Mountain bikes provide youngsters with an amazing opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and enjoy the experience of a lifetime on thrilling terrains. Since many mountain bike models can cost well over $1000, you might be tempted to spend a fortune while searching for a new off-road beast. But as a beginner, you don’t have to spend a hefty amount on your purchase. ​This comprehensive guide will also walk you through the types and features of mountain bikes under $300 out there so that you can make the best decision.

#1 Kent T-29 Men's Mountain Bike

Another of our top-favorite mountain bikes under $300 is Kent Men's Thruster T-29. This model is particularly equipped with quality features to ensure that you can enjoy your ride to the fullest. Thruster T-29 is constructed from a durable, heat-treated 6061 aluminum frame. This ensures that the bike can withstand the rider's weight and doesn't flex under it. With Shimano RS25 shifter and TZ31 derailleurs, Kent T-29 bike has a precise and crisp drive train to ensure that you shift gears with easy and ride swiftly over an array of terrain. Aside from the gearing system, this bike comes with an incredible suspension fork that minimizes the impact of shocks and jerks.

Kent Thruster T-29 has lightweight alloy rims for lower rotational weight and easier handling. Moreover, the 29-inch all-terrain knobby tires offer a stable ride with maximum grip on every surface.  So if you want to explore the world of mountain biking without burning a hole through your pocket, Kent Thruster T-29 is a perfect choice.

Pros

• Durable
• Incredible braking system
• Comfortable seat
• Easy assembly

Cons

• Handlebars may not be comfortable

#3 Huffy Hardtail Trail Mountain Bike

The final bike that won a spot in our list of top mountain bikes under $300 is Huffy Hardtail Trail Mountain Bike. This amazing bike ideally designed riders with height above 5 feet and 10 inches. The lightweight aluminum frame of this bike is backed by Huffy’s limited 10-year frame and its matte black finish is supplemented with a clear glossy overcoat to give a classy look.

Huffy Trail Hardtail bike offers 21 speed options along with Shimano TY-300 indexed rear derailleurs and micro-shift twist shifters for quick and on-demand speed shifting according to the surface slope and riding conditions. Moreover,  the Kilo 3200 suspension forks efficiently absorb shocks from bumps and dips so that you can enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride. The 27.5-inch oversized, knobby tires offer maximum grip and traction and you can rely on the linear alloy pull handbrakes coupled with machined alloy wheel rims to deliver maximum stopping action. Another good thing about Huffy Hardtail Trail bike is that, thanks to a riser handlebar, it offers a comfortable riding position so that you can ride for longer without any strain on your shoulder and back.

Pros

• Has a tough double steel frame
• Stylish design
• Raised handlebar for a comfortable riding position
• Includes kickstand
• Powerful suspensions

Cons

• None that we could identify

Buyer’s Guide

Gone are the days when it was impossible to find a decent yet powerful mountain bike model under $300. Thanks to the advancing technology, bike manufacturers are ensuring that you can find the same features in low budget mountain bikes under $300 as those found in the higher spectrum of the price range. Hence, you can now enjoy the best elements in a mountain bike without worrying about the price tag on it.

But first, you need to determine the type of terrain you’ll be riding your bike on. This is because mountain bikes under $300 are designed while keeping their intended use in mind. So if you want to plunge down a steep hillside, you’ll have to look for specific features that allow for more shock absorption and offer a smooth ride.

Moreover, you also need to be aware of the vast array of terminology and features surrounding mountain bikes under $300 so that you can determine the right bike for yourself. In this buyer’s guide, you will learn about the basic features of a mountain bike and the different kinds of off-road bikes along with their specific characteristics, ensuring that you have ample knowledge about mountain bikes before you go out to buy them.

Mountain Bike Features

Not picking the right features in your mountain bike can actually make or break your entire mountain biking experience. And when there’s so much surrounding the world of mountain bikes, choosing the right mountain bike for yourself is quite a complicated task.

However, acquainting yourself with the basic elements of an all-terrain bike can not only narrow down the choices for you but can also give a good value for your money. Let’s take a look at some of these factors.

Frame Material

As the underpinning of a mountain bike, the frame should have the right balance between strength and durability. The bike frame can be made using a number of materials but the most common ones include carbon, aluminum frame, carbon, and steel frame. Each material varies in cost and characteristics and hence, can alter the entire feel of the bike.

Aluminum frame is not only affordable but is relatively easy to work with. For the same reason, most bike frames are made of aluminum. Carbon fibers are also coming forwards as a desirable material for the bike frame as they are easy to mold and have an amazing stiffness to weight ratio.

Suspension

Suspensions of a mountain bike are responsible for minimizing the impact of rough terrain and hence improving the quality of your mountain biking experience. The suspension system in your bike is responsible for its travel, which is the range of the suspension movement available.

In terms of suspensions, mountain bikes can either be rigid, hardtail or full-suspension. Rigid bikes lack any form of an external suspension system, although the cushioning effect of the tires can act as an in-built suspension. Hardtail bikes have front fork suspensions to absorb the impact on the front wheel while full suspension bikes are equipped with both front and rear ​disc brakes. However, it may be difficult to find full-suspension bikes under $300.

Brakes

Safety should be your utmost priority when outdoors and for that purpose, a reliable braking system is what you should be looking for. Mountain bikes are generally equipped with rim brakes or mechanical disc brakes.

Rim brakes are inexpensive but they don’t work well in rainy conditions while mechanical disc brakes work more consistently in an array of conditions. Disc brakes can either be hydraulic or cable-activated, but you might not find hydraulic brakes in a mountain bike in a price range of $300.   

Wheel Size

For off-road mountain bikes, three alloy wheels sizes are available depending on the terrain you intend to ride your bike on. The 26” wheel is lighter and more controllable but doesn’t roll well on rocky terrains. Similarly, the 29” wheel effortlessly glides over uneven and technical surfaces but is heavier. The 27.5" wheel, however, has the best characteristics of both the 26" and 29" size.

Types Of Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes vary with respect to their intended use but five broad types of all-terrain bikes are available in the market. To know more about the types of mountain bikes and their relevant features, continue reading.

Trail Bikes

The most common and versatile mountain bikes are trail bikes. Since they are designed for casual climbs and descends of a well-trodden trail, trail bikes feature a relaxed angle position to make the ride easier. Also, they provide suspension travel in the range of 120mm to 140mm.

Cross Country Bikes

Cross country mountain bikes offer an enhanced climbing power at a faster speed. These bikes present suspension travel of between 80mm to 120mm and are lightweight, making them the perfect choice for beginners. Not only that, a steeper head angle in cross country bikes renders a more comfortable ​ride.

Enduro/ All Mountain Bikes

Enduro bikes are specifically designed for professional enduro racing. They feature durable frames with reinforced tires and full suspensions travel between 140mm to 160mm. As a result, enduro bikes are perfect for long distance rides on technical terrains that have exciting ascends and descends.

Downhill Bikes

With dual suspension travel of 200mm at the rear and front ends, downhill bikes are meant for speedy downhill descend. A slacking geometry and a powerful disk rotor are incorporated in these bikes for maximum stability and braking strength on sharp terrains.

Fat Bikes

As the name implies, fat bikes feature oversized tires. Such large tires not only run at low pressure and float on soft surfaces but also absorb shock better on rocky terrain, making them a perfect choice to ride on mountains, sand, and even snow.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect mountain bike for yourself under $300 is definitely hard but not impossible. It’s normal to get overwhelmed when you have a vast array of options in front of you, but knowing what you exactly want can make the decision moderately easier. Hence, make sure to figure out the terrains you’ll be riding your bike on to determine the features you want in your new purchase and stick within your budget.