Aside from trekking, hiking or jogging out in the woods, the rough roads or the mountains, mountain biking is one of the best sports to try out if you want to be a bit adventurous. And mountain biking means you need a very reliable ride – a mountain bike. From the wheel size, suspensions, bike sizes and a lot more, you’ve got to be careful of choosing what mountain bike really suits you. There won’t be any problem if you’ve got bigger budget on that. You can choose and buy whatever you want, something just right on your preference.
Unfortunately, mountain bikes are costly and yes, costs higher than the ordinary ones. Well, what if your budget is only $500? Could you buy a reliable mountain bike with that? YES, YOU COULD! If you’re also a bit picky with the brand, we included in the list some of the best brands of mountain bikes – for all ages, kids, adults or entry levels- but are still within the budget. Best brands such as Giant, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, Raleigh and Mongoose – you can check them all out here in our list.
We’ve gathered all the most affordable mountain bikes that do not go over your budget of $500
You can check the prices and where you can buy them through the provided links.
1Specialized 2016 Hardrock Disc 650b Mountain Bike
PRICE: $499.99
FEATURES
- Lightweight A1 Premium Aluminum frame provides a durable platform to support Specialized’s Sport Trail 650b Geometry making it efficient on climbs and eager on descents
- The 650b alloy rims are laced to a pair of Specialized’s sturdiest hubs to form wheels that allow you to mow over everything in sight, climb gracefully, and get to the bottom of the trail eager for more
- The SR Suntour M3030 fork features a coil spring that delivers 75mm of trail absorbing travel
- 650bx2.0 inch Ground Control Sport tires have reliable traction, puncture-resistance, and sheer speed over the dirt to keep you rolling with confidence over almost any terrain
- Lightweight V-brakes for reliable stopping performance
- Shimano 7-speed derailleur for reliable shifting performance
- Specialized Body Geometry mountain saddle is tuned for trail performance and reduced fatigue
2Cannondale Catalyst 4
PRICE: $379.99
FEATURES
- Strong and lightweight butted aluminum frame for precise handling and nimble ride without any wobbles as you go through trails and bike lanes
- 27.5-inch aluminum Alex rims
- Sturdy-yet-lightweight handlebars, stem, and saddle
- Jak-7 mechanical disc brakes
- Acquires Shimano drivetrain with 21 smooth-shifting speeds perfectly ridden both on flats and hills
3Specialized Hardrock V 650b
PRICE: $440
FEATURES
- Crafted from their A1 Premium aluminum
- Light frame; durable and nimble
- SR Suntour fork serves up 75mm of bump-busting travel
- 650b aluminum rims which wil be durable for over the years
- Shimano 21-speed drivetrain
- Powerful linear-pull brakes and a suite of low-maintenance Specialized components, including a supportive Body Geometry saddle
4Cannondale Catalyst 3
PRICE: $439.99
FEATURES
- Strong, lightweight butted aluminum frame
- 27.5-inch aluminum Alex rims
- The Shimano drivetrain provides 24 smooth-shifting speeds to conquer flats and hills
- Promax hydraulic disc brakes
- Sturdy-yet-lightweight handlebars, stem and saddle
5GIANT REVEL 2 (ENTRY-LEVEL)
PRICE: $370
FEATURES
- Lightweight and durable ALUXX-grade butted aluminum frame
- SR Suntour XCT 100mm-travel fork
- Giant alloy double-wall rims, alloy hubs, stainless spokes
- Shimano 3×7-speed drivetrain with Tektro mechanical disc brakes
6TREK PRECALIBER 20 6-SPEED BOY’S Mountain Bike (Kids)
PRICE: $329.99
FEATURES
- Mountain bike styling suitable for young adventurers
- Frame and parts are Dialed to fit kids right from the start
- Adjustable crank length lets you change pedal position
- Trek quality = safety and fun
- light frames, knobby tires, durable construction, Dialed adjustable components
BUY IT HERE
7TREK 3500 – 3 Series
PRICE: $439.99
FEATURES
- Light, tough, trail-ready frame is rack and fender ready
- Extended size range gives you a better fit for a better ride
- Quality Shimano drivetrain and Bontrager components
- Backed by Trek’s limited lifetime warranty
BUY IT HERE
8TREK MARLIN 5 MOUNTAIN BIKE
PRICE: $499.99
FEATURES
- Ride the fastest wheel that fits with Smart Wheel Size
- Ride-tuned aluminum frame is XC light, mountain tough
- Extended size range gives you a better fit for a better ride
- Backed by Trek’s limited lifetime warranty
BUY IT HERE
9Raleigh 2015 Tekoa 29er Mountain Bike
PRICE: $499.99
FEATURES
- Lightweight AL-6061 frame designed for 29 inch wheels
- Tektro mineral oil disc brakes with 2-finger levers
- Weinmann U28 rims with Kenda Honey Badger tires are fast rolling and grippy through turns, climbs and accelerations
- Shimano drive-train is quick and reliable
10GIANT ATX 27.5 Mountain Bike
PRICE: $460
FEATURES
- Lightweight and durable ALUXX-grade butted aluminum frame
- SR Suntour XCT 100mm-travel fork
- Giant alloy double-wall rims, alloy hubs, stainless spokes
- Shimano 3×7-speed drivetrain with Tektro mechanical disc brakes
11Specialized 2015 Hardrock Base Mountain Bike
PRICE: $439.99
FEATURES
- A1 Premium Aluminum frame with ORE downtube for a lighter, more compliant and durable bike
- 75mm-travel SR Suntour fork delivers a plush ride for varying terrain
- Specialized Fast Trak Sport 2.0 inch tires w/ a race-proven tread
- Efficient and precise 9-speed crankset
- Lightweight die-cast V-Brakes for reliable stopping performance
- Shimano 7-speed derailleur for reliable shifting performance
- Specialized Body Geometry mountain saddle is tuned for trail performance and reduced fatigue
12GIANT XTC JR 24 (YOUTH)
PRICE: $375
FEATURES
- Alloy suspension fork, 2” travel for comfort and control
- 3-piece alloy cranks for efficient pedaling
- 21-speed drivetrain to get the young rider over hilly terrain
- Size: 24″ wheel
- Color: Blue/Black
13Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
PRICE: $281.61
FEATURES
- Schwinn Aluminum Dual Suspension Frame w. Steel Rear
- Shimano Altus 24-spd w. Shimano EF-50 Trigger Shifters
- Pro Max Front Disc Brake and Suntour Suspension Fork
- MTB Handlebar w/ Schwinn 4 Bolt A-Head Stem
- Alloy High Profile Rims w/ Black Bladed Spokes
14Merax® Finiss 26″ Aluminum 21 Speed Mountain Bike with Disc Brakes
PRICE: $289.99
FEATURES
- Lightweight Heat Treated Aluminum Mountain Frame
- 26″ Double Wall Aluminum Rims Wheels for Easier Rolling
- Shimano 21-speed Derailleurs and Shifters for Reliable Shifting
- Front and Rear Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Suspension Fork 80mm Travel provides Smooth Bumps and Increases Control
15Mongoose Stasis Comp 26-Inch Full Suspension Mountain Bicycle, Matte Red, 18-Inch Frame
PRICE: $244.28
FEATURES
- Mongoose Aluminum full suspension frame
- Front suspension fork
- 21 speed Shimano rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters
- Front and rear disc brakes for great breaking power
- Alloy wheels with quick release front
16Nashbar AT1 29er Mountain Bike
PRICE: $278
FEATURES
- Steel frame offers an excellent mix of durability, stiffness and trail feedback
- 75mm fork of travel helps take the sting out of the trail
- 29″ wheels help you roll over obstacles with ease
- Shimano 7-speed drive train delivers dependable, precise shifting
- Alloy V-brakes offer powerful braking performance
BUY IT HERE
17Columba 26″ Alloy Folding Bike w. Shimano Silver
PRICE: $309.99
FEATURES
- 26″ wheels, folding alloy frame & suspension fork.
- Shimano 18 speed shifter and derailleur.
- Zoom tracker 327v front suspension, and rear alloy body spring suspension.
- Alloy crank arms, alloy front/rear hubs and V-brakes, alloy kick stand, alloy rim. Kenda 26″x1.75″ tire. Foldable bearing pedals.
- Quick removable front handle stem, with alloy silver color cap & PVC black bell.
18Mongoose Women’s Status 2.2 Mountain Bike, 16-Inch/Small
PRICE: $160.12
FEATURES
- Aluminum mountain frame geometry for easy control
- Suspension fork smoothens the bumps and increases control
- 21 speed Shimano rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters changes gears easily
- 3-piece mountain crank offers wide gear range
- Front & rear V brakes
19Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle (29-Inch)
PRICE: $314.29
FEATURES
- Aluminum suspension frame maximizes comfort & performance
- Element Suspension fork smoothes the bumps and increases control
- 21 speed Shimano rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters changes gears easily
- Alloy wheels with quick release front
- Alloy front & rear disc brakes
20Stowabike 26″ MTB V2 Folding Dual Suspension 18 Speed Gears Mountain Bike
PRICE: $139.99
FEATURES
- Frame: 26″ steel Stowabike folding frame
- Fork: 26″ suspension steel fork
- 18-Speed Mountain Bike
- Tyres: Wanda 26×1.95″
- Brake: steel v-brakes
Prices may vary according to sales and promos in the designated stores. Photos and information were also sourced from the provided links.
