Best Mountain Bikes Under $1,000

Not everyone needs a high-end mountain bike that breaks the bank. If you are new to the sport, ride infrequently, or prefer easier trails with few major obstacles, cheaper bikes offer plenty of performance. Following a significant industry shift in wheel sizes, most budget bikes share a common formula: 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels, suspension up front, and an aluminum frame. The good news is that there are plenty of suitable options in the sub-$1,000 price range, and below are our favorites for 2023. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.
 

1. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 ($999)

Suspension: 120mm (front)
Tires: 27.5 x 2.4 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 2 x 9
What we like: Great price, decent off-road abilities, and convenient REI warranty.
What we don’t: Somewhat dated 2X drivetrain.

REI’s Co-op Cycles (formerly Novara) offers a pretty complete lineup of hardtail mountain bikes with wallet-friendly prices and good feature sets. Sneaking just under our $1,000 cap is the brand’s versatile DRT 1.2. This bike is a great option for beginner- and intermediate-level riders with stable and grippy 2.4-inch-wide tires, thru-axles for added stiffness, and a solid 120 millimeters of front suspension (20mm more than most options on this list). And for those that spend time on smooth gravel roads or bike paths, a lockout on the fork is a nice touch. Adding to the value equation, the DRT 1.2 includes premium features like internal cable routing for a clean look, plus it’s set up to accommodate a dropper post (not included, but you can add one later on).

At over 32 pounds, the DRT 1.2 isn’t as nimble or speedy as some of the more XC-focused models on this list (including the Specialized Rockhopper below). In addition, the 2 x 9 drivetrain is fairly dated—many new models have dropped the front derailleur in favor of a lighter and simpler 1X setup—but the Shimano design shifts smoothly and has a sufficiently wide range for tackling hilly terrain. Overall, it’s not a particularly fast or twitchy bike, but it checks the right boxes as a first “real” mountain bike for light trail use, and it doesn’t hurt that the DRT comes with the security of REI’s excellent warranty. For a truly entry-level option, see their $599 DRT 1.1 below.
See the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2

2. Cannondale Trail 5 ($960)

Suspension: 100mm (front)
Tires: 29 x 2.25 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 1 x 10
What we like: Fairly modern geometry and mixed wheel sizes for smaller riders.
What we don't: Uncomfortable in rough terrain.

The big recent news from Cannondale is their growing e-bike collection, but there’s a lot to like with their budget-friendly Trail line. The “5” comes in at $960 and has been recently modernized with a longer and slacker geometry. Outfitted with a 1 x 10 Microshift drivetrain, trusty hydraulic disc brakes, and sharp looks—internal cable routing keeps things clean—and you have a strong all-around machine. Additionally, the size small and extra-small frames come with 27.5-inch wheels rather than 29-inch wheels, making the Trail 5 a viable option for shorter riders. It’s not as planted as the DRT 1.2 above (or San Quentin below), but the Trail 5 is a good option for recreational riders or those just starting out.

At its full $960 MSRP, the Trail 5 is a direct competitor to the popular Giant Talon below. Both pack similar component groups and aren’t too far off from a geometry perspective either. It’s a very close call between the two, but the Cannondale gets the edge in gear range (a plus for steeper climbs) and availability (Cannondale is sold through REI, while Giant is more hit and miss nationwide), and price (the Trail is discounted by 20% at the time of publishing). But realistically, both are solid values and fine options at this price point... Read in-depth review
See the Cannondale Trail 5  See the Women's Cannondale Trail 5

3. Marin San Quentin 1 ($999)

Suspension: 130mm (front)
Tires: 27.5 x 2.6 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 1 x 9
What we like: Aggressive, trail-ready design at a great price.
What we don’t: Not a strong climber; may be too slack for a beginner tackling mostly rolling terrain.

Most mountain bikes under $1,000 have pretty conservative designs that are primarily focused on mixed on- and off-road use. But Marin’s San Quentin breaks from the mold with an aggressive build and geometry that’s reminiscent of a bike costing two or three times as much. The standout feature is its very slack 64-degree head angle, which makes it easily the most comfortable bike on this list for descending steep trails. Combined with meaty 2.6-inch-wide tires, wide handlebars that improve control, front thru-axle, and a front suspension fork with 130 millimeters of squish, and you have the blueprint for a capable yet affordable hardtail.

What’s pushes the San Quentin a little down our rankings? The primary culprit is its climbing ability. The slacker geometry and wide tires make it less comfortable for pedal-heavy stretches, and the bike can feel pretty long as you’re climbing up steep sections. Plus, the aggressive setup takes away a little of the fast and twitchy feel that many like in a hardtail on rolling terrain. All that said, if you’re looking for a longer-term investment that won’t hold you back on rowdy terrain, the burly San Quentin is well worth a look.
See the Marin San Quentin 1

4. Giant Talon 1 ($900)

Suspension: 80 or 100mm (front)
Tires: 29 x 2.4 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 1 x 10
What we like: Clean looks and impressive drivetrain.
What we don't: Slightly outdated geometry; limited suspension.

As with Co-op Cycles, we’ve found that Giant consistently produces quality bikes at very competitive prices, and their Talon 1 is a strong example. To start, the Talon features a Shimano Deore 1 x 10 drivetrain—something few bikes are able to accomplish at under $1,000. And finding quality tires on such an affordable bike is a struggle, but the Talon features the versatile Kenda Booster in a wide, 2.4-inch setup (one downside is that they are not tubeless-compatible). Tack on an air-sprung 100-millimeter travel fork (80mm in smaller sizes) and hydraulic disc brakes from Tektro, and the Giant Talon 1 has a strong appeal for aspiring XC riders on a budget.

Why do we rank the Talon below the DRT? Simply put, the Co-op Cycles design offers just enough performance upgrades. The DRT 1.2 includes thru-axles for better downhill stability, plus it has a longer travel fork (120mm vs. 100mm) and more aggressive tires. For those that dabble in more technical terrain, these are functional add-ons that we think are worth it. On the other hand, as a daily XC driver, the Talon 1 is a very solid option that’s well-equipped for the price.
See the Giant Talon 1  See the Women's Liv Tempt 1

5. Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29 ($950)

Suspension: 90 or 100mm (front)
Tires: 29 x 2.35 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 1 x 9
What we like: Excels on XC terrain; versatile and reasonably lightweight.
What we don’t: Less capable on rocky and root-filled trails.

Specialized has a stellar reputation in the biking world, with a full catalog of high-end downhill, enduro, and race-oriented XC models. Their legendary Rockhopper line of hardtail bikes ranges in price from $600 to over $1,000, and at the mid-range is the $950 Comp 29. This bike has the high-level build quality and well-executed design that we expect from Specialized, with clean lines and a comfortable geometry. Its 90 or 100 millimeters of travel (depending on the frame size) and fast-rolling 2.35-inch tires are tuned for moderate XC trails and covering ground quickly, but the Rockhopper’s large 29-inch wheels and hydraulic brakes give it decent all-around capabilities.

If you plan to stick to mostly smooth trails and rolling hills, the Rockhopper Comp is a fine choice. But its 9-millimeter quick-release axles mean that it’s lacking in stiffness if the terrain gets more technical. In addition, its coil front fork is a downgrade in adjustability and refinement compared with the air-sprung design that comes with the Giant above. To be fair, these downsides apply mostly to more challenging trail networks, which none of the bikes on our list will truly excel at. And given that the Rockhopper is a classic and proven design, we think it’s a great XC choice if your local terrain isn’t very aggressive.
See the Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29

6. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 ($599)

Suspension: 100mm (front)
Tires: 27.5 x 2.1 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 3 x 7
What we like: Surprisingly good build for the price.
What we don't: Heavy and ponderous on the trail.

Stepping down in price and performance from the DRT 1.2 above is Co-op Cycle’s entry-level DRT 1.1. This simple bike is nicely tuned for gravel paths and light trail work with a 3 x 7 Shimano drivetrain and a Suntour front fork. The components are a notable downgrade from our top picks, but the bike has a sturdy feel overall that you don’t expect for the price. And nice touches like hydraulic disc brakes and a total of five size options for dialing in the fit make it a standout value at under $600. It helps that availability has been good lately, with two colors and the full range of sizes in stock at the time of publishing.

Considering the cost, it’s not surprising there are a fair number of compromises with the DRT 1.1. First off, you get narrow and fairly cheap tires, which will be out of sorts on wet and slippery trails. In addition, the Suntour coil fork isn’t very adjustable or refined in general. Another thing that sticks out is the sheer heft of the bike—cheap components are very heavy, and they contribute to a sluggish personality. That said, the DRT 1.1 covers the basics for casual riders that want a dependable bike from an established brand.
See the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1

 7. Diamondback Line 27.5 ($799)

Suspension: 120mm (front)
Tires: 27.5 x 2.35 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 1 x 9
What we like: Tough build and comfortable, wide handlebars.
What we don’t: We miss the old version, which had a more aggressive design.

The Diamondback Line 27.5 is spec’d to impress, with a modern design that’s comfortable in the steeps. We particularly like the bike’s sturdy aluminum frame that’s built to take a beating, and the inclusion of wide, 750-millimeter bars help get you into a comfortable position for both climbing and descending. Tack on a 120-millimeter Suntour fork, hydraulic brakes from Shimano, and even a chain guide to keep you from dropping it in rough sections, and the Line has a strong appeal for aspiring aggressive riders on a budget.

The Line recently took a drop in our rankings, however, because of a couple significant downgrades to the build. For one, Diamondback ditched the stiff thru-axle that we loved on the old version and replaced it with less burly, quick-release hubs. Further, the Vee brand tires can’t match the overall quality and grip from the aggressive WTB rubber on the previous bike. Finally, while the omission of a front derailleur is commonplace for lightweight designs, we think it’s a bit of a stretch here: The 1 x 9 drivetrain requires decent fitness, and its gear ratio is too small. As an all-around trail bike or for cross-country use, we still give the edge to alternatives like the Giant Talon or Co-op Cycles 1.2 above, but the Diamondback Line offers a compelling mix of toughness and price.
See the Diamondback Line 27.5

8. Trek Marlin 5 ($740)

Suspension: 80mm - 100mm (front)
Tires: 29 x 2.2 in. (medium frame)
Gears: 2 x 8
What we like: Versatile feature set for XC riding, bike paths, and commuting.
What we don't: Not very trail-worthy.

With its sleek-looking frame and clean internal cable routing, we think Trek’s Marlin 5 is one of the better-looking cheap bikes here. And while appearances can only get you so far, Trek backed up the bike’s good looks with a number of worthy features. If you use your rig for commuting or touring, the Marlin 5 features rear rack mounts—an uncommon sight among mountain bikes. Plus the Marlin 5 comes in eight different frame sizes (ranging from 26-in. to 29-in. wheel sizes), the smallest three including curved top tubes for a lower standover height and short-reach brake levers, which may appeal to smaller riders. And for 2022, Trek updated to a more modern 2 x 8 Shimano drivetrain. Add it all up, and the Trek Marlin 5 makes for a great mixed-use trail bike or burly commuter.

What do you give up with the budget-friendly Marlin 5? Despite its simple and XC-inspired design, the entry-level build makes it a pretty slow and lazy climber. Additionally, it’s the least comfortable option here on rocky and rooty terrain. You’ll feel the impacts more, and its small 5-millimeter hubs aren’t exactly confidence inspiring (the other options here are 9mm or larger). All told, the Marlin 5 is great for gravel paths and adventurous commutes, but you’ll need to stretch the budget a little more to get something truly trail-worthy.
See the Trek Marlin 5  See the Women's Trek Marlin 5

Mountain Bike Comparison Table

Mountain Bike Buying Advice

• Mountain Bike Frame Materials
• Mountain Bike Suspension
• Wheel Size: 27.5 vs. 29er
• Weight
• Drivetrain and Gears
• Brakes
• Unisex vs. Women's-Specific Mountain Bikes
• What About Fat Bikes?
• What Do You Get by Spending More?
• Buying a Mountain Bike Online
• Are Used Mountain Bikes Worth It?
   

Mountain Bike Frame Materials

In the sub-$1,000 price range, there isn’t a lot of variety in frame materials, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. All of the bikes on our list use aluminum, and the reasons are pretty simple: It’s lightweight, affordable, and fairly easy to manufacture. From a performance standpoint, a well-made aluminum bike like the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 is stiff enough to withstand rough trails and plenty durable to avoid significant damage in an average crash. Compromises in aluminum include ride quality—that stiffness comes with a slightly harsher feel and less bump absorption—and longevity. The welds required to put together an aluminum frame can crack over time, and the material itself fatigues faster than alternatives like steel and carbon fiber (although many aluminum frames last a decade or more).

Steel is another reasonably affordable frame material that’s well known for its strength and toughness. Compared with aluminum, steel bikes are even longer-lasting and better-equipped to withstand years of rough use. But it comes with a weight penalty and less of a playful and nimble feel, which is why you rarely see it on a budget-oriented mountain bike. Finally, carbon fiber is a common choice among premium bikes and comes with benefits like less weight—typically about a pound less than an equivalent aluminum frame—a cleaner look with no welds, and smoother ride quality. That said, it’s substantially more expensive to manufacture, so you won’t find any options at this low price point (expect to pay $4,000 or more for carbon).

Mountain Bike Suspension

The vast majority of mountain bikes under $1,000 are intended for smooth trails and cross-country-style riding. As a result, their suspension layouts are very similar, with a front fork that offers between 75 and 120 millimeters of travel (a measurement of how much the shock absorbers can compress). These designs are known as “hardtails,” because they only have a front suspension and no cushioning at the rear. In general, you’ll get less travel with a cheaper model, including the $599 Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 (100mm), while spending up for the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 or Marin San Quentin 1 gets you more capabilities with a 120- or 130-millimeter fork. It’s worth noting that none of the bikes on our list will be comfortable on a technical or rock-filled descent, but if you plan to explore some moderate singletrack, we advise choosing a bike with at least 100 millimeters of travel.

If you’re eyeing a model under $1,000 that includes a rear shock (known as a “full-suspension” bike), we recommend giving it some serious thought—or consider upping your budget. There are significant compromises with adding a rear suspension at this price point, including extra weight and downgraded brakes and shifters. For the rear shock itself, the options will be limited to off-brand designs that will disappoint from a performance perspective, with relatively poor rebound control and sluggish pedaling response (not to mention concerns about longevity). As a result, we don’t include any full-suspension bikes in this article (we do, however, in our breakdown of the best mountain bikes under $2,000).

Wheel Size: 27.5 vs. 29er

The old mountain bike standard, the 26-inch wheel and tire combo, has gone from being commonplace to a rarity in only a few short years. For budget bikes, the transition started with the large 29-inch wheels and has since moved to 27.5-inch. This wholesale shift in the industry can be traced to the improvement in rollover, traction, and stability that these larger tires provide (for more, see our article on 27.5 vs. 29er mountain bikes).

For 2023, we seem to have stabilized with a mix of 29 and 27.5, and 27.5+ options. Far and away, the most popular choices are the 29 and 27.5-inch bikes, which are a good setup for uphill and downhill fun. The 29er will offer slightly better performance, although you'll want to be sure to keep weight in check. And the same bike with 27.5-inch wheels will be a little easier to turn quickly without giving up too much in terms of rollover ability. Smaller riders may prefer the fit of the 27.5-inch design, and the opposite goes for tall folks on a 29er. As long as you get a proper size, we think both styles are a great match at this $1,000 price point.

Weight

If you’re wanting a nimble and lightweight bike for under $1,000, we recommend keeping it simple: an aluminum frame, front suspension fork, and 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. The closer you get to $1,000 with this setup, the lighter weight and more responsive the bike will be. On average, these aluminum hardtails will hover around the 30-pound mark. As long as your expectations are reasonable (don’t expect a twitchy, feathery light carbon race bike experience), you can have a whole lot of fun with a mid-range hardtail.

If you’re trying to pin down an exact weight to compare bikes like-for-like, we’re here to warn you it can be a challenge. Some manufacturers don’t list the information at all, while others will provide a weight but few other details—such as what frame size is being weighed or whether or not pedals are on the bike. REI Co-op does provide a median weight for some bikes in their online specs, but it’s still not consistently reported to really use as a basis for comparison. It’s important to understand that within a narrow price range like $800 to $1,000, bikes with similar frame designs, suspension, and components will not vary by more than a couple pounds.

As the price goes down, the weight of the bike inevitably will go up. Everything from the crankset and drivetrain to handlebar and seat post gets heavier. And if you elect for a full-suspension bike at this price point, you can expect a pretty hefty bike. While it will undoubtedly be lighter than a bike made 5 to 10 years ago, the rear shock and linkage all add precious pounds to the bottom line (yet another reason we don't include any full-suspension designs on this list).
 

Drivetrain and Gears

At first glance, it may appear that having more gears is a good thing—27 is better than 20, right? But that 27-gear (3 in the front, 9 in the rear) ride is actually far less intuitive to use. On the trail, you need crisp shifts to react to ascents and descents, and swapping from the big to small chain ring in the front is a real time killer—not to mention a lot of excess weight and complexity. If you can find a 1 x 10 or 2 x 9 bike for under $1,000, that’s a good fit for all-mountain riding.

The occasional budget bike will have a 1X drivetrain with 8 or 9 gears, which is certainly functional for a lot of uses. But that few gears, even with a decently large spread, won’t cut it for longer rides with reasonably steep climbs and descents. In those cases, we prefer a 2 x 9 for more versatility. Eventually, we will kiss the front derailleur goodbye (like we already have at the mid- and high-ends of the market), but we predict that technology is still a little ways off to completely take over the sub-$1,000 bike market.

Brakes

One of the most notable improvements for bikes in the sub-$1,000 price range in recent years is the inclusion of disc brakes. As technology has trickled down from more high-level products and manufacturing processes have been simplified, mechanically-operated rim brakes are becoming a thing of the past. Disc brakes offer considerably more stopping power, which is especially important when riding in muddy and wet conditions. There’s nothing worse than grabbing a handful of brake on technical singletrack only to find yourself squealing to a slow stop. But this isn’t just handy for those “oh crap” situations—in general, disc brakes require less effort to use, allowing riders to focus on the trail ahead instead of the brakes themselves. You’ll still find rim brakes on some cheap hardtails, but Co-op Cycles $599 DRT 1.1 proves decent quality disc brakes can come standard on even the most budget models.
 

Unisex vs. Women’s-Specific Mountain Bikes

Most budget-oriented mountain bikes are made in a unisex style, while some include a women’s-specific variation. Common changes include a tweaked frame design with a lower standover height, which makes it easier for those with shorter inseams to mount and dismount. In addition, you’ll find women’s-specific saddles, narrower bars, and sometimes smaller-diameter grips. And finally, colorways will differ, and the frame size options will typically be on the small end of the spectrum. From a performance standpoint, they’ll share all the major components and general on-trail feel with the unisex version—at much higher price points you’ll find more advanced changes like retuned suspensions—but the tweaks to the fit and geometry can be a benefit for some female riders.
 

What About Fat Bikes?

When they were released to the mass market, few could have predicted the rise of the super wide tire bike. At a time when your typical mountain bike tire was around 2 inches wide, these 4- to 5-inch wide balloons looked downright hilarious. What was even more surprising was how fun the bikes were on the trail. The large tires had seemingly endless amounts of grip and absorbed rough trails with ease. Further, they opened up snowy paths for year-round fun, which has made them extremely popular throughout the country, and in the Midwest in particular.

If you’re looking for a casual mountain bike to ride around on occasion and aren’t interested in the absolute fastest thing around, a fat bike is a fun option. But as our only mountain bike, we’re less inclined to say it’s the be-all and end-all answer. The large tires are heavy and dampen some of the enjoyment we get when charging down a stretch of singletrack on a more nimble bike, and it’s the same story lugging a fat bike up a long climb. But fat bikes are unmatched whenever extra flotation or grip is the priority, and particularly when the terrain isn’t too steep.
 

What Do You Get by Spending More?

As a first bike or if you’re unsure about how committed you are to the sport, an option under $1,000 makes a whole lot of sense. But if you’re thinking about making a long-term purchase or live in an area that is low on smooth and easy trails—such as the rocky, muddy, and root-filled Pacific Northwest—it may be worth stretching the budget a little to get a more capable steed.

As we cover in our mountain bikes under $2,000 review, spending that extra $500 to $1,000 does bring a good bump in quality and performance. For one, you get a much wider selection of full-suspension bikes, which are great for tackling technical terrain at speed. Additionally, weight is less of an issue, although you still aren’t seeing anything made with lightweight carbon fiber just yet. And finally, all components are of a higher quality, which translates to not just increased trail performance but also durability and lifespan. For a wider look at the market, see our article on how much to spend on a mountain bike.
 

Buying a Mountain Bike Online

If you’ve been paying attention to the bike industry for the last few years, you’ll have noticed a shift in how bikes are being sold. Many big mountain bike brands like Diamondback, Trek, and Giant now offer online checkout options, and large retailers like REI and Backcountry provide similar services for myriad other brands. While we love the idea of buying a bike online for its low-pressure atmosphere and convenience, we think it’s important to consider a number of factors first. For example: does the bike come assembled? Will I have to pay an oversize shipping fee? What happens if something is broken? And most importantly: how do I know if the bike fits me?

One of the first hurdles to buying online is getting the correct size. While nothing beats throwing a leg over a bike in person, companies almost always provide a size chart online that can be pretty reliable for nailing the right fit. Competitive Cyclist takes it one step further with their online fit calculator, which can be an invaluable resource. And if you currently own a bike, take note of how it fits and use that information for your next purchase. All told, the resources are there for you to get a well-sized bike without “trying it on.”

Once you receive the bike on your doorstep, it will require some assembly out of the box. The majority of companies include a few basic tools, but you still need a fair bit of skill and knowledge to safely put your new toy together. If DIY isn’t your forté, many bike shops offer build services, and online programs like Diamondback’s Ready Ride provide stellar customer service and tutorials. And at the other end of the spectrum are companies like REI, which allow you to purchase online and pick up in-store—this may be the best of both worlds as you can ensure a proper fit before taking the bike home. All in all, buying online is not as nerve-wracking as it might seem—just make sure you take the time to do the research, find the right fit, and finally, hedge your bets by purchasing from a reputable retailer with a good return policy.
 

Are Used Mountain Bikes Worth It?

During the research process, there’s a very good chance you’ll consider and possibly start looking into purchasing a used bike. The benefits are fairly clear: Like a car, bikes start losing their value almost immediately, so you can save a good amount of money going this route (or get better components for the same price as new). In addition, shopping used cuts down on waste, and there are a number of ways to safeguard your purchase. The simplest is buying a former rental fleet model from a local shop. This gets you the assurance that the bike has been professionally maintained and serviced, and you’ll have a good idea of its history. It’s true rental bikes can be subjected to rough treatment, but you’ll often get a warranty with your purchase, as well as the comfort in knowing you can go back into the shop if questions or issues come up.

If you’re searching online marketplaces like Craigslist, Pinkbike’s BuySell, or Facebook, there are some important things to consider. First, we advise choosing a relatively new bike to maximize lifespan (aluminum frames fatigue over time) and ensure you get modern components like disc brakes and updated geometry. In addition, it’s best to look at the bike in-person to avoid purchasing an unmaintained money pit. If you’re mechanically inclined and familiar with bikes, you can check the frame for cracks and verify the condition of components like the drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and tires. These are very important to inspect as a cracked frame will make the bike unrideable, and replacing items like a front suspension fork can cost hundreds of dollars. If you’re uncomfortable giving this final check, most repair shops will take a look for a nominal fee. In the end, buying used involves a number of extra considerations, but if you’re willing to put in the effort and take on some risk, it’s a nice way to save.
Back to Our Top Mountain Bike Picks  Back to Our Mountain Bike Comparison Table