The best mountain bikes combine great craftsmanship and an affordable price tag, ensuring that you can navigate the outdoors without breaking the bank. However, most of you might not know what exactly to look for when you go bike shopping. And I don’t blame you; there are hundreds of options on the market each of them offering something different.
That is why I have done my own research and come up with the best mountain bikes that cost less than $500. These mountain bikes excel in many areas, including affordability. So come with me as I give you some interesting biking information.
The 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $500
The ten bikes that we will look at below have been chosen because of their amazing craftsmanship, incredible durability, attractive finish, and superior comfort. These bikes can quickly take you to work and in the same breath cruise through rough and tumble trails with ease.
So whatever your transportation needs, take a look at the bikes outlined below.
10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 Comparison Table
[su_table]Picture | Name | Type | Price | Rating |
Diamondback Response Mountain Bike | Diamondback Response | $$$ | 4.4 | |
Diamondback Overdrive Mountain Bike | Overdrive Mountain Bike | $$$ | 4.7 | |
Diamondback Response XE | Response XE | $$$ | 4.4 | |
Diamondback Women’s Lux Complete Mountain Bike | Women’s Lux | $$$ | 4.7 | |
SE-Bikes Big Mountain 24-Speed D Bicycle | SE-Bikes Big | $$$ | 5.0 | |
Mongoose Status 3.0 Mountain Bike | Status 3.0 | $$$ | 4.0 | |
Diamondback Sorrento Complete Mountain Bike | Diamondback Sorrento | $$$ | 4.0 | |
Schwinn Firewire 5 Mountain Bike | Schwinn Firewire 5 | $$$ | 5.0 | |
Victory Vegas Jackpot Mountain Bike | Vegas Jackpot | $$$ | 3.8 | |
Nashbar Single-Speed Mountain Bike | Nashbar Single-Speed | $$$ | 5.0 |
For the last couple of years, the Response model from Diamondback has been a popular choice for everyone looking for reliability and affordability in a market saturated with poor biking options. The 2014 Diamondback response is no different, giving mountain bike enthusiasts a solid hardtail option for roads and trails.
This bike has several great features, including large 29 inch WTB Wolverine tires with great traction for riding in all conditions. The bike is also built with a butted 6061 aluminum frame for strength and weight savings, as well as a Suntour XCT fork for control and comfort.
The Response also has Promax mechanical disc brakes for great stopping power, and a precise drivetrain for quick gear changes.
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Some of its features included
- 6061-T6 Aluminum frame
- New look
- 29″ diameter wheels
- 100mm suspension fork
- Mechanical Disc Brakes
- 7 Speed drivetrain
The Response was not the only amazing and affordable bike Diamondback released in 2014, the Overdrive is another great innovation. This mountain bike combines affordability with quality to provide you with value for your money.
To begin with, the Overdrive has a butted 6061 aluminum frame for solid and lightweight handling, as well as a SR Suntour XCT fork with 100mm travel for superior control and comfort in all conditions.
The hardtail bike also has an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain with EZFire trigger shifters for quick shifting, and Tektro mechanical disc brakes for great stopping.
Additionally, this bike has Diamondback double-wall rims and 29 inch Wolverine Comp tires for solid maneuvering over rough terrain.
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Some of its features included
- 29er hardtail frame
- Hand built 6061-T6 aluminum alloy
- SR Suntour suspension fork
- Shimano 8-speed drivetrain
- Tektro mechanical disc brakes
The Response XE is very similar to its Diamondback brother reviewed above, however it differs in some aspects such as its wheel size. But let us back up a bit. The Diamondback Response XE is a great bike for riding city streets, dirt paths, gravel, and single track dirt trails, due to its sturdy build.
The mountain bike is composed of a strong and lightweight 6061 aluminum frame, as well as a Suntour XCT fork with 100mm travel. These two components guarantee a comfortable ride in rough conditions.
Additionally, the bike has a Shimano drivetrain for great gearing options, and Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes that will work well in wet and muddy conditions.
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Some of its features included
- 6061-T6 Aluminum frame
- 29″ diameter wheels
- Easy navigation
- 100mm suspension fork
- Mechanical Disc Brakes
The Diamondback Lux is a stellar women’s mountain bike that comes in 15 inch, 17 inch, and 19 inch frame sizes. This bike is ergonomically designed to fit the female form, including a 6061 aluminum frame that provides stand over clearance.
The bike is also equipped with spectacular 27.5 inch wheels that combine the light weight of a 26er with the obstacle clearing abilities of a 29er. You are therefore assured of a stable ride with excellent traction.
Additionally, the bike has powerful disc brakes, a precise 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, and a comfortable SR Suntour suspension fork.
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Some of its features included
- 27.5” wheels
- 6061-T6 aluminum alloy frame
- 80mm suspension fork
- Disc brakes
SE-Bikes have always prided themselves on value, and the 24-Speed D bike is no different. This highly popular mountain bike has included some of the best quality bike features in the most affordable biking package.
For one, the bike has a double butted and semi-integrated alloy frame, which is sustained by a quality suspension fork with 100mm travel. Additionally, the mountain bike boasts of 24-speed Shimano EZ-Fire shifters, as well an 8-speed crankset.These components make up one of the best drivetrain’s you will ever come across. The bike also has mechanical disc brakes that work well in all conditions.
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Some of its features included
- SE 1 Double Butted alloy frame
- HL 595SAMS 29 fork
- Mechanical disc brake
The Mongoose Status 3.0 is a dual-suspension mountain bike that gives all riding enthusiasts amazing performance on dirt trails and tracks. This bike has a full suspension frame and SR suspension fork for smooth and controlled riding at all times.
In addition, the Status 3.0 bike is equipped with a Shimano rear derailleur and 24-speed Shimano trigger shifters for easy-as-pie gear changes.
When it comes to stopping, the front and rear disc brakes are a reliable braking choice for you.The bike is also made up of a Suntour crank, alloy rims, alloy pedals, and quick-release front and rear hubs.
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Some of its features included
- Full suspension frame
- SR suspension fork
- 24-speed Shimano trigger shifters
- Front and rear disc brakes
The 2015 Sorrento Complete mountain bike is an innovative biking option from Diamondback that guarantees you a trail riding experience like no other.
This mountain bike comes in 16 inch, 20 inch, and 22 inch frame sizes, as well as a durable, strong, and lightweight aluminum alloy frame. When it comes to shifting the 7-speed Shimano derailleurs will guarantee reliability, and when it comes to stopping the linear pull brakes will keep you safe.
However, the best feature of this bike is its 27.5 inch wheels, which combines smooth rolling and great traction for an easy and fun ride.
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Some of its features included
- Fork: 5-inch Traik XC
- Brake: Tektro alloy linear
- Rims: 32h Diamondback
The Firewire 5 is a men’s mountain bike from Schwinn, which offers top performance in all terrains and conditions. Firstly, the mountain bike has a full-suspension aluminum frame that provides lightweight and strength benefits, and a SR XCM front suspension fork that promises ultimate comfort on rough trails.
The bike also boasts of reliable front and rear Tektro disc brakes, a precise 24-speed Shimano Acera rear derailleur, and 3-piece Shimano alloy cranks. However, the best feature of this bike is its Wilderness trail tires and wheels which allow for smooth and controlled riding.
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Some of its features included
- Aluminum frame
- SR XCM front suspension fork
- Black Wilderness trail wheels
- Wilderness trail tires
- Tektro Front & rear disc brakes
The Victory Jackpot is a high-quality and versatile mountain biking option, which is perfect for riding on and off the trails.
The adult mountain bike has a dual-suspension aluminum frame which is great for handling, a 24-speed Shimano drivetrain with plenty of gearing options, Shimano trigger shifters that are easy and precise to operate, knobby tires that work well on all terrain, and reliable dual disc brakes that will take you from point A to B with ease.
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Some of its features included
- Shimano Trigger Shifters
- Shimano 24 Speed Drivetrain
- Dual Suspension
- Dual Disc Brakes
- Frame: Aluminum
The single-speed bike from Nashbar is a 29 inch innovation that eliminates the need for gears. This bike is instead composed of a strong, lightweight and weather-resistant aluminum frame, and a solid chromoly fork that ensures that your ride is smooth.
Ride quality is also guaranteed by reliable Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes, and large WTB Nano Sport 29 inch tires with plenty of grip. Let me assure you, this bike is fun and easy to ride.
>>> Click Here To Read Specifications, Customer Reviews and Rating <<<
Some of its features included
- 6061 aluminum frame
- Rigid chromoly fork
- Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes
- WTB Nano Sport tires
Final Verdict
As you can see, the bikes we have talked about stand above the average mountain bike that can be found on the market. Though these bikes cost under $500, they can outshine more expensive bikes without batting an eye.
So if you are looking for quality, reliability, comfort, and durability, look no further than the bikes above.