: red or gray
- Warranty: limited lifetime on the frame
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
Schwinn Axum Dropper Seatpost Mountain Bike
Lightweight, 8 Speed, Hardtail, Dropper Post
The Schwinn Axum Mountain Bike is another great entry-level mountain bike with a few advanced features.
It’s a hardtail model of durable aluminum with a 100mm suspension fork to absorb bumps for a little smoother ride.
The interesting more advanced feature is the dropper post that allows you to conveniently adjust your seat post with a remote switch on the handlebars while you’re in motion to change levels as you like for ascents and descents.
It has an 8-speed drivetrain with trigger shifters along with dual mechanical disc brakes for precision stops.
The pricing is low, inviting you to add custom components to make it suit your riding style more specifically.
- Sizes: one only for riders 5’4” to 6’2”
- Weight: 35.32 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: hardtail, 100 mm suspension fork with lockout
- Tires: 29-inch x 2.6-inch tires
- Rims: 3mm double-wall alloy
- Gears: 8-speed with trigger shifters
- Brakes: front and rear mechanical disc brakes
- 125 mm dropper post (for adjustment as you ride) with internal cable routing
- Colors: black or blue
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike
Dual Suspension, 
Quality Components, A Bit Heavy
The Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike is a bargain-priced model that offers a number of quality features for an entry-level trail rider.
Constructed from a sturdy aluminum alloy it is a bit heavy at 44 pounds but has dual suspension with an Element front fork for a fairly smooth ride over bumps and dual disc brakes for stopping power.
It has 29-inch tires mounted on alloy rims with a quick-release front wheel for easy storage.
The high-quality Shimano drivetrain with SRAM twist shifters enables easy shifting to adjust to all types of terrain.
Available in silver, it is typically priced very low.
- Size: 18-inch
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: aluminum
- Suspension: front and rear with an Element suspension fork
- Tires: 29-inch
- Rims: aluminum alloy, quick-release front wheel
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano derailleurs with SRAM twist shifters
- Brakes: front and rear disc brakes
- Colors: silver
- Rating: 4.0
- Price: $
Lightweight, High-Quality Aluminum Frame, Dependable, Hardtail
The Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike is dependable and lightweight at 37 pounds, with a quality frame of 6061 aluminum.
Front suspension and 2.3-inch tires absorb shock from uneven terrain and a 21-speed Shimano drive train and rapid-fire shifter enable easy gear changes.
Also included are dual mechanical disc brakes.
Altogether the Kent Hawkeye combines a number of quality features in a pretty solid package for entry-level off-road bikers at a nice price.
- Size: 18.5-inch (weight capacity of 300 pounds, for riders from 5’7” to 6’2”)
- Weight: 37 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: 6061 aluminum
- Suspension: hardtail, front suspension fork
- Tires: 29-inch x 2.3-inch
- Rims: aluminum
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano derailleurs with a 21-speed EF-41 rapid-fire shifter
- Brakes: front and rear mechanical disc brakes
- Colors: grey/green
- Warranty: general, 6-month limited
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
Hiland 26″ Aluminum Mountain Bike
Good for Short Riders, Lightweight, Hardtail, Quality Components
The Hiland 26″ Aluminum Mountain Bike is a lightweight model at 32.8 pounds and with 26-inch Kenda tires and a 17-inch frame makes it a good fit for smaller riders.
The bright color combination and choice of 3 or 6-spoke wheels are striking but the quality components make this bike an excellent choice for the budget-minded.
A GOOD front suspension fork with 100mm travel smoothes the bumps and dual disc brakes bring the stopping power.
In addition, the 21-speed Shimano drivetrain provides plenty of gears for whatever the terrain delivers.
- Size: 17-inch (for riders from 5’ to 6’)
- Weight: 32.8 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: Hiland aluminum
- Suspension: hardtail, GOOD front suspension fork with 100mm travel
- Tires: 26-inch x 1.95-inch Kenda
- Rims: aluminum, available in 3-spoke and 6-spoke designs
- Gears: 21-speed Shimano TY21 derailleurs with Microshift TS38 shifters
- Brakes: front and rear disc brakes
- Colors: black/orange, black/red, white/green
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $
Sturdy Steel Frame, Reliable, All-Around Fat Bike
, Great for Soft Surfaces
For those who like their off-road biking with a little different flavor, the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Bike provides extra capability on softer surfaces like mud and sand.
This one is a bit heavy with its 4-inch tires and steel frame, but provides a sturdy ride for riders from 5’6” to 6’ with a threadless headset for adjustment of saddle height.
It has a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain for changing levels and front and rear mechanical disc brakes for stops.
Like most fat bikes, it has a rigid frame but the low-inflation wide tires go a long way to make it a smooth ride.
The price is quite affordable.
- Size: 18-inch (for riders from 5’6” to 6’)
- Weight: 48.5 pounds
- Frame/Fork Material: high tensile steel frame, aluminum alloy fork
- Suspension: rigid
- Tires: 26-inch x 4-inch all-terrain knobby
- Rims: aluminum alloy
- Gears: 7-speed Shimano rear derailleur with a twist shifter
- Brakes: front and rear mechanical disc brakes
- Beach cruiser-style pedals
- Threadless headset for easy adjusting saddle height for a range of riders
- Color: navy blue
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Budget Mountain Bikes Buying Guide
To find a good mountain bike in the $200 to $600 range you have to take care that the manufacturer hasn’t decreased quality to meet the pricing demands. On first look, many bikes look deceptively good but can quickly let you down after purchasing and going for a ride or two. Below are factors and features to consider to help you avoid that mistake.
Frame Materials
Aluminum and steel are the most commonly used materials for the frame and fork on budget bikes and they are both strong with aluminum and more lightweight. Steel is more expensive and considerably heavier. Steel is more flexible and aluminum more brittle. Quality welding is also a factor to look for.
Suspension
The rugged nature of mountain biking makes shock absorption a key consideration. Most mountain bikes have mechanical shock absorbers on the front of the bike.
Those that are better suited for the roughest terrain have them in the front and the rear. These models are typically more expensive and are said to have full suspension or dual suspension.
The bikes with suspension in the front but none in the rear are referred to as hardtail bikes.
A factor to look for in suspension is “travel.” This term refers to how far the suspension moves or “travels” when absorbing shock as you ride. It is expressed in millimeters. If the bike has 120mm of travel, the suspension compresses up to 120mm.
There are bikes without any shock absorbers and these are referred to as rigid. Fat bikes often have no suspension as the low-inflation extra-wide tires have a bit of shock absorption built-in. The Mongoose Dolomite Fatback reviewed above is an example of this.
Further Details: Mountain Bike Suspension 101
Wheel Size
The wheel size that is right for you is based primarily on your size and the type of riding you do.
29-inch wheels are the largest and good for holding speed and conditions in cross-country style riding. Taller riders will fit this size better.
27.5-inch wheels are more suitable for trail conditions that require more maneuverability.
26-inch wheels are common on fat bikes and when they are used on standard mountain bikes the handling will be just that more maneuverable, and best for shorter riders.
Brakes
Even on budget mountain bikes disc brakes are usually the norm. On occasion, you can find a quality bike that uses linear-pull brakes (the old style that squeezes the rim) but these are not as effective as disc brakes.
Mechanical disc brakes are reliable and relatively inexpensive. They do require manual adjustment as the brake pads wear down.
Hydraulic disc brakes are considered the best. They provide more sensitivity and control with less stress on the hands, and self-adjust for pad wear.
Two top disc brake brands are Shimano and SRAM.
Drivetrain/Gears
The drivetrain is the mechanism that moves the bike forward when you pedal. It consists of the crankset (that the pedals are attached to) with at least one chainring or gear that transfers the pedaling power to the rear wheel, where there is a cassette of cogs. Drivetrains with more than one chainring use a derailleur to shift from one to another. Similarly in the rear, a derailleur is used to move the chain from one cog to another. The most reliable brand names in common use for drivetrains and components are Shimano and SRAM.
Additional Advice: How to Use Bike Gears
For more information on bikes and accessories, please check out these reviews:
Folding Bikes Cycling Cameras MTB Lights Hardtail Mountain Bikes Gravel Bikes Under $2,000 Beginner Road Bikes Bike Computers Comfort Bikes Children’s Mountain Bikes Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
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