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5 of the best mountain bikes under $500

Written by Fiona

April 11 2018

Mountain biking offers a great opportunity for adventure, writes Amanda Wilks, and it doesn’t need to be on an expensive bikeHere is her pick of the five best entry level mountain bikes.  How about a mountain bike under $3000? This is for my American readers.

Top 5 affordable MTBs

Here are five good entry-level mountain bikes to start you off on the trails.

1. Nashbar 29er Single-Speed Mountain Bike

According to MountainBikeReviewed.com, the Nashbar 29er Single-Speed Mountain Bike is one of the best affordable purchases for just $320 dollars, since it has been marked down by more than 60%. It boasts 29-inch WTB Nano Sport tyres and is constructed from a lightweight, yet strong and weather-resistant aluminum frame complete with a chromoly fork. There  are Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes as well. Remember this is single speed though so you will need to adjust to the type of riding, especially on the uphills.

2. Diamondback Overdrive 1 Complete Mountain Bike

The Diamondback Overdrive 1 Complete Mountain Bike is a new 2018 model that is suitable for beginners looking for a quality entry-level MTB. It usually retails for $415. It has a hydroformed aluminum frameset that is hand-crafted and can withstand any terrain.

It’s sturdy and powerful 27.5-inch wheels make it the perfect choice for conquering hills or swiftly pedalling across the milder terrain. The bike is fitted with mechanical disk brakes. It comes in four frame sizes to fit all statures and genders.

Ride the trails on an affordable bike. Pic credit: Phil Catterall

3. Mongoose Impasse 29-inch Dual Full Suspension Bicycle

Another popular name on the list of affordable mountain bikes has to be Mongoose. Priced at just $315, the Mongoose Impasse 29-inch Dual Full Suspension Bicycle is the most affordable option in this top five. But this doesn’t mean it’s of lesser quality than the other options.

In fact, the Mongoose Impasse 29-inch Dual Full Suspension Bicycle is a solid 29-inch bike perfect for downhill riding. Budget-conscious MTB enthusiasts will appreciate its sturdy build and Shimano rear derailleur that offer a high-end experience for a price that is barely mid-range.

4. Schwinn Firewire 5 Men’s Mountain Bike

A list of affordable and reliable mountain bikes wouldn’t be complete without a model by Schwinn. In this case, our pick is the Schwinn Firewire 5 that retails for just over $370. It’s specially designed for men, and it can handle any terrain and weather conditions that might arise during a ride.

Its full-suspension aluminum frame offers a lightweight riding experience that is strong enough to withstand obstacles, and the SR XCM front suspension fork provides you with the necessary comfort.

5. Gravity FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike

For just $400, the Gravity FSX 2.0 is the best full suspension MTB in its price range. Its CantiBeam SinglePivot Technology aluminium frame is one of a kind, and it feels rather high end too. It has an amazing balance on the trail thanks to hydroformed tubes, as well as its dual suspension system sustained by Shimano derailleurs on both the front and the rear.

Although it’s one of the more expensive models on the list, it’s worth the splurge if you want to get the most bang for your buck. After all, a mountain bike is an investment.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of affordable mountain bikes on the market thanks to the low manufacturing prices provided by aluminium.  Any of the five MTBs presented above makes a worthy choice.

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