All work and no play will make a person dull. That is why you have to find a hobby that will allow you to have fun and take your mind off work, studies, and/or duties at home. Many people take the opportunity to exercise during their pastime too like riding bikes on weekends and days off.

Cycling lets you achieve several goals in just one activity. You can relieve stress, enjoy, get fit, and socialize with others all at the same time through the best mountain bike under 500. Who says you need to spend a lot of money and use various equipment?

Why Start Hitting The Pedals?

Other sports and outdoor activities are available. You do not even have to leave the town or city just to work out or to spend the day with your friends. So why start riding the bike now? Cycling can benefit you and the people around you in ways beyond your conception.

• Cycling as a means of transportation is great for Mother Nature. You reduce your carbon footprint when you do not burn fuel. The mountain bike is powered by your legs, not gas.
• Bicycles, in general, are space savers. Your bike will take less area in the parking lot. You riding a bike to your destination is one less car on the highway so you can minimize traffic in this small gesture.
• Cycling is good for your health. When combined with proper eating and an ideal lifestyle, you can lose weight, address certain problems like arthritis and hypertension, and lower the risks of getting sick with certain diseases such as cancer, stroke, and type-2 diabetes.
• Your mood will improve and your stress will be relieved when you ride a bike especially when you do it in the mountainside. Nature has its way to soothe the mind. Plus sun exposure activates endorphins, the body’s happy hormones.
• Biking allows you to bond with your loved ones. Both adults and kids can enjoy this activity. You can also make new acquaintances in the places you explore and meet fellow bikers. This allows you to widen your network.
• Anyone at any age can engage in mountain biking. It is a low-impact workout so you do not have to worry so much about strains and injuries as you are less likely to experience them.
• You can save a lot of money just by riding a bicycle. There is no longer the need to pay for gas, bus, and cab fares. The costs of seeking medical care are significantly reduced since you rarely get sick. This is also an inexpensive way to amuse yourself. You can go on adventures without the need to fly somewhere, book a hotel, and pay for other trip expenses.
• Mountain bikes and four-wheel vehicles both take you to places yet the former will take less than a thousand dollars out of your pocket. You can even get the best mountain bike for under 500 dollars. The cost of keeping and fixing a bike is significantly lower compared to maintaining a car as well.

Who would not be inspired to start riding a mountain bike when you look at these advantages?

Pointers In Mountain Bike Selection

We will walk you through the most recommended mountain bikes under $500. But before we move on to the list, you need to know these useful pointers in choosing the right bike.

• Honestly assess your riding skills. There is a specific bike for each level of expertise and you may take more than you can handle if you are not realistic with your assessment.
• List down what you want from a mountain bike. Aside from the price point, cite all the preferences that you may have. This wish list can then be used to spot the best mountain bike under 500 for you.
• Choose a mountain bike that is suitable for the types of roads, trails, and terrains that it will likely tackle. The wind and weather conditions of your biking locations should be considered too.
• Pick the frame size suitable for your height and weight. This will allow you to conveniently ride and maneuver the mountain bike even on rugged terrains.
• Make sure that you are comfortable with the bike’s weight. Being featherweight is not always advantageous for a bicycle, especially when it is driven outdoors, because it may be too frail to take on roots, ruts, mud, and other obstacles along the way.
• Unless you think you will need them, skip the additional trinkets. Not only will they be useless but these extra accessories and features can also add weight to the mountain bike.
• Manage your expectations. If you intend not to spend more than $500 on a mountain bike, you should be ready to accept some limitations. Still, you could find quality bicycles within that specific budget.
• Check out the track record of the bike manufacturer. The company does not have to be a mainstream brand. What matters most is that it is known to make dependable bikes.
• Always consult reliable audits before making any purchase. You can easily find unbiased reviews and ratings online, even on very websites that sell mountain bikes.

Now that you have been oriented on the things to do when you shop for mountain bikes, let us go to what bike experts suggest.

Mountain Bikes Below $500: Your Best Buy

For your convenience, we have searched cyberspace for the best mountain bike under 500 and gathered five expert suggestions in this buying guide. You will get the most value out of your money if you choose any of these recommendations.

#1: Batch The Mountain 29

By far, this has been dubbed as the best choice for bargain mountain bikes. The Mountain 29 is also a great bike for entry-level riders. Coming with a price tag of $469.99, you will fall in love with its assets.

• The frame is made of aluminum and is durable.
• Because Batch The Mountain has 29-inch wheels, it can easily roll over obstacles. They also hold impressive gripping powers.
• Its SR Suntour XCE28 fork provides 100 mm of travel.
• You have no worries about stopping with its alloy V-brakes.
• The bike offers enough gearing for newbies with its Shimano drivetrain that gives 3×7 speed.
• The Mountain 29 does not look cheap despite its price and is available in black, blue, and orange colors.

But with assets come liabilities.

• You only have 2 frame sizes to choose from: medium and large.
• The V-brakes are way outdated. You have clinchers as stoppers.
• The pedals somehow look cheap.
• Take note: this is suitable for entry-level riders. If you are an experienced rider and like to get on bumpy rides off-road, this mountain bike may not be able to keep up.

#2: Schwinn Bonafide

If you are into hardtail mountain bikes then the Schwinn Bonafide would be the perfect choice as it is considered the best in this line at the given price point. You can own this bicycle for more or less $420.

Buying this is a great idea for these reasons:

• This bike is known for its powerful suspension forks that can absorb thumps and bumps.
• The gearing is stable and durable with the Schwinn alloy cranks.
• You can easily change gears courtesy of the EZ-Fire trigger shifters by Shimano that provides 24 speeds plus the derailleurs from the same brand at the back.
• Its 29-inch wheels provide enough cushion when you hit ruts, roots, and large rocks.

What bike experts dislike about Schwinn Bonafide is that…

• It can only be driven on light trails. The bike is ideal for beginners too.
• Many users recommend upgrading the saddle right away for a more comfortable ride.
• The derailleur could benefit from a stronger spring because it allows excessive chain slap that the chain comes off on rough rides.

Additional notes:

• It is advisable that you re-tune the mountain bike after every few hours of use to keep it in shape.
• This bike is categorized as a men’s mountain bike.

#3: Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1

If the previous recommendation is for men, this one is among the best options for women. Although Cycles DRT 1.1 is said to be suitable for both men and women, its design fits female bikers more because the top tube along with its stem is shorter.

The pros of going for this mountain bike are listed here:

• The frame size is available in small to extra-large.
• It comes with an SR Suntour XCT suspension fork that gives 100 mm of travel.
• The 3×8 Shimano drivetrain offers a wide range of gears. You can change gears smoothly too, thanks to its Acera rear derailleur of the same brand.
• It is fitted with reliable Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for powerful stopping in any weather.
• This mountain bike is versatile and will run well whether in daily commutes or off-road adventures.

Its Achilles heel is on the saddle.

• The saddle would have been better if it had more padding. Most users recommend upgrading it right away.

An important thing to remember is to never take out parts unless you know how to remove and return them like a professional. Some users reported issues like the brakes hitting the disk after returning the wheel.

#4: Priority Start 20

We mentioned the best mountain bike under 500 for men and women. Let us not skip the best mountain bike for kids. This versatile bike is retailed at $379 and is suitable for kids aged six to eleven years old who have graduated from the 16-inch bicycle.

This is a great choice for your children due to the following advantages:

• It runs well on paved lanes, dirt, or gravel.
• The bike offers 3 speeds courtesy of its Nexus internal hub by Shimano.
• This bike is equipped with Gates Belt Drive that is free from grease and rust.
• This mountain bike is fitted with a composite belt guard.
• Start 20 possesses powerful stopping due to its dual hand brakes.
• The frame which is made of aluminum is rust-proof and light.
• It has a padded saddle which is also adjustable.
• The kickstand and full reflector kit are already included.
• You have a wide range of kid-friendly colors to choose from.

Most users would have given it five stars were it not for these issues.

• The inseam measurements are quite conservative. If your kid is already a confident cyclist, consider sizing up a bit.
• The bike does not come with a manual. Instead, you are given a link to an assembly video on YouTube.

An important note: You have to check if the bike is right for your child. You can do this by measuring his or her inseam, the height from the ground until above the crotch. There is a measurement difference between novice and advanced riders as the former are flat-footed when they ride while the latter can already balance and halt on their toes. So if your child is an entry-level rider, the inseam measurement should be between 22 and 28.5 inches to fit this bike. If he/she is an advanced biker, the inseam measurement should only be from 20.5 to 27 inches.

#5: Mongoose Switchback Trail

Let us go back to adult recommendations. This hybrid mountain bike is awesome for both male and female cyclists and is dubbed as the best among inexpensive hardtail mountain bikes.

At $479.99, you get to experience these perks that existing users are now enjoying:

• The frame is made of aluminum alloy.
• Its suspension fork is SR Suntour XC-E28.
• The derailleurs and 21-speed shifters by Shimano allow quick and precise changes in the gear.
• This mountain bike is capable of powerful stopping courtesy of the mechanical disc brakes at the front and rear.
• Its 27.5 x 2.1 inch- wheels keep the mountain bike stable regardless of terrain without saddling it.

The downside of choosing this specific brand and model are as follows:

• The bike frame size only ranges from small to large. If your height is below 5’3” or beyond 6’2”, you may want to look for other options.
• It can introduce you to the sport but is not suitable for rough trails.

Other Things To Consider

The best mountain bike under 500 dollars can be spotted not only by looking at reviews and expert recommendations but also by shopping wisely.

Make sure of these things when you purchase inexpensive MTBs.

• The bike ratings and reviews that you base your decision on are honest, unbiased, up-to-date, and comprehensive.
• Both your biking needs and budget will be met if you select this specific brand and model.
• The mountain bike is ordered directly from its manufacturer or a trusted seller. This will ensure that you receive an authentic bicycle.
• Check and compare prices before deciding where to buy your mountain bike from. More often than not, it is cheaper to buy it online. Many sellers offer free shipping and easy installments plan with zero interest too.
• Look at the comments in the product reviews on the seller’s website to find out the status of their shipments upon arrival. Damaged bike components are common complaints anywhere and they affect the performance of the mountain bike.
• See to it that the seller packs the bike properly.
• Buy your mountain bike from a seller that offers a full refund and warranty. This is advantageous in case you encounter issues in the future.

Another aspect that affects the bike’s performance is how it was assembled. You should also ascertain the following:

• If you are going to do it yourself, make sure that you do so accurately. Read the manual thoroughly and watch tutorial videos. Better yet, put the bike together with the assistance of someone who has done it before.
• Take the bike to a professional mechanic for assembly if you are not confident to do it. Entrust the assembly only to a reliable shop.

Just because you are not spending a big amount of money does not mean your bicycle cannot keep up. Yes, it is possible to find the best mountain bike under 500. You just have to know where to look and where to get one