In the increasingly competitive world, keeping fit and healthy is becoming a challenge, but not impossible. Mountain biking is one of the most fabulous options for enjoyable workouts, and remain active through the week.
The freedom, the feeling of fresh air, and the ability to move from one location to the other and notably different terrain helps significantly in reducing stress and becoming productive. Biking improves your balance and coordination, heart health, strengthens your muscles and joints, and improves your social interaction.
However, you will need to find the best mountain bike on the market if you are going to get the most out of it. You cannot expect to ride in different terrains in a poor quality mountain bike. The repairs and the significant maintenance required can cost you dearly, and you will wish to have made a better purchase decision.
The best mountain bike under 300 has specific qualities that only a keen eye can identify. We discuss those qualities and list some of the best mountain bikes for your budget so that you can get out of your comfort zone, and become healthy, and fit.
Quick Picks: Top Rated Mountain Bikes Under 300 Dollars
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Mountain Bikes Under 300$ Dollar or More than 300 a bit - Expert Reviews
- 1.1 Mongoose Status 2.2 Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Wheels
- 1.2 Merax 26″ Aluminum 24 Speed Mountain Bike With Disc Brakes
- 1.3 Kent T-29 Men's Mountain Bike 29-Inch
- 1.4 Akonza Cobra 26" Mountain Bicycle Full Suspension 21-Speed Compatible Outdoor MTB Bike
- 1.5 Schwinn High Timber Women's Mountain Bike, 26" Wheels, Multiple Colors
- 1.6 Stowabike 26" MTB V2 Folding Dual Suspension 18 Speed Shimano Gears Mountain Bike
- 1.7 Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike MTB with 29-Inch Wheels
- 1.8 Huffy Bicycle Company Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike, Summit Ridge 24-26 inch 21-Speed
- 1.9 Titan Wildcat Women's 12-Speed Hard Tail Mountain Bike
- 1.10 Merax FT323 Full Suspension Mountain Bike Aluminum Frame 21-Speed 26-inch Bicycle
- 1.11 Raleigh Bikes Lily 24 Kids Mountain Bike for Girls Youth 9-12 Years Old
- 1.12 Xspec 26" 21-Speed Folding Mountain Trail Bicycle Commuter Foldable Bike
- 1.13 Eurobike EURG4 Mountain Bike 26 Inches 3 Spoke Wheels Dual Suspension Folding Bike 21 Speed MTB
- 1.14 Takara Ryu Front Suspension Disc Brake Mountain Bike, 27.5-Inch
- 2 How To Choosing the Right Mountain Bike Guide For Beginner
- 3 Top 3 Mountain Bike Brands Under $300
- 4 Final Note
Best Mountain Bikes Under 300$ Dollar or More than 300 a bit - Expert Reviews
Mountain bikes can be as expensive as a thousand bucks, but you mostly do not need to spend that sort of money. Most of the people look for a good bike at a reasonable price, and here are the top picks of mountain bikes under 300 dollar for them -
Mongoose Status 2.2 Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Wheels
The Mongoose Status Mountain Bike is ready to be a part of your next adventure as it’s one of the best trail mountain bikes out there. This thing has a powerful suspension fork along with a rear shock to smooth out all those bumps.
It has a 21-speed shifter that works well but the position is a little awkward though. The twist shifter is located close to the hands' grips sometimes you could change gears accidentally.
The seat is adjustable and the crossbar slopes downward towards the seat, making this bike a good fit for a wide range of users.
It has alloy rims with 26x2.125 inch tires. The thickness (width) of the tire makes it amazing at the trails.
What we like
-Sturdy bike.
-Supports a wide range of users.
-The mechanism is great.
-Alloy rims and thick tires.
What we didn't like
-No water bottle holder or pre-drilled holes either.
-Tires seem to lose air.
Merax 26″ Aluminum 24 Speed Mountain Bike With Disc Brakes
The Merax MTB is one of those good entry-level mountain bikes at a very reasonable price point. It looks nice and rides well, and that's what matters.
The frame is made of Aluminum and it's 19" in size. Though it is sturdy but it's not really lightweight and it makes the overall bike quite heavy.
The mechanism is again taken care of by Shimano. It features Shimano EF500-3/8, 24-Speed shifter and Shimano front and rear derailleurs for reliable and smooth gear shifting and performance.
There are dual disc brakes for added stopping capabilities. The dual brakes work effectively to stop the bike.
It supports a good range of users, ranging from below 5’3” to 6’3” and up, and weighing up to 330 lbs.
What we like
-High-quality Shimano parts all over.
-Smooth riding.
-Dual disc brake.
What we didn't like
-Assembly is tough and takes time.
-Tires are not great for mountains.
Kent T-29 Men's Mountain Bike 29-Inch
The T-29 is an excellent mountain bike for beginner and intermediate riders, and one of the best value mountain bike at the same time. This bike was engineered keeping basic biking needs in mind, and I believe it is one of the best beginner mountain bike under $300.
This bike is a good fit for riders between 5’6”- 6’. 30”. It will throw you challenges as you need to put good muscle power to ride fast with it, which helps for good exercise.
It features a solid and lightweight heat-treated aluminum frame that makes for an excellent foundation. The frame is one of the strongest selling points of the bike and surprisingly sturdy at this price point.
The bike is equipped with reliable Shimano RS25 Shifters and TZ31 Derailleurs. They ensure a quite crisp and precise drivetrain but there is room for improvement. Though the front 3-gear change is great, the rear 7-gear change needs some adjustment to work smoothly. It tends to make noise sometimes as well.
The braking is on point, works just nice. The alloy rims make for a lower rotational weight which makes the bike feel more agile.
It comes around 85 percent assembled and the rest of the assembly is easy as well.
What we like
-Sturdy frame, solid foundation.
-Confident braking.
-Alloy-rims.
-Inexpensive.
What we didn't like
-Unpleasant odor comes from the tires.
-The seat is quite small.
Akonza Cobra 26" Mountain Bicycle Full Suspension 21-Speed Compatible Outdoor MTB Bike
What makes Akonza Cobra 26" Mountain Bicycle one of the best bikes under 300 is the various features that it boasts. It is the type of MTB bike that comes with full features to make you an excellent rider. As such, you can be a beginner or a professional and enjoy using the mountain bike.
The derailleurs and shifters are quite efficient, and they make it possible to ride uphill, speed downhill, and on the level ground quite efficiently. It is the ultimate mountain bike that you will enjoy using on different terrains, and of course, enjoy the outdoors.
Most people love the front hub quick release wheels that make storage to be a simple exercise. You can quickly put away the mountain bike without worrying about anything. Plus, it does not take much of your space in the garage or shed. The feature also makes it easy to transport, and you can haul the mountain bike at the back of your truck or hatchback comfortably.
In terms of safety when riding, you don't have to worry ass the pedals and tires are quite efficient in their task. The curved grip nylon pedals are heavy duty to ensure durability and excellent grip. It can be quite dangerous riding downhill at full speed only for your foot to slip when you least expect it. The quality of the grip on the pedals can be the difference between enjoyable and safe riding and getting a nasty injury. Nobody will choose the latter for anything, and so you should take good care when choosing.
The pedals are also quite comfortable on the feet, and you don't feel so much pressure at the base of your foot. It is, therefore, possible to ride for miles without any issues whatsoever. But apart from the pedals, the mountain bike also comes with anti-skid tires that keep you on the trail at different speeds.
The tires also have ample traction, and you can increase and decrease the speed as is necessary with confidence that you are not going to skid. It also absorbs impact quickly, and you can ride efficiently and enjoy it optimally.
What we like
- Fully-featured mountain bike for both beginners and professionals
- It has good quality derailleurs and shifters for efficient riding on different terrains
- Front hub quick release wheels for efficient storage
- The mountain bike is easy to carry with a motor vehicle
- The nylon pedals are durable and have a good grip
What we didn't like
- There may be problems with the crank
- It may not be the best for pros
Schwinn High Timber Women's Mountain Bike, 26" Wheels, Multiple Colors
Schwinn High Timber Women's Mountain Bike comes from one of the most trusted brands on the market, and you can expect this bicycle to be quite durable. But durability is not everything. What else does this bicycle have to make it an excellent choice for women?
As a woman, you may want something a bit feminine to highlight your girly style even when you exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Many mountain bikes on the market may not offer you this option, and so it is a good thing to find it in the Schwinn brand.
The bike has a touch of feminine style in its design, and you can finally feel comfortable when riding on weekends. And even better, the bike is available in a variety of colors, and you can choose the most appropriate according to your favorite color. Of course, most women have different colors that they consider their ideal, but there is always one color above the rest.
What we like
- It has an attractive feminine design
- Available in a variety of colors
- Effective derailleur at the back for different terrains
- Alloy linear pull brakes for efficient stopping
What we didn't like
- It is only for women
- The bicycle is not the best for a rough terrain
Stowabike 26" MTB V2 Folding Dual Suspension 18 Speed Shimano Gears Mountain Bike
The folding mountain bike is another good option for adventurous people with minimal storage space. It is easy to transport and store.
And apart from the folding feature, the mountain bike is lightweight, and anyone can easily handle it without problems. Other mountain bikes are not so heavy, but in our opinion, this one is lightweight and easy to handle. As a beginner, you will require a bicycle that is easy to handle, and you cannot go wrong choosing this one.
The dual suspension makes it comfortable and easy to use.
Additionally, the steel folding frame, pedals, and every other component on the bicycle is good quality. Stowabike 26 MTB v2 folding dual suspension is durable, and you can comfortably use it on different areas and surfaces.
What we like
- The bike is easy to transport and store
- The bicycle is relatively lightweight and easy to handle
- Dual suspension for comfort and ease of use
What we didn't like
- There may be issues with the brakes after using for sometime
- It is quite heavy and bulky for some people
Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike MTB with 29-Inch Wheels
Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike comes with 29-inch wheels and 8-speed shifter for adventurous that are not looking for so much in a bike. The product may come out as a low profile, but it is quite efficient on the road, and when it comes to handling.
The 29-inch wheels are precisely what some people find useful in the mountain bike. The big wheels maintain momentum better than the smaller wheels in other bikes. Once you pick up speed, you can enjoy moving fast, and arriving at your destination sooner.
Another benefit of the big wheels bicycle is that they can roll over the obstacle, and you can keep riding without any interruptions. in a way, the bike is safe and efficient to use.
What we like
- Big 29 inch wheels that maintain momentum better
- It easily rolls over obstacles
- Alloy rims with double walls
What we didn't like
- It may not be the best for shorter riders
- Slower acceleration compared to the other types of bike
Huffy Bicycle Company Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike, Summit Ridge 24-26 inch 21-Speed
What makes Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike a decent mountain bike is the fact that it has the 21-speed gear and hard rail to help you conquer the outdoors. It is the perfect friend if you are preparing for an adventure like biking through the mountains.
Another great thing is that the bike can accommodate a variety of heights. In particular, the bike is ideal for those that are taller than 5 feet. Most people fall under this height, and so you can be sure that it will be right for you.
It has a durable steel frame that can overcome different forms of abuse, and still hold up.
To ensure a comfortable riding, the mountain bike has a Koro 1200 suspension to provide shock absorption. You will, therefore, enjoy a smooth ride without the nasty bumps.
What we like
- Features 21 speeds to go through different terrain
- Ideal for riders taller than 5 feet
- It has a durable steel frame
- Koro 1200 suspension for a smooth ride
- It is quite efficient in uphill climbing
What we didn't like
- The gear system is weak
- May not be the best for rugged terrain
Titan Wildcat Women's 12-Speed Hard Tail Mountain Bike
Titan Wildcat Women's Mountain Bike has a bright green and black gloss paint to give it that feminine look that you love so much. But that is not the only available color; there are others that you can choose from to match your favorite theme.
The steel hubs and alloy wheels are quite sturdy and comfortable as well. Riding the mountain bike is a pleasurable experience for any woman or feminine spirit that is out for an adventure.
You will find the 12-speed gearing to be quite functional and efficient. It is quiet and easy to use that any beginner will not have a problem riding. It is perfect for city commuting. The adjustable saddle height helps customize the mountain bike to your needs and preferences.
What we like
- Bright green and black gloss paint to make it truly attractive
- It has steel hubs and alloy wheels to make it sturdy and comfortable
- The bike is easy to use
- An efficient 12-speed gearing
- It has an adjustable saddle height
What we didn't like
- It may not be solid for rugged terrain
- Gear changing is not very smooth
Merax FT323 Full Suspension Mountain Bike Aluminum Frame 21-Speed 26-inch Bicycle
Merax FT323 Full Suspension Mountain Bike is synonymous with comfortable biking. The dual suspension design makes the mountain bike comfortable to ride on a variety of terrains, and you can travel for long distances effortlessly.
The quiet 21-speed derailleur and shifters make the mountain bike quite efficient uphill and downhill. You don't have to get off the bike when you come across a steep incline, and that is what a mountain bike is all about. It doesn't get better than this.
And if you need to stop, the linear pull brakes make it easier for you. They are quite efficient even at top speeds. The 330 lbs weight capacity, fully-featured mountain bike is quite functional and has an enhanced stopping power that you cannot match some of the other bikes on the market.
What we like
- An efficient dual suspension design that makes riding pleasurable
- Quiet 21-speed derailleurs and shifters to ride on a variety of terrains
- Linear pull brakes that help you stop wherever you want
- 330 lbs weight capacity to accommodate a wide range of people
What we didn't like
- Putting it together may not be very easy
Raleigh Bikes Lily 24 Kids Mountain Bike for Girls Youth 9-12 Years Old
The Raleigh Bikes Lily 24 Kids Mountain Bike is perfect for the kids that are between 9 and 12 years old, and who are ready for an adventure around the neighborhood. The kid's bike is quite durable and user-friendly for your kid. They can finally get out of the house and exercise to be healthy and happy.
With this bike, the young girl can explore beyond the homestead, and improve on their social skills. It is an efficient bicycle that will attract the right crowd for them. Everyone will want to hang around your kid, and that is a good thing when it comes to developing confidence and social skills.
The low stand over height is another factor that makes it user-friendly. The kid does not have to struggle to get on and off. Another good thing to mention is the lightweight aluminum frame. It is durable, and light to carry and move around.
What we like
- The kid's bike is easy to use and durable
- Perfect for the neighborhood and mellow trails
- The bicycle is good looking
- Lightweight and robust aluminum steel frame
- V-brakes controlled by hand levers for efficiency
What we didn't like
- Limited by height and age
- It may not be the best for particular terrains
Xspec 26" 21-Speed Folding Mountain Trail Bicycle Commuter Foldable Bike
The robust foldable frame is one of the features that separates Xspec 26 21 Speed Folding Mountain Bike from the rest. You can easily fold, and transport it to wherever you want to have an adventure. It is also convenient for those people that don't have a lot of living space.
The bike has an advanced disc braking system that does not wear out the tires and is quite efficient on a different angle of elevation. Most riders also appreciate the shock absorbers that provide a comfortable ride.
What we like
- It is not hard to fold, move and store
- It is durable for the rough terrain
- Advanced disc braking system that does not wear out the tires
- Shock absorbers on the front and rear for comfortable riding
What we didn't like
- The pedals are plastic material that may not last for long
Eurobike EURG4 Mountain Bike 26 Inches 3 Spoke Wheels Dual Suspension Folding Bike 21 Speed MTB
For some of us, portability in a mountain bike is critical. However, the various options on the market may not provide the functionality that we need together with such portability.
Eurobike EURG4 Mountain Bike is a special breed that combines portability, efficiency, robust design, and comfort. As a result, it is a favorite of most adventurous out there. The 21-speed derailleur and shifter make the mountain bike comfortable to ride uphill and downhill.
And to make it even more comfortable, the mountain bike features a dual suspension for protection against shock that you may encounter while on the road.
What we like
- The bike is foldable and portable
- The dual suspension makes it comfortable to ride
- 21-speed derailleur and shifter to ride comfortably on different terrains
What we didn't like
- Assembly may not be straightforward
Takara Ryu Front Suspension Disc Brake Mountain Bike, 27.5-Inch
The Ryu is another decent hardtail mountain bike with a fair price point. It’s a decent mountain bike overall but a better ‘city’ bike.
The front-suspension frame is made of lightweight aluminum and it works extremely well. This absorbs the shocks very effectively and makes for a smoother ride on those rough mountain terrains. In the city, it ensures a more comfortable ride.
It features a medium-sized 27.5 x 1.25-inch tire that has a good grip. Bigger wheels would be better for mountain terrains.
There are Shimano parts everywhere. The Revo twist shifters from them work perfectly and ensure smooth gear shifting. The Tourney derailleurs work fine.
This bike has highly confident braking which I loved about the bike. The low rise handlebars make for a low strain ride but they feel cheap.
What we like
-Front-suspension is great.
-Gear shifting is smooth.
-Confident braking.
-Great for city rides more than mountains.
What we didn't like
-Cheap-looking handlebar.
-Hard seat.
How To Choosing the Right Mountain Bike Guide For Beginner
There are a handful of factors that you need to think about before you can purchase that mountain bike to keep fit. One wise man said that ‘one man's meat is another man's poison.’ in other words, what may be suitable for your friend, may not be for you. The following are the various factors that will help you choose the right mountain bike for you.
Type of mountain bike
- One of the most common varieties of mountain bikes is the trail bike. It is the most appropriate for occasional descents and uphill rides, and that makes it versatile. You may not use it for races, but it is an excellent option for using over the weekend to meet up with friends, and other adventurous that want to experience the outdoors while working out. The head tube angle is between 67 and 69 degrees. But what does head tube angle mean?
Head tube angle that is steep means that the mountain bike is efficient in climbing and making the steep turns. A low angle is more stable and is quite adept at high speeds. However, it will not perform as good as the steep head tube angle when it comes to climbing.
Fat Bikes have a characteristic oversize and wide tires that offer the best traction than the other types of bikes. The bikes are great for beginners, and people are riding on snow and other slippery surfaces.
- For climbing prowess and fast riding, the cross-country mountain bike may be the most appropriate for you. So, if you are thinking of becoming competitive, and doing up to 25 miles, then this cross-country mountain bike may be for you. In most cases, the head tube angle is around 71 Degrees, and the suspension is between 80 and 100 mm.
- The all-mountain riding bikes are lightweight and agile to handle different terrains easily. The bikes are perfect for steep descents and mountain climbing. If you are a daredevil or an adventurer looking to have fun in the mountains, then the all-mountain riding bike is the most appropriate for you. The head tube angle is usually around 68°.
Size Matters
You might need to carry your bike behind your truck or any other vehicle. You’ll also need to hand carry it to the truck. So be aware of the weight and the overall size of the bike.
Comfort
Comfort matters a lot. Make sure your bike has a comfortable seat and an ergonomic sitting position. If you need to sacrifice on the seat to get other benefits, consider investing in a different seat afterward.
Style
Performance does not have to go out of style. Make sure you pick a bike that matches your test and style. How'd the Instagram photos look killer, otherwise?
Gears
Gears are responsible for the smooth run of the bike. You want to pick a bike that has high-quality components and mechanisms. Well-engineered bikes will be smoother to ride.
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most crucial aspects of any vehicle because of safety first. Double disk brakes should be your first preference. If not, single disc brakes will do as well if they're high-quality and well-engineered. You should pick a bike that ensures confident braking at the very first place.
Suspension
The suspension is crucial for rider comfort and longevity of the bike. By absorbing the shock, it does not only make the journey smoother for the rider but also reduces strain put on the other components. Buy a bike with a responsive suspension.
Frame Material
The type of frame material on the mountain bike determines the riding efficiency, durability, ease of use, the weight, and the overall quality of the bike.
Aluminum alloy is the most common material as it is durable and lightweight. However, you will still find lighter aluminum materials, and also more expensive materials. Other materials include titanium, steel, and carbon fiber.
And while steel is sturdy and inexpensive, it is a bit heavy for the mountain bike. Titanium is lightweight and robust, but you will have to chuck out a large sum of money to afford it. On the other hand, carbon fiber is low weight and durable and doesn't cost too much compared to Titanium.
Budget
A mountain bike is a brilliant investment, but that doesn't mean you should splurge everything you have on a single unit. You should buy according to your capability, and you will find mountain bikes on different price points.
Buy something decent that is quite durable, and will use for some time. If it is too cheap, it will not serve you for a long time.
Top 3 Mountain Bike Brands Under $300
Mongoose
Mongoose started from a garage in Southern California in 1974, when the founder Skip Hess designed a wheel named MotoMag One wheel that made the BMX bikes stronger. BMX riding started to become a buzz then and Mongoose kept innovating to facilitate that.
From then, Mongoose stayed focused on its mission of making the rides fun and smoother and pioneered the full-suspension mountain bike frames. They’re one of the most trusted names in the industry to date.
Schwinn
It started with the German Born Mechanical Engineer, Ignaz Schwinn, in 1995. Ignaz moved to Chicago in 1991 and started Schwinn bicycles in 1995, with a partner named Adolf Arnold. “World Bicycles” was the official trade name for early Schwinn bicycles.
Schwinn has been a part of World War II even. Their bicycles started to gain popularity in the early ’20s and for good reason. Schwinn has been a significant pioneer of constant innovation in the bicycle industry and they’re a big influencer of it.
Huffy
You might be surprised to know that the old 'Huffy' was not anywhere close to cycling, rather it was a sewing company named "Davis Sewing Machine company". They made their first-ever bicycle in 1892, under the brand 'Dayton', and had continued to do so till 1949.
The old Huffy has been an important part of the revival of the American cycling industry during the 1930s. Huffy's dominance is seen in the high-end bicycle market, rather than the entry-level models.
Final Note
The best mountain bike under 300 is a great acquisition to help you keep in shape, and lose those extra pounds. The mountain bike is durable and is easy to use. You should take some good care when choosing if you want something that will last, and that, of course, is the main idea.
Our first choice, Akonza Cobra 26" Mountain Bicycle Full Suspension 21-Speed Compatible Outdoor MTB Bike, is quite versatile, and easy-to-use. Whether you are a beginner or a professional biker, this mountain bike will serve your needs sufficiently.
Info Source: FeedSpot
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