What Is The Best Mountain Bike Under $300?
In this mountain bike under $300 review, our team thoroughly compared build quality, ease of assembly, downhill performance, climbing performance, enjoyment and value for money for multiple products. After hours of research and testing, we recommend the Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike as the best mountain bike under $300 on the market.
1. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike - Durable mountain bike for all terrain with 21 speeds
2. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike - Good-looking, performance-driven bike for beginners
3. Dynacraft Magna Front Shock Mountain Bike - Affordable, kid-friendly mountain bike with suspension
4. Hiland 26 Mountain Bike - Versatile mountain bike for beginners on a budget
5. Mongoose Status 2.2 Mountain Bike - Affordable mountain bike for women
6. Mongoose Impasse Mountain bike - Budget-friendly mountain bike for light trails
7. Hiland Aluminum Mountain Bike - Budget-friendly mountain bike with disc brakes
Mountain Bike Under $300 Reviews
The Schwinn High Timber hits way above its price range, and you’d expect nothing more from one of the world’s most reputable bike brands. The frame is lightweight, making it perfect for the kids to cruise around in their neighborhood or explore some of the local bike park trails.
One feature that stands out is that the Schwinn High Timber is equipped with an alloy crank, making gear changes quick and easy. A big bonus in this price category. Not only that, but the twist shifters are easy to use and perfect for kids or beginners to mountain biking.
The tires on the Schwinn High Timber are wide and knobby and come with durable, lightweight alloy wheels making handling and comfort easy and enjoyable. The rim brakes are perhaps a bit outdated but still provide enough stopping power for a safe riding experience.
Quick-release seat posts are also included allowing riders of different heights to quickly adjust the seat height and find a comfortable riding position. As with all Schwinn bikes, the Schwinn High Timber comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Durable mountain bike for all terrain with 21 speeds
At a glance
The Schwinn High Timber is perfect for riders who enjoy riding on a wide range of terrain. The frame is made from high-grade steel, meaning it’s durable, and combined with the 21-speed twist shifters, the Schwinn High Timber packs a real punch for its price.
The Schwinn High Timber hits way above its price range, and you’d expect nothing more from one of the world’s most reputable bike brands. The frame is lightweight, making it perfect for the kids to cruise around in their neighborhood or explore some of the local bike park trails.
One feature that stands out is that the Schwinn High Timber is equipped with an alloy crank, making gear changes quick and easy. A big bonus in this price category. Not only that, but the twist shifters are easy to use and perfect for kids or beginners to mountain biking.
The tires on the Schwinn High Timber are wide and knobby and come with durable, lightweight alloy wheels making handling and comfort easy and enjoyable. The rim brakes are perhaps a bit outdated but still provide enough stopping power for a safe riding experience.
Quick-release seat posts are also included allowing riders of different heights to quickly adjust the seat height and find a comfortable riding position. As with all Schwinn bikes, the Schwinn High Timber comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Features:
- Style / Type
- Hardtail
- Frame Material
- Aluminum
- Frame Sizes Available
- 16-inch
- Wheel Sizes Available
- 27.5-Inch
- Suspension
- Alloy/steel, suspension
- Gears
- 21
- Tires
- Wide knobby
- Brakes
- Alloy V-brakes
- Weight
- 16.0kg
Scores:
- Build Quality
- Ease of Assembly
- Downhill Performance
- Climbing Performance
- Enjoyment
- Value for Money
- Overall
Pros
- Reputable bike brand
- High-quality manufacturing and durability
- Easy to upgrade components
- Stable over all types of terrain
Cons
- Plastic pedals aren’t the best
- Some have complained the saddle is too hard
One of the best bikes in this $300 price range is the Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail. The bike comes with a top-notch “denim-style” paint job and 21 speeds, making it the ideal choice for those who want style and practicality. Not only that but assembly is made easy with an instructional video.
The Huffy Hardtail is recommended for ages 13 and up and for riders with a minimum height of 5 feet or 152cm. The frame comes with a limited lifetime warranty, giving peace of mind to the buyer, and the suspension forks provide a fun and comfortable riding experience. One of my favorite features is the Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur, which has been indexed, to make shifting quick and seamless.
The tires on the Huffy Hardtail are knobby 26″ X 1.95″, allowing you to attack the trails with confidence. The rim brakes aren’t the best, but that said, they offer good quality for the price and are safe. The saddle on the Huffy Hardtail is “double-stitched” for comfort and durability, both important features when buying a mountain bike.
All the tools required for assembly are in the box, which is a pleasant surprise considering many bike brands don’t include them; a real pain in the bum. The components to be assembled are the handlebar, seat, pedals, and front wheel; after that, it’s just a matter of adjusting the brakes, and off you go.
Good-looking, performance-driven bike for beginners
At a glance
The Huffy Hardtail not only looks great but delivers on its performance claims. Designed with the beginner and casual weekend warrior in mind, the Huffy Hardtail is the perfect addition to any family bike collection. The twist shifters are a little tight, though, so the Hardtail might not be the best option for children.
One of the best bikes in this $300 price range is the Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail. The bike comes with a top-notch “denim-style” paint job and 21 speeds, making it the ideal choice for those who want style and practicality. Not only that but assembly is made easy with an instructional video.
The Huffy Hardtail is recommended for ages 13 and up and for riders with a minimum height of 5 feet or 152cm. The frame comes with a limited lifetime warranty, giving peace of mind to the buyer, and the suspension forks provide a fun and comfortable riding experience. One of my favorite features is the Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur, which has been indexed, to make shifting quick and seamless.
The tires on the Huffy Hardtail are knobby 26″ X 1.95″, allowing you to attack the trails with confidence. The rim brakes aren’t the best, but that said, they offer good quality for the price and are safe. The saddle on the Huffy Hardtail is “double-stitched” for comfort and durability, both important features when buying a mountain bike.
All the tools required for assembly are in the box, which is a pleasant surprise considering many bike brands don’t include them; a real pain in the bum. The components to be assembled are the handlebar, seat, pedals, and front wheel; after that, it’s just a matter of adjusting the brakes, and off you go.
Features:
- Style / Type
- Hardtail
- Frame Material
- Alloy Steel
- Frame Sizes Available
- 20-26-Inches
- Wheel Sizes Available
- 26-Inch
- Suspension
- Gears
- 21
- Tires
- Knobby
- Brakes
- Linear pull
- Weight
- 12.7kg
Scores:
- Build Quality
- Ease of Assembly
- Downhill Performance
- Climbing Performance
- Enjoyment
- Value for Money
- Overall
Pros
- A wide variety of sizes to choose from
- Sturdy and durable steel frame
- Rear derailleur guard helps protect from debris
- Easy to assemble (video instructions included)
- Very affordable
Cons
- Twist shifter tight and not easy for kids to use
- Suspension is not as good compared to the Schwinn High Timber
Dynacraft was established in 1984 and is now the largest distributor of bikes in North America, with more than 77 million units shipping out their door over the years. Buying a bike from a reputable brand for your kids gives parents peace of mind, especially when they’re out on the trails or riding the ramps at the bike park.
The design reminds me of growing up in the 80’s with purple paint and custom graphics, yet somehow, this style still seems as cool today as it was back then. Kids will love the Magna Echo Ridge. The seat is padded extra-soft, and the kids can easily adjust their seat height with the turn of the post clamp.
The Magna Echo Ridge also comes fully equipped with 18-speed indexed gears allowing riders of all fitness levels to easily climb the steepest of inclines. The front shifters are simple and easy to use, offering three speeds upfront and six at the rear.
Affordable, kid-friendly mountain bike with suspension
At a glance
The Magna Echo Ridge is ideal for kids of all ages and perfect for parents who want a quality bike without burning a big fat hole in their wallets. The bike seat is adjustable with no tools needed, and the kids will love the feel of the front suspension.
Dynacraft was established in 1984 and is now the largest distributor of bikes in North America, with more than 77 million units shipping out their door over the years. Buying a bike from a reputable brand for your kids gives parents peace of mind, especially when they’re out on the trails or riding the ramps at the bike park.
The design reminds me of growing up in the 80’s with purple paint and custom graphics, yet somehow, this style still seems as cool today as it was back then. Kids will love the Magna Echo Ridge. The seat is padded extra-soft, and the kids can easily adjust their seat height with the turn of the post clamp.
The Magna Echo Ridge also comes fully equipped with 18-speed indexed gears allowing riders of all fitness levels to easily climb the steepest of inclines. The front shifters are simple and easy to use, offering three speeds upfront and six at the rear.
Features:
- Style / Type
- Hardtail
- Frame Material
- Alloy Steel
- Frame Sizes Available
- Wheel Sizes Available
- 24-Inch
- Suspension
- Front shock fork
- Gears
- 18
- Tires
- MISSING DATA
- Brakes
- Linear pull brakes
- Weight
- 18.6 kg
Scores:
- Build Quality
- Ease of Assembly
- Downhill Performance
- Climbing Performance
- Enjoyment
- Value for Money
- Overall
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- A variety of sizes and colors to choose from
- 18-speed indexed shifting
- Great beginner mountain bike for kids
- High-quality front fork suspension
Cons
- Assembly is a bit tricky, especially if you’re not great with the tools
The Hiland GAMILLE 300 frame is durable and ultra-light, especially for a bike in this lower-range price category. The step-through design makes it ideal for smaller riders and kids and allows riders to balance using their feet if they look like falling off.
Similar to other Hiland models, the front fork is fully adjustable and offers a “lockout” position for riding on smooth roads. The tires are nonslip and manufactured from “explosion-proof” material and, at 26 inches, offer plenty of comfort on the more rugged trails.
The Hiland comes partially pre-assembled, but the brand includes tools and an instruction video that guides you through every step. All in all, the Hiland is another quality mountain bike that offers good quality and durability and a fraction of the cost of other brands.
Versatile mountain bike for beginners on a budget
At a glance
The Hiland is ideal for beginners to mountain biking who want a quality bike that can also double as a commuter.
The Hiland GAMILLE 300 frame is durable and ultra-light, especially for a bike in this lower-range price category. The step-through design makes it ideal for smaller riders and kids and allows riders to balance using their feet if they look like falling off.
Similar to other Hiland models, the front fork is fully adjustable and offers a “lockout” position for riding on smooth roads. The tires are nonslip and manufactured from “explosion-proof” material and, at 26 inches, offer plenty of comfort on the more rugged trails.
The Hiland comes partially pre-assembled, but the brand includes tools and an instruction video that guides you through every step. All in all, the Hiland is another quality mountain bike that offers good quality and durability and a fraction of the cost of other brands.
Features:
- Style / Type
- Hardtail
- Frame Material
- Aluminum
- Frame Sizes Available
- 16-16.5-Inches
- Wheel Sizes Available
- 27.5-Inch
- Suspension
- Lockable suspension fork
- Gears
- 21-24
- Tires
- Non-slip and explosion-proof materials
- Brakes
- Dual mechanical disc brakes
- Weight
- 17.0kg
Scores:
- Build Quality
- Ease of Assembly
- Downhill Performance
- Climbing Performance
- Enjoyment
- Value for Money
- Overall
Pros
- Wide comfort seat
- Lockout suspension fork
- XC no slip tires
- Step-through frame
- Available in 2 frame sizes
Cons
- Assembling the bike may require help from a bike mechanic
The Mongoose Status 2.2 is made by one of the oldest and most renowned bike brands. The bike has a lightweight aluminum frame with hydroformed tubing combined with the well-known front suspension that Mongoose is known for. The 26-inch tires can comfortably fit riders 165 cm to 190cm tall, meaning most riders should be able to find a comfy riding position.
Although the Mongoose Status 2.2 is a purebred mountain bike, it’s also great for running errands, heading to the shops, or cruising with the family. The price point is impressive, especially for the quality components that come with the bike, such as 21-speed Shimano gears, a riser handlebar, and durable alloy rims.
Amazingly the Mongoose Status 2.2 comes equipped with SRAM shifters guaranteeing quick and, more importantly, reliable shifting. The knobby tires help to soften the vibrations of any bumps, and the alloy rims help to keep the bike light and balanced.
The Mongoose Status 2.2 is worth considering, especially if you’re limited by budget but still looking for a bike from a reputable brand.
Affordable mountain bike for women
At a glance
Mongoose has marketed the bike toward the ladies’ market; however, in my opinion, the bike is unisex and is appropriate for boys. That said, the Mongoose Status 2.2 is ideal for beginner women and girls looking to purchase their mountain bikes at a reasonable price.
The Mongoose Status 2.2 is made by one of the oldest and most renowned bike brands. The bike has a lightweight aluminum frame with hydroformed tubing combined with the well-known front suspension that Mongoose is known for. The 26-inch tires can comfortably fit riders 165 cm to 190cm tall, meaning most riders should be able to find a comfy riding position.
Although the Mongoose Status 2.2 is a purebred mountain bike, it’s also great for running errands, heading to the shops, or cruising with the family. The price point is impressive, especially for the quality components that come with the bike, such as 21-speed Shimano gears, a riser handlebar, and durable alloy rims.
Amazingly the Mongoose Status 2.2 comes equipped with SRAM shifters guaranteeing quick and, more importantly, reliable shifting. The knobby tires help to soften the vibrations of any bumps, and the alloy rims help to keep the bike light and balanced.
The Mongoose Status 2.2 is worth considering, especially if you’re limited by budget but still looking for a bike from a reputable brand.
Features:
- Style / Type
- Hardtail
- Frame Material
- Aluminum
- Frame Sizes Available
- 13-17-Inches
- Wheel Sizes Available
- 26-Inch
- Suspension
- Gears
- 21
- Tires
- Knobby wide mountain tires
- Brakes
- V-brakes
- Weight
- 18.8kg
Scores:
- Build Quality
- Ease of Assembly
- Downhill Performance
- Climbing Performance
- Enjoyment
- Value for Money
- Overall
Pros
- Aluminum frame
- Lightweight for the price
- 21-speed Shimano with twister shifts
- Knobby tires
- Excellent braking system
Cons
- Not the most stylish mountain bike
- Some customers commented the seat is hard
The Mongoose Impasse is another high-quality, affordable mountain bike made by Mongoose. Amazingly, the aluminum frame features full suspension and is equipped with front and rear disc brakes at this price point, adding to the safety and riding experience.
Mongoose claims that the Impasse is suitable for riders between 162 cm and 188 cm meaning everyone from kids to adults can find their ideal position. The Mongoose Impasse only comes partially assembled, but the remaining assembly is straightforward, even for the most inexperienced handyperson.
One feature I like is that the front suspension has 100mm of travel, allowing the bike to soak up the bumps and vibrations on the trails. The cables are also routed internally, making the bike look sleek and expensive.
It’s worth mentioning the disc brakes again because they provide incredible stopping power and offer new riders a level of confidence usually only found on more expensive models. The Impasse is one of the most impressive bikes on our list, and with disc brakes and front suspension, you’ll look like a pro on your very first ride.
Budget-friendly mountain bike for light trails
At a glance
The Mongoose Impasse is the ideal mountain bike for entry-level riders who do not want to spend huge amounts of money. It’s great for the lighter trails but can be nerve-wracking on more rugged terrain. If most of your riding is done on the weekend and for fun, then the Mongoose Impasse makes a good choice.
The Mongoose Impasse is another high-quality, affordable mountain bike made by Mongoose. Amazingly, the aluminum frame features full suspension and is equipped with front and rear disc brakes at this price point, adding to the safety and riding experience.
Mongoose claims that the Impasse is suitable for riders between 162 cm and 188 cm meaning everyone from kids to adults can find their ideal position. The Mongoose Impasse only comes partially assembled, but the remaining assembly is straightforward, even for the most inexperienced handyperson.
One feature I like is that the front suspension has 100mm of travel, allowing the bike to soak up the bumps and vibrations on the trails. The cables are also routed internally, making the bike look sleek and expensive.
It’s worth mentioning the disc brakes again because they provide incredible stopping power and offer new riders a level of confidence usually only found on more expensive models. The Impasse is one of the most impressive bikes on our list, and with disc brakes and front suspension, you’ll look like a pro on your very first ride.
Features:
- Style / Type
- Dual Suspension
- Frame Material
- Aluminum
- Frame Sizes Available
- Wheel Sizes Available
- 29-Inch
- Suspension
- Gears
- 8
- Tires
- Knobby
- Brakes
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Weight
- 16.4kg
Scores:
- Build Quality
- Ease of Assembly
- Downhill Performance
- Climbing Performance
- Enjoyment
- Value for Money
- Overall
Pros
- Front Suspension
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Build quality is exceptional
- Reputable brand
Cons
- The suspension is a little too soft when riding on pavement
- Water bottle holders are limited
The Hiland bike brand has been around since 1997 and has sold over 40 million bikes in 80 countries. A company spokesperson said, “Hiland has always been about getting people on bikes and exploring the trails around them. With Hiland, We hope everyone enjoys riding as much as we do.”
Out of all the bikes in this category, the Hiland frame is of the highest quality and is not only stylish but also durable with its rust-resistant protection. The internal cabling looks awesome but also serves a purpose as the cables are protected from the elements helping them to last longer.
The front and rear disc brakes are the stand-out feature on the Hiland and provide incredible stopping power; riders coming from rim brakes won’t believe just how big the difference is. Twenty-seven speeds mean that the bike is suitable for all fitness levels and allows riders to explore a wide range of mountain biking styles.
The front suspension is fully-adjustable, which many riders will find comfortable, practical, and easy to adjust. The Hiland also allows riders to “lock” the front suspension, meaning you can ride faster on the blacktop as the suspension won’t absorb your pedaling power.
Budget-friendly mountain bike with disc brakes
At a glance
As with most of the bikes on the list, the Hiland is aimed towards beginner mountain bikers and those looking for a budget-friendly bike with all the bells and whistles. The Hiland doesn’t disappoint with its lightweight frame and front and rear disc brakes, which are normally only
The Hiland bike brand has been around since 1997 and has sold over 40 million bikes in 80 countries. A company spokesperson said, “Hiland has always been about getting people on bikes and exploring the trails around them. With Hiland, We hope everyone enjoys riding as much as we do.”
Out of all the bikes in this category, the Hiland frame is of the highest quality and is not only stylish but also durable with its rust-resistant protection. The internal cabling looks awesome but also serves a purpose as the cables are protected from the elements helping them to last longer.
The front and rear disc brakes are the stand-out feature on the Hiland and provide incredible stopping power; riders coming from rim brakes won’t believe just how big the difference is. Twenty-seven speeds mean that the bike is suitable for all fitness levels and allows riders to explore a wide range of mountain biking styles.
The front suspension is fully-adjustable, which many riders will find comfortable, practical, and easy to adjust. The Hiland also allows riders to “lock” the front suspension, meaning you can ride faster on the blacktop as the suspension won’t absorb your pedaling power.
Features:
- Style / Type
- Hardtail
- Frame Material
- Aluminum
- Frame Sizes Available
- 18-19-Inches
- Wheel Sizes Available
- 27.5-Inch
- Suspension
- Front suspension fork with adjustable damping
- Gears
- 27
- Tires
- XC
- Brakes
- Hydraulic Disc-Brakes
- Weight
- 17.0kg
Scores:
- Build Quality
- Ease of Assembly
- Downhill Performance
- Climbing Performance
- Enjoyment
- Value for Money
- Overall
Pros
- High-quality ultra-light aluminum frame
- Dual-powered hydraulic disc brakes
- Front suspension with adjustable damping
- XC tires and double-walled alloy rim
- Wide variety of sizes
- Easy assembly with tools included
Cons
- The rear derailleur may need some fine-tuning at your local bike shop
Expert Tips For Buying A $300 Mountain Bike
Choosing the right mountain isn’t as simple as browsing through online sites or visiting your local “big box” department store. As a matter of fact, there are several factors you need to consider before you go spending your hard-earned cash.
Let’s take a look at five of the most important factors you must consider before purchasing your new mountain bike.
1. Mountain Bike Frame
Generally speaking, you’ll be purchasing a “hardtail” or a “full-suspension” mountain bike. As the name suggests, a hardtail has no rear suspension and is perfect for riding on blacktop and light gravel roads. While a full suspension frame has front and rear suspension, making it ideal for rugged trails.
Frames in this $300 price range will either be manufactured from steel or aluminum, with aluminum being the lighter. Lastly, you need to look at bike geometry. Bikes that look aggressive are built for speed, while mountain bikes that are more “conventional” are better suited to long days in the saddle.
2. Mountain Bike Suspension
The bike you choose will largely depend on the type of riding and trails you most often ride. If you’re keen on exploring some extreme trails with plenty of bumps and snags, then your best will be a full-suspension mountain bike.
Conversely, if your idea of a lovely day out is a causal ride through rolling farmland, a hardtail will be more than enough to make your day comfortable in the saddle. What type of riding do you do?
3. Mountain Bike Gearing
When it comes to gearing, many beginners “freak out” because, to them, it seems complicated, but truth be told, once you have a bit of experience, gearing becomes second nature. The number of gears will typically range between 10 and 21. Again, it’s a matter of factoring in the type of riding you’ll be doing.
Obviously, the more gears you have at your disposal, the wider the range of mountain biking you can do. I highly recommend that beginners purchase a bike with as many gears as possible. This will help you get “up and over” the bigger climbs but still offer plenty of “speed” on the flatter trails.
4. Mountain Bike Brakes
Mountain bike brakes come in three distinct types, each with pros and cons. Rim brakes are probably the brakes you grew up with and are still quite common on many mountain and road bikes; however, they are quickly being replaced by the more powerful and expensive disc brakes.
While rim brakes are fine on sunny days, they are nowhere near as reliable once the rain comes down. Mud and other debris make braking with rim brakes a little more tricky and don’t provide the rider with the same confidence as the disc brakes.
Disc brakes also come in two types, hydraulic and mechanical. Hydraulic disc brakes use brake fluid to push the calipers together, while mechanical disc brakes use a braking cable. Hydraulic disc brakes offer the most superior braking, but that said, most experienced riders can’t tell the difference between hydraulic and mechanical.
Choose mechanical disc brakes when you can; they offer similar braking at half the price.
5. Mountain Bike Tires
Perhaps the mountain bike component with the widest range of products, styles, types, and brands to choose from are tires and rims. Generally speaking, you have 26, 27.5, and 29-inch wheels, but there are bigger sizes available if you so choose.
26-inch tires offer the rider a tremendous amount of feel but are typically tricky to handle, meaning beginners should probably avoid them. 26-inch tires also provide excellent speed and acceleration, but again that is the last thing a beginner needs.
27.5-inch tires are popular because they blend the best components of both the 26 and 29-inch tire sizes. With 27.5s, you’ll be able to comfortably roll on the blacktop while having peace of mind you can withstand even the most rugged of bike trails.
29-inch tires are great for “plowing through trails” that are loaded with rocks, sticks, and other large obstacles you’ll need to jump. At high speed, the 29-inch tire offers the riders the greatest sense of security, making them ideal for beginner mountain bikers.
That’s A Wrap
As you can see from the list of seven mountain bikes above, it’s absolutely achievable to find a quality mountain bike on a limited budget of under $300. Sure, you will have to compromise and sacrifice on the quality of some of the components, but these bikes are still safe, durable, and fun to ride.
I would highly recommend beginners and juniors to mountain biking start with one of the seven bikes on the list above. These mountain bikes are excellent entry-level bikes and provide a fantastic riding experience without burning a big hole in your wallet.
And, remember, if, after a year or so, you fall in love with mountain biking, which I’m sure you will, then you can always pass your bike to a friend or family member and splurge on getting an upgrade.
FAQ's
How long do cheap mountain bikes last?
If you take the time to clean and maintain your bike properly, there’s no reason cheaper-priced mountain bikes can’t last 10-15 years. Pay attention to moving parts like keeping the chain lubed and the front and rear derailleur in good working. Washing your bike only takes 10 minutes after each ride, saving you money in the long run.
What is the difference between a cheap and an expensive mountain bike?
The two biggest differences you’ll find between cheap and expensive mountain bikes are the quality of the suspension and the brakes. Generally, the most expensive mountain bikes are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes compared to lower-priced bikes that use the old-style rim braking system. Frame material and the quality of the components also vary significantly.
Do I really need an expensive mountain bike?
Well, that depends on a few things, the first one being your budget. If you’re new to mountain biking, there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on a bike. Rather, you’re better off with a cheaper model and then upgrading once you become addicted, which you will. There are many quality, more affordable models from reputable brands, so finding one you like is relatively easy.
