Top 16 Best Mountain Bikes Under 3000 Reviews In 2020

Are you looking for a mountain bicycle at a decent price? Then you’re at the right place.

I must admit that choosing the perfect mountain bike to enjoy a fun and exciting riding experience is pretty challenging (especially for newbies), given that there are tons of options available on the market.

Don’t worry because we’re here to guide you through the best 16 mountain bikes under $3000.

Once you’ve finished reading, make sure to read the buying guide section for helpful tips and advice on how to choose the most suitable one for you.

Best Mountain Bikes Under 3000 Comparison Chart 2020

I also include a comparison chart of 16 best mountain bikes so as to give you some basic information before we get down to real business.

What Are The Best Mountain Bikes Under 3000 To Buy?

First, let’s take a brief look at these outstanding models which I’ve picked from the list of 16 best mountain bikes:

• Best All-Round Beginner Bike: Diamondback Hook Mountain Bike
• Best All-Terrain Under $400: Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
• Best High-End Specs: Raleigh Tekoa Mountain Bike
• Best Extreme Biking: Diamondback Line 27.5 Mountain Bike
• Best Overall: Specialized Rockhopper Mountain Bike
• Best On Snow, Rough Rocky Terrains: Diamondback El Oso Uno Mountain Bike
• Best Value: Trek Marlin 5 Mountain Bike
• Best Consumer-Direct: Fezzari Wasatch Peak Comp Mountain Bike

Top 16 Best Mountain Bikes Under 3000 Reviews In 2020

Let’s wait no further and jump right into the best 16 mountain bike reviews for now:

Diamondback Hook Mountain Bikes

If you’re looking for a beginner bike, then you’re at the right place. The Diamondback Hook Mountain Bike is rated as the best entry-level, hard-tail cruiser offered at an incredibly low price.

First off, assembly is a piece of cake, though it may take you 2-3 days to adjust to your comfort.

It tackles a variety of terrains such as hills, mud, roots and rocks with ease. Not only that, it’s also made for occasional off-road rides or cross-country travels, so you can rest in mind that this beast is super versatile.

This Hook is a modular bicycle, meaning that it can be upgraded to be sturdier and more reliable. This is made possible thanks to the wonderful base on which you can freely customize your own trail cruiser that suits your taste.

All that for a price under $1000, I must say I’m truly impressed with the company’s product.

Product Specs

Read more:

• 15 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 In 2020
• Top 8 Best Mountain Bike Helmets Reviews In 2020
• Top 15 Best Mountain Bike Tires Reviews In 2020
• Top 15 Best Mountain Bikes Under 2000 Reviews In 2020
• Top 17 Best Mountain Bikes Under 1000 Reviews In 2020

Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bikes

Schwinn is well-known for its broad and quality product line of cycling equipment, and the Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike is no exception.

It comes mostly pre-assembled, and all you need to do is install the seat, pedal and the front wheel.

What I like most about this buddy is the 29’’ wheel, combined with the 24-speed gearing mechanism, that soaks bumps smoothly as well as handles serious trails with no flats.

I once traveled on rough rocky terrains with this Schwinn, and I’m very pleased with the overall performance the more I ride.

One thing I need to remind you is to make sure that the cables are not twisted when you mount the handlebar to the stem. In other words, they should be on each side of the frame.

Personally, this is one of the most trustworthy mountain bikes under $400 I’ve ever tested.

Product Specs

Diamondback Recoil 29er Mountain Bikes

Want to get into aggressive mountain biking? Don’t drop your coins on a high-end mountain bike just yet because this Diamondback Recoil 29er Mountain Bike is here to accommodate that need at a decent price.

Unlike some models that come with mechanical disc brakes, this one features the Shimano BR-M355 Hydraulic brakes which help you pull and stop smoothly and consistently.

The frame is made of aluminum material, so the bike is pretty light compared to those steel-framed, which is easier to carry around. That being sad, it’s super comfy whether you do uphill climbs or trail descents.

Moreover, you can choose to upgrade your bike to fit your needs. I’ve made some upgrades to this Recoil 29er with the pedals, rear shock and the front fork and eventually, it works amazingly well.

Overall, it’s a great starter mountain bike considering the price.

Product Specs

Kona Blast Mountain Bikes

Never heard of Kona’s mountain bike? Get yourself one with this great-value, all-around trail cruiser for under $800.

This buddy is equipped with high-quality components such as Shimano Alivio/ Deore drivetrain, Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes, and many more.

Built this durability in mind, it features a sturdy yet lightweight Kona 6061 aluminum butted frameset as well as RockShox XC32 TK 100mm fork for a smooth and comfortable ride.

While you sit pretty, this bike comes with a lifetime warranty.

Product Specs

Cannondale TRAIL 6 Mountain Bikes

It’s without question that Cannondale Trail’s product line of mountain bike is well-known for its quality construction as well as budget-friendly price and smart choice of components.

I particularly like the nice combination of the 29’’ wheel and the 100mm front fork that provides a smooth ride not only for singletracks, but for rough or rocky paths also.

The rear rack attachment allows you to easily upgrade your cruiser, or convert it into a short-distance commuter.

Plus, it’s no surprise that the Cannondale Trail 6 makes it way up the hill with no difficulty, all thanks to the lightweight aluminum frame construction (that comes with a lifetime warranty) and fast-rolling tires.

There are other versions of the Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike, make sure to check them out as well.

Product Specs

Raleigh Tekoa Mountain Bikes

Don’t skip if you’re looking for a bike with high-end specs but don’t want to spend too much, then the Raleigh Tekoa Mountain Bike might be the best option for you.

It’s such a great bike for the money as it has nearly the same specs to REI’s Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1, and does offer an additional 29’’ wheel.

Assembly isn’t rocket surgery, which only requires you to install the handlebars, seat post, pedals, and make some minimal adjustments to the derailleurs.

I do love the fact that this buddy is finished with the blue color that gives me a strong, sporty look.

Personally, I feel that the front fork makes it a bit difficult to tackle some serious single track trails.

Other than that, everything works fantastic given the unbeatable price.

Product Specs

Giant Talon 29er Mountain Bikes

The Giant Talon 29er Mountain Bike might be the best combination of price, performance, and practicality at $750.

There are several things I’m particularly impressed with this beast. The first thing is the tubeless-ready rims, which is an uncommon feature for a mountain bike under $1000. If you ride frequently on trails, then these tubeless rims will greatly reduce flattening as well as help you with traction and handling.

The RockShox XC30 fork is one of the best coil spring forks I’ve ever tested, and it’s available on this Giant Talon 29er.

The company also uses TRP hydraulic disc brakes for this mountain bike. Though the modulation isn’t quite as good as the Shimano brakes on the Trek Marlin 7, it’s installed mainly to keep the price low.

For maintenance, the quick-release levers make removing wheels faster and more effective than ever.

With the Giant Talon 29er Mountain Bike, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Product Specs

Diamondback Line 27.5 Mountain Bikes

Want to get your kids to get into mountain biking? Then I highly recommend you this product from Diamondback.

After riding it for the first time, I knew it was worth the money and effort.

It comes tubeless-ready, which is excellent for anyone who travels on rough trails with high frequency. Whether uphills, downhills or muds, this buddy rolls very smoothly and leaves no problems or flats.

The gears shift quickly and effectively, and the brakes are super responsive and deliver powerful, consistent stopping. However, you’ll need more gears if you travel downhill.

Assembling is easy-peasy, but does need some minor adjustments to best fit your riding style.

All in all, it’s a solid bike for the price. If you’re spending more than this, you should go for a full suspension mountain bike or a dirt bike.

Product Specs

Specialized Rockhopper Mountain Bikes

The Specialized Rockhopper Mountain Bike is the epitome of a cheap yet solid, well-built and high-performance mountain bike on the market.

The 3 key components that make this pal stand out are the tubeless-ready wheels and tires, a 1×12 speed drivetrain as well as an air spring fork.

The frame has a technological and stylistic makeover with modern mountain bike geometry, which features the modern trend of off-road frame design and more aggressive tube shapes.

Though undergoes a huge makeover, it still carries forward some features from the previous generations such as the rear rack mount, kickstand mount, and the quick-release seat post clamp.

Besides, I really appreciate the fact that the company includes the bottle cage for riders to quench their thirst in case they travel long distances.

Of all the mountain bikes in the $700-$1000 range, I have to admit that this Specialized RockHopper is the new king of the best cheap model you can find right now, and of course, without serious sacrifices.

Product Specs

Schwinn Mesa Mountain Bikes

Schwinn is a widely-acclaimed company for its wide range of quality product lines of bicycles, air pumps, etc. So it’s obvious the Mesa model is on the list. Take your trail rides to the next level with the Schwinn Mesa Mountain Bike.

The aluminum frame is tuned with modern mountain biking design, together with the Zoom HL565 aluminum suspension front fork, all are perfect for dirt trails or gravel paths.

The brakes style is a bit different from other models, which features the pull linear brakes, or V-brakes that deliver crisp and powerful pulling and stopping.

Just like other Schwinn products, this Mesa mountain bike comes with a lifetime warranty, so have peace in mind that you don’t need to drop coins for a new bike should this one go damaged.

Product Specs

Diamondback El Oso Uno Mountain Bikes

The Diamondback El Oso Uno is all the rad fat bike you need to conquer terrains that regular bikes can’t.

Fat bikes are on the rise in terms of popularity. Seizing the opportunity, Diamondback has released the mid-range El Oso Uno Mountain Bike without sacrifices in the quality category.

This model is equipped with a steel frame (while others come with a lightweight aluminum frame), a RockShox Bluto suspension fork, and rigid Tektro Novella mechanical disc brakes.

What’s more, there is even clearance for tires up to massive 4’’ wide.

While it’s great for riding on snow, the El Oso Uno is relatively versatile and can be ridden on any other types of surface with ease.

Product Specs

Trek Marlin 5 Mountain Bikes

Still on the fence whether to choose a comfortable city commuter or a bike that allows you to embark on off-road adventures? With the Trek Marlin 5 Mountain Bike, you can do both.

At $550, it features some worthy components without any serious compromises. It handles extremely well in most conditions, including ascents, descents and cornering.

It is characterized by a silver aluminum frame made for off-road trips, along with the comfy front suspension, beefy wheels and tires, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.

All cables are internally routed in the frame. The fact that the cables do not collect dirt or get damaged is a plus for this bike – a feature usually found on more expensive bikes.

Not only that, Trek Marlin 5 allows you to equip a rear tire rack, a child seat (should you want to take your baby with you) or even a kickstand, making it ideal for daily commuting.

However, I need to remind you that this bike is not made for extreme biking or any serious type of jumps. It lays somewhat between “doing a little bit of everything and too much of nothing”, which is very suitable for beginners.

Product Specs

GT Avalanche Expert Mountain Bikes

The GT Avalanche Expert is a good hardtail that does pretty much whatever you want it to do.

In terms of construction, the frame is of excellent quality, the geometry is absolutely wonderful, all welds are uniform and aesthetically pleasing, and the component choice is smart.

After a couple of uses, it has proved very reliable, sturdy and compliant in various riding conditions, both on and off roads. I was particularly impressed with how well it handled uphill climbs.

I love the aesthetic aspect of the bike, which features a splendid paintwork that makes the bike appear super cool and sporty.

Moreover, the 1×12 speed drivetrain setup is pretty much crispy and solid enough for me to ride on different terrains.

Product Specs

Marin Bobcat Trail 5 Mountain Bikes

The Marin Bobcat Trail 5 is a well-designed, firm-riding hardtail promises to offer you a fun and exciting riding experience that doesn’t break the bank.

Equipped with a wide range of drivetrain, this mountain bike is more than capable of tackling singletracks, and rough trails won’t be a problem anymore thanks to the large 29” wheel.

The seatstays have rack mount points which makes cargo-carrying safe and secure.

You can opt for a tubeless tire upgrade to get access to more flow, but the bike itself is still radically firm.

Though the seat angle is a bit steep, you can change to 120mm fork and the geometry would be reasonable.

Personally, I believe you’ll need some adjustments to make the best out of this Marin Bobcat Trail Mountain Bike.

Product Specs

Fezzari Wasatch Peak Comp Mountain Bikes

With the Fezzari Wasatch Peak Comp, you won’t be disappointed with the excellent component choice and solid construction.

It comes in 2 wheel sizes to accommodate riders of different heights, and the clearance up to 2.6” (for 29er) and 2.8” (for 27.5er) wide tires help you tackle various terrains, whether paved or unpaved, with ample comfort and confidence.

The manufacturer also adds internal brake and replaceable derailleur hanger to keep maintenance as simple as possible, which takes little time and effort to make a tune-up.

After a few use, I feel that the gear mechanism worked as expected – smooth and effective shifting.

I particularly appreciate the fact that we are offered an option to carry up to 3 water bottles on the trails in the middle of nowhere, a feature that is rarely (or possibly can’t be) found on other bikes.

The product comes in 4 color options for you to choose depending on your personal taste, and don’t forget to do upgrades to enjoy the best experience.

Product Specs

Airborne Seeker 29 Mountain Bikes

Don’t skip just because it’s the last product on the list, otherwise you might miss an excellent option.

Like most other mountain bikes, it includes several critical components that help you tackle serious trail roads with ease, particularly the 2×10 speeds gearing mechanism, air fork and hydraulic disc brakes.

This bike rolls fast and smoothly on paved paths, stable on dirt roads and steady on sand.

The only downside is the XC Cockpit this buddy comes with, which is not that ideal for steep, twisty, and rocky terrains.

I made some small changes to the handlebars and the stem (replace them with wider handlebar and shorter stem), and thus had a really enjoyable riding experience.

Overall, it’s like rolling on a Mercedes rather than riding the bike itself.

Product Specs

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Mountain Bikes Under 3000 In 2020

There are several key factors you need to consider when it comes to purchasing a mountain bicycle.

TYPE OF RIDING

Nowadays, mountain bikes are designed for specific riding styles. There are 4 main types of mountain bike: cross-country, freeride, trail and all-mountain.

If you’re completely new to mountain biking, I’d recommend you consult your friends, local bike stores, or anyone experienced in this field as to what type of bike you should buy based on your living area.

You may not know that fat bikes are growing in popularity in recent years as well.

BIKE SIZE

There are commonly 3 sizes of wheels: 26”, 27.5” and 29”.

26” wheel size is much less popular than it used to be, while 27.5” and 29” are used more frequently.

29” wheel size delivers better solid traction and smooth rolling over rough terrains. The 27.5” size, on the other hand, has less traction, and thus is not as capable of tackling trail obstacles as the 29”. For short riders, 29” choice might be heavy and a bit too high.

As a rule of thumb, larger wheels for longer miles and smaller, stronger ones for smashing trails.

For beginners, choose a bike that gives you a safe and secure feeling while riding on it. As you ride more, you’ll learn what you want and can do some component upgrades to your bike.

SUSPENSION

You’ll come across 3 types of suspension on mountain bikes:

Hardtail – featuring a front fork without rear suspension

Hardtail mountain bikes are efficient at climbing and easier to maintain. Plus, it’s more lightweight compared to a full suspension bike.

Full suspension – featuring both front fork and rear suspension

This type of suspension works to absorb bumps and shocks along the way you ride, particularly on rough terrains. However, the rear suspension adds more weight to the bike.

Rigid – no suspension

Since it doesn’t feature any suspension, it is undoubtedly the simplest to maintain. You’ll find this on fat bikes, which has large and thick tires capable of handling rock-hard terrains.

The downside is that it has no shock or bump absorption system.

WEIGHT

If you want a lightweight and fast-moving bike, I highly suggest you keep it as simple as possible. This “gold” set includes an aluminum frame, a front suspension fork, and a large-sized wheelset, either 27.5” or 29”.

Ironically, the closer you get to the mark $1000, the lighter and more responsive your bike will get and vice versa. The lower the price, the heavier your bike will become due to the choice of components – crankset, drivetrain, handlebar, seatposts, etc.

You can expect a pretty bulky mountain bike with full suspension at this low price point. Well, it’s a tradeoff.

PRICE

There are many great bikes delivering just as nearly the same functions as expensive models, but offered at a more reasonable price.

Companies have come up with many budget-friendly alternatives to their expensive, high-end, premium bikes for consumers, allowing them to enjoy their products without having to pay too much.

Use your budget wisely and buy a decent one that balances all criteria (gearing mechanism, wheel size, frame, price, etc.), and save yourself some money for upgrades and tune-ups.

FAQs

What’s the best mountain bike for under 1000?

Considering all criteria, the Trek Marlin 5 is one of the best mountain bikes under $1000 I’ve ever used.

At such a low price, it features many fantastic components and doesn’t need to make any serious sacrifices. It lays between extreme biking and city daily commuter, which is highly versatile.

If you need more high-specs, I’d recommend you invest in the Fezzari Wasatch Peak Comp Mountain Bike to enjoy better performance with excellent gearing mechanism, suspension and tubeless-ready wheels.

Another alternative you should look at is the Diamondback Hook Mountain Bike, which is the best do-it-all bike for beginners.

Is Cannondale better than Trek?

It depends mainly on what you’re looking for: performance, price, or a decent combination of both.

Cannondale’s bikes perform better and are more responsive across a wide range of terrains. The choice of component and overall performance is without doubt excellent. That being said, it’s more on the expensive side compared to its counterpart Trek, but it’s worth the money if you can afford.

Trek, on the other hand, gains its popularity through various high-quality products of road bikes. For that reason, it has even expanded to manufacture not only mountain bikes, but also triathlon, electric, and even kid’s bikes.

Trek’s bikes perform just as good as those produced by Cannondale, and they come with more budget-friendly price tags.

What’s the best hardtail mountain bike for under 1000?

Here are some of the hardtail mountain bike under $1000 I believe to be the best on the market right now:

• Trek Marlin 5 Mountain Bike
• Diamondback Line 27.5 Mountain Bike
• Giant Talon 29er Mountain Bike
• Diamondback El Oso Uno Mountain Bike
• Specialized RockHopper Mountain Bike

How much should I spend on a decent mountain bike?

I would say less than $800 is fairly reasonable, at least for college students.

There are super low-priced options such as the Trek Marlin 5, Schwinn Traxion, Specialized RockHopper, or Diamondback El Oso Uno, etc., that suits your pocket.

Unless you’re a serious rider, go with something that delivers up-to-your-expectation performance with an inexpensive price tag.

What is a good cheap mountain bike?

Frankly, you don’t have to drop a boatload of cash to buy a premium, high-end mountain bike as most brands do offer cheap options in their lineup, yet still perform very efficiently.

From the list, I would say the Trek Marlin 5 or the Schwinn Traxion is a good cheap mountain bike, super budget-friendly for anyone looking for a “cheap but great value” product.

Alternatively, you can go with the “best first trail bike” Kona Mahuna (priced roughly at $1000), the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 (around $550), Cannondale Trail Tango 3 Women’, Cannondale Cujo 20 Plus, or the $250 Finiss Merax.