Buying a bike is never easy. It is hard to know what you need and what you don’t. You also don’t know what brands to trust and which to ignore. To make it easy for you, we have created a rundown of the 10 best mountain bikes under $300 in [current_year].
We have carefully picked each model and given you a guide to the top 5 things you need to know when you buy your new mountain bike. We will also look what you should expect from a mountain bike under $300. When all is said and done and you’re riding your new bike, you’ll be glad you followed our mountain bike review.
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Max4out
- 26” wheels with six spokes and 4 “ tires
- Strong frame with adjustable design
- 21 gears for riding on all surfaces
Where To Buy
The Best Mountain Bikes Under $300
1. Max4out Mountain Bike
Key Features:
- 26” wheels with six spokes and 4 “ tires
- Strong frame with adjustable design
- 21 gears for riding on all surfaces
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: Wheel Size: 26 Inch, Frame Size: not provided
- Weight: 44 lbs (19.95 kg)
- Available Color: Black
Where To Buy
Apart from a striking appearance, the Max4out has a robust and lightweight frame with a high carbon and steel construction. The front shock absorbs vibrations and makes for a smooth ride on gravel and other types of rugged terrain.
This bike is also foldable. You can quickly and easily fold the bike using its quick-release clamp. Because this model is foldable, you can easily transport and store it in a cupboard or the trunk of your car.
A unique wheelset contributes significantly to the Max4out’s appearance and performance. The 26” wheels have a 6-spoke design as well as thick tires with a width of 4”. The tires provide sufficient grip while the large wheels make mountain biking possible.
This model comes with 21 gears, providing all the range you may need. The low gears help you ride inclines while the high gears assist in maintaining a comfortable pace on flat surfaces.
2. Merax FT323 Mountain Bike
Key Features:
- Dual suspension
- 21-speed shifters and derailleurs
- Linear brakes
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: Wheel Size: 26 Inch, Frame Size: 17 Inch
- Weight: 30 lbs (13 kg)
- Available Color: Blue, Gray/Green
Where To Buy
Merax FT323 Mountain Bike is a set of wheels that hobbyists and professionals alike will enjoy. It is safe to say that this bike will bring everything that you require to the table. It not only has an attractive design that will get you noticed anywhere, but it is also sturdy in its build.
It is clear that a lot of time and precision was used to create this bike into the magic that it is. The 21-speed shifter and derailleurs on the bike make it easy for you to take on any terrain without having to worry about control. Linear brake and dual suspension make for a smooth and convenient ride.
The gears are designed to tackle different types of terrain and change automatically when they need to. The ratchet shifters are especially great as they work flawlessly. The tires are also solid. They are highly durable thus you will be able to use them for a long time. Want to carry a bottle of water for your ride? The storage pouch will come in handy.
3. Mongoose Status 2.2 Mountain Bikes
Key Features:
- Full suspension frame
- 21 speed
- Front and rear v-brakes
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: Wheel Size: 26 Inch, Frame Size: not provided
- Weight: 44.3 lbs
- Available Color: Black/Red – Teal
Where To Buy
Mongoose Status 2.2 is an aluminum full suspension mountain bike. The aluminum frame has been reinforced in the areas most likely to break. The extra material adds a little bit of weight but should add reassurance that the Status 2.2 will not fall apart when you go for a ride.
Like the other bikes in the review, the Status 2.2 comes with 21 gears. The gears are supplied by a mix of SRAM twist shifters and a Shimano rear derailleur. The braking duties are handled by v-brakes which will allow you enough modulation to stop you effectively when out riding
You will also find knobby 2.125 tires fitted to the alloy 26” wheels. These will bring you a nice measure of comfort when you are riding offroad. Combined with the suspension, you should have a nice smooth ride.
When you check other online reviews, you will find that people have problems setting up the bike. Like all online bike purchases, the Mongoose will require you to build it. You should be comfortable doing this or know someone that can do it for you. If you would like to learn how to put a mountain bike together, there are a lot of YouTube videos with great guidance in this area.
4. Huffy Tekton
Key Features:
- Aluminum Frame
- Oversized tires
- 10 year frame warranty
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: Wheel Size: 27.5 Inch, Frame Size: 17.5 Inch
- Weight: 45.3 lbs
- Available Color: Matte Black – Matte Acid Green – Satin Tropic Blue
Where To Buy
Huffy Tekton is a simple hardtail mountain bike. Huffy stands behind the quality of their aluminum steel frame, and they offer a 10-year warranty with the Tekton. The warranty is for a longer period than you will get with many other mountain bikes, including much more expensive mountain bikes.
The Tekton is a 21-speed mountain bike with all of its gearing duties being performed by Shimano. Shifting is handled by Shimano’s Revoshift system, a style of twist shift, and a Tourney rear derailleur.
As well as a Kolos front suspension fork, the Tekton rolls on 27.5” wheels to help you over rocky terrain. To make this even easier, Huffy has fitted oversized knobby tires. These tires will not only give you grip, they will also add extra comfort to your ride.
The Tekton is an excellent bike for those people who are looking for a simple bike that will be long lasting for getting into mountain biking. It is also a bike that is designed to make upgrades easy to find and fit. You can tailor it more towards “serious” mountain biking or more towards commuting to work (depending on where your cycling career ends up taking you).
5. Schwinn High Timber
Key Features:
- Wheel size choice
- Shimano Tourney rear derailleur
- Linear pull brakes
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: Wheel Size: 20 Inch, Frame Size: not provided
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Available Color: Silver – Black – Blue
Where To Buy
Schwinn High Timber mountain bike has an interesting feature. A feature usually found on more expensive bikes: the High Timber comes in a choice of wheel sizes.
The 12” frame comes with 24” wheels. The 18” frame comes with 27.5” wheels or 29” wheels. The 24” wheel on the small bike will make the mountain bike easier to handle for smaller and lighter people. The bigger wheels will allow the bike to roll over rocks with ease for people of a taller stature. All the wheels feature a quick release lever, making it easy and fast to fix any punctures.
If I were after a bike to commute to work on and mountain bike for the weekend, I would pick up the High Timber particularly the one with 29-inch wheels. The bike will be a little bit less nimble, but it will roll faster for less effort. You will also find it easy to scrub that speed off as the whole range comes with linear pull brake, also known as v-brakes. The bike uses a Shimano rear derailleur for good gear changes, which will cope well with the demands of mountain biking.
6. Huffy Escalate
Key Features:
- Fitted kickstand
- Shimano EZ Fire gears
- Front and rear Linear pull brakes
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: Wheel Size: 26 Inch, Frame Size: 20 Inch
- Weight: 41.8 lbs
- Available Color: Gloss Nickel – Matte Acid Green – Matte Black
Where To Buy
Huffy Escalate is a lightweight aluminum frame hardtail mountain bike. Like the Tekton above, the frame is also backed by a 10-year warranty. The frame is available in male straight top tube version and a female sloping top tube version. The sloping one will also work well for people with hip issues who still want to ride a bike. The Escalate looks like a retro 90s bike, and if you rode a bike as a teen, it may bring back fond memories for you.
The Escalate is one of the least expensive bikes we reviewed, but it comes with Shimano EZ Fire gearing. EZ Fire is controlled by your thumbs rather than twisting your hand. It makes changing gears easier and is an excellent feature on a bike at the Escalates price point.
To keep the price low, Huffy have fitted the Escalate with linear pull brake. These will give you all the stopping power you need and save you from the extra cost of disc brakes. One little additional feature is that the Escalate comes with a kickstand fitted, making it easy for you to park your mountain bike.
7. Hiland Mountain Bike
Key Features:
- 21 Speed Full Suspension
- Aluminum Frame
- Dual-Suspension design
Key Specifications:
- Fitted Shimano 21-speed derailleurs and shifters for reliable and smooth gear shifting
- Linear pull break provide enhanced stopping power
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs, 1 Year Warranty
Where To Buy
Hiland Mountain Bike is a basic model that features entry-level Shimano gearing components, including twist shifters and seven rapid-fire derailleurs. You can ride the Cobra on most terrains as this bicycle features dual suspension, wheels with a diameter of 26 inches, and anti-skid tires that provide sufficient grip and traction.
The handlebar is fitted with high-grade rubber grips, and the seat has ergonomic contouring for optimal comfort. This bike is also easy to store and transport as it has a front hum quick-release.
The Cobra has a 17-inch alloy steel frame with an adjustable seat that can accommodate weights of up to 275 lbs (125 kg.) This model has a durable construction and is specially designed to ensure rider comfort. Heavy-duty nylon pedals and their carved grips also provide you with sufficient control.
Even though the Cobra is considered to be a beginner model, it can comfortably take on off-road surfaces without damage or discomfort. This bike is ideal for beginners or casual mountain cyclists.
8. Stone Mountain Women’s Mountain Bike
Key Features:
- 26-inch wheels
- 17 Inch Frame
- Linear Pull Brake Style
Key Specifications:
- Ideal for ages 13 and up and a minimum rider height of 5 feet
- Indexed Shimano rear derailleur combines with the micro-shift twist shifter to deliver 21 speeds on-deman
- Kraton grips and comfortable to the touch; alloy wheels in matte black; kickstand included.
Where To Buy
The Stone Mountain is a 26” mountain bike. To make the T-29 a little lighter and therefore easier to ride, Kent has designed a 6061 aluminum frame. The frame features an Aheadset. An Aheadset will make it easier for you to upgrade the suspension fork should you want to.
The ease of upgrading makes the Kent T-29 an excellent choice for those who want one of the best mountain bikes available for around $300. You can slowly upgrade the Kent as you’d like and as parts wear out. If you think you’ll be in cycling for the long haul, this is a good starting point.
The Kent comes with 29” x 2.1” tires fitted to alloy rims so that you will be able to roll over more obstacles than you think you can. These tires are a good choice for those who want to start going out and discovering what cross country mountain biking is all about. 29” wheels will easily make up for the lack of rear suspension and save you from having to service a rear shock.
9. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
Key Features:
- Aluminum and Steel Frame Options
- 7-21 Speeds Options
- 24-29-Inch Wheels
Key Specifications:
- Multiple Colors
- Mechanical Rim Brake Style
- Durable mountain bike designed for trails and neighborhood rides
Where To Buy
Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike is a sturdy, lightweight bike that promises you the best riding experiences on every terrain. Thanks to its alloy mountain bike rims, your rides will leave you with a story to tell. In comparison to typical steel rims, the rims on the Tetran Widland are more durable.
This means that you do not have to worry about any replacements any time soon. Equipped with alloy duo suspensions, you can also be certain that the bike will make for the smoothest ride even on bumpy roads. This is because its suspensions easily absorb shock.
Apart from smooth riding, the bike has 21 speed Shimano derailleurs that will guarantee flawless shifting between the gears. The stopping power on the Tetran is also exceptional for any sudden stops that you may want to make.
The well-designed brakes provide good stopping power downhill and even on rough terrain. Whenever you need to make quick gear changes, this bike will not let you down. This bike will help you cruise around no matter where you are going.
10. Royce Union RTT
Key Features:
- EZ Fire gearing
- Zoom suspension fork
- Male and female frame specific design
Key Specifications:
- Dimensions: Wheel Size: 26 Inch, Frame Size: 22 Inch
- Weight: 41.8 lbs
- Available Color: Silver
Where To Buy
Royce Union RTT is an aluminum framed hardtail mountain bike. The Union RTT comes in a vast variety of colors and male and female specific frame design. It is highly unlikely that you won’t find a Royce Union RTT that you like. The frame has a big head tube gusset to help add strength to the bike.
The Royce is one of the few bikes in our bike reviews to feature EZ Fire gearing. EZ Fire is a step above twist shift gearing and is a nice extra feature on the Royce. It is easier to find spares for it, and this will help to make your gearing system last longer than twist shifters. EZ Fire is the best mountain bike shifter system for the price range we’re discussing.
To help comfort you from rough terrain, the Royce comes with a Zoom suspension fork. Zoom is the biggest manufacturer of suspension forks in the world. To add to the comfort provided by the Zoom fork, you will see that the Royce is also outfitted with wide knobby tires.
These tires are fitted to alloy wheels. These wheels will be able to withstand the rigors of entry-level mountain biking. They will also be easy to use and these bikes will keep running for a long time. The Royce looks like a good choice for you if you want to commute to work as well as ride off-road.
5 Things to Think About When Buying Your Mountain Bike
Style
Your first mountain bike is exciting and it’s something that you’ll never forget. It’s important that you take a look at what is personally aesthetic to you, because once you buy it, you can’t change the colors or the body-type. A mountain bike can be an extension of your style and your personality.
What do I want the bike for?
If you want to spend time climbing for fitness, you don’t want a full suspension mountain bike. They will bob as you pedal and it will slowly destroy your nerves. If you’re going to go commuting as well as mountain biking, look for a lockout on the suspension fork to stop it diving as you pedal. If you live somewhere muddy and wet, look for knobby tires so you have a better grip.
Upgradeability
If you get bitten by the cycling bug, will you be able to upgrade the bike easily or will you be looking at buying a whole new bike further down the line? Check above, and you will see that we have pointed out the easily upgradeable bikes.
Comfort
A comfortable bike is one that you will want to ride, and it will be one that makes riding fun. The simple way to have a comfortable ride is to buy a bike with the widest tires. It is amazing what a little bit of extra air surrounded by rubber can do for your comfort.
Keep it simple
The fewer gimmicks and paraphernalia on your bike, the more the manufacturers have paid attention to the essential parts. There is also the simple fact that the less there is on your bike, the less there is to go wrong or break. In some cases, a set of linear brakes will be all you need over disc brakes: that nicely takes us back to rule 2.
Top 3 Mountain Bike Brands Under $300
Mongoose
In a garage in California in 1974, Skip Hess created Mongoose bikes. His original invention was the Moto One Mag, a wheel that brought a stronger new design to mag wheels. Initially, Mongoose focused on BMX, but they were one of the first brands to bring out a full suspension mountain bike frame. Every American kid since the ’80s has wanted or ridden a Mongoose.
Schwinn
Schwinn bikes have a long heritage. They were founded in Chicago in 1895 by German immigrant Ignaz Schwinn. During the 20th century, Schwinn grew to be one of the biggest bicycle companies in the world. Mountain biking also grew out of Schwinn’s balloon-tired cruiser bikes. These bikes became known as “Klunkers”. You’ll now find high-end bike companies building bikes in homage to these early mountain bikes. Schwinn had the best-selling kid’s bike of the 1960s.
Huffy
We can trace Huffy’s roots back even further than Schwinn. Huffy grew out of a sewing machine company started in Dayton, Ohio in 1887. Huffy, from the outset, was always considered an entry-level brand of bike, even when they tried to manufacture high-end bikes.
What Sort of Mountain Bike can you Expect to get for less than $300?
Every year, mountain bikes get better. As the bike industry pushes the high-end mountain bikes to new heights, you can be sure these ideas will eventually work there way down. Maybe not straight away but it will happen.
Better materials, better welding techniques, better choice of equipment, it all slowly comes down the range. That does not mean you are getting a bike that will handle the wild trails of Whistler. If you want a bike that you can thrash downhill runs and jump parks, you will need to go for different brands than the ones mentioned here.
If you want a bike that will let you dip your toe into mountain biking and help you get the cycling bug, then a sub $300 bike can manage that. You’ll be best served if you try and keep both your wheels on the ground as much as possible.
You’ll find easy blue and green trails can easily be conquered on these bikes. A cheap mountain bike will not feature technology that you can hide behind. It will be a no thrills ride and in the end, you’ll more than likely become a better rider because of it.
They should all be able to double as a work commuter. You should find it easy and safe to get to work on all the bikes in our review. You may even see that they are quicker than taking the car in some metropolitan areas.
Should I be Spending More Than $300 Instead?
In some cases, buying a slightly more expensive bike is worth it. Most of the time, there isn’t a very large difference. Sure, it is great to have something a little more expensive, but is it worth blowing your budget? We would say no.
The differences you will find in mountain bikes under $400 might not mean that you get much more bicycle for your money. You can likely achieve the same results by buying a few upgrades at a time when you can afford it.
When you’ve become more advanced with your biking and you’re ready to move up, the best option is to upgrade certain features on your mountain bike. You really only need to buy a new, more expensive bike if you’re looking for a different brand or a different type of bike. It’s perfectly reasonable to start with a bike around $300 and use an upgrade list along the way as you need it.
If you can upgrade and it does not blow a hole in your finances, go for it. You might find a bike that you prefer the look of and that means you will ride it more often. As you have spent more money, you are also more likely to look after it and care for it. Taking care of it is the way to make your mountain bike last that little bit longer.