Since you’re here, you’ve probably discovered that mountain biking is a very exciting and fun sport that can keep you fit and healthy. But if you’re just getting into it, the first thing that you have to do is to make sure you have the best mountain bike for a beginner. If you don’t have one, it’s time to look for it! But with the sheer range of models available to cater to different budgets, skills, and expectations, it can be quite overwhelming and intimidating to choose a mountain bike that’s suitable for one’s specific needs. If you feel that way, it’s completely okay! After all, every pro was once a beginner! That said, to help answer all of the questions that you might have inside your head right now, keep reading! Once you’ve read this article, you’ll definitely know which best mountain bike for beginners is for you!
Aside from the best mountain bike for beginners, don’t forget to also equip yourself with the best helmet for mountain biking for that much-needed protection!
How To Choose The Best Mountain Bikes for Beginners
Just like when you’re picking the lightest bike helmet, there are some important criteria that you should really consider too when you’re choosing the best mountain bike for a beginner. Those criteria are:
Number of gears
When choosing the best Trek mountain bike for beginners, you should always check the number of gears it has. A wider gear range will offer more options and make uphill riding easier. Most mountain bikes will have a minimum of 21 gears (7-speed) that’s usually split into 7 gears on the rear cog and 3 gears on the front. For entry-level mountain bikes, 24 gears (8-speed) should be sufficient. Remember that more than this will add weight to the bike and require more maintenance.
Frame
Most mountain bikes come in different sizes, typically XS, S, M, L, or XL. It’s important to check the specific measurements as these can vary between brands. Generally, a longer frame is better for hardcore riders and traveling at speed. A longer frame centers the rider and distributes the weight more evenly between the heels. Meanwhile, an upright seating position is more comfortable and easier to balance at lower speeds. Apart from that, the material is crucial too. Most affordable mountain bikes are made from an aluminum alloy to improve the bike’s strength and durability. Higher-end bikes may have carbon fiber or titanium frames, but for most beginners, these materials aren’t worthwhile.
Wheel size
Next, you should pay attention to the wheel size. The most commonly available sizes are 26 inches to 29 inches in diameter. The size of the wheel can affect the speed at which you can move, and larger tires can cover more distance with less effort. Normally, most beginners prefer 26-inch or 27.5-inch tires.
Brake types
When it comes to brake types, it’s believed that hydraulic disc brakes are more suitable for beginners. They work by squeezing the disc in the center of the wheel rather than the wheel itself. Although disc brakes can be slightly heavier and interfere with luggage racks, they provide considerably better control when stopping compared to V-brakes or rim brakes.
Suspension
As you might know, the suspension absorbs some of the impacts from small drops and bumps. The type of suspension depends on what terrain you’ll be riding on and how much comfort you’re seeking. Although less common, some mountain bikes have no suspension. It’s fine for beginners on gentle trails, but you’ll sacrifice comfort. Meanwhile, hardtail bikes are more common for beginners. They have suspension on the front forks only, which brings down the cost as well as the weight. They’re also popular for cross-country, trail riding, and some all-mountain tracks. Finally, there are full-suspension bikes that are great for downhill racing or all-mountain riding. They have suspension at the front and rear of the bike.
How much should I spend on my first mountain bike?
If you’re a beginner and planning to purchase your first mountain bike, you can buy the best mountain bike for a beginner that costs you less than 1,000USD. There are many higher-end options, but those below 1,000USD are also surprisingly impressive for beginners. Of course, there are some sacrifices for them to be cheap. But if you look carefully, you’ll be able to get a high-quality yet affordable bike. Unless you have tons of money, don’t overspend!
Are Trek mountain bikes any good?
Trek is one of, if not, the most popular bike brand out there. You can easily spot many pros using bikes from Trek during competition. Known for its high-end models, Trek mountain bikes can be used by both pros and beginners. Compared to other bikes, Trek bikes generally have better framesets, better geometry, superior build quality, and a state-of-the-art suspension system. In conclusion, sky is the limit for Trek mountain bikes!
What is the best mountain bike for a beginner?
Ultimately, choosing the best mountain bike for beginners depends on your needs and preference. Some might prefer a Diamondback mountain bike, while others might prefer the best Trek mountain bike for beginners. But if it were up to us (spoiler ahead!), we would choose the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike. Keep scrolling to know why!
Trinx M136 Mountain Bike
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Looking for the best mountain bike for beginners? Look no further than the Trinx M136 Mountain Bike! This bike is a classic aluminum framed hardtail that’s inexpensive. Thanks to the aluminum frame, this mountain bike feels pretty lightweight and sturdy at the same time. Because of that, it’s also easy to maneuver.
When it comes to gear shifting duties, you can always rely on the Shimano Tourney. The Shimano EX Fire shifters offer 21 different gears that allow you to seamlessly shift with ease. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? To slow you down, this bike boasts no-nonsense mechanical disc brakes that’ll bring you more stopping power than rim brakes.
What We Love
A nice pick for beginners that are looking for a sturdy and comfortable bike.
Pros:
- Lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame
- Affordable
- Great stopping power
- Allows you to seamlessly shift between gears
- Handles small bumps pretty well
Cons:
- A bit challenging to assemble
Raleigh Tokul 2 Mountain Bike
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When looking for the best mountain bike for beginners, you should never ever ignore the Raleigh Tokul 2 Mountain Bike. Sporting a durable aluminum frame, this bike is affordable yet powerful. It gives you all you need for big days in the mountains. The tires do a superb job of absorbing small bumps and minor trail chatter. They also provide amazing traction when climbing and have grip for days when hammering downhill. Anything that gets in the way will be handled by the SR Suntour XCR fork.
As the best mountain bike for a beginner, this bike also features amazing brakes. The hydraulic disc brakes will give you huge braking power and modulation. Furthermore, this bike is available in 4 different sizes. From S to XL, it doesn’t matter how tall you are as you’ll definitely find one that you can ride comfortably! Best of all, there’s a limited lifetime warranty on the frame!
What We Love
This mountain bike offers a good mix of stability, comfort, and quick handling.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Durable aluminum frame
- Provide amazing traction and grip
- Amazing stopping power
- Limited lifetime warranty on the frame
Cons:
- The wheel hubs have unsealed bearings
GMC Yukon Fat Mountain Bike
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Who says heavyweight people can’t enjoy mountain biking? If you’re on the heavier side and are afraid to learn how to mountain bike, fret not! Here we have the GMC Yukon Fat Mountain Bike, the best mountain bike for beginners that comes with fat tires. Made for men and women, this whole bike is constructed around a frame that’s hand-crafted using lightweight aluminum. Though lightweight, it’s super-duper durable and strong.
This bike is called fat because it features super-wide 26-inch x 4-inch tires on 4-inch aluminum rims. These tires are easily the most remarkable features of this bike as they allow you to ride on any off-road terrain as well as some pretty rough terrain. No matter if it’s snow, mud, or sand, this bike will effortlessly roll without giving you any discomfort. In case you’re wondering, this bike can accommodate up to 300lbs comfortably! Awesome, right?
What We Love
A great pick for heavyweight people who want to begin their riding journey safely and comfortably.
Pros:
- Can hold up to 300lbs
- Fat tires
- Hand-crafted aluminum frame
- Can handle any terrain really well
- Plenty of gear shifting options
Cons:
- The fat tires make the bike heavier than most options out there
Gravity 2021 FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike
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We think it’s safe to say that everyone wants to have a comfortable ride. With that in mind, let us show you the Gravity 2021 FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike. This bike is an entry-level mountain bike that beginners will love. It’s both a high-performance and surprisingly cheap product. Considered by many as the best mountain bike for beginners, it’s suitable for both trail riding and all-mountain riding. You can even ride it comfortably through city roads or neighborhoods.
Just like the best trek mountain bike for beginners, this fantastic piece comes with a high-quality hydroformed aluminum alloy frame with flawless welding points. Because of that, this bike doesn’t feel that heavy and is pretty easy to maneuver. Another feature that you’ll fancy is the super suspension system. It comes with both front and rear suspension forks attached to its 26 inches wide wheels. Lastly, there are a wide variety of gears to choose from and shifting between them is a piece of cake.
What We Love
A super cheap full suspension mountain bike.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable price
- Absorbs shocks and bumps really well
- Strong and lightweight hydroformed aluminum frame
- A wide variety of gears to choose from
- Anti-rust
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a kickstand
Diamondback Hook Mountain Bike
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Although hard to believe, the Diamondback Hook Mountain Bike literally can do it all! Road rides, hours of long hauls, cross-country, you name it all. What’s more surprising is that it’s really affordable! As a mid-level option, this mountain bike has a strong, nimble frame that can cut quick lines regardless of the terrain. Plus, it comes almost fully assembled, which limits the possibility of user error before you can ever get on the road.
Just like other models from Diamondback, this best mountain bike for beginners features Vee Rubber tires that are 27.5 inches in diameter and 2.3 inches wide. You can also rely on the 8-speed SRAM x3 single-ring drive chain for smooth gear shifting. As if that’s not enough, we’re sure you’ll love the wide handlebars that enable easy steering. Considering its high-quality frame and other impressive features, there’s no doubt in our mind that this mountain bike is worth your money.
What We Love
This mountain bike is a great all-rounder that has a top-notch frame.
Pros:
- Handmade aluminum frame
- Easily upgradeable
- Great for climbing heels
- Comes almost fully assembled
- Wide handlebars
Cons:
- Slow on flats
Raleigh Bike Talus 2
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Raleigh has been one of the top manufacturers that are loved by many because of the high-quality mountain bikes it produces, including the Raleigh Bike Talus 2, the best mountain bike for beginners. This bike performs really well on both paved surfaces and light dirt trails. Designed with entry-level riders in mind, this mountain bike is a gem for those who crave stability and fancies the look and upright feel of a mountain bike. Just like the best Trek mountain bike for beginners, this bike features an aluminum frame. Though not as strong, this frame is lighter and better suited for paved paths.
In addition to that, the bike’s upright geometry also means the neck and lower back fatigue problems won’t be an issue. It also ensures you can easily spot any potential obstacles in front of you. Speaking of obstacles, the Suntour suspension fork and large wheels can easily withstand bumps and potholes that get in your way. The Shimano EZ Fire shifters that offer 21 different gears are amazing too! They allow you to seamlessly shift without taking your hands off the grips. Meanwhile, the Promax Alloy V-brakes provide maximum stopping power.
What We Love
A nice option that can comfortably handle light dirt trails that’s also suited for in-town riding.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Great on paved roads and light dirt trails
- Smooth gears
- Reliable brakes
- Can easily withstand bumps and potholes
Cons:
- The upright geometry can feel a bit awkward
Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Mountain Bike
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If you’re okay with purchasing a bike that costs you around 900USD, then why don’t you take a look at the Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Mountain Bike? This best mountain bike for a beginner like you is a feature-filled bike that’s designed for the purpose of heavy mountain riding as well as light trail ridings. The bikes from Tommaso are known for their superb built quality, and this one is no exception. The frame is constructed from premium aluminum alloy that’s not only strong and durable but also makes this bike very much affordable.
Meanwhile, the 29-inch wheels are pretty wide and decked with super gripe tires. With these wide wheels, beginners can smoothly roll over rocks and other obstacles without feeling any impact and shock. But still, you should always be careful! Furthermore, this combination of wheels and tires makes uphill riding super easy and much more comfortable! Plus, the Shimano shifter makes gear changing a breeze. However, there’s no water bottle mount. But if you have a saddlebag for bikes, it won’t be a problem!
What We Love
Without being too expensive, this best mountain bike for a beginner is very feature-packed.
Pros:
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Shipped ready to ride
- Lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame
- Great for uphill riding
- Can easily withstand small obstacles
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a water bottle mount
Raleigh Ziva Women’s Mountain Bike
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This mountain bike is specifically designed for female beginners. The Raleigh Ziva Women’s Mountain Bike is considered the best mountain bike for beginners, and it’s pretty affordable. This mountain bike can cruise the trail with reliability as it comes with some very impressive features like drivetrain Shimano. Knowing that many females want to look good while riding, this bike has a very stylish design that’s sure to attract any woman with taste. There are also plenty of different colors to choose from!
Equipped with women-specific brake levers, grips, and saddle, this bike offers more fun when riding in the trail area. The aluminum frame is lightweight, and therefore the bike is pretty easy to control. This bike also offers a women’s specific upright geometry to ensure that your body is comfortable and doesn’t hurt at all. Of course, the suspension fork and tires will keep the bike steady and stable on unfavorable roads.
What We Love
It’s the perfect pick for women as all of its features are designed specifically for them.
Pros:
- Stylish and attractive design
- Lightweight frame
- Adjustable front and rear brakes
- Upright geometric for a more comfy ride
- Easy to maneuver
Cons:
- Not that suitable for bigger sized women
Iron Horse Sinister 6.2 Mountain Bike
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Trust us, once you get to know about the Iron Horse Sinister 6.2 Mountain Bike, you’ll want to have it in your garage. Designed for beginners and offering excellent performance, this mountain bike also has a unique, stylish design. You can conveniently use this bike to ride off the trail roads as well as commuting throughout the city. It’s basically good in every kind of terrain. Just like most mountain bikes for beginners, this product also uses a sturdy aluminum alloy to construct the frame. The frame is styled with a comfortable seat post and has locks on handlebars grip.
Don’t worry, there’s more! There’s a suspension fork from SR Suntour and wide wheels that help to roll the bike on any road without any significant shock or impact. Apart from that, this mountain bike for beginners also offers a wide range of gear changes through its Shimano 24 speed trigger shifters and rear derailleur. The gear shifter ensures that you can shift between gears effortlessly.
What We Love
A great full suspension and performance-packed mountain bike that doesn’t cost that much.
Pros:
- SR Suntour suspension fork
- Handlebars come with locks and grips
- Comfortable riding position
- Sturdy and lightweight aluminum full suspension frame
- Allows you to shift between gears easily
Cons:
- The pedal arm falls off easily
Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Mountain Bike
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Let us introduce you to the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Mountain Bike, the best mountain bike for a beginner like you. To many riders, this mountain bike is quite the all-rounder. Although designed for the trail, it works just as well for urban riding. We also fancy the sturdy aluminum frame that’s dust-resistant. That’s not all, as there’s also a high-quality suspension system that combines a front suspension fork with a rear shock for impressive shock absorption. That way, you’re guaranteed to have smooth, stable, and responsive rides.
What makes this budget workhorse even better is none other than its powerful Promax front and rear disc brakes. You’ll also fancy the 26-inch wheels that can help you navigate around challenging trails better. Lastly, it comes with the flexibility to make upgrades down the line, which is perfect when you want to attempt aggressive trail riding after mastering the basics. As the cherry on the cake, know that this bike looks very cool! Trust us, when you’re on this mountain bike, you’ll definitely feel inspired to tackle tricky trails.
What We Love
An ideal pick for beginners that want to ride single tracks and some occasional down-hills.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet sturdy frame
- Comfortable geometry
- Suitable for riding on mixed terrains
- Wide gear range
- Dust-resistant
Cons:
- Some people find the seat not very comfortable
Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike
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Just like your friend’s best Trek mountain bike for beginners, the Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike is an aluminum bike that will help you ride with more confidence. The aluminum frame is also a big reason why this mountain bike is faster and easier to manage than some of the options out there. If you need to, you can pick it up on your shoulder as it doesn’t weigh that much. Talk about convenience!
Since this mountain bike is equipped with dual suspension, it’s able to give you better control and reduce fatigue issues as it absorbs shocks nicely. With your safety as its first priority, this bike is designed with impressive front and rear brakes. The stopping power of the brakes is excellent in any circumstance. Furthermore, there are 29-inch wheels that are great in any terrain. But you should always remember that the wheels aren’t suitable for hardcore tracks.
What We Love
A recommended product for beginners looking for a popular dual-suspension mountain bike.
Pros:
- Lightweight but sturdy aluminum frame
- Easy to maneuver
- Absorbs shocks really well
- Powerful brakes
- Perform well in any terrain
Cons:
- No water bottle holder
Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike
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If you consider yourself an entry-level trail rider, a hardtail mountain bike with a front suspension will be a good launchpad for you to learn the ropes effectively. That said, the Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike is a good option that can make you a better rider. This best mountain bike for beginners has a geometry that favors singletrack and uphill riding. The frame has an aggressive stance, and the 6061-T6 aluminum alloy frame is well-designed and very stylish.
Furthermore, there’s also an SR Suntour suspension fork that evens out bumps and ensures that beginners won’t have to compromise on comfort. We also like the Tektro mechanical disk brakes for a smooth stopping and enable safe rides on tricky terrains. For the set-up process, you have nothing to worry about. it’s shipped ready to ride, which means that it’s already 95% assembled when it arrives. This might not be the best Trek mountain bike for beginners that many of your fellow riders are using, but it’s super worth it.
What We Love
A reliable hardtail mountain bike for novices looking to jump into the sport of mountain biking.
Pros:
- Lightweight but offers a good balance
- Great stopping power
- Superior control when riding on trails
- Easy to assemble
- Perform well on tricky terrains
Cons:
- Comfort issues with the seat
Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
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As the name suggests, the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike has fat tires that support all-season riding and roll over just about any surface. As the best mountain bike for beginners, it’ll ensure that your rides feel stable, comfy, and cushiony on soft ground and mountainous routes alike. With this bike, you’ll be able to push your limits confidently and get the most out of your mountain biking experience. It’s also super easy to assemble, which is superb for beginners with a height ranging between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet.
This bike’s cruiser-style frame is made of high-tensile steel, which lends it a certain degree of strength and durability. Meanwhile, the lightweight alloy rims help keep the weight in check while also contributing to the bike’s speed and performance. The supersized 26-inch all-terrain tires are 4 inches wide, and they’re so punchy that they can handle bumps and obstacles effectively. What’s more, they’re not that expensive. Costing you just around 400USD, this best mountain bike for a beginner is an affordable pick that doesn’t skimp on quality.
What We Love
An inexpensive option for beginners that want to have smooth rides regardless of the terrain.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Fat tires
- Perform well on most terrains
- Handles bumps and obstacles well
- Stunning cruiser-style frame
Cons:
- Relatively heavy
