10 Best Mountain Bikes Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Mountain Bike Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

If you’re looking for the best mountain bike to start exploring the trails but have no idea which one to choose, you’ve come to the right place. There are hardtail bikes, full-suspension models, different wheel sizes to choose from, and you might also be confused as to which the best mountain bike brands are. Fortunately, we’re here to help you understand all these terms and guide you through so you can choose a bike that fits your size, skill level, riding style, as well as your budget. After having gone through quite a few mountain bike reviews, our No. 1 recommendation is the SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike. Just as the name says, it has a carbon-fiber construction, comes in several frame and wheel sizes, is equipped with the Shimano Deore RD-M6000 shifting system, and there are other features that make it our favorite choice. If unfortunately, it is not available, you might also want to take a look at the SAVADECK 700 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Mountain Bikes (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

Are you looking for an affordable mountain bike but haven’t got the slightest clue where to start searching? The thought of reading every mountain bike review out there and wasting lots of time rather than starting riding asap scares you? Fear not, as we’ve gone through countless bike models as well as reviews so you don’t have to. Check our top picks here and scroll down to our buying guide – we promise that they’ll shed some light on the matter.

 

 

1. SAVADECK DECK300 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike

 

The SAVADECK DECK300 is a hardtail mountain bike that comes with a TORAY T800 carbon fiber frame which will ensure increased resistance while staying lightweight. Even though the SR Suntour fork has only 100mm of travel, you still get enough suspension to take medium bumps like a pro, and it fits XC-style riding perfectly.

Shifting is done via the Shimano Deore RD-M6000 front and Shimano Deore RD-M6000 rear derailleurs (3×10 speeds) which offer a seamless experience even when you’re power-shifting. The Shimano MT200 disc brake system is entry-level, but it still does its job well while keeping down costs.

You can choose from different frame sizes (between 15” and 19”) as well as three wheel sizes: 26”, 27.5”, and 29”. Depending on the wheel size, the bike comes equipped with CST, Michelin or Continental tires. The Fizik saddle will take care of your bottom so you don’t get sores even after a full day on the trails.

 

Pros

This bike has a TORAY T800 carbon fiber frame that’s been designed in the wind tunnel, so each part is aerodynamically contoured while the tapered head tube offers increased torque resistance.

The SHIMANO DEORE M6000 shifting system gives you 3×10 speeds to play with, so you can climb steep hills effortlessly while still maintaining power when pedaling downhill.

All cables are routed internally which means you won’t risk snagging any while riding in thick forests and neither can you pinch them during transportation. The better look is just a bonus!

There are a few frame and wheel sizes to play with so you can choose the right ones for your riding style.

 

Cons

The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes aren’t exactly pro-level. However, they do their job and they keep the bike’s price reasonable.

The SR Suntour fork has barely 100mm of suspension travel which might disappoint some, especially riders who love going downhill at high speed.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. SAVADECK 700 Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike

 

The SAVADECK 700 has a TORAY T800 carbon fiber frame that’s strong and lightweight, helping keep the total weight at just 11.2kg or 24.69lb. You can choose from different frame sizes and you can opt for 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels. The Manitou air suspension fork ensures proper shock absorption on rough trails.

With the M8000 DEORE 2x11S derailleur system, you will enjoy both relaxing and high-intensity rides without even having to focus on shifting. The Shimano FD-M8025-H DEORE XT front and Shimano RD-M8000 DEORE XT rear derailleurs coupled with the SHIMANO DEORE XT M8000 crankset and SHIMANO DEORE XT M8000 flywheel do an awesome job at keeping everything smooth.

The Shimano BD-785 disc brake system is a strange choice for a mountain bike, but it still gets the job done. The bike also comes with a Fizik saddle and with Michelin tires for the 27.5” wheel size and Continental tires for the 29” wheel size.

 

Pros

Thanks to the TORAY T800 carbon fiber frame, this bike is lightweight, at just 11.2kg (24.69lb).

You get Deore XT shifters and derailleurs for smooth shifting, as well as a SHIMANO DEORE XT M8000 crankset and flywheel for optimum performance.

You can choose between 27.5” and 29” wheels so you get the right size for your skill level and riding style.

The Michelin or Continental tires will ensure the proper grip on off-road trails while the Fizik saddle is there to enhance comfort even on bumpy rides.

All the shifting cables are internally routed so you won’t have dirt getting inside while also enjoy a better-looking bike.

 

Cons

Given that the Shimano BD-785 disc brake system is fit for road bikes, it’s a strange choice for a mountain bike. However, it still offers decent braking power, especially when coupled with large rotors.

The price isn’t exactly the friendliest, especially for beginner riders.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Diamondback Bicycles Hook 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike

 

If you’re looking for a hardtail mountain bike that has a solid build and quality components but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, then this model from Diamondback might be just what you need. The hand-built aluminum frame has a low-slung geometry which makes it ideal for trail riding while offering superior performance.

The bike comes with the SR Suntour XCM fork which has a 120mm travel, able to take more than a few bumps and holes without you feeling them. The SRAM X3 rear derailleur combined with the 8-speed cogset offers smooth shifting, while the aluminum arm and steel chainring can take the heat even when you’re pedaling at maximum power.

The 27.5” wheels will ensure pedaling efficiency as well as better maneuverability, especially when it comes to technical trail sections where 29ers would struggle. The tires are 2.35″-wide which makes them suitable for all sorts of forest trails and dirt tracks.

 

Pros

The frame of the Diamondback Hook is made of strong aluminum, and its design is ergonomic and low-slung to ensure adequate performance in varying conditions.

The 120mm-travel SR Suntour XCM fork is more than able to handle shock absorption, and the wide 2.35” tires further improve on this.

The 27.5” wheels are right in the middle, which helps them combine maneuverability with power for smooth rides anytime.

You’d be happy to learn that the frame allows for the installation of internally routed dropper seat posts so you can boost comfort without adding unnecessary wiring that could get snagged.

 

Cons

The Tektro Aries mechanical disc brake system may not offer enough stopping power for high-speed descents on steep trails, and some may wish they were hydraulic brakes.

The 1×8-speed drivetrain might not offer the desired shifting flexibility to some riders, especially if we’re talking about disciplines such as XCO/XCM.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Mongoose Status 2.2 Mountain Bike 26″

 

The Mongoose Status 2.2 is a versatile mountain bike that sells for a reasonable price. The frame is made of aluminum alloy tubes which have been hydro-formed to make them light yet durable and able to take all the abuse you can put the bike through on thick forest trails.

The suspension fork is nothing to write home about but it does what it’s supposed to: absorb the shocks from all those bumps so you don’t have to. The rear shock is of the same quality, so you shouldn’t expect over-the-top performance. You get 21 speeds to play with, which should be enough for most trails that don’t have a high degree of difficulty.

The V-brakes offer enough stopping power unless you’re riding in thick mud or in rainy weather. The good part is that they keep the price of the bike quite low so that even less-than-fanatic riders can afford it. The 26” aluminum wheels come equipped with 2.1” tires which should provide decent grip and maneuverability.

 

Pros

You get a bike that doesn’t weigh a ton, thanks to its aluminum frame and ingenious design, and you can also count on it when the riding gets tough.

This is a bike from a renowned brand that can be purchased without breaking the bank, which is something that will surely please beginners, and not only.

The rims are made of aluminum, while the wheels come with 2.1” tires so you should be able to ride rough without a worry.

The SRAM twist shifters allow for smooth gear shifting and they’re perfectly suited for newbies. You also get 21 speeds to play with so you can negotiate most terrains easily.

 

Cons

The fork and rear shock are nothing to brag about, but on the upside, they keep the bike reasonably priced.

Some people might have wished for disc brakes rather than V-brakes, but then again, they would have added to the total price of the bike.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Diamondback Bicycles Release 3 Full Suspension Mountain Bike

 

If you’re looking for a high-end bike and you have the money to spend, then the Release 3 full suspension model from Diamondback is a great choice. The aluminum frame comes with hydroformed tubing and it’s built like a tank.

You also get the Fox 34 Performance Float fork which has 150mm of travel, so if this is not ideal for aggressive downhills, nothing is. The Fox Performance Float DPX2 rear shock adds to an already superb suspension. The Raceface Turbine Cinch crank coupled with the Shimano XT M8000 Shadow Plus 11-speed cassette gives you awesome pedaling power.

But power is nothing without control, and that’s why you’ve got a Shimano XT M8000 Shadow Plus shifter and rear derailleur, while in terms of braking power, the Shimano XT M8000 brakes with 180mmm rotors surely deliver. To top it up, you get Diamondback Blanchard 28R 27.5” rims, Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5×2.3″ EXO tires, and other goodies that should excite you.

 

Pros

The 27.5” aluminum frame looks like it can take all the beating any DH trail can give it.

The Fox 34 Performance Float fork gives you 150mm-worth of suspension and coupled with the Fox Performance Float DPX2 rear shock, you know even the steepest descents and highest bumps are no match for the bike.

Speaking of speeding downhill, you can trust the Shimano XT M8000 hydraulic brakes and 180mm rotors to help you slow down or stop at a moment’s notice and keep you safe.

The 1×11 Shimano XT M8000 11-46T drivetrain ensures you can pedal uphill effortlessly while also speeding on descents.

 

Cons

The price might turn away some. However, it’s good to know that the manufacturer has made no compromises when it comes to quality and performance.

At this level, some might have wished for 203mm rotors, at least on the front wheel, but the brakes still do their job well.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. BXT Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike 29er

 

This is a Chinese-made bike, and it sure costs a pretty penny, but don’t get fooled by its appearance. The bike is built on a T800 full-carbon-fiber frame which is lightweight yet strong and stiff. You get the RockShox JUDY TK Silver fork which will soak all bumps coming your way, with the RockShox Monarch XX finishing the job at the rear.

The bike comes with SRAM’s 12-speed GX Eagle groupset, with 11-50T on the rear and 32T on the front, which gives power and flexibility so you can conquer both steep climbs and fast descents. You get aluminum alloy 29” rims while the wheels are built with 4-bearing hubs and come equipped with Maxxis CrossMark II 2.1 tires.

Braking is handled by the SRAM Level TL hydraulic disc brakes which should offer enough power and reliability for any trails. This model also features a 31.6mmx350mm T800 carbon fiber seat post and 31.8mmx660mm carbon fiber MTB handlebars, as well as an aluminum 7-degree-rise stem.

 

Pros

Although you pay quite a hefty sum for this bike, you get a carbon fiber frame, carbon fiber seat post and handlebars, as well as other sturdy components which are more than up for the job of taking all the punishment trails can throw at them.

The SRAM 12-speed GX Eagle groupset offers a wide range you can use for efficient climbing as well as fast downhill action, with 32T on the front and 11-50T on the rear.

The 29” wheels can give you an edge in competitions while the Maxxis CrossMark II 2.1 tires are just what you need to stay in control and make sharp turns without taking any chances.

 

Cons

Some parts might seem to be lower-level than some would expect from a bike that isn’t exactly cheap by any standards.

The brakes are also below the level one would expect, even for an XC-optimized bike.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Mountain Bike

 

In case you’re trying to find a hardtail 29er that doesn’t have you spending a large amount of money, then you can stop looking, as the Tommaso Gran Sasso is just what you need. This model comes with an aluminum alloy frame that’s both strong and sleek-looking. The 100mm Suntour SF15-XCM fork is decent enough to absorb bumps from dirt roads or rocky terrain.

The 680mm handlebar gives you fine control over even small movements without bothering you on narrow forest trails. The 29” wheels are built with Mingda alloy rims which are strong yet not too heavy. The Kenda K-1104A 29×2.1 tires offer a mix of reliability and traction that will help you conquer most off-road tracks.

The drivetrain is composed of entry-level Shimano Altus and Acera derailleurs, an 8-speed Shimano Altus 11-32T cassette, a Shimano Altus Triple 22/32/42T crankset, and a KMC Z-72 chain. These specs aren’t brilliant, but then again, would you want to fork over several hundred dollars more for higher-end components?

 

Pros

This 29er comes with a sleek aluminum alloy frame, with a 31.6mm-wide Tommaso aluminum seat post, a 110mm Zoom D507A stem, and a 680mm Zoom 320BTFOV handlebar, which should offer the right mix of lightness and strength.

You get 3×8 speeds to play with, which should suffice for most entry-to-mid-level trails. The RapidFire Shimano Acera shifters offer speedy shifting without much fuss.

This bike also comes with Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes which should be able to offer enough stopping power so you can ride without a worry.

The Kenda K-1104A 29×2.1 tires are grippy enough for adequate trail control while also being decent on paved roads.

 

Cons

The Suntour SF15-XCM fork has just 100mm of travel, which may disappoint hardcore riders.

The drivetrain and shifters are Shimano Acera and Altus components, which are entry-level. However, they manage to keep the total price down.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Mongoose 27.5″ R4054WMC Ledge 2.1 Men’s Bike

 

The Mongoose 27.5″ Ledge 2.1 is an inexpensive mountain bike that has decent components, especially if we consider the low price. You get both front and rear suspension which will help you navigate through bumps and rocky paths with ease. The aluminum frame looks sturdy enough and it comes in a modern design that’s sure to please the eye.

You get 3×7 speeds that you can use, which is not that great, but then again, this is a full-suspension bike that’s dirt cheap. The shifters are Shimano-made and they’re the twist-type, which should work just fine for beginners. The V-brakes are nothing to brag about, but they do what they’re supposed to: help you stop/slow down the bike and keep you safe.

If this bike doesn’t shine when it comes to the quality of its components, its really low price does make it a great choice for people just starting out, especially given that it’s made by Mongoose and not just a no-name company.

 

Pros

This bike has a modern design, and the aluminum frame is actually better-looking than what you’d expect in this price range.

You get a full-suspension model without breaking the bank, so you can enjoy the outdoors and allow your body and mind to relax.

The drivetrain is Shimano-made so you can enjoy smooth pedaling and shifting.

The 27.5” wheels offer pedaling efficiency both on and off-road, and the rims are made of aluminum, so they’re light enough yet sturdy.

The V-brakes offer reliable braking and they’re easy to maintain, a thing which cannot be said about modern hydraulic brakes.

 

Cons

None of the components are top-notch and some are below what some might consider entry-level. However, you actually get more than what you pay for, considering the really low price.

The 21 speeds may not work well on difficult terrain, and especially on steep climbs.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Tommaso Masso 27.5 Wide Tires Mountain Bike

 

The Tommaso Masso comes in the new size standard of 650B+ or 27.5+. If you’re wondering what that is, it’s actually a new size which stands between 27.5 and 29. The hardtail frame is made of aluminum alloy and it allows you to route all the cables through it. The SR Suntour XCM 650B+ fork has 100mm of travel and it’s ideal for what the name says: XCO and XCM.

The brakes are ensured by the Shimano M315 hydraulic disc system. Shifting is done via the Shimano Deore M6000 shifters. The bike also comes with a Shimano Deore M6000 SGS rear derailleur. You get the Shimano SLX M7000 32T crankset and the Shimano Deore HG500 11-42 10-speed cassette, which should work just wonders for XC tracks.

Some extra goodies include a KMC X10 chain, as well as the Mingda DK 27.5″ (650B) wheels. The frame can also take 650B+ and 29er wheels.

 

Pros

With this model, you get a versatile aluminum frame that accepts 27.5 (650B), 650B+, as well as and 29er wheels, so you can customize your ride later on to suit your body size and riding style.

The SR Suntour XCM fork offers 100mm-worth of suspension which should be enough for trail riding unless you’re too much into DH.

The Shimano Deore 32T crankset and Deore 11-42 10-speed cassette offer more-than-decent performance for effective and comfortable climbing and negotiating technical trails.

You get CST Patrol 27.5″ x 2.8″ tires on the wheels so you won’t have trouble getting past rocks and tree roots on even some of the most difficult tracks.

 

Cons

At this level, some would probably wish the brakes were at least Deore-level.

Given that you only have 1X10 speeds, the bike is highly specialized for XC but wouldn’t be exactly suited to other activities.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Merax 26″ Aluminum 24-Speed Mountain Bike

 

This is yet another inexpensive mountain bike that rides just as good as it looks. The frame is quite light, made of heat-treated aluminum. The design is quite modern and ergonomic too, so you should have no trouble enjoying your rides. The suspension fork has just 80mm of travel, but then it is probably a bonus considering the low price of the bike.

You get mechanical brakes which, while not top-quality, can ensure decent braking. They sure are better than V-brakes but expect to fiddle with them more than you would with hydraulic brakes. The Shimano EF500 3×8 shifters (they have brake levers incorporated) offer smooth-enough shifting, and so do the Shimano RD-TY300 rear and Shimano FD-TY300 front derailleurs.

With the 42/34/24 crank and 8-speed cogset, you should be able to climb steep inclines and go downhill while pedaling without difficulties. This rig can support 330 pounds, so it’s suited for all but the heaviest people.

 

Pros

The pedals are made of aluminum so there’s no plastic that can break to worry about. Just make sure that you don’t hit your shins with them as it can hurt quite a lot.

The unit comes with an 80mm fork which should make a difference on bumpy terrain.

The frame is made of aluminum and has a modern design that’s sure to be an eye-pleaser while also being easy to ride.

The model comes with 26” wheels which, while not in line with modern trends, offer a good mix of rolling efficiency and maneuverability, and they should handle quite well on technical trails, especially since they’re coupled with some decent Kenda tires.

The frame size is 17” so it should be a great choice for medium-sized people. Just make sure it’s not too small/large for you (that’s what size charts are for).

 

Cons

The mechanical brakes could have probably been better, but then again a mid-level system would have added at least 50 bucks to the total price.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Are you looking for the best mountain bikes but don’t know much about these to be certain that you’ll make the right choice? The good news is that you can read this short buying guide and get an idea about what you might need and that without having to spend days reading mountain bikes reviews.

Hardtail or full-suspension?

When it comes to frames, you have two choices: hardtail or full-suspension. The former means that the frame has no rear suspension and most of the shock absorption is handled by the fork and tires. Full-suspension bikes have a rear shock, in addition to the front fork, so they are better able to handle bumps and rocky terrain while keeping you comfortable.

However, a full-suspension rig is not exactly ideal if you’re looking for a cheap mountain bike, as you might easily have to spend $700-800 and above for a decent build. Hardtails have their advantages, as they are lighter, and they are better suited for efficient pedaling (and some types of competitions) since there’s no rear shock to absorb some of the pedaling force.

 

Choosing the right frame and wheel size

When it comes to bike sizes, we can talk about 3 main types – 26”, 27.5”, and 29” – with two, newer standards – 650B+(27.5+”) and 29+. These refer to the wheel diameter, but also to the frame size, as most frames only accept one or two sizes, so if you’ve got a 26-inch frame, you’re only going to be able to fit 26-inch wheels on it.

26” is quite an old standard and there are fewer such bikes being made today, unless we are talking about countries in the developing world and Asia, in general. Most mountain bike brands nowadays only offer 27.5” and 29er models. Given the larger diameter of the wheels, pedaling efficiency is greater, even though some maneuverability is lost, compared to 26” bikes.

However, 26” models are still ideal for children, teenagers, and smaller people in general. Some womens mountain bike models also have 26” wheels, considering the fact that in general, women do tend to be smaller than men.

Shifting and brake systems

When it comes to drivetrains and shifting systems, we can talk about single speed mountain bike models and multiple-speed ones. The single-speed variant is quite uncommon in mountain bikes, as it lacks the flexibility of multiple speeds, and you’d have to be a hardcore rider with thighs of steel to be able to climb steep hills.

When it comes to multiple-speed models, things start at 3×7 and 3×8 for cheap mountain bikes and get to 3×11 for higher-end bikes. There are also 1X12 mountain bikes, but these are usually reserved for competitions such as XC (cross-country), and they’re pretty expensive for the average rider.

As for brake systems, we have the old V-brakes which are usually found in cheap or old bikes and disc brakes. The latter are further divided into mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes. The former rely on tension cables to actuate the calipers and the pads. Hydraulic brakes rely on special brake fluid that travels to the pistons and pushed them through pressure.

If you’re looking for affordable mountain bikes, chances are you’ll see more mechanical disc brakes than hydraulic ones, but then again, some manufacturers managed to squeeze in some entry-level hydraulic brakes, such as the Shimano M200 or M315, which work just fine.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Should I buy a hardtail or a full-suspension mountain bike?

It depends on what you’re planning to do with the bike. If you love riding both on paved roads and off-road trails, then perhaps a hardtail model would be a better choice. That is because these usually come with forks that have a shorter travel distance (100mm or so), and there’s no rear shock to lower pedaling efficiency.

You won’t be the king of the trail with this rig, but you’ll be able to pedal quite well on roads. However, if off-road is your thing, then there’s no real discussion as to which one you should choose, as a full-suspension bike is what you need. That’s unless you’re into XC, as here, some riders prefer to sacrifice some comfort in order to gain some pedaling efficiency.

If we’re talking about DH (Downhill mountain biking), then you definitely need to think of a bike that comes with some monster of a front fork and rear shock. Be prepared to spend quite a lot of money, though.

Q: 26” vs. 27.5” vs. 29”: How do I choose the right mountain bike?

These numbers actually represent the diameter of the wheels, but they also refer to the frame size, as most frames can only take one type of wheel size. 26-inch bikes are quite an old standard, and they’ve been losing popularity for more than 10 years. They’re still the cheapest alternatives, and quite suited to beginners, but they’re getting harder to find.

27.5” bikes are the sweet spot between 26” and 29ers. They have good rolling efficiency so you can pedal in any kind of terrain while still retaining good control over the bike. However, things change when we’re talking about 29ers. These offer greater speed, but sacrifice maneuverability, especially when it comes to cornering and negotiating technical trails.

Most people are satisfied with 27.5” bikes, but larger people, with decent skills and fitness level, might actually enjoy a 29er. There are also two other sizes that are still quite new to the market – namely 650B+ (27.5+) and 29+.

 

Q: How much does a mountain bike cost?

Prices for mountain bikes range wildly from just a couple of bucks up to 3-4 grand or even more. Depending on what you’re planning to do with the bike, you could be looking at either a small investment or putting a serious dent into your budget.

If you’re just starting out and aren’t even sure you’re going to stick to mountain biking, then finding a bike that costs just a couple of hundred dollars is what you need to do. Just don’t expect hydraulic (or even mechanical) disc brakes, and many components will be from third-party no-name brands.

However, once you start talking about full XT components, high-end forks and shocks, carbon fiber frames, and similar stuff, you’re easily looking at a minimum of $3000 worth of investment. If you’re training and planning on getting into competitions, be prepared to spend even more than that (or at least find some decent sponsorship).