How do you spend your days off, weekends, and free time? Many people try to get some workouts done whenever they are free. So much of our work has been taken by machines that you barely sweat throughout the day. Most jobs keep you seated for several hours as well. Going to the gym or doing some sports like mountain biking is vital for your health.

How awesome it would be if you can combine exercise, amusement, and relaxation in just one activity. It is like hitting 3 birds with a single stone. The best mountain bike under $1000 will let you do just that. Most people like to ride a bike especially if done outdoors. Each pedal also lets you move the body and burn some calories.

Why Get Immersed Into The Biking Lifestyle?

You have other sports and outdoor activities to choose from apart from cycling. So why engage in this specific sport? There is plenty of stuff that you can do with a mountain bike.

• Just because the word “mountain” is tied to the phrase does not mean it is entirely intended for that location. Many commuters ride their bikes on the way to school, work, and other destinations within the town or city. Cycling has also become safer with many places over the globe creating lanes dedicated to bikes.
• Biking is one way to help reduce carbon footprint and fight global warming since there is no fuel usage involved.
• In your little way, you can help reduce traffic jams since biking will mean 1 less car on the highway.
• It is much easier to look for a spot to park your mountain bike at.

The top reason why many people get into the biking lifestyle is due to its health benefits.

• Categorically, cycling is a low-impact exercise although you can always increase its intensity and duration. This means this form of exercise poses lesser risks for injuries and strains. Anyone at any age can ride a mountain bike too.
• Biking is awesome for your bones, muscles, and joints. Your joints can become more mobile. The muscles can become stronger and more flexible. Your bones are strengthened. You also improve your posture and coordination.
• Since you will burn calories while pedaling, riding a bicycle regularly can reduce fat levels in your body. This is an effective way to slim down and maintain your ideal body weight.
• Some diseases including hypertension and arthritis can be managed through regular cycling. You can also lower the risks of experiencing certain health problems like cancer, stroke, and Type-II diabetes through biking.
• When paired with a healthy lifestyle and proper diet, the chances of dying early are minimized by up to thirty percent if you ride your bike most days of the week.
• Your endorphins are activated when you are exposed to sunlight while biking so this activity can improve your mood and relieve your stress and anxiety. Nature scenes can also relax the mind.
• Another way that biking can improve your mental health is that it allows you to socialize with family, friends, and even people you meet for the first time. You can widen your circle of friends too.

In terms of money, the best mountain bike under $1000 can also afford you savings in several ways.

• Compared to other means of transportation, buying a bicycle costs lesser. You do not even have to go beyond a thousand dollars just to get one. The upkeep and repair expenses are lower when compared to maintaining a four-wheeled vehicle.
• You do not have to pay for gas or electricity since the mountain bike does not need to be fueled or charged.
• There is no need to spend money on taxis and train fares just to move around the area when you have a bicycle with you. You can even reach places outside of your hometown or city if you go on long-distance rides.
• Cycling is an inexpensive way to have a good time. In most cases, you do not have to fly to another country, book a hotel, or buy other equipment and gear.
• You are less likely to get sick when you ride the bike regularly. This means you can significantly lessen your medical expenses. You do not have to see professionals like doctors and therapists which would have required you to spend money on each visit.

Riding a bike may seem simple. You just pedal the disc, keep your balance, and hit the brakes when needed. Yet you are benefited in many aspects when you cycle daily or several days in a week. Those advantages mentioned above are enough reasons for you to start looking for the best mountain bike under $1000.

Mountain Bikes Below $1000―What To Buy According To Reviews

Whether you are a newbie or an advanced biker, it is always safe to ask the experts what the best option would be when it comes to a mountain bike. We have rounded up five of the most recommended mountain bikes that will not take more than a thousand dollars from your wallet. They are cited below in no particular rank.

#1: Marin Bobcat Trail 3

Cheap yet quality bikes are hard to find online so you are in for a treat with Marin Bobcat Trail 3. With the price tag coming only at $819, this mountain bike is suitable for beginner and intermediate riders. It lets you save more in that you do not have to upgrade to a new bike as your skills level improve.

Aside from its affordable price, the Marin Bobcat Trail 3 is a crowd-pleaser due to these features.

• The bike is lightweight due to its aluminum frame.
• It comes with a 2×8 speed courtesy of its Shimano Altus drivetrain.
• This bike is fitted with an SR Suntour XCM HLO coil fork that gives 120mm of travel and hydraulic lockout too.
• It has tires that are big at 29 x 2.25 inches and can roll efficiently even on climbs.
• You can choose from small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes.
• This is a versatile mountain bike best driven on tracks that are singletrack.

With pros come cons. These are the less desirable qualities of Bobcat Trail 3.

• Its front tire could do better on both loose and technical terrains if it has been built stronger.
• The fork seems to be flexy lacking the thru-axle in this extended 29er.

#2: Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2

Here is a bicycle for both beginners and experienced bikers that you can rely on, especially since it is an REI in-house brand. Considered as a mid-range mountain bike at $999, the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 is made for high-speed rides on forest and singletrack trails. Listed below are the pros of choosing this unit.

• It comes in all bike sizes: extra-small to extra-large.
• Offering travel of 120 mm, its SR Suntour fork can swallow up small and large bumps.
• Whatever the weather condition is, you can rely on the bikes’ Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
• The bike is fitted with a 2×9 setup and a Shadow rear derailleur.
• It boasts 18 speeds, thanks to its Shimano Altus drivetrain.
• The WTB tires and ST-i25 rims are fitted in wheels that range from 27.5 to 29 inches, depending on the bike size.
• It has provisions for adding a dropper post later.

Not all users are happy with this bike though, as it has its shortcomings.

• Some bikers are uncomfortable with its handlebar being a bit wider and the raised riding position.
• For a 2X drivetrain, it is somewhat outdated.

#3: Giant Talon 1

Without compromising quality, Giant Bicycles never fail to give us affordable mountain bikes like the Talon 1 at only $880. Read on to know why this specific mountain bike is usually out of stock. That is how in demand it is!

• It has a clean yet stylish look.
• Its upgraded Shimano Deore drivetrain provides 1×10 gears.
• It comes with 29 x 2.4-inch Maxis Rekon tires.
• The bike is fitted with a fork that offers 80 to 100 mm of travel depending on the bike size.
• It comes with the preferred Tektro hydraulic brakes.
• Its thru-axles offer stability when you ride downhill.

The bummer about this mountain bike is that…

• The tires are not tubeless-compatible.
• Its geometry is a bit out of date.
• The suspension is limited.

#4: Norco Storm 4

Norco Storm 4 is said to be the mountain bike that offers the best value. You can own one for around $799. Known for its awesome looks, you can confidently take it on your daily commute.

You will also love its other specifications.

• You can buy the bike in extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes.
• There are 3 color combinations to choose from: charcoal and jade, black and charcoal, or blue and blue-black.
• The bike comes with an SR Suntour XCE28 fork that gives 100 mm travel and front suspension.
• It is fitted with Shimano Tourney derailleurs and Shimano Altus hydraulic disc brakes.
• Norco Storm 4 can roll on any terrain and is designed as an all-around bike for several cycling purposes.

It almost has anything you will want from an affordable mountain bicycle. However, it still has some drawbacks.

• The drivetrain is only 3×7.
• The potential of the bike frame could have been maximized would its build kit had been better.

#5: Giant ATX 3

This recommendation indeed gives a big bang to your buck. You can own a Giant ATX 3 for more or less $480. That is half a thousand dollars! This mountain bike is great for a relaxed ride along the countryside. You can also take on mild mountain trails and gravel roads.

At an affordable price, you can enjoy these features.

• The frame is made with ALUXX- grade aluminum.
• Its SR Suntour fork can handle mild vibrations and bumps.
• Because it has 650b wheels and fat tires, they provide additional cushion.
• The Shimano Tourney drivetrain, triple crank, and EF41 shifters are capable of giving 100 mm travel, 7 speeds, and 21 gears.

Since you are paying for a lower price, you have to accept its limitations.

• The bike size and wheels are small. Giant ATX 3 is available in XXS, XS, and small sizes only. The wheels are 29 to 27.5 inches, depending on the size.
• Because it is fitted with caliper brakes, it would be best to upgrade to mechanical disc brakes.
• This bike is designed for mellow rides and cannot be used on hardcore terrains.
• Most experts recommend this mountain bike only to entry-level riders. If you are an experienced biker and tend to go on various trails, consider getting another model or brand.

Spotting The Best Yet Affordable Mountain Bike

You have a budget to follow but that does not mean you have to compromise the quality of the mountain bike you are going to purchase. Always bear these things in mind.

• This mountain bike is not just for exercise and leisure. You can also use it in your daily commute.
• You want a bicycle that will remain in good shape for many years no matter how frequently it is used, one that will not require a lot of upkeeps, repairs, and part replacements now and then.
• Your welfare and safety are on the line each time you mount the bike. Your rides will be comfortable too if the bike meets your needs and expectations.
• You have to be reasonable with the budget for the mountain bike that you set. Bear in mind that you may have to make some compromises and that there are preferences that may not be met if you go too low on your spending limit.

Despite paying less than a thousand dollars, get yourself the most reliable and stylish mountain bike. Below are things to note when shopping for bicycles.

• Get the right size. Bikes come in extra small to extra-large sizes. Pick one that is suitable for your weight and height.
• Choose a mountain bike whose weight is right for you. Do not make a big deal out of it being featherweight because you do not want a flimsy bike when the trails get rough. What matters most is that you can maneuver the bike conveniently and that it remains stable regardless of the trail.
• Focus more on the quality of the bike components and less on extra trinkets. Bike manufacturers will always add extra features and accessories just to sell their products but going extra is not always beneficial and will add unnecessary weight to the mountain bike.
• Even if the bike you buy is not the latest model, make sure to select one that is not too outdated and can easily keep with upcoming trends. Choose a bike that is upgrade-ready.
• Your needs and preferences should be the primary bases when you determine which the best mountain bike under $1000 would be. You can check if this specific mountain bike meets them through unbiased reviews and expert recommendations.
• Do thorough research on the mountain bikes that you are considering for the purchase. Look for reliable reviews and buying guides on the internet. If you could find riders in your area that own the bikes you are interested in, ask them what they have to say about these bicycles. You could also take a look at available displays in local bike shops if you want to see these “candidates” in person.
• Check out the background of the bike manufacturer. The company does not have to be mainstream. What matters most is that it is known to produce high-quality mountain bikes.

No matter what brand and model you choose, here are two things to ensure:

• The parts and components are well-packed when shipped to you so that they do not get dented, chipped, or damage on their way to you.
• Whether you do it yourself or let a mechanic assemble the mountain bike for you, see to it that the bicycle is put together nicely and properly.

There is always an option to go higher with your budget but you can always find the best mountain bike under $1000. Just because you have capped your budget does not mean you have to settle with unimpressive bicycles. There will always be an affordable mountain bike meant for you whatever your riding skills, preferences, and budget are.