The 7 Best Mountain Bike Under $300 in 2019
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. In this article, we will help you find the best mountain bike under $300 in 2019. This comprehensive guide will also walk you through the types and features of mountain bikes out there so that you can make the best decision.
Top 7 Best Mountain Bike Under $300 in 2019
- Schwinn mountain frame with Schwinn suspension fork for controlled riding on tough trails
- Shimano twist shifters with 21 speed rear derailleur for quick gear changes on the trail
- A lightweight 6061 heat treated aluminum frame provides an excellent foundation
- Shimano RS25 Shifters and TZ31 Derailleurs ensure a precise and crisp drivetrain
- Aluminum suspension frame maximizes comfort & performance
- Element Suspension fork smoothes the bumps and increases control
- Double Butted 6061 Aluminum 26" Mountain Bike
- Suspension Fork with Lockout
- Assembly video located under images; The RTT features a lightweight, durable aluminum...
- All tools included for fast assembly; 22-inch frame is suggested for a minimum inseam of...
- Aluminum MTB frame with Hydro formed tubing and a powerful front suspension fork is strong...
- 21 speeds with a Shimano rear derailleur makes for smooth gear changes on every ride
- Assembly tutorial is located in the related video shorts section; The Huffy nekton is a...
- The lightweight aluminum hardtail frame is backed by our limited 10-year frame (see...
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 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 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 smoother ride. Moreover, you also need to be aware of the vast array of terminology and features surrounding mountain bikes 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 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, carbon, and steel. Each material varies in cost and characteristics and hence, can alter the entire feel of the bike.
Aluminum 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 terrains and hence improving the quality of your 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 shocks. 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 disc brakes. Rim brakes are inexpensive but they don’t work well in rainy conditions while 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 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 experience.
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 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.
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