The thousand dollar price point is important for prospective mountain bike riders. Many of the pros and enthusiasts tend to utilize bikes that come in at higher dollar values, but those that hover around (and sometimes far below) the $1k level tend to be great for beginners. These bikes tend to have all of the features that are typically perfect for someone who isn’t quite sure that they’ll be fully entering the sport of mountain biking.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some great, sub-$1000 bikes for new mountain bikers. Some fold, some have exceptionally strong construction, and some even have larger wheels, but all are great starter bikes.
Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000 – Comparison Table
Image | Product | Features | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Eurobike Full Suspension Mountain Bike | Aluminum alloy frame 27.5-inch wheels 21-speed shifter Front and rear brakes | 3.9 out of 5 |
![]() | MOONCOOL Mountain Bike | 26-inch wheels Available with aluminum or steel frame 21-speed shifter Large wheels and off-road tires | 4.7 out of 5 |
![]() | Hiland 21-Speed Mountain Bike | Carbon steel frame 21-speed shifter Hand brakes and finger shifter knobs Double disc brakes | 3.7 out of 5 |
![]() | 4. Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle (29-Inch) | Aluminum suspension frame maximizes comfort & performance Element suspension fork smooths the bumps and increases control 21 speed rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters changes gears easily | 4 out of 5 |
![]() | ANCHEER Electric Bike Electric | 350-watt motor Up to 20 MPH Up to 40 miles per charge | 4.4 out of 5 |
![]() | 6. 2017 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike Shimano Acera Suntour | Strong and Durable Aluminum Frames Disc Brakes, Easy to Use Shimano Shifters Adjustable Suspension - Front and Rear! | 4.4 out of 5 |
![]() | Sirdar S-700 Mountain Bike for Adult and Youth | 27 Speed Derailleur Aluminum alloy construction Front and rear brakes Adjustable fork | 3.9 out of 5 |
![]() | Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike MTB with 29-Inch Wheels | Hand Built Butted 6061 Alloy 29er Hard Tail Frame Mechanical Disc Brakes Suspension Fork w/ Lockout Double Wall Alloy Rims | 4.4 out of 5 |
![]() | 9. Mongoose Argus 26" Fat Tire Bike | Tectonic T2 aluminum frame provides increased strength Decreased weight for a more rigid and responsive ride | 4.5 out of 5 |
![]() | 2012 Marin BRIDGEWAY 700c 19" Single Speed Street Metro Cross Bike Bicycle New | Front suspension is a Cromoly Rigid 1 1/8" Designed for new mountain bikers | 4 out of 5 |
Eurobike Full Suspension Mountain Bike
From Eurobike is this no-frills mountain bike. At first glance, it doesn’t look like there’s anything special about it. The simple design lacks the glitz and glam of other models. But don’t let that fool you! This model is sporting all the features you need to tackle trails without missing a beat.
It’s equipped with 21-speed Shimano shifters. A robust braking system with hand controls gives you ultimate authority over your ride. As you blaze down the beaten trail, the aluminum alloy frame will provide stability and peace of mind.
Key Features:
- Aluminum alloy frame
- 27.5-inch wheels
- 21-speed shifter
- Front and rear brakes
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
MOONCOOL Mountain Bike
This MOONCOOL bike is a fantastic universal option that can appeal to most adults. It’s highly configurable and is available in a slew of designs. Choose between aluminum or steel frames. The aluminum models prioritize agility and lower weight. Meanwhile, the steel frame is all about rigidity and control.
All models come with 21-speed shifters and responsive handbrakes. You’re also getting large wheels and trail-ready tires. All the usual features you would expect are all here. The bike is easy to assemble and comes with all the extras you need to get going.
Key Features:
- 26-inch wheels
- Available with aluminum or steel frame
- 21-speed shifter
- Large wheels and off-road tires
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Hiland 21-Speed Mountain Bike
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this mountain bike from HH Hiland has a lot to offer. It utilizes a classic design. However, state-of-the-art design elements provide a modern touch that you can’t help but appreciate.
The most noticeable is the frame. Instead of standard aluminum, you’re getting strengthened carbon steel. Not only is it strong enough to withstand the rigors of the trail, but it also offers exceptional rigidity.
Pair that with the Shimano shifter, double disc brakes, and the smooth fork suspension, and you have all the makings of a fun ride ahead!
Key Features:
- Carbon steel frame
- 21-speed shifter
- Hand brakes and finger shifter knobs
- Double disc brakes
- Auto-style fork suspension
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
4. Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle (29-Inch)
As a full suspension bike, the Mongoose Impasse is great for beginners who are just starting out on their first few mountain trails. The composition of this bike is aluminum, so that the product is light yet sturdy enough to take the constant dings that can happen during mountain biking. As you’ll be changing gears a lot on a trail, this Impasse bike utilizes a 21 speed Shimano rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters, so that you’ll be able to maneuver and adjust.
The suspension on this bike is designed to reduce the impact of bumps and even some decent jumps. You’ll also find that this bike is very easy control. With this bike you’ll have exceptional functionality, for a very low price point.
KEY FEATURES:
- Aluminum suspension frame maximizes comfort & performance
- Element suspension fork smooths the bumps and increases control
- 21 speed rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters changes gears easily
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
ANCHEER Electric Bike Electric
If you were to see this machine on the road, it’s easy to mistake it for a standard bike. But on closer inspection, you would notice that it’s hiding some high-tech features.
This is an electric bike with a 350-watt motor. It’s all-electric, allowing you to bike anywhere without gas or fumes. It’s pretty flexible, too. You can use the electric system to get up to 40 miles per charge. Or, you can ride it like a normal bike and use the electronics to get a boost every once in a while!
Key Features:
- 350-watt motor
- Up to 20 MPH
- Up to 40 miles per charge
- Removable battery
- LED smart speed meter
- Versatile use
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
6. 2017 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike Shimano Acera Suntour
As a full suspension mountain bike, this Gravity FSX has a bevy of features that are perfect for the beginner mountain biker. First among these is the safety features. This bike has excellent front and rear disc brakes that will help you stop quickly, especially in emergency situations. These are also perfect for controlling your ascent or descent when you are riding on a rocky trail.
The entry-level dual suspension that is featured on this bike is perfect for loose terrain and rocky outcrops. In addition to this, this bike also features 24 speed gear shifts, which is the current maximum speed on the market today. The Shimano drive train is responsive and easy to control, even at high speeds.
KEY FEATURES:
- Strong and Durable Aluminum Frames
- Disc Brakes, Easy to Use Shimano Shifters
- Adjustable Suspension – Front and Rear!
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Sirdar S-700 Mountain Bike for Adult and Youth
Tackle any mountain trail with confidence! The Sirdar S-700 mountain bike has all the makings of a thrilling experience. The frame is built to withstand anything you throw at it. The aluminum alloy material is robust while remaining light. Meanwhile, the thick tubing provides some much-needed structural rigidity.
Even the tires are top-notch. You’re getting anti-skid and anti-explosion tires. They’re water-resistant and have built-in protection against punctures. While not indestructible, the tires can get you through rougher trails without any issues.
Key Features:
- 27 Speed Derailleur
- Aluminum alloy construction
- Front and rear brakes
- Adjustable fork
- Premium tires
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike MTB with 29-Inch Wheels
Vilano has produced some of the best trail-worthy mountain bikes in the last decade. Their Ridge 2.0 series of bikes have all of the features a beginner needs in order to get out on the trail and acquire the experience needed to become adept at mountain biking. Firstly, this is a light bike. It’s comprised of double butted aluminum that is strong enough to take the biggest hits, but only weighs about 41 pounds in totality.
The four inch suspension fork also features a lockout lever system that will allow you to easily manage terrains that would be difficult for other mountain bikes. For maximum control and stopping, this Vilano bike also features mechanical disc brakes that’ll help you stop nearly instantaneously.
Key Features:
- Hand Built Butted 6061 Alloy 29er Hard Tail Frame
- Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Suspension Fork w/ Lockout
- Double Wall Alloy Rims
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Mongoose Argus 26″ Fat Tire Bike
Mongoose, a formerly retail only brand, has now branched into the direct to consumer market. The first thing that a neophyte mountain biker might notice about this unit is the fact that this has fat tires. Fat tire bikes allow for more impact resistance and in conjunction with this bike’s excellent suspension. One of the standout features of this bike is its Shimano SLX front and rear derailleurs that offer ten speed options.
This is also a very light bike; it only weighs about 35 pounds. Mongoose utilized an alloy frame with 93mm rims with cutouts in order to cut down on overall weight. The four inch Vee Mission tires are thick and springy enough for most terrains and the disc brakes will provide excellent stopping power for this fat bike.
KEY FEATURES:
- Tectonic T2 aluminum frame provides increased strength
- Decreased weight for a more rigid and responsive ride
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
2012 Marin BRIDGEWAY 700c 19″ Single Speed Street Metro Cross Bike Bicycle New
Our final mountain bike has design accents that were clearly designed for new mountain bikers who want to own a unit that also has aesthetics in mind. It has an aluminum frame that is somewhat heavy, but also sturdy enough to take some of the big falls that sometimes come with off-trail biking. This is a great bike for general riding, but it definitely has some mountain/trail-friendly construction that’ll help you cut your teeth in the sport.
The front suspension is a Cromoly Rigid 1 1/8″ that will absorb a lot of impact and provide a smooth ride. The brakes are front forged alloy linear pull with a front power modulator, which gives you great control, especially when you need to stop suddenly.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
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