There is absolutely no doubt that buying a mountain bike is not something you can do just on a whim. For most, it is a step-by-step process of strategizing, selecting, and screening the best product for the job. This is especially true if you are just getting into the sport for leisure or as a way to keep fit.
You don’t want to be spending the big bucks before you know whether or not you are well suited for the tasks ahead, do you? It can also be a pretty daunting question to even wonder what the best affordable mountain bike is because it is not something the untrained eye can figure out, especially with regard to their specific needs.
Product Image | Product Name | Buy Now |
 | Mongoose Title Mini BMX Race Bike | |
 | Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike | |
 | Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike |
So that is why we have compiled this in-depth list of the 9 best and most affordable mountain bike options out there in the market right now so you don’t have to. However, if you don’t have the time at the moment to actually go over this review at the moment of our 9 picks, we recommend that you take a look at the sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle which is fitted with front hand brakes and has a light aluminum frame which makes it a serious contender for the best affordable 24-inch mountain bike.
If this, however, isn’t enough to convince you, we recommend you keep reading to make the best decision and before you start reading, take a look at our handy comparison chart as this will inform you regarding the basic features of each product.
9 Best Affordable Mountain Bikes in 2023
Let’s take a quick look at all the best affordable mountain bikes in the comparison chart below and see which one is ideal for you.
1. Mongoose Title Mini BMX Race Bike
Main Features
- 140mm 3-piece tubular chromo cranks
- Full Tectonic aluminum frames
- Internal cable routing
- Integrated headsets
- For beginners
Q. What are some of the amazing features that the Mongoose Title Mini BMX Race Bike offers?
The Mongoose brand is closely tied to the BMX race, and the best thing about all-new title bikes from the series is that they make use of the same professional engineering in all their models. This bike is fitted with full tectonic aluminum frames with an amazing set of features that include internal cable routing and incorporated headsets to enhance your biking experience and all of that too at a very affordable price that will surprise you.
Q. How are the technical components of the Mongoose Title Mini BMX Race Bike better than its competition?
The most surprising factor of the Mongoose Title Mini BMX Race Bike is that even though it is made for beginners, it is still fitted with some of the best and most sought-after features in the industry. It is recommended that users that are from 4 to 5 feet are best suited to this bike.
It is a very lightweight and easily maneuverable bike thanks to the Tectonic T1 aluminum that it is fashioned out of. The fact that the top cylinder length of this bike is a mere 17.48 inches and the casing weight of 2.69 pounds, makes it great for lightweight users, especially women.
The Title’s drivetrain also has 140mm 3-piece cylindrical chromo cranks with a 39T chainring and euro cartridge base section. The aluminum straight force brake and brake switches offer quality speed control, whereas the Hi-Ten chromo handlebar and fork are joined by a 30mm stem and fixed bearing headset to consolidate for phenomenal controlling execution.
Pros
- Aluminum linear-pull brake
- Hi-Ten chromo handlebar and fork
Cons
- No full suspension
- No warranty specified
2. Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike
Main Features
- It has a 4130 Chromoly frame
- Mongoose full 4130 chromo frame
- Tapered head tube
- Mid-BB shell
- Removable brake mounts
- Aluminum u-brake and brake levers
Q. Who is the Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike meant for?
This bike is a freestyle BMX kind that offers a range from beginner-level to really pro-level tricks on a quarter pipe. It is best suited for users that are around 5 feet eight inches and above which means that it is definitely for taller users.
The device is also fitted with an aluminum u-brake and brake levers which offer the ability to practice precision-based speed control. The 4130 chromo handlebar and fork are connected via a 50 mm stem and sealed integrated headset which is wireless for the best steering performance.
Q. What are some of the main offerings that the Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike has?
The Legion L100 comes with a state of the art full 4130 Chromoly frame which is signified by the 21-inch top tube, it also has a mid-BB shell, a tapered head tube, and of course removable brake mounts for convenience.
Pros
- For taller users
- 4130 chromo handlebar and fork
Cons
- Not as good for shorter users
- No full suspension
3. Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike
Main Features
- Suggested height 5’7” – 6’1”
- Lightweight aluminum comfort-tuned frame
- Shimano 8-speed drivetrain
- SR Sun tour coil-sprung suspension fork
For the best affordable trek mountain bike, we look no further than the Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike which is one of the most versatile options available on the market.
Q. Who is the Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike meant for?
The Voyageur e-bike is a bike that has been engineered for average cyclists who desperately want that extra power on their rides and are tired of conventional bikes. The electric bike is the best way to add that surge of power while still having control over the riding process. For this bike, the rider height suggested is around 5 feet 7 inches to around 6 feet 1 inch which means that this is definitely a product for people who are taller.
It is fitted with a lightweight aluminum comfort-tuned frame which means that the user can ride it in a completely upright position and it also has a down tubed made via hydro-forming as this ensures that the bike’s battery is maintained for as long as possible. This is also an excellent way to ensure that the rider has complete control and power over the bike at all times.
Q. What are some of the more advanced features that the Schwinn Voyageur Electric Bike offers?
Thanks to the SR Sun tour coil-sprung suspension fork that also comes fitted with the option of a lockout, you can easily switch your bike from suspension mode to without it for greater versatility. This is because you will need more shock absorption for rougher roads while this absorption capability can be potentially dangerous for straight and smooth paths.
Finally, the Shimano 8-speed drivetrain provides the ability to get to extreme gear switches and the aluminum Tektro mechanical disc brakes allow you to stop the bike instantly at any time.
Pros
- Shock absorbing
- Hydro-formed down-tube
Cons
- No full suspension
- No warranty specified
4. sixthreezero Women’s Cruiser Bike
Main Features
- Super low maintenance
- Dual spring seat
- Adjustable handlebars
- Front and rear handbrakes
- 3-speed Shimano internal hub
For the best affordable mountain bike for women, we have singled out the sixthreezero Women’s Cruiser Bike for a reason.
Q. What are the best features of the sixthreezero Women’s Cruiser Bike?
This bike has been designed keeping in mind both low maintenance and extreme comfort for the user as it is a simple and safe bike to ride. The sixthreezero Around The Block cruiser is the perfect bike but is primarily meant for more leisurely rides and even if you are going to ride for an extended period of time, you can do so thanks to the upright riding style.
Q. What are some of the other features that the sixthreezero Women’s Cruiser Bike offers?
This along with the fact that you can simply adjust the height and tilt of the handlebar means that your experience is bound to be comfortable.
It offers four unique gearing options which include the single-speed, the 3-speed, the 7-speed, and of course the 21-speed. All of these options are there to ensure that the user has the final say in how they ride their bike.
This bike is also amazing in the sense that it is fitted with a 17-inch steel cruiser frame and also offers high-density foam grips on its wide handlebars along with a dual-spring seat that ensures optimum comfort on long rides.
Pros
- Easy-to-use Nexus shifter
- High-density foam grips
Cons
- No full suspension
- No warranty specified
5. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
Main Features
- Offers 3-speed and 7-speed models
- High gloss chrome components
- 24-inch wheels
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Includes matching fender and rear rack
When talking about the best affordable mountain bike in 2017, we look towards the sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle which comes with tons of amazing features.
Q. What are some of the main features that the sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle offers?
It comes fitted with chrome components that offer a high gloss sheen which makes this device look as fancy as it is modern. It comes with both the 3-speed and 7-speed models which are meant for more casual and leisurely riding while the 21-speed model will help you overcome harder hurdles such as uphill riding, maneuvering around street traffic, and of course harder mountain trails.
It is fitted with wheels that are 24 inches in length and also has 2-inch semi-slick tires both of which work together to provide a safe, smooth and stable riding experience. It is built with a very lightweight aluminum frame so that it is easy to maneuver this bike around along the way.
Q. What are some of the other features that the sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle provides?
Customization options might be limited on this product but it does include a matching fender and rear rack so you have the option to attach an optional basket for storage. The coolest thing about this bike is that it is fitted with front-side handbrakes so that the user can easily stop the bike.
It is definitely meant for shorter riders as it fits sizes as small as 4 feet.
Pros
- Front handbrakes
- Fits riders from 4 feet, 2 inches to 4 feet, 11 inches
Cons
- No full suspension
- No warranty specified
6. Mongoose Title Micro BMX Bike
Main Features
- Full Tectonic aluminum frames
- Internal cable routing
- Integrated headsets
- Height compatibility 5’7” – 6’0”
- Tectonic T1 aluminum frame
- Alloy V-brake and brake levers
The Mongoose Title Micro BMX Bike is our best bet for the best affordable carbon full-suspension mountain bike because this is a device meant for precision-based usage and performance.
Q. What are some of the reasons why you should buy the Mongoose Title Micro BMX Bike?
It is fitted with full Tectonic aluminum frames that also offer an integrated headset and an internal cable routing which makes sure that your riding experience is enhanced. This is a bike meant for beginners and even though it is for inexperienced users, the features are amazing. It can accommodate heights from 5’7” to 6’0” and is extremely affordable.
Q. What are the features that set the Mongoose Title Micro BMX Bike apart from the rest?
This bike also has a state-of-the-art wheelset that has been fitted with amazing quality Arisun XLR8 20-inch tires that are further attached with Xposure aluminum double-wall rims. These rims are amazing because they come with an aluminum ball-bearing front hub and also feature a 16T cog freewheel rear hub.
Finally, the amazing alloy V-brake and brake levers are an amazing addition to this as they offer the best quality speed control. Alternatively, the Hi-Ten steel handlebar and fork are joined by a 50mm stem and sealed bearing headset to ensure that each rider’s riding experience is the best.
Pros
- 26 inches top tube length and frame weight of 3.22 pounds
- Xposure aluminum double-wall rims
Cons
- No full suspension
- No warranty specified
7. Schwinn Mesa Adult Mountain Bike
Main Features
- Shimano EZ-FIRE shifters
- Front Suspension
- Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain
- Aluminum mechanical disc brakes
- Schwinn MTB 27. 5-inch wheels and tires
- The brake Style is Linear Pull
Next up we are looking at the Schwinn Mesa Adult Mountain Bike which is our top pick for the best affordable mountain bike in the USA.
Q. Who is the Schwinn Mesa Adult Mountain Bike designed for?
When talking about who it is most well suited to, you can take one look at the frame and structure of the Mesa 2 and instantly know that it is meant for riders on the petite to the large side of the spectrum as it is for heights ranging from 5’2” to 5’6”.
This bike is undoubtedly intended for those riders who want to enhance their mountain biking and take it up to the next level. The entire structure of this bike is medium-sized and the wheels are about 27.5 inches. The fact that it is best for riders on the smaller end of the scale means that it is especially a great choice for female riders who want to become pros at the game.
Q. What are some of the main features that the Schwinn Mesa Adult Mountain Bike offers?
It comes fitted with a Schwinn mountain-tuned aluminum frame which makes it both lightweight and durable for longer. There is also a Zoom HL565 aluminum suspension fork which makes it an excellent option if you are going over to dirt trails and gravel paths.
When we talk about the technology within, it uses a Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain and also has Shimano EZ-FIRE shifters which are easily capable of providing quick and precise shifts. The aluminum mechanical disc brakes are also an excellent way to ensure that you have the required power and control to stop the bike when you need to the most.
As mentioned earlier, the Schwinn MTB wheels are around 27. 5 inches and therefore are capable of providing enough traction and stability when users venture forth onto the trail. The brake style on this device is of a linear-pull category while it is fitted with front suspension type only.
Pros
- 5’2” to 5’6” in height
- Aluminum frame
- Zoom HL565 aluminum suspension fork
Cons
- No warranty specified
- No rear suspension
8. Mongoose BMX Freestyle Bike
Main Features
- Great for taller users
- 20-inch distance diameter wheels
- Tough frame
- Quick Responsive slowing mechanism
We are ending our overarching question of what is the best affordable mountain bike with another Mongoose product primarily because they have such good ones available. The one we are referring to is called the Mongoose BMX Freestyle Bike and it has a lot to offer!
Q. How is the Mongoose BMX Freestyle Bike different from its competitors?
The Legion L10 is a perfect starter BMX because it has been designed to allow beginners to keep up with the potential dangers of bike riding. It comes fitted with 20-inch diameter wheels and since the size of the casing is so compact, this makes it generally appropriate for riders between heights of 4′ 4 inches and 5′ 0 inches. This also makes it a great product for women and for younger teens starting out.
This bicycle will permit riders to become acclimated to riding a BMX, particularly while being in rough terrain conditions before they can actually get on a dangerous mountainside and do it for real.
The frame that it comes with is powerful enough to easily withstand a wide range of ground types. However, the company recommends that the rider is always clothed in protective gear at all times so as to prevent any potential accidents and mishaps. If all of this is taken into consideration, riding this bike becomes as smooth as can be and offers the best learning experience possible.
Q. What are the materials used to make the Mongoose BMX Freestyle Bike such a powerful one?
Now, keep in mind that just because this bike has been targeted toward newbies, this starter BMX is not lightweight! This means that it offers as much power and precision as any other bike in its price range.
Since, a decent BMX requires a strong frame to adapt to the different kinds of terrains that bicycle riders need to ride over during practices and races, the exterior casing of the Legion L10 is produced using Hi-ten steel with the goal that it can suffer rough terrain no matter what the circumstances are like. Be sure that this bike is committed to providing the best performance each time.
Q. What does the Mongoose BMX Freestyle Bike have to offer in terms of safety measures?
The steel outline implies the bicycle can even easily pass through any testing and exercising that is needed to check if it will fare well in the event of a crash. Inexperienced riders that have enough practice and are under the right sort of supervision will also be allowed to maneuver this bike in a way that allows them to excel and learn much faster.
Finally, because mountain biking terrain can be unfriendly in terms of climate conditions it is necessary and impressive that the BMX has a viable and responsive stopping mechanism. The brakes are so well made thanks to the U-stopping mechanism along with the aluminum brake switches.
Pros
- Hi-ten steel
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- No warranty
- Not as great for shorter users
9. Ziloco 26 Inch Mountain Bike
Main Features
- 3 spoke aluminum wheels
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Lightweight and durable
- Shimanos Derailleur
- Shimanos 30 Shifter
- Uni-sex
The Ziloco 26 Inch Mountain Bike is our top pick for the best affordable 26-inch mountain bike as it has the perfect-sized 25-inch wheels to get the job done!
Q. What are some of the features that the Ziloco 26 Inch Mountain Bike offers?
The first thing that you notice about this bike is that it comes with 3 spoke aluminum wheels which are not only excellent in case you wanted a sturdy and durable riding experience that is steady as well, but it is also what makes the structure incredibly lightweight so that you can easily maneuver and even transport the bike.
Another cool thing about this bike is that it is fitted with really advanced suspension qualities which makes it of course perfectly built for the great outdoors and allows the user to venture forth into even more dangerous terrain. It also has a Shimanos Derailleur and is fitted with a Shimanos 30 Shifter for more stability.
Q. How does the Ziloco 26 Inch Mountain Bike ensure user safety?
In terms of the disc brakes, they are designed to be completely mechanical and are built with a super high-quality material quality which makes riding this bike even safer.
There is no doubt that this bike is super affordable and is just as good for everyday commuting as it is for getting to dirt paths and trails. Thanks to this aluminum frame and its powerful drivetrain brakes, it can withstand just about any weather condition with ease.
Other than that, since the bike only weighs a mere 35 pounds, it is by far one of the lightest bikes we have seen yet. It also comes with free pedals which is a definite plus and a way to save money.
Pros
- Weighs 35 pounds
- Aluminum frame
- Free pedals
Cons
- No full suspension
- No warranty specified
Buying Guide of Best affordable mountain bike
Now that you have gone through our extensive list and seen the best affordable mountain bike reviews that we have to offer, it might be far easier for you to actually look at a certain product and know it’s what you’re looking for.
However you might still be confused about some of the specifics and to fix those queries in your mind we have this buying guide all sorted out for you, followed by answers to a few frequently asked questions that are most popular.
There is no doubt that choosing the best mountain bicycle can appear to be a pretty daunting experience especially since they are so expensive. The sheer assortment of bicycle types, also the puzzling array of innovative technology that they come with not to mention the industry-specific jargon can get you feeling more lost than anything.
However, the reality for most of us when pursuing a product that is as expensive as this isn’t always our preference as the price is how much we can afford always comes first.
1. Price
The amount you’re willing to spend profoundly influences what’s on offer and it’s anything but difficult to see that off-road bicycles online in a catalog or in the shop and gasp at the expensive prices on display.
However, contrary to popular belief, just because something is expensive does not mean that you have to purchase it. It is actually extremely easy to get amazing bicycles at practically any price point; however, there will obviously be some things that you will have to compromise on as the price drops lower.
2. Type of Bike
The important thing is to already have done your research once you step into the shop. So you should definitely know what kind of bike type you are looking for, however, in case you are not familiar with them yet, we will explain the two most popular types.
The first kind is a suspension bike which may be fully or partially offering suspension qualities. These are meant for the roughest terrain where there is a lot of hurdles and hindrance to your riding experience.
Next up we have hardtails that only have front suspension which are also called suspension-free bikes which are definitely in the more lightweight category, especially when compared to suspension ones. These do better on lighter paths and clearer roads. There are also other types that are equally as popular such as foldable ones that can collapse easily to be stored and transported much easier.
When finally making a purchase, we recommend that you go to a couple of different shops and always look at the bikes in person. This will allow you to compare your size recommendation with the one the manufacturer has suggested online.
This is also important because most bike companies will not be using the exact same measurements so a medium for one brand might not be the same for another.
Another excellent way we recommend that they sure check out their compatibility with the bike is to actually ride it. Many shops offer a free test ride option so that the user can actually get a feel of the bike before they commit to purchasing it.
This is why we recommend following these few rules to ensure a safe and mutually beneficial purchase.
- Search via a certified seller and stay away from shady sites
- Always look at the bike in person if possible
- Figure out what kind of bike you are looking for before you go looking
- Figure out which parts need to be fixed
- Know the market prices of models from particular years as this will ensure you aren’t getting ripped off.
FAQ’S
Q. Is buying a used mountain bike worth it?
We have been going around and around on the topic of finding the best affordable mountain bike, but there is another way users can get their hands on some pretty cheap and affordable mountain bikes as well. This can be done by simply purchasing a used one!
We know what you’re thinking; a used bike? Something must be wrong with it! Honestly, this is a gamble that could go either way because not every seller can be trusted and it takes some amount of skill to actually screen and then buys a bike that is used.
However, it’s not all gloom and doom in this scenario as there are a few pretty smart ways to ensure that you don’t get duped by a crook. These are a few of the main factors that you should be aware of and the first of these is to understand that you are not getting a new product. This means you will be compromising on some elements.
The smartest thing however is to pick and choose what components you are willing to compromise on. This is important to do as there is no warranty for a used item and most cannot be sold back. The bike might even be a stolen one and you might be getting yourself into more trouble than you bargained for!
Q. Is it bad to ride a mountain bike on the road?
Today’s task has been to find out what are some of the more affordable mountain bike varieties out there in the market and one of the most popular categories has been for the best affordable full-suspension mountain bike.
There is generally this perception that for mountain bikes, using them on roads and normal areas where the terrain is smoother and more even is considered a bad thing for the bike and for the user themselves from a perspective of safety.
The thing about mountain bikes is that they are engineered in a way that works to reduce and absorb any pressure or shock from rocks, roots, and the overall landscape. Most mountain bicycles today are fitted with suspension that is not just extremely necessary when you go off the road but is also considered superfluous on the off chance that you are riding on say a normal road. There is a way to fix this issue of safety in case you want to ride out near normal roads.
If your bike is fitted with a lockout, it reduces any suspension capability but in the event that you don’t have a lockout, you could build the pressure in your suspension system to harden it up.
This diminishes any bouncing while you pedal and attempt to climb uphill or ride free with your bike. The entire point of not using the mighty mountain bike in normal areas is that normal paths and roads do not have any hurdles and rocks that suspension bikes work on.
Q. How do people afford new mountain bikes?
We have been talking about a lot of different kinds of bikes today and a recurring theme has been to look at the best affordable hardtail mountain bike. These are a wonderful and safe option for all those who don’t want to invest way too much into just one bike because these can be extremely expensive.
However, there are still users who would much rather wait for a period of time and then eventually purchase the best of the best products and new ones at that.
This unfortunately is not a reality for all so the most important question here then becomes, how do so many afford new bikes then? The answer is simple because it is all about what you value the most and how you prioritize your spending habits.
Budgeting is really not all that hard and once you have set your eye on a target that you feel is reachable, then a few lifestyle changes here and there might easily make it possible for you to also afford a new mountain bike.
We tend to spend a lot of money on things we do not need, especially if we are prone to shopping online. This habit will, unfortunately, have to go if the goal is to buy a new bike as these are really expensive.
Another good idea is to cut down the costs of energy bills by just being a little more proactive. Another recommends spending time with your family instead of buying them expensive gifts for a while.
While these are all great suggestions, we suggest looking inwards and figuring out if you are truly dedicated to sacrificing a little to get to that final goal. This motivation will make your task far easier and you will get to your goal much more easily.
Q. Is an expensive mountain bike worth it?
Our overall theme for today has been how to screen and find the best affordable mountain bike, especially downhill ones. So this question is really apt to conclude this review. There is a common misconception among most users today that just because a product has a more expensive price tag, it is somehow better in quality and performance than say one that is slightly cheaper.
This might be true for some cases as more expensive means higher quality materials but the best thing about bike manufacturers is that instead of compromising on the electric or mechanical components but rather they make the frame and body parts less premium so that viewers may not get that superior look but the performance remains the same.
So coming back to the same point here an expensive product does not guarantee that your experience will be the best and you might be able to bag a near-identical product at a far better price, hence saving your hard-earned money. This is all about planning and comparing products with each other so that you can buy smarter and not more expensive!
Now, that we have reached the end of this review, the rest is entirely up to you. We have armed you with the information and tips you need to make the best choice, so good luck! And happy shopping!