Best Entry Level Mountain Bikes
The increasing demand for mountain bikes has necessitated the design and manufacture of different types of mountain bikes. Today, there are bikes meant for sports and others designed specifically for exercise and leisure. So here we revealed the Best Entry Level Mountain Bikes Reviews for you. For experts, it is absolutely easy for one to choose an ideal bike that will serve a specific purpose. However, for non-experts, choosing a bike could be a nightmare due to lack of experience. For this reason, manufacturers have decided to develop entry level bikes that novices will find ideal. These bikes are simple and do not possess complicated components that make it difficult for one to maintain. After a thorough research, we have come up with an informed list of some of the best entry level mountain bikes that new customers can use to choose which bikes best serve their needs.
TOP 5 BEST ENTRY LEVEL MOUNTAIN BIKES
MONGOOSE IMPASSE DUAL FULL SUSPENSION BICYCLE
The Mongoose Impasse Dual Suspension Bicycle features a stylish frame that stands at 29 inches from the ground. The Mongoose has maintained its tradition of stylish and simple structure when designing bicycles and this is the reason why the Mongoose Impasse epitomizes this tradition. To begin with, the bike is designed with a sturdy aluminum frame that is not only long lasting but also strong enough to withstand great weights. Being a double suspension bicycle, the front and rear wheels feel more comfortable thanks to the steel shock absorbing forks. This ensures you enjoy a smooth ride all through the journey while simultaneously protecting your body from physical fatigue. The Mongoose Impasse Dual Suspension Bicycle is among the best bikes in terms of performance thanks to the 21 speed gear shifters designed by Shimano. Both the front and rear wheels are fitted with mechanical disk brakes that provide great stopping power giving you more control of the bike.
Pros
It comes with alloy pedals that are much stronger and durable than the plastic pedals.
It has mechanical disk brakes on both the front and rear wheels increasing its overall safety rating.
Cons
The tire threads are not deep enough to provide a firm grip when riding.
SCHWINN PROTOCOL 1.0 MEN’S DUAL SUSPENSION MOUNTAIN BIKE
Among the best entry level bicycles, the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s dual suspension mountain bike definitely comes at the top of the list. This is because the bike is not only simple in design but also comes with a number of components that most customers will find attractive especially on rugged mountain trails. The bike comes with the smaller 26 inch wheels that are ideal for cross country riders. The smaller tires provide a smoother ride than the larger wheels. In addition to that, little effort is required to ride the smaller bicycles as compared to the larger bikes. The frame is made from aluminum, which is well known for its strength and durability. In addition to that, the frame is linked to the handlebars and the adjustable saddle in a straight line giving it a firm posture. Also, the adjustable nature of the saddle makes it comfortable for people with different heights to comfortably ride this bike. As far as the speed is concerned, the 24 speed gear shifters make it easy to change gears on different terrains and also enhances the overall performance of the bike.
Pros
The bike is small and easier to control.
It comes with double suspensions which many people find attractive.
Cons
The disk brakes on the front wheel make it uncomfortable to stop in emergency situations.
DIAMONDBACK BICYCLE 2015 OVERDRIVE HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE
When it comes to quality, the Diamondback bicycle 2015 Overdrive Hardtail mountain bike easily takes the crown. It comes with some of the best qualities and characteristics that define a great ride in the world of mountain bikes. To begin with, this bike is hand built with a strong aluminum alloy frame that gives it great strength and durability. The frame is elevated to 22 inches from the ground, giving the rider an authoritative feel during the ride. In addition to that, the frame is also simply designed and links the saddle in a straight line making it firm. This bike is also one of the lightest bikes thanks to the custom made butted tubing. With suspension forks on the front wheel, you can be sure that all the bumpy terrains and rocky surfaces are going to be as comfortable as they can get. It is also one of the few entry level bicycles that come with disk brakes on both the front and the rear wheels.
Pros
There are disk brakes on both the front and rear wheels which increase the overall safety of the bike.
The handlebars are made from steel which makes it stronger and firmer.
Cons
The saddle is thinly padded which makes it uncomfortable.
SCHWINN MEN’S PRELUDE BICYCLE
Once again, Schwinn have outdone themselves with the introduction of Schwinn Men’s Prelude Bicycle. This is one of the simplest and best deigned sports mountain bikes. It features a straight aluminum frame that runs from the saddle rod to the handlebars at 180 degrees proving a firm structure and better control of the bike. A striking feature on this bike is the unconventional handlebars that curve outwards to offer a sporty look of the bike. This is probably the reason why this bike is the most preferred when it comes to sports. It features 14 speed gears shifters that also enhance its performance on any kind of terrain, especially uphill. The adjustable saddle is padded with a soft, high quality material to offer comfort to the rider. It is also one of the few bikes in the market that comes with a strap round the pedal to ensure your foot is firmly on the pedal.
Pros
It has huge wheels that increase the momentum of the bike, making it ideal for long distance riders.
The tires are soft and well treaded giving a firm grip on the road.
Cons
It is a rigid bike with no suspensions hence you should expect a bumpy ride.
DIAMONDBACK BICYCLES WOMEN’S 2016 LUX HARD TAIL COMPLETE MOUNTAIN BIKE
The Diamondback Bicycles Women’s Lux hard tail mountain bike comes with an aluminum frame that is inclined to make it comfortable for women to ride. The frame is connected to the handlebars and inclines towards the saddle rod making it easier to control. The 27.5 inch wheels are the most ideal and most preferred among bike riders. This is because it combines all the best attributes of the larger 29 inch wheels and the smaller 26 inch wheels. Additionally, the bike comes with front suspension forks that absorb all the shocks along the way making your ride much more comfortable. The saddle can also be adjusted to provide a great posture which also improves your back health as a rider.
Pros
It has thick tires that improve the stability and control of the bike.
It has disk brakes on both wheels which increases the safety of the bike.
Cons
There are no suspension forks on the rear wheels which makes the ride a little bumpy.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ENTRY LEVEL MOUNTAIN BIKES
PURPOSE
The first and most important factor to consider is the purpose of the bike. Different bicycles are designed for different purposes and it is imperative that you know why you are buying an entry level bike. For leisure, you can settle for a simple design that comes with suspension forks on both the front and the rear wheels. On the other hand, sports bikes are much lighter and come with simpler designs and front suspension forks.
THE BUDGET
The budget is the ultimate determiner of the type of bike you will ride home. You will need to consider the different prices of the different bike designs before settling for one. As earlier discussed, the purpose of the bike will inform the design you will settle for but your budget will decide which bike you ride home. Before making your final decision, compare the prices of the different designs from various manufacturers. This will help you make the right choice and also save on your budget if you are lucky.
GIVE A TEST DRIVE
Before making your final choice, it is always a good idea to give a couple of bikes a test drive. Just like when buying a car, a test drive gives you a feel of the ride. Testing a couple of bikes will help you make the right choice as far as the comfort of the bike is concerned.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQ)
WHAT ARE THE BEST ENTRY LEVEL BICYCLES?
There are different designs as far as entry level bikes are concerned. This is because different manufacturers, manufacture their own designs for uniqueness. Be that as it may, the best designs vary depending on the purpose of the bike as well as the preference. To a customer, a hard tail may be ideal for exercise but to another, the same bike may not be ideal for exercise. At this point, it is important to go shopping on your own so as to be sure which one best suits you. But generally, all entry level bikes are of good quality.
CAN I GET A GOOD ENTRY LEVEL MOUNTAIN BIKE UNDER 1000 DOLLARS?
Yes, you can get a good entry level bike for under 1000 dollars. In fact, there are several good quality mountain bikes under 1000 dollars. Most of the bikes discussed above fall below 1000 dollars and therefore you can choose any of the above bikes for your budget. Just make sure you get the ride bike for the right job and not just because it is the most expensive.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING BEST ENTRY LEVEL MOUNTAIN BIKES
Features/Design
As has been discussed, these entry level bicycles come in different designs. Some of them are hard tail bikes with suspension forks on the front wheels and none of the rear wheels. Others are dual suspension with suspension forks on both the front and the rear wheels. The choice of which one to go for will depend on the purpose of the bike and the preference of the rider. However, dual suspension bikes are generally considered more comfortable than the hard tail bikes while the latter is preferred for long distance riding. The choice of which one to go for will entirely depends on your preference.
Components
Different bikes are manufactured from different components. Some of the bicycles are made from aluminum material while others are made from steel. There are also others manufactured from titanium and carbon fiber. All these materials vary in both quality and cost. For instance, steel is heavier and more expensive than aluminum, which is lighter and cheaper. On the other hand, carbon fiber is considered more expensive than all the other materials. It is therefore important to choose a material that will be cost effective and durable at the same time.
Sizing considerations
There are also different sizes among the entry level bikes. For starters, there is the smaller 26 inch bike that is most common among the ladies. Then there is the larger 29 inch size which is more powerful and more common among men. Both of these come with varying advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to do a lot of research before deciding which one to go for.
Budget
Finally, your budget will determine the design and type of bike that you will go with. There are different prices from different manufacturers even for the same bicycle. A thorough market research is therefore important to distinguish between a fair price and an exorbitant one. Again, if you are willing to spend more, you can get yourself a better bike than if you are willing to spend less.
Conclusion
There are several best entry level bicycles in the market. They come in different designs and vary in prices as well. A thorough market research is imperative in determining which deal best suits your needs. Be advised that whatever money you are willing to spend, there will always be something out there for you. Don’t miss our best MTB under $600 for 2022.