The Best Mountain Bikes Under $1000 of 2024

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The Schwinn Traxion is ideal for riders looking to take their mountain biking hobby to a serious level. Yes, it’s priced a bit higher, but with quality components from one of the most reputable brands, the Schwinn Traxion is hard to pass up.

Experience a smooth and controlled ride on challenging trails with the Schwinn aluminum mountain frame. The Traxion mountain bike features a rigid yet featherweight aluminum frame that can endure even the most arduous terrains. With its aluminum components, the bike weighs a mere 40 lbs, rendering it relatively effortless to maneuver and control on challenging terrain.

The Schwinn suspension fork is designed to absorb shocks and bumps on the road, providing a comfortable ride. The Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifter, equipped with 21-speed twist shifters, ensures quick and precise gear changes while on the trail.

The Traxion alloy crank offers optimal gearing and requires low maintenance. With front and rear mechanical disc brakes, you can confidently ride in all weather conditions while maintaining speed control.

The all-terrain, wide-knobby mountain tires offer excellent grip and stability, while the high-profile double-wall alloy rims provide lightweight stability, balance, and strength.

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Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the Mongoose Argus ST is an excellent choice for any terrain.

Introducing the Mongoose Argus ST, a durable and versatile bike suitable for both on and off-road use. It boasts a hand-built butted 6061 alloy 29er hardtail frame with a suspension fork that can handle rough terrain with ease.

Equipped with mechanical disc brakes, the bike provides reliable stopping power on any terrain. The double-walled alloy rims make it sturdy and able to withstand any terrain. With 24 speeds, finding the perfect gear for any situation is a breeze.

The bike is available in a 17″ frame size with a stand-over height of 32.6″, making it easy to get on and off.

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If you’re looking for a mountain bike that’s rare and stands out from the crowd, then the Priority Sauce is for you. As the brand states, “The Sauce is perfect for mixing in some trails, mashing through city streets, or even hitting a pump track, in a really nimble, responsive machine.”

The Sauce bike boasts a Gates Carbon Drive belt, eliminating any concerns over rust, grease, or regular upkeep. The Priority Sauce is made for daily cycling and can handle even the most demanding mountain biking conditions. The Sun Ringle 27.5″ rims and Goodyear Peak 2.25″ tires are tubeless-ready and offer superior traction on both the blacktop and off-road terrain.

For a seamless transition from city streets to dirt tracks, simply add a dropper seatpost to the internally routed design. The comfortable seat guarantees a smooth ride, while the retro style combined with modern geometry provides both comfort and agility.

With its integrated handlebar stem, the cockpit is simplified, and the bike is lighter. Featuring hydraulic disc brakes, you can rely on exceptional performance in any weather and terrain condition with minimal maintenance required.

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The Polygon Xtrada 6 is perfect for all riding levels, but especially those beginners looking to upgrade to a premium mountain bike that won’t burn a big hole in your wallet.

Looking for the perfect first ride to take you beyond the city limits and into the great outdoors? Look no further than the Polygon Xtrada 6. This bike is ideal for riders of all levels and features a light and durable frame made from butted and hydroformed 6061 aluminum.

With modern features like slack head tubes and steep seat tube angles, the Xtrada models handle impeccably and effortlessly navigating any mountain terrain. The bike’s internal cable routing system ensures a clean and rattle-free ride, while the adjustable coil-sprung forks and hydraulic lockout offer a comfortable journey with plenty of traction.

And with Shimano’s Deore 1×11 drive train and reliable hydraulic disc brakes, you can conquer any mountain with ease and simplicity.

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According to Mongoose, the Switchback Sport is a reliable mountain bike for beginners to use on trails. However, like most bikes in its price range, it can also be used for commuting and other urban transportation needs.

The Switchback Sport may surprise you with its off-road capabilities despite its semi-slick tires and tall stem. The handlebars are at a comfortable height and offer ample space for movement, compensating for the unusual appearance of the upright stem.

The minimally-treaded tires are not a challenge in dry conditions, and their low rolling resistance helps balance the bike’s weight. The Switchback Sport is a versatile bike designed for dual-use with both a kickstand fixing plate and disc brake mounts on the frame. Its aggressive frame and big, square-headed tubes up front give it a mountain bike-inspired style.

The frame is reinforced with a gusset at the down tube/head tube junction, and fat stays at the rear. The SR Suntour suspension fork is made of all-steel and has skinny stanchions, a welded-on brace, and simple spring/elastomer internals. Although it may be heavy, flexible, and bouncy, those who are not used to a decent suspension fork are unlikely to notice.

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If your biking adventures mostly involve smooth trails and rolling hills, then the Rockhopper Comp is an absolute no-brainer.

Specialized is undeniably one of the most reputable and trusted brands in the biking world, offering an impressive range of high-end bikes for downhill, enduro, and race-oriented XC.

Among its line of hardtail bikes, the Rockhopper series stands out as a particularly popular choice, with prices that range from $600 to over $1,000. At $1,000, the mid-range option, the Comp 29, boasts exceptional build quality and a well-executed design that features clean lines and comfortable geometry. With 90 or 100 millimeters of travel and fast-rolling 2.3-inch tires, the Rockhopper is perfect for moderate trails and fast riding.

The Rockhopper’s large 29-inch wheels and hydraulic brakes also give it decent all-around capabilities. However, it’s worth noting that its 9-millimeter quick-release axles may limit its stiffness on more technical terrain, and its coil front fork may not be as adjustable or refined as the air-sprung design that comes with other bikes in the range.

Having said that, these downsides are only significant on more challenging trails, which none of the bikes on our list excel at. All in all, the Rockhopper is a tried and tested design that offers reliability and versatility, making it an excellent choice for cross-country biking.

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The Big AL 2.0 is a sleek and sturdy bike that’s perfect for dominating trails, racing, or even just cruising through the city.

With top-notch features like RockShox Recon Silver forks and a Shimano Deore 10-speed groupset, this hardtail is engineered for unparalleled performance and dependability. Its rigid frame is designed to provide just the right amount of flexibility for long rides without compromising on durability.

And with ISCG 05 chain guide tabs, a 44/56mm tapered head tube, internal dropper seat post compatibility, and a 148x12mm boost rear end, this bike is fully equipped for any challenge.

The Big AL also boasts superior components, including a Shimano groupset, SRAM brakes, a RockShox fork, Tubeless Ready wheels, and 3C EXO+ Maxxis tires, ensuring maximum performance and longevity.

And let’s not forget about the geometry; the Big AL 2.0 strikes the perfect balance between thrilling fun and practicality, making it an absolute delight to ride.

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The Cannondale Trail SE 4 is advertised as a bike for easy trails, gravel roads, and relaxed rides. However, its frame components, such as Boost axle spacing and dropper post compatibility, suggest it has the potential for more rugged terrain.

The Cannondale Trail SE boasts a classic cross-country shape that’s perfect for the blacktop and the rugged trails. Its longish top tube and low front end provide riders with a low-down, aggressive position when seated, while still feeling upright when standing on the pedals due to its short reach.

The SE4 is a 1x-only model but also has a mount for a front derailleur. The frame is expertly crafted from Cannondale’s SmartForm C2 aluminum, with butted tubes and smooth welds. Its internally routed gear cables and rear brake hose make for clean lines, but there might be a bit of rattle. Stylish dropped seat stays help improve ride quality with Cannondale’s SAVE “micro-suspension” technology.

The Suntour XCR fork boasts 120mm-travel and a 15x110mm Boost thru-axle. WTB STX i25 rims are expertly laced to Shimano MT400 hubs and shod in WTB rubber. The cockpit and contact points feature a mix of FSA and Cannondale-branded kit, making for a well-rounded and confident ride.

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If you’re new to off-road riding but want a proper mountain bike that won’t break the bank, the Trek Marlin 6 is a great option. With a variety of gears, it can handle both road and trail riding with ease.

The Trek Marlin 6 is the ultimate mountain bike for cross-country rides. With a suspension fork that easily locks out and a streamlined 1x drivetrain, this bike offers an unbeatable off-road experience. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just for mountain biking – it’s the perfect choice for daily commutes, thanks to components like rack and kickstand mounts.

The Marlin boasts a durable aluminum frame with internal routing that protects your cables and gives it a sleek and stylish look. And with powerful hydraulic disc brakes and a simple 1×10 Shimano drivetrain, the Trek Marlin 6 operates smoothly with less clutter and without a front derailleur. The wide-range cassette provides all the gears you need for steep climbs and descents, while the suspension fork’s easy-to-use lever lets you lock it on smooth terrain.

Plus, with seven different frame sizes available and “Smart Wheel Size” technology, you can rest assured that you’ll have the fastest wheel that fits. Even smaller riders will appreciate the Marlin’s short-reach brake levers and narrower handlebars, providing ultimate comfort and control.

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Perfect for those riders who want to purchase a bike from a respected brand that is as comfortable at home on the trails as it is on the pavement.

Experience the thrill of mountain biking adventure with the Hatch 2. This bike is the perfect companion for exploring dirt, gravel, or the blacktop. The Diamondback Hatch 2 ensures a balanced and enjoyable ride with “Progressive Wheel Sizing” that fits the rider. With a 100mm travel fork and 2.25-inch wide knobby tires, you’ll easily navigate bumps and potholes.

The Hatch 2 offers 21 gear options for your perfect pedalling pace, and the Tektro mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. And the best part? The Hatch 2 is an affordable option to kickstart your outdoor adventures without breaking the bank.