Cycling is an all-age, much-loved hobby and sport, but it does not stop at riding around your neighborhood or down the crowded street. It is also about conquering the mountain, racing through countless miles, and riding through beautiful trails. To do so, we need a mountain bike.
A mountain bike, to most beginners, is somewhat intimidating with all its bulky frame and large gears. But do not fret, because riding a mountain bike is quite easy and fun if you get to choose the right one for you.
So how can you get your best mountain bike? Let’s continue with me here to find out the top 10 best mountain bike for beginners in 2021 right away!
Table of Contents
Why You Need A Mountain Bike for Beginners?
You may think that a “normal bike” will be enough for all kinds of riding styles, but it’s all wrong. If you wish to start the cycling hobby with trail riding or hill climbing, you will need a mountain bike.
A mountain bike is fully equipped with gears to help you drive through tricky, bumpy, and tough terrains like mud, rock, or uphill and downhill tracks. Also, it is efficient to lessen all the strain on your muscle, making your ride much more enjoyable.
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Best Mountain Bike for Beginners Comparison Chart 2021
For anyone still having a hard time considering a lot of mountain bike models, this chart here may help you. You will find all the good point of each model, as well as the ratings from other fellow entry-level riders in this best Best Mountain Bike for Beginners Comparison Chart:
What Are The Best Mountain Bike for Beginners To Buy?
Getting a good mountain bike for beginners is no ordinary task. Since we have little experience in this field and investing in a mountain bike is a big deal, so we have to choose carefully. Let’s look through some of my recommendations for an all-rounded mountain bike for newbie riders here:
- Best Overall: Diamondback Overdrive Mountain Bike
- Best For The Money: Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon Mountain Bike
- Best Cheap Price: Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike
- Best For Women: Gravity FSX 1.0 Mountain Bike
- Best For Kids: Huffy 74808 Mountain Bike
- Best With Suspension: Schwinn S29 Men’s Mountain Bike
- Best With Disc Brake: Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike
- Best Under 300$: Diamondback Overdrive Mountain Bike
- Best Under 500$: Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike
- Best Under 1000$: Diamondback Hook Hardtail Mountain Bike
Top 10 Best Mountain Bike for Beginners Reviews In 2021
Not every mountain bike is the same, each model has its specialty and strength. Therefore, to help you, a beginner in mountain bike riding, in the quest of finding the best companion on the road, here are the top 10 best mountain bike for entry-level. All of the reviews are in-depth and detailed, so you should check it out now!
Schwinn S29 Men’s Mountain Bike
Let’s start with an affordable, but also a reliable choice, the Schwinn S29 Men’s Mountain Bike. If you need a mountain bike with adequate suspension, this is the right one for you.
For beginners and hobby riders – who only run a bike occasionally – this bike can qualify most of the demand. The 29″ wheels of this model suit most bodies build, and also give off a nice riding pose. Moreover, this bike runs smoothly on pavement and road alike, you would feel little to no bumping with it.
This bike also has a mount for carrying a, which is surely a bonus point. The dual suspension is what draws my attention to this bike. The high-grade aluminum suspension frame and a suspension fork, along with the rear shocks allow the utmost smoothness for the ride. Although the crank bearing is not so durable, you will get the lifetime warranty cover that part.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good price
- Good dual suspension
Cons
- The crank bearing might go loose
Product Specs
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 50.9 pounds |
| Color | Black |
Schwinn High Timber Youth and Adult Mountain Bike
Another fellow from the same brand, the Schwinn High Timber Youth and Adult Mountain Bike is a reasonable choice for all beginner in mountain bike riding. This model is excellent at simplicity, from the assembling to the feature.
This straight-forward bike is easy to set up, so beginner won’t have trouble with the guidebook at first. The seat is well-padded and constructed, so even for a long ride, you would not feel any discomfort. And for the look, this one has a classic and neat vibe with all the paints that won’t come off cheaply.
The best thing about this bike is that the wheels are unbeatable, the strong alloy rims allow the ride to be more enjoyable than ever. The sizing chart of this model can fit for both genders, so there won’t be a problem for both men and women riders.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good for both genders
- Affordable
- Easy to set up and ride
Cons
- Not durable
Product Specs
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Product Dimensions | 8.66 x 42.91 x 21.65 inches; |
| Item Weight | 30 Pounds |
| Color | White |
Diamondback Overdrive Mountain Bike
In case you are serious in mountain bike riding and would like to make an investment for the long term, I suggest this Diamondback Overdrive Mountain Bike. It is not cheap, yes, it cost over a grand, but the superior quality of this model will be your companion on thousands of miles.
This bike is huge like a beast, it does come in three sizes so you can choose which suits your build most. This one is the most frequently recommended bike for entry-level riders everywhere thanks to its amazing performance. You can conquer trails, mountain treks, or dirt road with this without any problem.
The frame of this model is surprisingly lightweight, and the handlebar can be controlled easily. This bike is a good start for all beginners, and if you are into a long race, just get it – you won’t be disappointed later.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Great quality
- Well manufactured
- Easy to ride
- Good on all terrains
Cons
- High price
Product Specs
| Brand | Diamond Back |
| Product Dimensions | 58 x 31 x 9 inches |
| Item Weight | 44.96 Pounds |
| Color | Grey |
Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike
You can’t ever go wrong with a Mongoose mountain bike as a starter, especially this Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike. This strong bike will help you pass through all kinds of touch roads and trails.
This budget-friendly bike does well in trail riding, with the element suspension fork smooths out most of the bumpy part you can encounter. The rear disc brake is what makes the name of this model, offering a nice stop without too much shock.
This bike is for people whose heights are between 5’9 and 5’11 since the frame is a bit short, but its overall experience is not minor. This bike is for entry-level and hobby riders who would love to have a casual riding here and there and sometimes engage in trail conquering. There are options to upgrade this model gradually, so this is a good starting base.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Simple bike
- Good for beginner riders
- Good disc brake
Cons
- Not for tall riders
Product Specs
| Brand | Mongoose |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | |
| Color | Silver |
Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike
Schwinn is a big name in the mountain bike industry, so this list will go on with another not-your-average Schwinn, the Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike. The true power of this bike is uncomparable, and it is financially reasonable for all beginners – you can get it at over 300$!
The overall design of this bike brings a strong, collected, and reliable feel, with the painting works of red and black complementing each other. The big, 29” wheels sure look intimidating, but they would carry you through tough terrains like a piece of cake. If you are into the speed, this one is equipped with the 24 speeds Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters, ensuring you have a full range of force to ride on all surfaces. That’s said, this bike is excellent in trail riding and long race.
The setting up part should not take you too long too, though for beginners it might be confusing at first. But the high-quality features shall smooth out your ride and let you enjoy the experience to the fullest.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Powerful bike
- Good for trail riding
- Good speed shifters
Cons
- Confusing setup
Product Specs
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Product Dimensions | 55.5 x 30 x 8.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 39 Pounds |
| Color | Red and black |
Huffy 74808 Mountain Bike
For the little riders, a small mountain bike like the Huffy Summit Ridge Mountain Bike will be much easier to manage than a full-size model for adults. And for the quality, this bike is good enough for the kids to ride enjoyably.
The 24” wheels and 14” frame is well suited for kids aging from 12 to 19 years olds. This bike has 21 speeds which can be shifted swiftly, suitable for both neighborhood riding and trail conquering. It is also great in hill climbing thanks to the heavy-duty gears, both uphill and downhill riding are not a problem with this.
The handlebar of this model is slightly risen to help minimize the pressure on the back and shoulders when driving, which is beneficial for children in the growing phase. Ultimately this will always be my first choice for my kids when they want to join in for a mountain ride.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Suitable for kids
- Good design
- Good for hill and trail riding
Cons
- Not for tall people
Product Specs
| Brand | Huffy |
| Product Dimensions | 52.36 x 9.06 x 25.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 41.14 Pounds |
| Color | Various colors |
Gravity FSX 1.0 Mountain Bike
Women riders often have a hard time when choosing a mountain bike due to the sizing problem – mountain bike tends to be giant and bulky, not suitable for delicate builds. But the Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike is a different story.
This mountain bike comes in 4 sizes, which can fit riders with different height gap, making sure that everyone can have a bike that suits them most. The design of this model is neat with vibrant painting work, gender-neutral colors will light up your ride. The frame is made from high-grade aluminum, promising a sturdy bike and a long life on the track.
This bike, however, is not heavy-duty, it is more suitable for a casual ride on relatively flat terrains, not for trail or mountain riding. But still, with its cheap price, starting your bicycle riding hobby with this one is not a bad idea.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good for female riders
- Sturdy frame
- Good sizes
Cons
- Not for trails and hill riding
Product Specs
| Brand | GRAVITY |
| Product Dimensions | 52 x 31 x 8 inches |
| Item Weight | 35 Pounds |
| Color | Yellow |
Kent KZ2600 Mountain Bike
An affordable choice made its way into this list of the top 10 best mountain bike for beginners, the Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike. This is a lightweight and simple bike, but it still ensures that the riding experience is no less than an expensive one.
Even though it is dirt-cheap, this bike comes with a durable aluminum frame that is long-lasting and would not be bent easily. Moreover, it is featured with full suspension and 21-speed shifters, enough power for a normal trail riding. Although hardcore riding on the mountains or rough track would make this bike inadequate, for a casual ride for beginners I would still recommend this.
The setting up with this bike is simple, so even if you are a total newbie in mountain bike, you can still make it work without too much labor. And for the price at around 200$, no one can beat this.
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to set up
- Durable frame
Cons
- Not heavy-duty
Product Specs
| Brand | Kent |
| Product Dimensions | 55 x 28 x 8.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 40 Pounds |
| Color | Blue and black |
Diamondback Hook Hardtail Mountain Bike
Do you want to get an all-rounded, terrain-conquering mountain bike but don’t have to go over the board for it? This Diamondback Hook Hardtail Mountain Bike may well be your answer. It is one of the most efficient mountain bikes on the market and the favorite choice of entry-level riders.
This bike is surprisingly good at its price range, you can go trail riding or hill climbing with this smoothly. Mo mud or rock terrains can defeat it. The SRAM single ring drivetrain allows the bike to shift quickly and deal with the bumpy surface, as well as smooth out the ride.
This bike has no dual suspension, but the powerful front suspension should be enough for the entry-level rider. The disc brake is also quite good, although if you are intending to go for long miles with this one, you’d probably need to have a few upgraded gears.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good for beginners
- Works on all terrains
- Reliable
Cons
- Gears need upgrading for long term
Product Specs
| Brand | Diamondback Bicycles |
| Product Dimensions | 59.5 x 31.5 x 9 inches |
| Item Weight | 43.28 Pounds |
| Color |
Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon Mountain Bike
Lastly, I proudly introduce this Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon Mountain Bike. Although for beginner riders, investing over three grand for a mountain bike is not a small joke, but with this model, it worths every penny.
This bike runs with 29” wheels, allowing it to roll on the hard and bumpy terrain like hill or trails without difficulty. The high-quality frame of this model adds the durability and balance to the bike, combining with the excellent design to help increase the efficiency of driving it.
It is also one of the best hardtail bikes you could ever find with the 67.5-degree headtube providing tranquility and stable acceleration. The fork is also well-made, so the shock-absorbing ability of this bike is simply wonderful. Altogether, if you need a bike at entry-level riding, look no further.
To find out more about this Mountain Bike for Beginners, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Can ride on all terrain
- Durable frame
- Stable and quick to accelerate
Cons
- High price
Product Specs
| Brand | SANTA CRUZ BICYCLES |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 27.3lb |
| Color | Orange |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Mountain Bike for Beginners In 2021
For beginners, not everyone has a clue on how to choose your perfect first mountain bike. A wrong method could lead to disappointment later, so here are a few tips that help you to decide the right mountain bike for yourself:
Size
First of all, a good mountain bike is the one that fits you. The frame size and wheel size is the compulsory part you have to consider through. Depending on your height and weight, you may find some bike is too low, the other is high so you can not fit in.
Even the size chart of each brand may differ, it’s much better that you check out the frame size and meticulously measure to see if it will be a good match for you. About the wheel size, bigger wheels get the better top speed in general, but smaller one does well on tricky terrains than the big guys.
Strength
It does not matter much how light your mountain bike is, you should care more about the strength and balance of the bike. Since you are a beginner, a model with straightforward and powerful gears will help you handle the trails better.
Suspension
For entry-level riding, the good suspension is a must. It does not need to be a full or dual suspension, as long as the suspension is reliable and can absorb the shock properly. Beginners in mountain bike riding will have a difficult time if the ride keeps getting bumpy and hard to control.
Price
The price for a mountain bike can go up really quickly, from around 200$ to a few grands. Although more expensive models do offer more appealing gears and specifications, not all cheap models are inferior. The most important thing is that you choose a mountain bike that suits your financial situation, and if possible, save a bit of money for future upgrades.
FAQs
What is a good mountain bike for a beginner?
- Some of the best mountain bikes for a beginner are:
- Diamondback Bicycles Hook Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon Mountain Bike
- Kona Satori SE 29 Mountain Bike
- Raleigh Bicycles Tokul Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Orbea Laufey H30 Beginner Mountain Bike
How much should I spend on my first mountain bike?
Depending on your budget, but the recommended amount is around 300$.
What is the best entry-level mountain bike?
Some of the best entry-level mountain bikes are:
- Specialized Fuse Comp 29
- Trek Roscoe 8
- Commencal Meta HT AM Origin
- Norco Fluid HT 1
- Nukeproof Scout 290 Expert
- Vitus Sentier 29 VR
- Santa Cruz Chameleon D 29
- Kona Honzo 29
Which is better Giant or Trek?
Giant is slightly better than Trek.
What is a good inexpensive mountain bike?
For a good inexpensive mountain bike, you can check out these recommendations:
- Cannondale Trail 5
- Airborne Seeker
- Specialized Rockhopper
- GT Avalanche Expert
- Fezzari Wasatch Peak
- Diamondback Line
- Specialized Ruze
- Jamis High Point A1
- Marin Bobcat
- Vitus Nucleus 27