The 5 Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 for Men and Women

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This is a selection of the best mountain bikes under $500 for men and women, suitable for beginners or people with a limited budget. I evaluated them based on my mountain bike scoring system.

Below, you will also learn how to choose a mountain bike under $500, what wheel size is right for you, and much more.

What Are the Best Mountain Bikes Under $500?

Skip to the comparison table…

The best mountain bikes under $500 have aluminum frames and a front suspension fork with roughly 75 to 120mm travel. MTBs at this price range usually don’t have rear suspension, and if they do, they are heavy. Expect low-end components and mostly a 2X or 3X drivetrain. You can choose from bikes with 27.5″ or 29″ wheels and disc or rim brakes.

Read this buyer’s guide first to find out how to choose a mountain bike for under $500 and make the best entry into mountain biking.

Polygon Premier 5 (Best Mountain Bike Under $500 Overall)

Components 4/5 | Climbing 4/5 | Downhill 3/5 | Weight 2/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Design 3/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.4/5

The Polygon Premier 5 is the perfect entry into mountain biking, providing a fantastic build that’ll allow you to dip your toe into off-road riding and fall in love with the sport.

It is made from alloy, making it sturdy and leaving you feeling well-planted on the trails, giving you that confidence to attack with conviction on two wheels. Polygon has ensured that it balances weight and strength for longevity and ease of handling.

The Premier 5 features hydraulic disc brakes for all-weather and high-speed stopping power, a quality Shimano drivetrain, and an SR Suntour suspension fork to soften those small bumps off-road.

The 120mm travel on the front is one of the higher travel bikes in this lineup. It will handle forest roads, trails, and much more. So, if you’re looking for a great ‘do it all’ bike, the Premier is a great one to consider.

Are you interested in more mountain bikes? Check this selection of the best beginner mountain bikes.

Cannondale Trail 8

Components 4/5 | Climbing 4/5 | Downhill 2/5 | Weight 2/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Design 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.3/5

If you’re looking for an affordable mountain bike from an established brand, you shouldn’t miss the Cannondale Trail 8. It combines a 2X Shimano Tourney/Altus drivetrain and Microshift. It has mechanical disc brakes for plenty of stopping power and a Suntour fork. It only has 75mm travel, but it’s enough for hobby riding.

The more upright geometry makes it ideal for flat or uphill riding, but it can also handle less demanding descents. So it’s suitable for commuting to work or maintaining fitness in various terrains.

Remember that the size of the wheels depends on the frame size you choose. Several sizes are available and suitable for teens, women, and men. In terms of weight, Trail 8 is a weaker average in this price range, but it still fits under 15kg.

As a bonus, the Trail 8 is compatible with 31.6mm dropper posts, so if you want to upgrade, you can.

Boost your safety on an MTB with one of these cheap mountain bike helmets for under $100.

Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike

Components 4/5 | Climbing 4/5 | Downhill 3/5 | Weight 2/5 | Build Quality 4/5 | Design 2/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.3/5

The Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 is one of the most popular Co-op mountain bikes and probably the most popular MTB on REI.com. It has a unique top tube profile, making it suitable for men and women.

You get efficient stopping power with the disc brakes in all types of weather. So, you can rely on it on almost any type of terrain.

It will also be easy for you to find the right gear because the 3×7 Shimano drivetrain offers a wide range. Conquer steep sections and ride fast downhill!

Thanks to 27.5″ wheels with 2.1″ tires that provide enough traction, the bike will perform great even in mud.

Unlike the Trail 8, it offers hydraulic disc brakes, which is an advantage compared to mechanical ones because you don’t have to squeeze the brake levers so hard.

If you want a good mountain bike with hydraulic disc brakes for an affordable price, this one is the right for you. You can also read this Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 review and DRT bikes comparison for more info.

Upgrade your new mountain bike with a pair of clipless mountain bike pedals.

Marin Bolinas Ridge 1

Components 4/5 | Climbing 4/5 | Downhill 2/5 | Weight 1/5 | Build Quality 3/5 | Design 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.1/5

The Marin Bolinas Ridge 1 doesn’t fall far from the tree, complimenting the Marin family and being yet another great offering for the budding cyclist – designed for the recreational mountain biker looking to explore the local singletrack, bridleways, and wherever the heart takes you. 

It is made from lightweight yet durable aluminum, paired with 100mm travel suspension forks and a reliable Shimano drivetrain. This bike is at home on the trails, helping you push your boundaries with every twist and turn. 

Its 29” wheels and 2.25” MTB tires will give you the right balance of comfort, traction, and control through any terrain. You can be confident hitting the trails and cornering at speed without thinking twice.

It is equipped with a Shimano Tourney drivetrain, and with the gearing, you’ll be set for the steep hills and long fire roads without leaving you feeling shattered and needing to call it a day early. The brakes are brought to you by the CX7 mechanical discs, providing excellent stopping power that works well in various conditions and at speed. 

With the Marin double-wall alloy rims, you’ll be able to point and shoot over rocks and bumps confidently. You’ll be at home with a great entry-level bike.

Make sure also to check out Bolinas Ridge 2. It’s a little more expensive but has better components and a wider gear range (3x8spd).

Are you just starting with mountain biking? Then, make sure to get a pair of mountain bike shoes.

Mongoose Status 2.2 (Men & Women Specific Versions)

Components 2/5 | Climbing 2/5 | Downhill 3/5 | Weight 1/5 | Build Quality 2/5 | Design 1/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 2.0/5

Mongoose Status 2.2 is the only full-suspension beginner mountain bike on this list. It is the only exception, and I can’t continue without a disclaimer. Don’t expect miracles from a full-suspension bike at this price tag.

Yes, this bike is more comfortable and absorbs bumps and vibrations better than front suspension-only mountain bikes in this price range. It can handle a lot, but I don’t recommend pushing it too far. The quality of the frame and components cannot be compared with full suspension bikes for around $2000.

However, Status 2.2 offers a 21-speed drivetrain so that you can choose the right gear for steep uphills, flat sections, or descents.

It is equipped with classic rim brakes, so the stopping power may be affected in the rain. But you will be fine if you don’t plan to ride in the rain.

The major disadvantage of this bike is its weight. It weighs over 44.3 lb (20 kg), so it requires a lot of energy to make it to the top of the hill. But once you get there, the descent will be quick.

You may also be interested in these Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000.

My Verdict

Polygon Premier 5 is a perfect mountain bike for under $500. It comes with disc brakes that are more effective than rim brakes in all conditions.

With 27.5″ wheels that roll easily over demanding terrain and 120mm Suntour suspension travel, you get great comfort, speed, and stability. The platform pedals are included, so you don’t have to buy them separately.

However, if you don’t like it, the other bikes, like the Cannondale Trail 8 or Co-op DRT 1.1, are also worth your attention.

How to Choose a Mountain Bike Under $500?

The following buyer’s guide is written to fit the $500 price range. Please read my fully dedicated guide on How to Choose a Mountain Bike to learn more about mountain bikes.

Mountain Bike Type

Both types can be found in the below $500 price range. But full-suspension bikes under $500 can’t match the features of full-suspension mountain bikes for above $2000. They are heavy, and the suspension is not very effective. So don’t expect too much from them, and consider getting a hardtail MTB in this price range.

Check the pros and cons of these types of suspension valid for more expensive bikes (above $2000) in the table below.

Suspension Travel

Front suspensions differ in suspension travel. It is the distance the suspension can move before it is fully compressed. The longer the suspension travel, the larger impacts it can absorb.

Cheap mountain bikes usually come with 80-100mm suspension travel. It’s not much, but it’s enough for bumpy, dirt, or gravel roads.

You can see the suspension travel of individual types of mountain bikes that belong to the higher price range in the table below.

Mountain Bike Type

There are 5 basic types of mountain bikes. But the $500 budget is relatively low, so you won’t have many options. Most mountain bikes below $500 are hardtail, cross-country bikes.

Cross-country bikes (also called XC bikes) have ‘pedal-focused’ geometry. This means they are easier to pedal on than downhill bikes, for example. In addition, they have a shorter wheelbase that allows easy handling.

According to BikeExchange, XC bikes are fitted with 90-100mm of travel at the frame and form, with some models offering up to 120mm.

This type of mountain bike is pretty versatile. You can use it for racing, trail riding, casual trips to the forest, countryside, etc.

Frame Material

The $500 price range made it relatively easy in terms of frame material. You can get a steel or an aluminum mountain bike.

• Steel mountain bikes are stiff, durable, and cheap. Their downside is their higher weight.
• Aluminum mountain bikes are more popular because they are stiff and lighter than steel frames. The downside is their higher price than steel MTBs.

You can learn more about bike frame materials in my fully dedicated article.

Wheel Size

Mountain bikes come with 26″, 27.5″, or 29″ wheels. A mountain bike for up to $500 can be equipped with any of these sizes. So which one should you get?

26″ wheels are outdated. Their only advantage is that they accelerate quicker than 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. They are suitable for kids’ mountain bikes or small mountain bike sizes for short people or women. But if you can, go for 27.5″ wheels.

27.5″ wheels are ideal for shorter people or those riders who want an “agile” bike that is easier to handle in tight spaces. They offer better traction thanks to a large surface area and stability than 26″ wheels.

29″ wheels are better for taller riders, but shorter people can use them too. These wheels have bigger inertia, so they maintain speed easily. They are also more comfortable on rougher terrain, stable, and have better traction. Their only downside is that they accelerate slower than the two bike wheel sizes described above.

If you can, take a test ride to see what wheel size suits you best. If you can’t, the general rule of thumb is that shorter riders prefer 27.5″ wheels and taller riders 29″.

NOTE: Some retailers use different wheel sizes for different bike sizes. For example, sizes XS-M come with 27.5 wheels and L & XL with 29 wheels.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is put under pressure every time you pedal. Bikes use 1X, 2X, or 3X chainrings, but mountain bikes under $500 come almost exclusively with 2X or 3X. 1X chainrings are used on more expensive mountain bikes.

2X chainrings have fewer gears and larger jumps between them. On the other hand, they are simpler and easier to operate for beginners. This means you don’t have to think about cross-chaining as much.

3X chainrings offer a large gear selection and smaller jumps between individual gears. Their main downside is the weight, complexity, and more things that can go wrong. There is also a higher chance of a dropped chain.

What is cross-chaining? It’s when you ride on the biggest (lightest) gear in the rear and the biggest (heaviest) chainring in the front or vice versa. It puts the chain, cassette, chainrings, and other parts under greater pressure. As a result, they wear out more easily. This style of shifting is also not effective.

Brakes

Mountain bikes under $500 come with rim or disc brakes.

1. Rim brakes are cheaper, lighter, and easier to maintain than disc brakes. But their stopping power is easily affected by elements like water or dirt. So, mountain bikes with rim brakes are better for casual riders who don’t push their bikes to their limits.
2. Disc brakes provide better stopping power and effectiveness in any condition, but they are heavier and more expensive than rim brakes.
   Read this rim vs. disc brakes comparison to learn more.

My opinion is, and I discussed this topic with a few of my friends who ride mountain bikes, that it is better to buy a bike with good rim brakes than with bad disc brakes. If the 2 bikes have the same price and similar components, but the one has disc brakes and the other rim brakes, go for the one with rim brakes.

Mountain Bike Size

Last, you should consider the correct bike size to prevent injuries and increase your riding comfort.

If you can’t try it in person because you order it online, don’t worry. Feel free to take advantage of this mountain bike size chart or use my bike size calculator. It will calculate the mountain bike size based on your inseam height.

Mountain Bikes Under $500 FAQ

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.