Top 5 | Best Budget Mountain Bikes

Finding a mountain bike for under £500 can seem like a bit of a minefield, but fortunately you’re in the right place. It’s totally possible to get something that’s up to the task of proper off-road riding without breaking the bank, but there’s a big difference between how durable and enjoyable the best budget mountain bikes are compared to the not-so-great.

Here’s a selection of the best, currently available ‘budget’ MTBs we’ve reviewed for a mix of on- and off-road use.

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[Gage]

It really gets me depressed when I watch one of those top 10 affordable mountain bikes videos and there all above 1000 dollars

[CiderPang]

I’ve just bought a GT Avalanche for £30 and a ridgeback terrain mx3 for £50. Fixing them up and changing parts as and when I want. NOW THAT’S mountain biking on a budget!

[darktechfst]

best budget? that maybe true but here £500 can feed me almost 3 month good foods, gee thanks for remind me how poor I am

[ianmangham]

I love my 2011 mongoose tyax elite, she's never failed me, the headset still hasn't come loose, zero slack.

[mtber]

Ive just bought a decathlon rockrider st 540 for my girlfriend and its a great build for the money. Geometry wise i cant say much but the build is great

[voltsynub]

Lol I had a voodoo aizan it got stolen by gypsys

[Wesrl]

$1, 500 price range seems like another good price range to explore

[macss]

Can’t go wrong with a voodoo rip mine down black runs and it’s never let me down going strong 3 years later and still hitting black runs lol pound!!!

[frenchy]

rockshox xc30
shimano hydraulic disc brakes
21"frame
29" wheels
shimano acera and altus groupset
£404 calribre only at go outdoors

[finleypdoherty]

I got a Specialized Pitch Expert 2019 for £550 on offer. It’s great, perfect geometry and great specs. It has a Shimano Deore 2x9 and SR Suntor XCR 32 with multi stage lockout and Specialized dirt tyres, it’s great

[carterdavis]

The Vitus bike in this price range completely kills the competition when you look at the spec sheet. Even the geometry is nice. I can't believe there's even a comparison.

[calvinduffus]

Hi there, please do a video on these bikes. They are all 2020 models and all priced at £399.00


Cannondale - Trail 8
Scott - ASPECT 970
Cube - CUBE AIM
Obrea - MX 50
Specialized - PITCH 27.5
Giant - ATX 2
Trek - Marlin 5


I haven't been able to find an English review on any of these 2020 models. Would love to see them all put up against each other.
(Please add another well-known brand in the same field under £400 if there is one I have forgotten).
Thank you

[JmanUK]

I have a yellow Carrera vengeance which set me back £360 and that is a great bike.

[XxPureKhaosxX]

The vitus is the only bike with a decent air fork, that should put it higher than 3rd

[northernguerrilla]

I've got a carrera vengeance ultimate that was in this price range and I can't fault it to be fair.

[eugenio]

Listen: trek marlin 4 giant talon 4 specialized rockhoper 29 orbea mx 50 and cube aim pro 2021

[kubagornowicz]

This top Trek price equals to me about 10.000 pairs of contact lenses I use, which transfers to 10.000 bike rides :)

[jsmea]

We have quality bikes in the Philippines for only 300 pounds. Bike market in the Philippines is cheap but reliable

[tomhadfield]

I just bought a specialised rockhopper sport for just over £440 it isn’t super expensive but still rlly good

[Mlan]

can you also do the best for 2000 dollars