20 Best Mountain Bikes Under 1K — For Beginners, Experts, Or Those On A Budget

Mountain bikes may sound like a major investment, and it’s true that the best mountain bikes with great features don’t come cheap. What can you do when your love of biking is breaking your wallet?

Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable, value-packed options, and those affordable mountain bikes will provide just as much fun and adventure as one that costs double. This is also very much true if you use beginner level trails and don’t need all those extra bells and whistles.

For people who are just beginners, or simply want to save money, these are the best mountain bikes under $1,000.

RELATED: 4 Stress-Relieving Ways To Work Out At Home (Without Having To Go To The Gym)

1. Mongoose Impasse Full Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

The Mongoose Impasse is the ultimate 29er at an affordable price. Equipped with an aluminum full suspension frame, this trail capable bike offers a smooth and controlled ride featuring an Element front fork, Shimano gearing, SRAM twist shifters, and front and rear disc brakes.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

2. Diamondback Bicycles Hook 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike

This bike has reliable, hand-built aluminum hardtail frame with progressive, low-slung geometry, perfect for trail riding performance. The suspension fork tackles trail obstacles, and the single ring drivetrain gives you simplicity and smooth shifting.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

3. Specialized Rockhopper Sport

The Rockhopper comes with a build spec that places an emphasis on reliability. This means it features a full Shimano drivetrain, dependable Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, grippy Ground Control tires that add traction over any trail, and an SR Suntour XCT 29 fork with custom Multi-Circuit damping that eliminates the "pogo" feel commonly associated with coil forks.

(Specialized, $603.99)

4. Giant Talon 29 2 

Built on a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame that features classic hardtail design, plus the balanced riding characteristics of larger diameter 29" wheels, Talon 29 is a great choice for XC terrain. The frame geometry is specifically designed for its wheel size and a 100mm suspension fork. It’s a confident ride that’s perfect for ambitious riders who want to take their off-road skills to the next level.

(Giant Bicycle, $750)

5. Kona Mahuna

A classic Kona hardtail in a 29" version, the Mahuna is ready to explore your favorite trails. Big wheels help you keep your momentum over challenging obstacles, while extra grippy WTB tires and 100mm of RockShox front suspension inspire confidence when things get tricky.

(Kona, $849)

6. Trek Marlin 5 

Marlin 5 is a trail-worthy daily rider that's perfectly suited for everyday adventures, on and off the trail. A front suspension fork with 100mm of travel, 21 speeds, and mounts for a rack and kickstand make it an ideal choice for new trail riders or anyone looking for a comfortable, stable commuter with the ruggedness of a real mountain bike. 

(Trek Bikes, $549.99)

7. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2

Step up your off-road game with the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 bike. Its Shimano 3 x 9 drivetrain gives you plenty of gears for mad climbs, steep descents and mellow flats, and it's dropper-post compatible.

(Rei, $583.93)

8. Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike with Front Suspension

The Schwinn Bonafied Mountain Bike features an aluminum mountain frame and a powerful Schwinn suspension fork that soaks up bumps and thumps to provide you with a fun, durable riding experience. 24 speed Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters, and front and rear Shimano derailleurs make gear changes easy and smooth. Durable Schwinn alloy cranks provide steady gearing and less pesky maintenance. 

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

9. Huffy Bicycle Company Summit Ridge Hardtail Mountain Bike

The Huffy Summit Ridge is equipped to deliver in looks and in performance. The striking look in Denim Blue gloss, the 21 speeds, and the front suspension all add up to one hardtail ready for action. The hi-ten steel hardtail frame provides solid performance, and efficiently transfers your pedal power for strong acceleration on straight surfaces and uphill climbs.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

10. Dynacraft Magna Major Damage Boys BMX Street/Dirt Bike

The Magna Major Damage 16" BMX Street/Dirt Bicycle is a fun way for kids to ride around the neighborhood, park, or easy trails. Great for beginning riders, it also includes a rear coaster brake and adjustable/removable training wheels to provide extra balance and stability. This BMX bike has a handlebar pad for added safety and is decorated with vibrant "Major Damage" logos.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

11. Mongoose Status 2.2 Mountain Bike

Featuring a strong aluminum frame with hydro formed tubing and a powerful suspension fork to smooth out bumps, the Status 2.2 is ready for your next adventure. A 21-speed Shimano rear derailleur guarantees quick shifting and the right gearing for any trail you encounter. Light and strong alloy rims add durability, and classic front and rear v-brakes help you control your speed and stop on a dime.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

RELATED: Could Biking To Work Be The Best Thing For Your Relationship?

12. Merax 26" Mountain Bicycle with Suspension Fork

Front suspension forks design smooths bumps while biking and increases control for fluid riding.  Fitted Shimano 24-speed derailleurs and shifters for reliable and smooth gear shifting.

Front suspension forks design smooths bumps while biking and increases control for fluid riding. Fitted Shimano 24-speed derailleurs and shifters for reliable and smooth gear shifting. Dual disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

13. KENT KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

The Kent KZ2600 mountain bike features a full-suspension, and strong 6061 aluminum frame that utilizes a floating beam suspension design. This bike also has 21 speed Shimano Shifters and rear derailleur, and stopping is handled by disc brakes on the front and rear.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

14. Diamondback Bicycles Cobra 20 Youth 20" Wheel Mountain Bike

Shimano 6-speed drivetrain with trigger shifter makes shifting simple, giving little ones a boost on climbs. Hi Zoom 40mm travel fork soaks up rocks and roots just like on a bike for big kids. Linear pull brakes have adjustable-reach levers to keep them safe and in control.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

15. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike

The Schwinn High Timber AL is ideal for riders who want to take on a variety of terrain. The aluminum frame with suspension fork offer lightweight durability, 21-Speed Shimano Revoshift shifters with Shimano Tourney rear derailleur for smooth navigation, and the front and rear alloy linear pull brakes provide precision stopping power. 

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

16. YEOGNED 24" Suspension Variable Speed Aluminum Mountain Bike 

The 24” aluminum alloy extra-light weight frame has applique inside. And the aluminum shoulder cover has mechanical suspension front fork with lockout and mechanical disc brake. Aluminum seat post with quick release and ergonomic design.

(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)

17. Northwoods Kids Z245

The Northwoods Kids Z245 21-speed Mountain Bike (24") is built around a strong core, a sturdy, lightweight aluminum frame, all of which are perfect for moving fast and knobby tires that grip the road. Plus, a Shimano derailleur allows for quick and easy shifting of a 21 speed bike, and full suspension helps protect you from rough roads. 

(Target, $161.99)

18. TITAN Glacier Pro Alloy Suspension Mountain 26" Bike

Conquer the road with the Titan Glacier Pro Alloy Dual Suspension Mountain Bike. Road gripping and ripping power is yours for the taking with this Titan Bike. With 21 speeds, create an easy ride no matter the terrain, or challenge yourself to push your limits.

(Target, $349.99)

18. Orbea MX 30 29" Bike

The Suntor XCM RL fork features 100mm of suspension travel for eating up road and trail vibrations. A Shimano drivetrain provides smooth and precise shifting and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes will ease you into a nice, controlled stop every time. To top it off, the Orbea branded cockpit is an ideal balance of quality, strength, and performance — a fitting match for such a beautiful bike.

(Jenson USA, $636.75)

19. Raleigh Tekoa Comp

Raleigh’s cross-country 29er, the Tekoa is built on a durable aluminum frame with modern cross-country geometry that’s maneuverable without feeling twitchy. Double-wall 29" wheels roll fast over small rocks and roots, while a 100mm travel SR Suntour XCM 30 suspension fork soaks up the bigger hits.

(Aventuron, $800)

20. Diamondback Line

A Shimano 1x9 drivetrain lets you blaze through the gears with pinpoint precision every single time. Because hard-charging riders gravitate to these progressive trail bikes, there's more security in the form of a chain guide with roller, a capable SR Suntour XCR 120mm travel fork (with a lock-out for those big climbing days), and powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

(Diamond Back, $800)

RELATED: The 6 Most Damaging Mistakes You Can Make During Your Workout (And What To Do Instead)

Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.