Best Mountain Bikes Review in 2018

Mountain biking is one of those few addictions that is actually good for your body and mind.

What can compare to the utter freedom of riding your bike into the unknown mountain trails and exploring new places?

Since mountain bikes require quite a bit of technical know-how, it might be a little difficult for you to understand all those industry jargons like derailleur and crank-shaft.

10 Best Mountain Bike in 2018

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1. Diamondback Overdrive 29 Hardtail

You haven’t experienced true mountain biking if you haven’t ridden a Diamondback. True to its brand promise, the Overdrive 29 Hardtail is a complete MTB for even the roughest terrain and is among the top mountain bikes under 1000. This 29er comes with an aluminum alloy-made frame that can stand the test of the trails. The derailleur hanger can easily be replaced in case anything breaks!

2. Diamondback Recoil 29er Mountain Bike

Another great mountain bike from Diamondback, the Recoil 29er is a dependable, good looking bike that will serve you right on dirt trails. This 29er is a best hardtail mountain bike under 500 that comes with the standard Shimano gears and Tektro brakes and delivers on its promise of delivering smooth rides on both pavement and off-road tracks. Also, you get dual-suspension without paying the price of high-end bikes. What’s not to like about it?

3. Merax Finiss 26″ Aluminum Mg Alloy Wheel

If you’re looking for the mountain bikes under 1000 with 26-inch wheels that delivers top-notch performance, look no further than the Merax Finiss 26″ Aluminum Mg Alloy Wheel. It is a sturdy, reliable bike that boasts a 21-speed gear and suspension system to ride the bumps smoothly.

4. GMC Topkick Dual Suspension

The GMC Topkick Dual Suspension is perhaps the best dual suspension mountain bike available in the market within its price range. Featuring an aluminum frame and a 21-speed gear system, its dual suspension feature will help you ride through the toughest of terrains like a breeze!

5. 29-Inch Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension

If you’re looking for a low-budget dual suspension mountain bike, look no further than the 29-Inch Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension. Its 21-speed gear system is made even sweeter with 29-inch wheels. If you want a premium look and feel in a low-budget MTB, then this should be your pick.

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The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Mountain Bike is one of those bikes under 1000 that you will either love or hate. While you will love the full suspension design of this bike and its 24-speed gear system, its combination of disc brakes in the front and V-brakes on the rear might not be your cup of tea. But regardless of popular or unpopular features, one thing can be said for sure – you will have a heck of a time riding this MTB on mountain trails.

7. Montague Paratrooper Mountain Folding Bike

The Montague Paratrooper isn’t just one of your ordinary mountain bikes. This particular model can be folded for easy carrying, which is a lifesaver when you are planning to hit that downhill track but have to carry your bike all the way to the top.

On the technical side, the Montague Paratrooper Mountain Folding Bike comes with 26-inch wheels and weighs around 32 pounds. The front brakes are discs, and the shifters from EZ Fire Plus can accommodate up to 24 speeds. This best mountain bike under 750 dollars takes only 20-30 seconds to fold and unfold, making it a prime candidate for your next folding bike if you’re looking for one.

8. 2017 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension

The Gravity FSX 1.0 is a budget dual suspension bike that deserves a look-in from you. It comes equipped with both rear and front suspensions, an aluminum frame and disc brakes on both the rear and the front.

The shifters of this mountain bike under 750 are from Shimano, while the wheels come with quick release feature and durable rims.

9. Cyrusher FR100 Men’s Full Suspension 24 Speeds Folding Mountain Bike

If you are ready to expand your budget a little, then the Cyrusher FR100 Men’s Full Suspension 24 Speeds Folding Mountain Bike is definitely a bike worth spending for, particularly due to the fact that it is one of the best-rated mountain bikes under 1000. The whole bike comes with a premium look and feel, and you get the added benefits of a folding bike.

Its gear system is 24-speed, while the brakes are disc on both the rear and the front. The suspensions are designed to absorb shocks on rough terrains, and added details like non-slip tires and an ergonomic handlebar will surely make your trips more enjoyable.

10.26-Inch Wheels Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s

Another beautiful bike from Schwinn, the Protocol 1.0 Men’s is a mid-budget mountain bike with all the top-notch features. This 24-speed bike will blaze you through every trail with the higher control thanks to the disc and V-brake combination, whereas the dual suspensions will make your ride all the more fun and smoother.

Different Types of Mountain Bikes

Not all mountain bikes are created equal, as there are five major variants:

Cross-country

Very lightweight, rigid MTBs designed for light to moderate use.

Hardtail

These come with no suspension under the seat post, making rides somewhat bumpier, but you also have to put in less effort to paddle it.

Full-suspension

Suspensions for both the seat post and front fork make rides smoother and better suited for bumpy trails for longer time periods. But dual suspension also means wasted energy on non-bumpy roads.

Downhill

Designed for slopes, these usually come with heavy-duty brakes, chains, as well as good suspensions.

Freeride

Also called hybrid bikes, these are suitable for pretty much every surface, as they combine the best features from different types of bikes.

Our 2 Recommended Bikes:

Diamondback Overdrive 29 Hardtail

The Overdrive 29 Hardtail from Diamondback is a crazy good bike in terms of specs and performance. This 29er is among the top mountain bikes under 1000 that comes with an aluminum alloy-made frame that can stand the test of the trails, while the derailleur hanger can easily be replaced in case something snaps.

Although it’s a bit pricey, it’s hard to argue with the price when you’re getting a suspension fork from Suntour, Tektro-brand disc brakes, and a Shimano gear system (3×8) in one package.

26-Inch Wheels Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s

The Protocol 1.0 Men’s from Schwinn is a mid-budget mountain bike with all the top-notch features. This 24-speed bike will blaze you through every trail with a higher control thanks to the disc and V-brake combination.

The dual suspension system absorbs shock pretty well, and the alloy crank performs pretty solid as far as gear management is concerned.

How To Pick One?

Frame Materials

A) Steel: Cheapest but also heaviest
B) Aluminum: Inexpensive, lightweight, and pretty much the industry standard
C) Titanium: Top of the class, durable, but expensive
D) Carbon Fiber: Professional grade, but not very durable

Brakes

A) Rim brakes: Cheapest brakes, can be replaced easily
B) Disc brakes: More durable, affordable, but not very effective in wet conditions
C) Hydraulic brakes: Best performance, high maintenance cost

Suspension

A) No suspension: Comes with no suspension feature
B) Single suspension: Under the seat post
C) Dual suspension: Under both the seat post and inside front fork

Wheel Size

Based on the diameter of the wheel, there are two types:

A) 26er: The most common wheel size found in MTBs.
B) 29er: A lesser common standard that helps in tougher terrains

Hub Position

A) Internally geared hubs: Offers extra protection for your gear system, easy maintenance, but tend to be heavy and expensive.
B) Derailleur hubs: Inexpensive, widely available, but requires more maintenance and care.

Things To Consider When Buying MTB?

Size Considerations

The first thing to look for while choosing from the quality mountain bikes under 1000 is the frame size. Frame sizes differ based on the rider’s height. Make sure to follow a height chart to find the best size for you.

Shifting Mechanism

There are literally hundreds of choices when choosing your gear shifting mechanism. Thumbs shifter, paddle, trigger, twist shifters – you can choose from these and numerous others.

Saddle Height

Alongside your frame size, saddle height is also very important for a strain-free mountain biking experience. For this, once again we suggest that you consult a height chart and adjust the height of your saddle accordingly.

Price Range

Mountain bikes vary widely in terms of price – from under 100 dollars, the best mountain bike under 750, and the best hardtail mountain bike under 1500, to several hundred thousand dollars. Choose your bike while keeping an eye on your budget, but try not to sacrifice too many of your necessary features.

Benefits of Using A Mountain Bike

Experience Nature

Your mountain bike is your ticket to see the nature like you’ve seen it before. Explore new areas, storm trails, and breathe in the fresh air, with nothing but your bike. Or with your cyclist friends. Your choices are endless!

Stay Fit, Stay Healthy

Cycling is an all-around exercise that does your body a great deal of good. With mountain bikes, you will get a great bit of cardio, you will sleep well, and your mind will be more focused. Cycling can also help you live longer, and beat diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer.

Live Green

Mountain bikes will not only take you closer to nature, but they can also help minimize carbon emission and save the planet. The more you use cycles, the more you contribute to saving the planet.

Beat The Traffic

Bikes are great ways to commute from your home to office and back. No more being stuck in traffic for hours to reach places that take minutes on bikes.

Be More Social

Cyclists form one of the most sympathetic, caring, cohesive communities in the world. If you have a mountain bike, you will not only get to meet new people but might make a couple of new friends for life too!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mountain Bikes

I am quite tall/ short. Can’t I just ride any bike regardless of the frame size?

It is better to get a bike that matches your height for practical reasons. If you’re tall and get a bike with smaller frames, it is very likely that you will hurt your knee every time you ride it. If you’re short, then a bigger frame would mean more energy being put in unnecessarily.

No-suspension, hardtail, or dual-suspension? Which one of the mountain bikes under 1000 should I buy?

That depends entirely on your cycling goals. No-suspension is fine for a regular commute, particularly for cycling on the pavement. If we talk about the best hardtail mountain bike under 500, they are more versatile and can accommodate both concrete and rough terrains. Dual-suspension is dedicated for rough terrains, and best suited for mountain biking.

How many brakes matter for bikes?

Oh, they matter a lot. For the regular commute, V-brakes are fine. For tougher trails, you can opt for either the more reliable disc brakes or hydraulic brakes for the best results.

Gear systems seem so much hassle to maintain. Can’t I just get a fixed gear bike?

Fixed gear bikes are called fixie, among other names, and yes, you can definitely buy one. However, gears help a lot when you’re riding uphill or downhill, particularly on mountainous tracks.

Does having a mountain bike means I can ride it only on rocky trails?

Most definitely not. The great thing about biking is that you can ride pretty much anywhere if you have a bike with two working wheels – regardless of the design and type. Yes, MTBs are more suited for tough terrains, but who’s stopping you from feeling the winds on your face while riding your MTB through the city roads?

Final Verdict

As for our recommendations for the best mountain bikes on a budget, The Overdrive 29 Hardtail from Diamondback is a great bike in terms of specs and performance. This 29er comes with an aluminum alloy-made frame, a suspension fork from Suntour, and Tektro-brand disc brakes to deliver the best mountain biking experience.

The Protocol 1.0 Men’s from Schwinn is our favorite mid-budget mountain bike that delivers well above expectation. The dual suspension system absorbs shock pretty well, while its 24-speed bike will blaze you through every trail with a higher control thanks to the disc and V-brake combination.

There are few things as self-rewarding and satisfying as riding a mountain bike and feeling the wind on your face.

Although there are numerous MTBs out there to choose from, we hope our list gave you a pretty good idea regarding what you can expect within your budget considering your requirements.

Now it’s up to you to get up and choose one and feel the incredible freedom of exploring unknown trails on your brand new mountain bike.