Top 15 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Reviews 2022

Needless to say that mountain biking has increased its popularity now. This sport has made a great comeback among adults and children, but especially among millennials. Discovering wild places while riding your bike is amazing.

Moreover, the desire of individuals to live a healthier lifestyle has led to using mountain bikes more and more.

In order to satisfy this passion, lots of brands have started creating lots of mountain biking models, to meet the needs of all the consumers. In this article, you will meet all the best features the top mountain bikes have.

The best part? You don’t even have to pay lots of money. Why? Because these are the best mountain bikes under 500.

Do you finally want to have a great weekend getaway in nature and want more than a cruise bike?

Well, keep scrolling down to find how you can have a peaceful, laid, relaxing vacation on the bike. From youngster weekends to family activities, mountain biking is definitely a great option to spend your free days with.

Why Is It Worth Having a Mountain Bike?

There are so many reasons why people choose mountain biking as a favorite activity:

• Increasing the health’s well-being;
• Great way to both make sport and be in nature;
• Shed the extra calories;
• More comfort than ever before;
• Great cardio;
• More performing bicycle designs.

As you see, there are so many different reasons why mountain biking is more and more popular. But the main thing that makes it worth the investment is the benefits for health.

As more active you are, as better, you will feel it in the long term. Luckily, the best mountain bikes come with lots of features that improved a lot over the last decade.

All these improvements and innovations lead to a lot safer and smoother rides using the mountain bikes. As mountain bikes got better, safer, and more comfortable, people have increased their interest in buying one.

The options are countless, so now you can choose from a variety of bikes with lots of different features.

What Are The Best Mountain Bikes Under 500?

The best mountain bikes under 500 list can’t be complete without brands such as Hilland, Schwinn or Huffy. But better let’s have a look at the highlights of all the products prepared for today.

• Best Overall: Hiland 29 In 16-Speed Mountain Bike
  “High-quality materials, lock-out suspension, 17-inch frame, easy to assemble.”
• Best Budget: WEELOLOE 26 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike
  “Lightweight, three knife wheels, full suspension, budget-friendly bike.”
• Best for Women: Schwinn 24-29 in 7-21-Speed Mountain Bike
  “Durable, versatile, smooth, and precise riding.”
• Best for Men: Hiland 26 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike
  “Total control, easy to assemble, excellent gradient paint.”
• Best for Kids: SHOTGUN Kids 2-5 Years Mountain Bike
  “Quick-release fitting, easy installation, front-mounted child seat.”
• Best Hardtail: Huffy Hardtail 24 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike
  “Strong acceleration, premium padded ATB saddle, denim color.”
• Best Hybrid: Schwinn 700c 21-Speed Mountain Bike
  “21 speeds, durable steel frame, rear V-brake, superior stopping power.”
• Best Full Suspension: Merax FT323 26 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike
  “Smooth suspension, good fluid riding control, linear-pull breaks.”
• Best for Wheelies: Mongoose BMX 26 in Single Speed Mountain Bike
  “BMX freestyle frame, alloy front caliper, V-brake, single-speed drivetrain.”
• Best with Disc Brakes: Max4out 26 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike
  “Ergonomic seat, 21-speed grip shifter, durable tires.”
• Best for Dirt Jumping: Schwinn High Timber 24-29 in 7-21-Speed Mountain Bike
  “Easy to assemble, good quality materials, durable and responsive riding experience.”
• Best for Downhill: Huffy 26 in 18-Speed Mountain Bike
  “ATB saddle, high-quality stitching, suspension fork, 6-speed indexed derailleur.”
• Best for Young Adults: GBSELL 20 in Mountain Bike
  “High-quality steel frame, controlled stopping, adjustable seat post.”

Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 Comparison Chart

When you are able to have a short glimpse of the main highlights, it’s easier to choose one of the best mountain bikes under 500 for you.

Top 15 Best Mountain Bike Under $500 Reviews 2022

I bet you mostly expected this part. Here I created the best mountain bike under 500 full reviews, with pros, cons and personal experience for each.

1. Hiland 29 In 16-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best Overall)

The first mountain bike to talk about is this high-quality one from Hilland. Made of aluminum, this bicycle is designed for off-road cycling. As such, it will resist perfectly on different types of terrains.

This bike incorporates different features that are meant to make the bike even more performant and durable in time. Very attractive, the Hiland bike ensures you have better control in every situation.

The fork is durable, and the suspension strong enough to support the mountain trails. Keep scrolling to find more about the best overall mountain bike under 500.

Key Features:

• Lock-out suspension
• 17-inch frame
• Large knobby tires

Product Specification:

Brakes	Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Frame	Aluminum
Brand	Sixthreezero

Personal Experience:

One of the best parts of this model of a mountain bike is the 29-inch, which offers great comfort and sustainability. Secondly, the ride feels amazing, whether you go on mountain roads, forest ways, and highways.

This video has lots of details to help you:

2. WEELOLOE 26 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best Budget)

If you are practicing mountain biking only a few times a year, then you might want to get an affordable bike. The Weeloloe 26 Mountain Bike has an attractive price and comes with all the features you need.

The brakes are very good, so you will have the best control over the speed of your bike. The frame is also great, made of high carbon steel, which means the bike overall is enough lightweight for you to climb any hill.

Want to know more about this budget-friendly bike? Keep on scrolling, to find everything about your possible new bike:

Key Features:

• Three knife wheel
• Full suspension
• Magnesium wheels
• MTB brake lever

Product Specification:

Brakes	Tolan Disk Brake
Wheels type	3 spoke Magnesium
Frame	High Carbon Steel
Brand	Weeloloe

Personal Experience:

If you are a beginner in the mountain bike world, then you should look for this bike and not pay a fortune on it. It has all you need and offers comfortable rides.

3. Eurobike EURX1 27.5 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best for Beginners)

When you start practicing this sport, you know you need the appropriate equipment to finally make the first mountain biking moves. This is why you should consider the Eurobike EURX 21 speed bike.

This model is the best one for beginners and comes with all the features you need for the most comfortable first rides. The 21-speed shifting system will help you adapt the speed to any terrain you will be riding on.

The brake disks are easy to maneuver and offer the best control over the speed and terrain you are riding.

Key Features:

• Free pedals included
• Comfortable frame
• 21-speed shifting

Product Specification:

Brakes	Dual Disk Brake
Free pedals	Included
Reference height	5’4″ ~6′
Brand	Eurobike

Personal Experience:

This bike is great, but definitely not for the professionals. If you are now starting to ride the mountains with a bike, consider this one.

Here is more to know from this video:

4. Schwinn 24-29 in 7-21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best for Women)

The mountain bikes for women are special: they need to be more lightweight, have an adjustable seat, and last but not least, should meet a nice design. The Schwinn 24-29 Mountain Bike has a great quality overall.

It is perfect to use on any kind of terrain, as the suspensions can deal with every riding experience. Moreover, the bike is very easy to assemble, so you can do it by yourself, just by following the guidelines you receive.

Don’t know yet if this bike is for you? Keep on scrolling to find everything about this model.

Key Features:

• All-terrain tires
• Steady gearing
• 7-speed Shimano twist shifters

Product Specification:

Frame	Schwinn steel frame
Department	Girls
Color	Multiple Colors
Brand	Schwinn

Personal Experience:

This bike is perfect for women. The speeds are easy to change, the bike is light and the colors will fit any personality.

5. Hiland 26 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best for Men)

There are some brands of mountain bikes that you can fully trust. Hilland is one of them, and this bicycle is a great deal for men. You can consider this as a personal machine, that suits different needs and also different types of riders.

This Hilland Mountain Bike will exceed any of your expectations, and will also suit all kinds of mountain terrains.

The Hilland mountain bike comes 85% already pre-assembled, and with all the necessary tools for you to put it together at home. The installation is super easy, so it is a riding process.

Key Features:

• Excellent gradient paint
• Total control
• 21-speed shifters
• 85% pre-assembled

Product Specification:

Frame	Steel Frame
Supported height	5’7- 6′
Frame Size	18-inch
Brand	Hilland

Personal Experience:

This is a high-quality mountain bike, perfect for those who are looking for great experiences. The design is also nice, and the assembly easy to make even for beginners.

6. Slsy 24/26 in 7-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best for Seniors)

Some seniors will find it difficult to ride a regular bike. Luckily for them, this Slsy mountain tricycle will help them keep their balance and also practice some sport.

Whether they do not need to use all their power, pedaling on this bike will strengthen their muscles and increase mobility. Help your mother, father or grandparents make a full joy of living and buy them this mountain bike.

The design is sturdy enough to hold any weight, so the bike will be able to be used even for heavy shopping. Keep reading to find more.

Key Features:

• Front disk brakes
• Sturdy design
• 7-speed derailleur
• Large-capacity basket

Product Specification:

Frame	Sturdy Steel Frame
Warranty	1 year
Suspension	Front Suspension
Brand	Slsy

Personal Experience:

I find this tricycle the perfect present for parents and great parents. The riding is very easy, you have a lot of comforts and perfect balance.

7. SHOTGUN Kids 2-5 Years Mountain Bike

(Best for Kids)

Kids love to do activities with their parents, so do adults. As such, when going for biking, now you can take the little ones with you. The Shotgun Mountain Bike has a special seat that will exceed your expectations.

It’s true, you might have to learn how to use it first and to accommodate it, but the memories you will make with your kids are priceless. This seat for mountain bikes is worth every penny and will satisfy even the pickiest ones.

Let’s learn more about its features, pros, and cons.

Key Features:

• Full rubber protection for carbon
• Quick-release fitting
• For children from 2 to 5 years old

Product Specification:

Compatibility	Fits all the MB
Protection	Rubber Protection
Quick Release	Yes
Brand	Shotgun

Personal Experience:

Do not postpone the mountain bike rides with your kids. This comfortable, easy to use seat will help you make awesome memories with the little ones.

8. Huffy Hardtail 24 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best Hardtail)

If you are looking for a mountain bike to deliver great performance, a Huffy vehicle is what you need. The striking look in Denim Blue, the 21 speeds, as well as the front suspension will offer a great riding experience to the user.

When you are riding on bumpy terrains, the hardtail frame is enough solid to sustain any weight. The pedal power will resist any hill, and the strong acceleration will help you reach the speed you want.

When receiving this bike, you have all the instructions to assembly it steps by step.

Key Features:

• 21 speeds;
• 26” x 1.95” knobby tires tears;
• Removable rear derailleur;
• Premium padded ATB saddle.

Product Specification:

Suited Age	Starting with 13
Pedals	ATB-type resin pedals
Color	Denim blue
Warranty	Limited lifetime
Brand	Huffy

Personal Experience:

These bikes suit any preference. You can choose from multiple colors and styles. Just make sure to check the instructions before assembling and using the bike.

9. Schwinn 700c 21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best Hybrid)

Whenever you feel like exercising, you should buy a mountain bike to offer you the best experiences. A ride down the mountain is a great relaxing thing and the Schwinn speed mountain bike is the hybrid bicycle that will handle any path excursions.

This bicycle can handle a variety of rides, as it is made of a steel frame, so the total weight is little. The brakes are performant as well, so you should enjoy the freedom of biking. Let’s find out more about the highlights of this product and why is it worth buying it.

Key Features:

• 21 speeds
• Alloy rims
• Dual sport tires

Product Specification:

Brakes	Front V brakes
Wheels	700c wheel
Frame	Steel Frame
Brand	Schwinn

Personal Experience:

This mountain bike is a durable model that will easily adapt to any type of pavement.

10. Merax FT323 26 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best Full Suspension)

Sometimes, riding on the mountain terrains can be a very shaking experience. But not if you have the best suspensions. This Merax 21-speed Mountain Bike absorbs any impact the wheels have with the surfaces.

As such, you will experience a less disruptive bounce and a smoother ride. The seat is comfortable as well and will fit any human body shape. It’s time for you to experience a softer ride, although you are crossing the mountain terrains.

Why is the riding experience so comfortable? Keep on reading to find more:

Key Features

• Linear pull breaks
• Smooth suspension
• Enhanced stopping power

Product Specification:

Suspensions	Dual Suspensions
Frame size	17’’
Frame	Aluminum Frame
Warranty	1 year
Brand	Merax

Personal Experience:

Forget about the bumpy rides on mountain terrains. This bike will make your roads feel smoother and more comfortable. Ready to try it?

This video says all:

11. Mongoose BMX 26 in Single Speed Mountain Bike

(Best for Wheelies)

Bikes can be awesome ways to have fun. The most professional ones can use them for freestyles. This Mongoose BMX Single Speed Mountain Bike will help you conquer the bike park.

The main highlights of this mountain bike are the single-speed drivetrain and the performant fork that will help you handle any scheme you want. The design of this bike is also great, with BMX-inspired colored tires, top tube pad, and sweet mag wheels.

Do you want to take this bike to the park? It’s time for discovering more about it:

Key Features:

• BMX freestyle frame
• Single-speed drivetrain
• Alloy front caliper
• Rear pegs

Product Specification:

Gender	Male
Size	52 x 27 x 8 inch
Brakes	V Brake
Brand	Mongoose

Personal Experience:

If your kid loves playing in the bike park, this BMX model will help him handle any new scheme.

12. Max4out 26 in 21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best with Disc Brakes)

When riding the bicycle on the mountain, you will surely need some very good brakes. If you love practicing downhill, this high carbon steel frame mountain bike will help you a lot to keep control of it.

Moreover, you have 21 speeds to choose from and to adapt them to the speed and terrain you are crossing. The high carbon steel frame is excellent, as it ensures you will have a lightweight bike.

This mountain bike is versatile and adapts to lots of types of terrains, from the road, trail, beach, or the city pavement.

Key Features:

• Sturdy mountain frame
• 21-speed grip shifter
• Ergonomic seat
• Durable tires

Product Specification:

Gender	Unisex
Color	Red/Black/White
Recommended height	5.2′-6′
Brakes	Double disk brake
Brand	Max4out

Personal Experience:

This bike is the best choice for any riders. Men or women, this bike will handle any heights, as well as off-road trails.

Here is a video about this model:

13. Schwinn High Timber 24-29 in 7-21-Speed Mountain Bike

(Best for Dirt Jumping)

When you are going to ride some mountain terrains, it’s crystal clear that you will meet some dirty surfaces. As such, you need a mountain bike that will handle any type of bumpy terrain.

This Schwinn High Timber is perfect for dirt jumping, so you will never get any dirt on you. Very easy to assemble, this bicycle has a very nice body, made of good-quality features overall.

From all types of pavement, you can get out with this bike and be sure it will handle any surface. But that’s not all. Let’s see the other highlights you need to know:

Key Features

• Durable Schwinn alloy crank
• Schwinn suspension fork
• 7-speed Shimano twist
• All-terrain tires

Product Specification:

Brakes	Linear pull brakes
Size	8.66 x 42.91 x 21.65 inches
Rims	Alloy Rims
Brand	Schwinn

Personal Experience:

It might not be my all time favorite bike, but it is still in my top ones. This bike is perfect for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a good mountain bike.

14. Huffy 26 in 18-speed Mountain Bike

(Best for Downhill)

When you are riding downhill, it is good to have good suspensions. This mountain bike is ready to take any off-road you have in mind.

You can trust the Huffy 26” mountain bike on your adventures, due to the 18-speed Nighthawk and the suspension that will absorb all the bumps.

The design itself is also an interesting one, so you can use the bike even in the city rides. Down below I have resumed the main advantages of this bike that you deserve to know about:

Key Features:

• High-quality stitching
• ATB saddle
• Shimano 6-speed indexed derailleur
• Suspension fork

Product Specification:

Rims	Lightweight Alloy Rims
Size	52.4″ x 8.1″ x 26.4″
Brakes	High-performance front brakes
Brand	Huffy

Personal Experience:

This bike is versatile, and it suits multiple types of surfaces, from the regular pavement to grass or bumpy terrains.

15. GBSELL 20 in Mountain Bike

(Best for Young Adults)

Last but not least, this GBSELL Mountain Bike comes with an excellent welding technology, which makes it durable and versatile. The stopping feature is also a great one, and also very helpful when you are riding a mountain surface.

Sometimes finding a bicycle with a medium height, to fit the young adults is difficult. This one fits the youngsters and offers the perfect riding position for them. From high-quality materials to adjustable seat post, here is what you need to know more about this product:

Key Features:

• High quality steel frame
• Excellent welding technology
• Adjustable seat post
• Controlled stopping

Product Specification:

Frame	Steel Frame
Size	43 x 21 x 7.5 inches
Brakes	Front and Rear Linear Brakes
Brand	GBSELL

Personal Experience:

This bike is perfect for youngsters, as it can change its position while they are growing.

Top Mountain Bikes Under 500 Buying Guide

Sometimes finding the best mountain bike under 500 that you need can be a tough decision. Considering the multitude of options on the market, no wonder why you need a lot of time and documentation first.

Luckily, I have listed all the main things to consider in order to narrow down the choices:

Type of Mountain You Will Climb

No matter how trivial it might seem, the type of mountain riding you choose is crucial. You first need to determine the purpose of riding your bike, then the terrain you will spend your trip in. Here are the options of mountain bikes you can choose from:

• Trail Bike

Trail Bikes are maybe the most common and popular ones. They are more leisurely bikes that you can use for casual rides with your friends or family. Now, if you don’t want to spend a fortune, trail bikes are made for a mixture of decent climbs, but not too extreme rides.

This being said, if you are looking for a mountain bike that is efficient, fun, and easy to carry, this is the one.

• Cross Country Bike

These types of bikes are perfect for long and fast rides. The cross country bike is great for climb mastery. These bikes are also light-weight enough to take you to as far as 25 miles. Even more, if you want. Take the cross country bikes to competitions as well.

• Fat Bikes

The one and only characteristic you need to keep in mind are the oversized tires of these bikes. As such, the result will be strong grips, regardless of the surface, you will be riding.

The fat bikes are perfect for beginners, as the tires are very easy to manipulate. This is why you will have enough time to adjust the bike even on rough terrains.

• All-Mountain Bikes

Last but not least, it’s time for talking about all-mountain bikes. These are perfect for significant climbs, for harder trails and nerve-wracking descents.

Mountain bikes are the “steroid” ones, that are able to perfectly perform on the most dangerous terrains. Usually, the all-mountain bikes are light, so you can easily navigate on the mountain trails.

Suspension

The suspension of the mountain bike is essential. This system will suspend the rider and the bike itself. Now, the primary purpose of the suspension is to act as a cushion and protect you from the impact the ride will make with the terrain.

Moreover, the suspension offers control, comfort for the rider, grip and it is the perfect protection through rough roads. There are 3 types of suspensions:

• Rigid Suspension

This is maybe the most uncommon type of suspension for mountain bikes, as nobody would like little suspension while riding the mountains. However, this system will be cheap and easy to maintain. The trade-off is, however, very comfortable.

• Hardtail Suspension

Also known as front suspensions, this type of suspension requires a system that is fixed at the front. This way, it will soften the impact on the wheel. However, having a hardtail suspension means you will have no suspension at the back.

Furthermore, a hardtail is more expensive than the hard impact or full-suspension and requires much more maintenance.

• Full-Suspension

The mountain bike with full suspension has a front fork and rear shock. This way, this system will cushion the impact of the trail. Once having full suspension, you know that it will absorb all the bumps, and will have minimal impact on the rider.

Moreso, the full-suspension has great traction, which will make the ride even more pleasant. The only downside is that you can lose some energy transfer during the ride.

Wheel Size

When choosing the size of the wheel, it’s important to think about the type of terrain you will cross. So, you can pick:

• 26-inch Wheel;
• 5-inch Wheel;
• 29-inch Wheel.

Frame Materials

The materials used for the bike’s frame will dictate the quality and also the price of the bike:

• Titanium Frame: very lightweight, as tough as steel tough;
• Aluminum Frame: the second most commonly used material, ⅓ lighter than steel;
• Steel Frame: Strong, durable, least expensive;
• Carbon Fiber: Very lightweight, non-metallic, very malleable;

Brakes

Brakes are giving you better control. So you can choose from:

• Disk Brakes;
• Rim Brakes.

The Fit of The Bike

One important thing when choosing the mountain bike is height and flexibility. Don’t forget to check it, as the fi can improve the way it works and could also lessen accidents.

FAQs

I hope that I was able to provide all the information you need when it comes to the best mountain bikes under 500. However, if you still have unclarities, here are the questions that are usually asked regarding the topic.

My Top Pick

Finding the best mountain bike that is less than 500 can be a tough job. Luckily, most of the popular brands have started making budget-friendly bicycles. Now you have as examples some of the best models on the market and lots of options to choose from.

Hopefully, now you have a better idea of the kind of bike you need in your life.

My top pick remains Hiland 29 In 16-speed Mountain Bike as it is made using the best quality materials, has excellent gradient paint, and a unique design, which makes it very attractive.