How do you get the best mountain bikes under 300 without compromising on quality and performance? It is not entirely easy given that mountain bikes are known to be quite pricey but in this best under $300 mountain bike review, we have compiled a list of the most affordable bikes for both men and women based on key performance and quality factors.
Most of the popular top mountain bike brands come with a high price that’s probably beyond the reach of an average hill rider but there are many cost-effective options out there. However, it is important to first understand what to look for in the best mountain bike under 300 to ensure that you are getting value for your money. Remember, despite its lower price, the bike has to provide strength and the required performance for all your riding needs.
What to look for in the best under 300 dollars mountain bike
There are three key factors to consider in a good mountain bike namely the bike’s key features, its style, and fit. The bike should provide you with the kind of riding experience and strategy that’s right for your body size and weight. To achieve this goal, it is important to first know the types of mountain bikes available as well as the key features to look for.
Types of mountain bikes:
There are different types of mountain bikes you can choose from based on your riding activities, capability, and budget. Here are the common types or styles of mountain bikes:
- Trail mountain bikes
Trail bikes are great for riding on local trails. They are not recommended for extreme terrains or mountains but provide a fun and great riding experience.
- Cross-country mountain bikes
These are lightweight mountain bikes designed for competitive riding. They provide excellent speed and uphill riding experience.
- Fat mountain bikes
Fat mountain bikes get their name from their rather larger wheels of 3 to 5 inches. This is a good mountain bike for you if you are just getting started on off-road riding because the fat wheels work perfectly on all types of terrain. Fat mountain bikes are great for riding on sand and snowfall.
- All Bikes
This is a mountain bike meant for professional riders. It is designed for extreme riding on extreme mountainsides. It’s packed with a host of performance features giving it a higher price tag than the other bikes.
Key features of a good mountain bike
It is beyond the scope of this guide to list all the features you need to look for in the best mountain bike. There are numerous things to consider in a cost-effective bike. However, a good combination of the following features will give you an idea of what the best mountain bike should have.
Get a full suspension bike.
Suspension is a key function to consider in a mountain bike. Suspension helps to limit the strikes and bounces your body experiences when you hit bumps while riding on uneven surfaces. A full-suspension bike has good suspension on the front and rear sections to evenly absorb impact while riding on bumpy surfaces.
Check the wheel size
Most mountain bikes provide wheel size options of 26 inches, 27.5 inches, and 29 inches. Wheel size is an important feature to consider because it determines how easily the bike moves in different types of landscapes. A 26-inch wheel size works perfectly but you can always look for the right wheel size length for your riding plans and activities.
The bike’s frame construction
Identify the type of material used in the construction of the mountain bike’s frame before you make a purchasing decision. Ideally, you should look for the least heavy bike you can find within your budget. Most bike frame supports are made of aluminum alloy, steel, titanium, or carbon fiber. Aluminum alloy is one of the most commonly used materials in the construction of mountain bike frames. Carbon fiber is strong, lightweight, and provides excellent performance but it is also the most expensive bike frame material.
Gears
Although mountain bikes have up to 30 gears, most of these gears will not be necessary if you plan to be riding on mild pathways and roads most of the time. Low gears are essential for uphill riding. Get a bike that provides a good range of necessary gear.
How does the bike fit your body size and type?
Comfort is a crucial factor in your choice of the best mountain bike. The fit provided by the bike can make a huge difference between an enjoyable and painful riding experience. Find a bike that suits your body size and type. Mountain bikes come in three standard sizes, small, medium, and large. The sizes are designed to correspond to the rider’s height and bodily proportions. Most leading bike brands even provide a size graph that shows you the peak variety for each mountain bike. Ideally, you should get a bike that’s not too high or too low for your height. Fortunately, most brands come with an option to modify the peak although most of these modifications do little to help especially if the bike is too large or too small for your size.
Performance
Performance is another crucial factor to consider. In terms of efficiency, the load a mountain bike can carry is important, especially in competitive activities. Most mountain bikes priced under $300 don’t have a lot of extra devices attached and are therefore lighter than the more expensive models. They give a reliable performance at an affordable cost.
7 Best Mountain Bikes Under $300 – Reviewed & Recommended
Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension 26-Inch Mountain Bike
If you are looking for a high-performance yet relatively lower-priced mountain bike, the Schwinn protocol 1.0 is a great option. It features a dual-suspension frame, 24-speed Shimano Altus gearing, Pro-max disc front brakes, double-walled alloy rims, and 26-inch alloy wheels just to mention a few.
The bike’s dual suspension frame is made of aluminum and supported by a strong rear triangle constructed of steel. It has a solid rust-resistant frame and Shimano EF-50 trigger shifters that allow easy, smooth, and precise gear changes. The bike’s excellent tires and rims provide perfect traction in all terrains and conditions.
Pros:
- Beautiful solid design
- Easy flawless gear shifting
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Powerful and responsive brakes
- Available at an affordable price
Cons:
- It requires a little more fine-tuning
- The saddle is a bit hard
- Does not come with a water bottle holder
Overall, the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 is a great mountain bike for free riding, street riding, and downhill trails. It handles both paved surfaces and off-road terrain perfectly.
Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike
This is one of the few mountain bikes that provide a perfect combination of performance, style, and comfort. It comes with all the necessary features to give you an enjoyable riding experience. One of the best features of the bike is its 29-inch wheels, which are the largest size you can find in mountain bikes. Large wheels help to increase momentum, especially while riding on loose surfaces or going uphill.
The bike also features dual suspension with suspension forks on both the front and rear wheels. Dual suspension gives you a comfortable ride on bumpy and uneven surfaces. Safety is a critical factor in mountain bikes. The Mongoose Impasse enhances safety with mechanical disk brakes on both wheels. Mechanical provides better stopping power than linear brakes.
Pros:
- The bike’s dual suspension provides a comfortable and enjoyable ride
- 29-inch wheels provide increased performance on all terrains
- Safety enhanced by mechanical disk brakes
- Good price
Cons:
- Comes with a 21-gear shifter, which is less than what’s provided in other bikes
- The tire threads are a bit shallow
The Mongoose Impasse Dual Suspension mountain bike is ideal for both short and long-distance rides. It is also available at a much more affordable.
Schwinn S29 Men’s Full Suspension Mountain Bike
This 18-inch medium frame sized mountain bike is designed for both novice and pro riders of mountain bikes. One of the best Schwinn S29’s features is its 29-inch wheels which enhance its overall performance. The large wheels increase the bike’s traction force and power to help you navigate easily over tough terrain.
It is a safety-enhanced mountain bike fitted with disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels. Hydraulic disc brakes provide a more efficient ability to stop the bike whenever you want regardless of speed. The full-suspension bike comes with suspension forks on both wheels. Suspension forks provide greater comfort on uneven terrain.
Pros:
- 29-inch wheels that provide more power
- It’s a comfortable bike with full suspension
- Better stopping power provided by hydraulic disc brakes
- Great features at a less expensive price
Cons:
- The bike has a larger size and may not be recommended for shorter people
The Schwinn S29 Men’s mountain bike is designed to tackle both paved surfaces and rugged surfaces. It is available at a good price too.
Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Laurito Hardtail Complete Mountain Bike
If you are looking for a mountain bike equipped with the latest technology, then you may need to check the Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Laurito Hardtail Complete Mountain Bike. It is a unisex fully compatible bike that can be used by both men and women. Its lightweight frame makes it easier to handle on both paved and rugged terrains.
One of the best features of the bike is its heat-treated aluminum frame which is lighter and more durable than aluminum alloy frames. Its 27.5-inch wheels provide the perfect balance between speed and the effort needed to cover distances. It uses linear-pull brakes which are easier to assemble than disc brakes.
In terms of speed and ease of gear shifts, the Diamondback 2016 Laurito Hardtail comes with a 7-speed Shimano gear shift which provides effortless shifting and enough speed variation. Comfort is a critical factor, especially for a bike you use regularly. The Diamondback 2016 Laurito Hardtail has a wider saddle than most bikes which can be adjusted to the rider’s convenience.
Pros:
- Lighter and easy to maneuver the aluminum frame
- 27.5-inch wheels which provide better handling
- Easy-to-mount accessories
- A wider and more comfortable saddle
- Good price
Cons:
- An upgrade is required to get the complete mountain bike
The Diamondback 2016 Laurito Hardtail mountain bike is highly recommended for day-to-day riding activities or for regular commuting. It is a good option for both city and country riding trips with all the necessary features you’d want in the best mountain bikes for under 300 dollars. Beginners and pros will appreciate this bike.
Raleigh Bikes Eva 2 Women’s Bike
By the name you already know it’s exclusively designed for women only. If you are a man, don’t even think of buying it. Who else wants to be bullied, right? Nonetheless, this pushes the Raleigh Bikes Eva 2 into one of the finest bikes for women for certain reasons. It comforts women with a squishy soft suspension and specially fashioned upright geometry. It offers a variety of sizes which is a great plus because height is a crucial concern for women. Love to make choices? It lets you choose your preferred color too. Be advised that bigger sizes add more to its price.
This will be a smart preference for cycling on light tracks and asphalt roads. It features a comfortable saddle and grips for women. The handlebars are slightly adjustable and synched with the position of the headset spacers. With the Shimano Revo Twist shifters, you can go through 21 dissimilar speeds at ease. And lightweight aluminum frame exposes stress-free maneuvering and lifting advantage.
Pros
- The excellent variety of sizes works for girls to women
- Functions smooth and perfect handling for women
- Has Kenda 27.5 tires for steadiness on different terrains
Cons
- Built for biking moderate distances
If you are a woman, then don’t waste your time anymore. The Raleigh Bikes Eva 2 Women’s Bike is the best one available for your fit and comfort. Buyers who have purchased this bike are pleased with their decision and are impulsively mentioning this particular model from Raleigh to others.
Kent Thruster KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
If you are looking for a really cheap bike, this is the one to satisfy your needs. It comes with a 26-inch lightweight frame which weighs barely 20 pounds. It has steer stems and handlebars that make the bike a little heavier on that part. But conversely, that adds quality and you have your choice to upgrade the handlebars anyway. The paddles are plastic, so you might have to replace those with aluminum paddles. Regardless of your height, it is super convenient and easy to handle.
The Kent Thruster KZ2600 is equipped with great-quality shifters and brakes from Shimano. So both the brake levels and shifters work pretty smoothly. Even though the price is close to the ground, it is armed with quality disk brakes and tires. The fork suspension has a 65mm travel distance to absorb average bumps on the road. It is a rugged and good-looking mountain bike, built for the long haul.
Pros
- Crank, railers, and all parts are made by Shimano
- Delivers the best value for your money
- Comes with a Full Suspension Aluminum Frame
- Alloy Wheel Rims
Cons
- The saddle feels a little hard
- No quick-release wheel lock
The Kent Thruster KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike is amazing for the price it takes. If you are to buy all the components separately from the market, it will probably cost you around $350. It can be the best investment for beginner-level bikers.
Merax Falcon Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Another outstanding bike for the price is this Merax Falcon Full Suspension Mountain Bike.
It’s a brilliant starter road bike offered within a low budget, and this meets mediocre expectations. The Merax Falcon bike is equipped with an awesome suspension that handles coarse terrain and gives you a super comfy ride. It is one of the very best mountain bikes under $300 available. Needless to mention, the price is reasonable and yet it comes with Shimano derailleurs and shifters.
Such a price wow! This bad boy avails outstanding performance and durability. The frame is a 17-inch aluminum with 26-inch wheels that increases control and smooths the bumps as well. The Merax Falcon is considered to be an economical and entry-level bike. It is a fully-featured mountain bike with linear-pull brakes. You can easily replace those with a pair of disk brakes anyway, this will cost you only a few bucks.
Pros
- Full Suspension provides amazing comfort
- Shifting is easy and dependable
- Antiskid tire improves better stopping
- 6061 Heat-treated alloy frame
Cons
- Does not come with disk brakes
With the Merax Falcon Full Suspension Mountain Bike, your money is well spent. But if you are expecting more advanced features from this, then you’re expecting very wrong. It’s a decent preliminary item for novices and beginners at a cheaper price.
Bottom Line
Finding your match from the best mountain bike under 300 bucks isn’t seemingly a tough task to do. Simply identify your needs and chucks for biking and look for the right one that fulfills your requirements. You might not get all of your cravings in one package, but guess what? You can upgrade as you want. Spending $300 for a bike isn’t a bad budget at all, and if you go with any of the above-listed bikes, you won’t be sad. Yes, we know it. Read Experts Tips on Mountain Bike Safety before you leave for a ride because your safety does matter.