When you’re choosing mountain bikes under $1500, there are a few important choices that can make or break your purchase. The type of mountain bike that best suits your riding style will vary depending on how much you want to spend, where you take the bike, and what kind of terrain you prefer.
If you’re looking for a thrill ride with adrenaline pumping through your veins then take the time to learn more about these thrilling bikes. They might just be what you’re looking for.
These 5 different bikes are the best mountain bikes under 1,500 in 2022 and are a great way to get into the sport of mountain biking without spending a fortune. Many of these bikes are perfect for beginners, or those looking to try out different types of mountain bikes but aren’t quite obsessed yet with one particular style.
Our choice for the best mountain bike under $1500 for adults is:
The SAVA DECK2.0.
Here’s why:- Great mountain bike for multiple surface types (gravel, dirt trails or pavement)
- Of the mountain bikes we reviewed, it was the only mountain bike that had both hydraulic disc brakes and a hydraulic fork suspension.
- This bike wasn’t the most expensive bike but provided the most value at this price range.
- We also reviewed the SAVA DECK6.0 which is more expensive, has slightly better components and is a 30 speed bike but the extra cost wasn’t worth it.
Continue reading to learn more about our picks.
Best Mountain Bikes Under $1500 Comparison Table
| Price | Brand | Model | Suspension | Frame Material | Wheel Size | Brakes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check | SAVA | Deck2.0 | Hardtail | Carbon Fiber | 26”, 27.5”, 29” | Hydraulic Disc | Trails |
| Check | Schwinn | Moab 3 | Hardtail | Aluminum | 29” | Hydraulic Disc | Cross Country |
| Check | Diamondback | Overdrive | Hardtail | Aluminum | 27.5”, 29” | Mechanical Disc | Trails |
| Check | Royce Union | RHT | Hardtail | Aluminum | 29” | Hydraulic Disc | Trails |
| Check | Mongoose | Tyax Comp | Hardtail | Aluminum | 27.5”, 29” | Hydraulic Disc | XC, Trails |
SAVA DECK2.0 – Best Overall
Key Features
- TORAY T800 Carbon Fiber Frame
- Newest SHIMANO ALTUS M2000
- Internal cable routing for a clean look
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Hydraulic suspension fork with 100mm travel
- 27 speed
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight (27.5 lbs) | No dropper post and not compatible to add to this frame |
| Simple assembly | |
| Quick release tires |
Description
This lightweight, hardtail mountain bike provides tremendous value while also providing a smooth ride. You’ll be surprised at how smooth this bike is on rough trails or even handling tight corners.
Since this bike sports a carbon fiber frame you’re getting a mountain bike that is very strong but also one of the lightest bikes we’ve reviewed.
Despite the mid-range price point the Deck2.0 comes with quality components like the Shimano Altus shifters and Shimano derailleurs.
This hardtail mountain bike also includes Shimano hydraulic disc brakes which will provide you with the best stopping power even on the most rocky terrain.
The suspension on this hardtail bike features a hydraulic fork with lockout that delivers 100mm of fork travel. This allows you to decide how much you want to dampen the ride based on your preferences.
The manufacturer even offers a 2 year warranty on the frame and a 6 month warranty on the components.
Schwinn Moab 3 – Best XC Bike
Key Features
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tough aluminum frame
- SR Suntour XCT30 DS 100mm fork
- SR Suntour XCE crank offers quick, precise gear shifts
- Wide 2.25” knobby tires
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very easy assembly | Some riders experienced broken pedals (easy to replace) |
| Lightweight and responsive ride | Some riders experienced broken gears/derailleurs |
| Precise gear shifts | |
| Hydraulic disc brakes | |
| 2.25″ knobby tires provide great off-road traction |
Description
Schwinn has been making bikes for more than 100 years and have expanded their product line to include many different styles of bikes, but today we’ve reviewed the Moab 3.
This bike has a lightweight frame that is easy to handle, along with a very comfortable seat that will ensure your ride is as smooth and enjoyable as possible no matter the terrain.
The hydraulic brakes on this bike make stopping absolutely enjoyable. They’re smoother and more linear than the brakes with a rim. So if you’re used to hard braking when riding a bike with rim brakes, those days are over if you buy this bike.
In terms of negative aspects, the saddle position, handlebar height, and upright frame might not be ideal for long trips. You’ll have to spend a lot of the time bending over the bike which can cause back pain.
Diamondback Overdrive – Best Trail Bike
Key Features
- Tekro Aries mechanical disc brakes
- SR Suntour XCT 27 Coil Spring fork with 80mm travel
- Shimano 3×8 (24-speed) drivetrain with Suntour XCT crankset
- Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes w/ 160mm rotors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to assemble | Pretty bad chain slap (can be fixed with neoprene guard or adjustment) |
| Good grippy tires | Front derailleur needs pro adjustment |
| Loud brakes | |
| Seat isn’t very comfortable |
Description
The quality of the components that come with this bike are good enough to take you anywhere and bring you back safely. They’re not the best components but they can be upgraded for better quality parts.
The SR Suntour fork on this mountain bike is powered by a coil and only contains about 80mm of fork travel which means this bike will be pretty stiff to ride on rugged terrain.
Worth noting is the durable aluminum frame which you won’t have to worry about breaking or bending. It also has an adjustable saddle height so you can find your most comfortable riding position.
The stock saddle can take a bit of getting used to, but for a little extra cash, you can get an upgraded saddle which makes the riding experience smoother and easier.
The Shimano 3×8 speed shifting drivetrain is also pretty great and the ride feel is definitely worth it. New riders will appreciate the extra gears that will assist the rider when taking on steep hills.
Royce Union RHT – Best Mid-Range
Key Features
- Comes in multiple frame sizes 15”, 17.5”, 19”, and 21”
- 29 inch wheels
- Suntour XCT suspension fork with 100mm travel
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power | Uncomfortable seat, must upgrade |
| Good frame geometry for shorter riders as your back won’t hurt | Requires adjustment of brakes, shifters |
| Solid bike for the price | Bad tires, not for mountain biking, not thorn resistant |
Description
The Royce Union RHT is a great bike for any rider, from beginner to expert.
This mountain bike has a lightweight aluminum hardtail frame with alloy handlebar and stem.
The WTB Trail II grips and WTB Volt saddle provide excellent comfort even on long rides.
The Shimano SLX 2×11 shifter paired with the Shimano SLX 11-speed index provides 22 speeds for a variety of riding styles and conditions. The Shimano drivetrain provides reliable shifting, while the Tektro disc brakes offer powerful stopping power.
The Suntour XCT suspension fork helps absorb any bumps or vibrations to provide a smooth ride. Since this mountain bike doesn’t have any rear suspension, similar to other hardtail mountain bikes, you’ll want to ensure you have great front suspension.
Mongoose Tyax Comp – Best Value
Key Features
- 1×11 drivetrain
- WTB ST-i29 double wall, tubeless compatible rims
- Tektro HD-M290 hydraulic disc brakes
- Internal cabling
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth and fast rides | Nylon pedals |
| Compatible for a dropper post | Brakes could be upgraded |
| 2.6 inch tires | Frame feels heavy |
| Limited lifetime warranty |
Description
This Mongoose Tyax 29 Comp aluminum mountain bike is designed for cross country riding, has 29″ wheels and comes in various sizes. It also has Shimano gearing and Suntour suspension and is part of the popular Tyax range of bikes.
This is a versatile hardtail that has enough power to get you over the hills in time for the best part – when you can enjoy some incredible descents. It comes with quality components and an aluminum frame/air fork, making it great for mixed terrain.
Not only does the slackened head tube angle on this mountain bike make your ride smoother, it also gives you the sharp steering necessary to take those corners with confidence. It’s the perfect lightweight bike for challenging trails!
This bike is fast, light weight and made for performance on hills as well as trails. With the air fork, wide tires, and handlebars it puts you in control of any ride style you’re looking for.
Buying Guide for Mountain Bikes Under $1500
Mountain bikes come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they need to be sturdy enough to handle the terrain.
The best mountain bikes under $1500 are those that provide a good balance between quality and price.
If you’re looking for a bike that will last you for years, then you should consider investing more money into it. But if you’re just looking for something to get started with, then there are plenty of options available at lower prices.
Here are the top characteristics to look for when shopping for mountain bikes in this price range:
Frame Geometry
Mountain bikes come in an assortment of frame sizes and specifications. There are different types of bikes available with varying specifications, but there are also common models that every rider will enjoy!
New riders are best suited for upright bikes because of their short handles & steep angles. This position is easier to control for newbies, which helps them have a more relaxing time on the bike.
Experienced mountain bikers won’t mind picking up an aggressive model. It typically has a back-wheel bias that generally makes it more challenging to control. The idea is for this to allow for a more aerodynamic position while providing better speeds.
This is why frame geometry is so important. Be sure to pick a bike that fits you the best and you’ll have a much better experience.
Frame Material
A bike frame is the most important part of a bike and the material it’s made from can affect how expensive, lightweight, and durable of a bike you get. Steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber frames are all very different in terms of weight, price point, durability, style & more.
Steel bikes are typically the heaviest and cheapest, but they’re also durable and can be found in a wide variety of styles.
Aluminum bikes are lighter than steel ones but more expensive and their frames can be very stiff which makes them shakier than steel frames.
Carbon fiber bikes are lightweight and extremely responsive but tend to be the most expensive.
Suspension
If you are searching for a bike to use on hilly, rocky terrain, you should really focus on purchasing one with good suspension. But if you are looking to save some money, it would be wise to search for a hardtail bike instead of buying a full-suspension mountain bike at the $1,500 price point.
If you are looking for full suspension mountain bikes at this price point, you won’t find much. These are designed to hit this price point by compromising suspension links to keep the price low. They will not hold up well in rugged environments.
On the other hand, a high quality hardtail bike is likely to have a better suspension system. These are also going to last much longer in general.
Wheels
Mountain bikes in this range come with several options for wheel size. Choose wheels that will be responsive (27.5”) if you plan to do a lot of trail riding or choose large wheels (like 29ers) if you want to do a lot of cross country riding and you’ll roll over everything.
Brakes
When it comes to stopping, don’t pass by the importance of good brakes. Whether you’re looking to do tight corners or tackle rocky areas with greater ease, really go all out with your brake choices.
When purchasing a mountain bike, make sure you get one with hydraulic brakes. These are the best braking system of any type and will give you immense stopping power.
Comfort
You don’t expect to have sofa-level comfort when you are on a mountain bike. But it is always good to have the right features in your mountain bike in order to have better comfort levels.
A comfortable ride in this category entails a bike with excellent shock-absorption capabilities. This will offer a consistent riding experience regardless of the type of terrain you’re conquering.
Additionally, a bike’s pedals, tires, and seats will also be crucial in determining a level of comfort. You’ll want to find a model that’s compatible with your dimensions and uses quality materials in those departments.
Spongy high-density foam seats offer you the best value for money in terms of price vs. padding, so if you’re looking for something that protects your backside then they’re your best option.
Tires
Mountain bike tires are your instrument of control, providing you with that confidence you’ll need to try all manner of activities on your bike.
Ensure you choose tires that provide grip and can withstand the rough terrain you’re riding on.
Wrap Up
The best mountain bikes in this range are going to have a few key features, such as a lightweight frame, good suspension system, and hydraulic brakes. There are also other things to consider such as the bike’s versatility and suspension travel.
You should be able to find a bike that is perfect for you by considering the different types of bikes for your needs based on the reviews above. But it’s very likely that the SAVA DECK2.0 will serve all of your needs.
