If adventure runs through your blood and you’re interested in riding over rough, rocky mountainous terrains, a mountain bike is a perfect choice for you. As a beginner, however, you might not want to spend a hefty amount of money for your new purchase. The good news is that many manufacturers have introduced sophisticated bikes of the best quality, that too under $150.  But finding a suitable mountain bike under the said budget can be quite tedious since there’s a bewildering array option in the market. Today, we’ll take a look at the best mountain bike under $150 in ​​2020 to make the choice easier for you.

#1 Pacific Women’s Stratus Mountain Bike

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing and versatile bike under $150, Pacific Women’s Stratus mountain bike is the perfect option for you. Not only does it cost less but the bike has been designed or keeping an array of different terrains in mind – a low stand geometrical steel frame offers a great degree of control while the large 26-inch tires offer greater stability and traction under all conditions.

Moreover, the 1-piece mountain crank offers a wide range of gears and the 15-speed drive shifter and rear derailleur drive train allows for quick and easy shifting. For optimum stopping power, steel caliper brakes are also included in Pacific Straus so that your safety is not compromised.

Pros

• Great value for money
• Durable steel frame
• Wide gear range
• Easy shifting

Cons

• No water bottle holder

#3 Roadmaster Granite Peak Men’s Mountain Bike

Roadmaster Granite Peak Mountain Bike is truly an all-rounder. From the frame design to the quality of components featured in the bike, Roadmaster Granite Peak has everything you need for an enjoyable and memorable mountain biking experience whenever you go on the trail or road. The steel frame has a sleek geometry which makes it easier to handle and navigate the bike. Moreover,  the front fork suspensions minimize the impact of bumps and shocks to make the ride smoother as you traverse on rough and technical terrains.

Roadmaster Granite Peak Men’s MTB incorporates 18-speed SRAM twist shifters with Shimano rear derailleurs for smooth shifting on all kinds of terrain. A 3-piece crankset is also included for greater durability and better performance. Also, the adjustable seat post and 26” knobby tires add to the riding comfortability.

Pros

• Strong steel frame
• 18-speed SRAM for better control
• The seat can be adjusted
• Suitable for riders with a height between 5'4 to 6'2 inches

Cons

• None identified

#4 Huffy Women's Trail Runner Mountain Bike

Another great mountain bike under the price tag of $150 is Huffy’s Trail Runner Mountain Bike for Women. The best thing about this bike is that although it costs less, it’s equipped with some of the best features you would want in a mountain bike. The dual suspension frame is made of steel which makes the bike super strong and durable. Moreover, the classic combination of front and rear fork suspensions with Shimano derailleurs offer an exceptionally smooth ride over a variety of terrains.

As far as the speeding and gearing mechanisms are concerned, we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. You can ride Huffy Women’s Trail Runner mountain bike at 18 different speeds with great ease – all you need to do is to twist for changing gears according to the surface conditions. The linear pull brakes are not as good as hydraulic brakes. Nonetheless, they provide good braking power to ensure your safety. Also, the 3-piece crankset adds durability to the bike while the lightweight alloy rims resist corrosion to ensure that your bike lasts for many years.

Pros

• Low bar design especially for women
• Rugged Tires
• Ideal for many terrains
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Slightly heavy
• Brakes are average

#5 Dynacraft Alpine Eagle Men’s Road/Mountain Bike

Dynacraft Alpine Eagle Men’s Road and Mountain bike is constructed to support men weighing up to 275lbs. Just like its counterpart for women, Alpine Eagle Men’s 26” bike features a steel hardtail frame so that it doesn’t crumble under your weight. The bike allows you to ride on the road as well as rugged and technical terrains with 21 different speeds and with the Shimano grip shifters, shifting between different speeds is as easier as ever. Also, the gearing mechanism is analogous to a 2x drive train with its 12 versatile gears.

Talking about the brakes, Dynacraft Alpine Eagle Men’s bike features front and rear V-brakes with powerful resin levers. Also, front fork suspensions are incorporated to make your mountain biking experience as comfortable as possible. For maximum grip and traction under all road conditions, the bike has quality 26” tires. Overall, Dynacraft Alpine Eagle range is a great option for beginners looking for a mountain bike under $150.

Pros

• Strong hardtail steel frame
• Supports weight up to 275lbs
• Lifetime frame and fork warranty
• Powerful brakes and suspension system

Cons

• No water bottle holder
• Slightly heavier

#6 Mantis Orchid Full Suspension Bicycle

If you think it’s impossible to buy a full-​suspension mountain bike under $150, think again! The Mantis Orchid is a great entry-level bike and with dual suspensions, the bike has a class of its own. In fact, Mantis Orchid is a perfect choice for women wanting to set a statement. The build and features of the bike perfectly combine aspects of performance and safety to ensure a great ​riding experience on all kinds of terrains. The 17 inch steel frame is supported by 26 inch MTB tires with lightweight aluminum alloy rims and high-quality front and rear suspensions for a smoother ride on bumpy terrain. The drivetrain consists of 21-speed twist shifters and Shimano rear derailleurs which are also mounted on the frame. Furthermore, Mantis Orchid incorporates reliable front and rear brakes to ensure that you can stop whenever you need to.

Pros

• Dual suspension frame
• Stylish design
• Includes kickstand

Cons

• Brakes could be better

#7 Huffy Summit Ridge Hardtail Mountain Bike

Another great bike that has won a spot in our list of best mountain bikes under $150 is Huffy Summit Ridge hardtail bike. This amazing bike ideally designed for outdoor adventures for individuals above the age of 13. Huffy Summit Ridge offers 21 speed options along with Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleurs and micro-shift twist shifters for quick and on-demand speed shifting according to the surface slope and riding conditions. Moreover, rear derailleurs can be removed for reliable gearing operations.

Huffy Summit Ridge features Kolo 1200 suspensions to absorb shocks from bumps and dips so that you can truly enjoy a smooth ride. The 26-inch knobby tires also provide a good grip to add up to the comfortability and you can rely on the linear pull brakes to deliver consistent stopping action. That’s not all – the padded ATB saddle can be adjusted with the help of quick release according to your height and riding posture.

Pros

• Has a double steel frame
• Ideal for kids
• Adjustable seat-post
• Raised handlebar for a comfortable riding position
• Includes kickstand

Cons

• No bottle holder

Buyer’s Guide

Truth be told, you can actually purchase an off-road bike that offers the best performance without burning a hole in your pocket. And if you have already narrowed down your budget to under $150, you’re through with the hardest part of buying a mountain bike. Luckily, we’ll make things even easier for you by walking you through the features to look for in top-rated bikes under $150. In this buyer’s guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about picking the best inexpensive mountain bike for yourself, so let’s get started.

Important Features to Keep in Mind

There are a few basic yet important features you need in your mountain bike. Let’s examine these features in detail so that you can make the most suitable choice.

Frame Material

The frame material determines the overall quality and durability of your bike. Two of the most common materials for bike frame are steel and aluminum, while high-end bikes make use of carbon fibers due to their impressive shock-absorbing properties. Steel frames can be fairly heavy but aluminum frames weigh less and thus, are perfect for beginners. Some manufacturers also use a balanced mix of steel and aluminum to benefit from the properties of both the materials.

Suspensions

Suspensions are one of the most important factors that determine the comfortability of your ride as they absorb the impact of uneven surfaces and improve the overall traction. Being much more sophisticated than the general road bikes, mountain bike suspensions are of the following three types: rigid, hardtail and dual suspensions. Rigid bikes are not equipped with any suspensions while hardtail bikes have front fork suspensions to minimize the impact of obstructions on the front wheel. Likewise, dual suspension bikes have both front and rear shocks. Rigid and hardtail bikes are can be quite inexpensive, but dual suspension bikes are generally high-budgeted.

Wheel Size

Mountain bike wheels are generally available in three different sizes and the one suitable for you depends on the terrain you plan to ride on. With 26” wheels, you can easily accelerate on rough terrains while 29” wheels allow you to smoothly bike over rocks surfaces during long riding sessions. However, 29” wheels are heavier and less maneuverable, so they aren’t recommended if you’re a beginner. Instead, you can consider the 27.5" wheel size if you want to a smoother ride with better control.

Brakes

The brakes of a mountain bike should be an important consideration to ensure safety while you're riding. Mountain bikes commonly have rim brakes or disc brakes, each of which has its own pros and cons. Rim brakes are cheaper and weightless but they don't work as efficiently on wet surfaces meanwhile disc brakes are more reliable on a number of terrains and surfaces. Rim brakes also require more maintenance.

Gears

The gears on your mountain bike allow you to switch between different speeds and enable you to pedal without any troubles on different surfaces, improving your biking experience. In order to buy the right bike with respect to gears, you need to determine how and where you will be riding. But as a rule of thumb, the number of gears you require increases with the variety of slopes you want to ride on.

Additional Tips to Consider

Apart from the features mentioned above, the following tips from expert mountain bikers will greatly aid you in buying the best bike under $150 in the market.

• A number of mountain bike types are available in the market, each designed for specific terrains so start with determining the terrain you want to ride on. This will help you narrow down your choice in terms of the different types of mountain bikes out there.
• Choose a mountain bike according to your size for a comfortable experience. The size of mountain bikes is in terms of its frame size, which is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube. And if you know your height and inseam measurements, you can easily figure out the right size for yourself.
• Don’t neglect other features that add to the comfort level such as the seat and handlebars because the more comfortable you are, you more inclined you will be towards mountain biking.
• Check out user reviews and testimonials to learn about first-hand experiences of the users with a particular brand and product.
• To track your health and fitness goals as you ride, look for a mountain bike with a computer. It will not only monitor your heart rate but will also keep a record of your speed and distance covered.
• Don’t obsess over the weight of the bike. Although the bike’s weight is important, it’s strength is durability is even more crucial since you definitely don’t want your bike to end up in the workshop after a ride on a rocky trail.

Conclusion

Mountain bikes under $150 are not only budget-friendly but offer similar features such as those in high-end bikes. They are of high-quality, durable, sustainable and comfortable all at the same time. And finding the right mountain bike for yourself under $150 is even easier if you keep the features mentioned in this article in your mind. With all these tips and tricks, you don't need to worry about buying the best mountain bike if budget is a constraint for you. Every bike mentioned above has been thoroughly scrutinized by us to ensure that only the best ones are brought to you.