We’ve reviewed the best mountain bikes under $700 and most of the bikes in this price category are decent quality and provide great value. This price range is about where you’d expect someone to be if they are interested in the sport but not quite ready to jump in with both tires.
We tested out 6 of the best mountain bikes under $700 for adults and the best bike is:
The Diamondback Hatch 2 (2021 model) is the best mountain bike under $700.
Here’s why:- Great mountain bike for multiple surface types (gravel, dirt trails or pavement)
- The 100 mm fork travel on the suspension was the second best (the Cannondale has a 75 mm travel)
- Tekro mechanical disk brakes provide the stopping power that could save your life if you ride this within the city.
- The wide range of gears allows for a comfortable pedaling pace no matter how you use the bike.
- 29 inch wheels and 2.25” tires allow the rider to roll over all obstacles with ease.
- Tires by Vee Tire Co. and Shimano shifters and derailleurs make this a bike that will withstand whatever you throw at it.
How We Came Up with Our Top Choices in This Category
We carefully selected bikes that were sturdy, lightweight and provided value for the money. Most of these bikes can be customized if you decide to stick with the hobby so don’t worry about not getting a good bike.
We also limited the bikes we reviewed to those in the mens or adult, standard mountain bike category.
We figured that it would be hard to compare different types of mountain bikes with standard trail mountain bikes or cross country bikes.
Electric bikes, women’s bikes, and fat tire mountain bikes are used for widely different purposes.
We reviewed bikes that had good quality components (which to be honest are hard to find in this price range). The good news is that you can find good mountain bikes at reasonable prices with just a little bit of legwork and research (which we did for you).
Several of these bikes are best for trail riding, while others are simply great for everyday use.
Look through our list, find your favorite mountain bike and start planning your next adventure.
Best Mountain Bikes Under $700 Comparison Table
| Price | Brand | Model | Best For | Suspension | Brakes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check | Diamondback | Hatch 2 2021 | Trail Biking | Hardtail | Mech Disc | 32 lbs |
| Check | Cannondale | Trail 8 | Trail Biking | Hardtail | Mech Disc | 32 lbs |
| Check | Royce Union | RMG Gravel Bike | Gravel | Rigid | Disc | 36.3 lbs |
| Check | Gravity | FSX LTD 2021 | Downhill | Full | Disc | Not Listed |
| Check | Mongoose | Switchback | City | Hardtail | Disc | 34 lbs |
| Check | Schwinn | Mesa 1 | Trail, Gravel | Hardtail | Hydraulic Disc | Not Listed |
Diamondback Hatch 2 – 2021 Model – Best Overall
IMG Source: REI.com
Key Features
- Tektro M280 mechanical disc brakes
- Shimano brake levers and derailleurs
- 21 speed Shimano drivetrain
- The bike comes with a rack, fender and water bottle mounts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth gear changes | Seat can be a little small for some larger riders |
| Easy to assemble | Heavier than some alternatives |
| Great for trail riding | |
| High value entry level bike |
Description
The Diamondback Hatch 2 is an affordable, entry level hardtail mountain bike that performs great on the trails and provides a smooth ride.
This mountain bike incorporates front and rear mechanical disc brakes which give you that stopping power that is useful for sharp turns and fast trail riding.
The wide 2.25 in knobby tires on the 29 inch wheels will ensure you easily roll over any obstacle you encounter while on the trail.
The front suspension on this bike features 100 mm of fork travel which means it will soak up a lot of the bumps when riding over rocky terrain.
This mountain bike is perfect if you’re just getting into the sport and want an affordable mountain bike that is also reliable.
Cannondale Trail 8 – Best Entry-Level Bike
IMG Source: REI.com
Key Features
- SR Suntour Fork
- SmartForm C3 Alloy Frame
- 14-speed with 29” wheels
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tektro disc brakes | 75mm fork travel is a little stiff |
| Easy shifting | Seat may be a bit uncomfortable |
| The frame is dropper post compatible | Chain issues are somewhat common |
Description
The Cannondale Trail 8 is a great bike for low-impact trails, gravel roads and even a leisurely ride around town. This bike features great handling and is very durable. Plus, it’s a Cannondale, a well known brand in the mountain biking world.
With 75 mm fork travel, this bike is going to feel a little stiffer than other bikes we’ve reviewed. However, the extra stability will be useful for uphill climbs.
Some might be happy to know that this bike comes mostly assembled and will only need minor assembly to get riding. Expect to install the pedals and the front wheel.
Overall, this is a very affordable bike and you’ll be happy riding it around town or on gravel and paved bike paths.
Royce Union RMG Gravel Bike – Best City Bike
Key Features
- Shimano EZ Fire trigger shifters
- Shimano Claris drivetrain
- 27.5” tires
- Lightweight aluminum frame
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Responsive steering | Skinny tires at 1.95” |
| Low maintenance required | Rigid frame, no suspension to cut out the bumps |
| Great for uphill climbs and steep terrain |
Description
The Royce Union RMG is a sturdy beginner bike with a lightweight frame that can handle all types of terrain. The aluminum hardtail frame provides a bike that requires very little maintenance and can handle gravel, paved roads, and trails.
Being that this bike was designed for gravel, it would make transitions from gravel to moderate trails or even wooden bridges a cinch. Consider this bike if you head out to campgrounds a lot because this would be perfect to get around the site.
The interesting thing about this bike is that the marketing materials refer to it as lightweight but it’s clearly not one of the lightest bikes we reviewed when it weighs over 36 lbs.
Gravity FSX LTD 2021 – Best Full Suspension
Key Features
- Adjustable full suspension
- Hydroformed aluminum frame
- Tektro dual disc brakes
- 21 speed Shimano drivetrain
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full suspension with front lockout | Limited rear suspension adjustment |
| Adjustable rear suspension | |
| Disc brakes are much better than v-brake systems allowing you to stop on a dime. | |
| 29 inch wheels |
Description
The Gravity FSX has a durable and lightweight frame that makes it ideal for many terrains. Coupled with the front and rear suspension (with lockout) this bike will provide a very comfortable ride when you encounter rocks and bumps. This can help reduce fatigue and allow you to ride longer and faster.
This dual suspension mountain bike has 21 speeds to choose from to ensure you’re always giving the right amount of energy on your climb or descent.
Equipped with 29 inch wheels and the full suspension, you can compare this bike to other manufacturers in the $900-$1200 range and you’ll see this is a better value.
If you’re really serious about getting a full suspension bike you may want to look at a higher price range for better quality components but for someone just starting out, this bike is a great intro into this bike category.
Mongoose Switchback – Best Brand
Key Features
- Disc brakes
- 27.5 inch wheels
- Tectonic T1 aluminum frame for lightweight durability
- Internal cable routing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to assemble | Bike is on the heavier side |
| Looks great in person | Many have said that the components are not well made and may get damaged |
| Stylish mountain bike | Some users reported the seat being uncomfortable |
Description
The Switchback from Mongoose is a very highly rated bike but in our opinion it really depends on what you intend to use it for. This is probably at best a bike that you cruise around the neighborhood in and maybe use around town.
It’s just not built for true mountain biking or off road adventures so that should be considered when assessing whether or not this will be a good bike for your needs.
Many riders have mentioned that this bike will handle great after a little tuning and adjustment. But be careful when riding this bike on hard trails as the constant jarring may dislodge parts or damage them when they get knocked around.
Schwinn Mesa 1 – Best 27.5” Bike
Key Features
- 27.5 inch wheels
- Aluminum frame with Suntour XCT30 D suspension fork
- Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large frame that can accommodate riders from 5’10 to 6’1 | Some user experienced issues with derailleurs |
| Hydraulic disc brakes | Plastic pedals have issues as some stripping can occur |
| 24 speed |
Description
The Schwinn Mesa 1 is the trail bike for riders who want to explore beyond the dirt paths and gravel trails at an affordable price.
The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide the best stopping power of all the bikes we’ve reviewed. The hydraulic disc brakes are more efficient than mechanical disc brakes as you need to provide less pressure at the lever to stop the bike. These are very hard to find on bikes in this price range.
What to Look for When Buying a Mountain Bike Under $700
Use this guide to understand what to look for when buying your mountain bike.
Types of Mountain Bikes
The type of trails or terrain you want to ride largely determines what kind of bike that you should consider. For this guide, here are the main types of mountain bikes that will be discussed in detail: Cross Country, Trail, Downhill, and All-Mountain/Enduro.
Cross Country
The pedals are the engine of a cross country bike and manufacturers spend a lot of time on this component. As a result, these bikes are efficient & fast. These high-performance bikes are generally lighter in weight due to the lack of cushioning.
Trail Mountain Bikes
Trail biking is another variant of the mountain bike. The bikes are versatile and can be used for anything from fast descents to steep climbs. If you want to ride every trail on any terrain, you should consider getting a trail mountain bike.
Downhill Mountain Bikes
Downhill mountain bikes are great for riding downhill but not so much when you’re riding uphill, on flat terrain, or riding long distances.
Enduro or All-Mountain
Enduro bikes are generally great for mountainous terrain as they’re designed for going down hills. They’re long and heavy, but for good reason.
The suspension is top notch and the geometry is designed to be stable, so it’s a great bike for downhill use. However, it should be stated that the suspension is a huge benefit when going downhill.
Frame Geometry
Frame geometry is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for the perfect mountain bike. Different frames are designed for different bodies that may differ in height, weight, leg length, arm length or span.
Shorter bike frames are usually great for most riders unless they have extremely long arms or weigh more than your average bear. This is because the extra weight and stress can cause the frame to bend when riding downhill on rougher terrain.
For most riders, the best bike frame will fall between 16 in and 18 in which is considered medium.
The large bike frames provide more stability and durability but can be hard to handle when biking off-road. These frames tend to range from 18 inches to 20 inches.
Frame Material
The frame is one of the parts you’ll be constantly in contact with when you ride your bike, so it’s really important in the whole mountain biking experience. It’s literally the foundation of your entire bike.
Aluminum Frame
Aluminum frames might be best for someone who wants to keep their bike light weight but aren’t as concerned about the durability of the frame because they don’t plan on abusing it on rugged terrain.
It’s important to note that aluminum doesn’t dampen vibration as much as other materials which can make a bumpy ride more noticeable.
Steel Frame
Steel frame bikes are much heavier, but they also offer a comfortable ride and will last for years to come.
The good thing about steel bike frames is that not only do they feel very comfortable, but they can last for years and years. They will also be heavier, but this offers a certain level of stability on bumpy roads that some cyclists prefer.
Titanium Frame
Titanium frames are perfect for riders who are looking for a frame and material that is both light and durable. Another benefit is that these frames won’t become brittle over time as they age.
Carbon Fiber Frame
Carbon fiber is another high-end frame material that is common on the high performance mountain bikes. While it is the most expensive material it doesn’t sacrifice any of the benefits of the other frame materials.
Wheel Size
When it comes to mountain bikes, wheel size matters. The size of the wheel affects how fast and how far you can go on a bike. The larger the wheel, the more difficult it is to maneuver. Small wheels allow you to ride faster and further without much effort.
There are three sizes that you’ll come across when choosing a bike. The 26-inch wheel is the most common and best for everyday use because it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver.
The 27.5-inch wheel is best suited for technical riding and for riders that are shorter or average height.
29-inch wheels are usually preferred for fast trails and for riding over rugged terrain with ease. These wheels are also designed for tall riders.
Suspension Type
There are several types of suspension that one should be aware of when shopping.
Hardtail
Riders who are new to mountain biking may want to start with entry-level hardtail mountain bikes, which are more efficient for pedal power and are the best introduction into off-road riding. For those looking to save their money or are just starting out, hardtail suspension is the best option as they are often less expensive than full-suspension bikes.
Rigid
Rigid forks are a type of bicycle fork that does not have any suspension to cushion the ride. They can be found on mountain, hybrid and road bikes. Rigid forks do not have shocks or springs that will help keep the front wheel in contact with the ground and make it easier to absorb bumps in the terrain. This makes for a rough ride on bumpy terrain.
Dual Suspension
Riding on rough terrain can be uncomfortable with standard suspension forks. Dual suspension forks are the perfect solution. These forks offer the best of both worlds giving riders the ability to enjoy long rides without worrying about jarring or uncomfortable rides.
FAQs About Mountain Bikes
Have a question about bikes in this range? See below. If you have more questions please contact us directly.
How much should I spend on my first mountain bike?
Spending between $500 and $1000 is about the going rate for first time mountain bike purchases. It’s a good way to see you and the sport is a good fit.
What are the different types of mountain bikes?
The most common types are trail, all-mountain or enduro, cross country (XC), and downhill.
What size mountain bike to buy?
Size varies based on the rider. Be sure you get the correct frame for your body size to ensure a comfortable fit.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we’ve made this decision easier when purchasing a mountain bike under $700.
Upgrade your biking experience with your very own mountain bike! With a few simple considerations and a bit of research, you’ll be able to easily find the right one for you.
As we mentioned above, our choice for best mountain bike under $700 was the Diamondback Hatch 2 which will not disappoint.
How to Buy Your New Bike
Here’s the general process for buying a new bike in person or when buying a bike online:
- Know your skills & limits
- Evaluate your budget
- Study the market – see what can you get for the budget you’ve set and what’s hot
- Seek out a bike and do some research
- Commit to one that you like
- Make sure to get the right size by looking up each bikes size chart
- Ride it and make adjustments at your local bike shop!
Enjoy!
