Best Mountain Bikes Under $300 – 10 MTB For Any Terrain 2023

Mountain biking is a thrilling, adrenaline-boosting experience that’s going to build your fitness faster than any other form of cycling. I took up mountain biking two years ago and I’ve never looked back. My budget was so low and I choose my bike from the list of best mountain bikes under 300. Having commuted to and from work daily for six months I was first convinced to try out an off-road course by a work colleague. The first thing I realized was that my commuter bike just wasn’t going to cut it on the twisting dust trails at my local range.

I needed something dynamic, light-weight yet sturdy to reach my potential off-road. That was when I invested in my first mountain bike. Mountain bicycles are a world away from your typical commuter bicycle. Rather than solely focusing on speed, for example, a mountain bike needs to have lots of grips to navigate those dusty surfaces. You’re also going to need suspension on a lightweight frame to overcome the inconsistent surfaces of an off-road trail. I did a lot of research and tested a lot of cheap mountain bikes under $300 before finally settling on my choice so I can tell you, that you don’t have to break the bank to get a high-performance ride.

10 Cheap Mountain Bikes Under $300 – Comparison Chart

N.B: Price in between $300!

5 Things To Consider For Choosing A Best Cheap Mountain Bike

1. What type of trails are you going to be cycling on?

The very first thing to consider is what kind of trails you’re going to be cycling. The bikes we’ve featured on this list are suitable for beginners but also for more experienced mountain bikers who want an upgrade without having to remortgage their house.

I’d suggest looking at the difficulty of your local trails before settling on the type of bike you’re going to get. If you’re going for an extreme trial then you’re going to want to invest a bit more money. If you’re just looking to try it out on some easy trails, as I did, then look at the bikes in the lower half of our budget.

2. Where to Buy

When it comes to purchasing a bicycle you have three main options. You can buy a second-hand cycle. This often seems like a good idea but no record of where the bikes come from, or what repairs have been made can be a risk, especially if you’re not a cycling expert.

You could buy from your local store which gives you the advantage of trying before you buy it. Although you should be aware that you will always be paying a premium when purchasing a bike from a store. It also limits your choice. The third option is to buy online. For me, buying online is by far the best option because you get more choices, great discounts, and access to less well-known brands.

3. What do you need from a mountain bike?

Cycling off-road is a world away from cycling on the tarmac. To navigate a high-octane mountain trail you’re going to need tons of grip, excellent brakes, and a frame light enough to allow for agile changes of direction.

In addition, the demands of a dirt road take a heavy toll on a bicycle so it’s always important to factor in how long the bike will last, and how well it has been put together. Finally, thick tires are an absolute must. Nobody wants to end up pushing their bike home after getting a puncture on a tricky range.

4. Types of Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes are sub-divided into a whole range of categories. These categories include cross country, hard-tails, down-hill mountain bikes, and free riders. We’ve included a wide variety on this list to suit all types of mountain biking, but make sure to research what kind of cycling you’re most likely to be doing before you spend any money.

5. Size Matters

This might sound obvious but you’d be surprised by how many people forget to check they’re getting the right size bike. Bicycle frames are measured in inches and directly correlate to your height.

Having a bike that is too small, or too large, is going to make riding difficult. It can also cause serious aches and pains after long-term usage. Be sure to go online to check what frame size suits your height before making a purchase.

Best Mountain Bikes Under $300

If you do your research, shop online, and look out for discounts you can get some seriously good equipment for a fraction of the in-store price. Here are the top 10 mountain bikes under $300 in 2023.

1. Mongoose Men’s Status 2.2 Mountain Bike

What better way to kick off our list of cheap mountain bicycles than with the Mongoose Men’s Status 2.2 Mountain Bike? Mongoose is one of the finest names in extreme cycling.

Starting in the 1970s, the Mongoose brand has earned a reputation for providing some of the most fearsome, high-performance mountain bikes, and BMX cycles.

The fact that this brand regularly produces title-winning equipment goes some way to explaining why they are the go-to brand for off-road, high-performance mountain bikes for the money.

Features and Benefits

• The Mongoose is built from an ultra-lightweight, hydro-formed aluminum frame. Hydro-forming is a technique used to build frames that cut down on welding. Hydro-forming guarantees a strong frame that will handle anything you throw at it.
• Status 2.2. is equipped with responsive V-brakes that provide a shorter stopping distance with less wheel locking.
• Brakes are always important for safety purposes but even more so on mountain ranges where you’ll need to use them a lot more. These brakes will keep you safe on even the most dangerous of trails.
• Front and back suspension. I mentioned at the beginning that suspension is a must-have for mountain biking. Mongoose provides you with both front and rear suspension to ensure a smooth ride whilst protecting the integrity of the frame.
• 125-inch diameter and width tires on metal alloy wheel frames. The tires on this bike are heavy-duty, providing loads of grip on even the most unforgiving of surfaces. Combined with the metal alloy frames these wheels will roll over anything.

For the features on offer, the Mongoose Men’s Status 2.2 is a fantastic value for the money. It’s quite rare to find so many features on a bike for under $300. When I test rode this bike I was surprised and raised by the sheer amount of grip on those tires and how responsive it was. This bike is capable of dealing with the most extreme of trails. A top buy.

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2. Schwinn High Timber Bicycle

Schwinn is a German manufacturer that is one of the biggest brands in the US today. Usually associated with high-performance, and high price, offerings finding a Schwinn mountain bike for under your budget is like finding a pearl in an oyster.

Features and Benefits

• 21 speeds with a Shimano derailleur. The derailleur is a common feature on expensive bikes because they make the quickest gear changes with the minimum amount of fuss. Finding a derailleur in our price range is a bargain.
• A lightweight aluminum frame. The High Timber is made entirely from aluminum which makes it fast and easy to ride.
• Front fork suspension. Rather than go for full suspension Schwinn has concentrated their efforts on the front fork. The result is a superb performance at a limited cost.
• The Schwinn brand is known for its build quality so one thing you can rely on upon a Schwinn is a sound, long-lasting investment.

In my time cycling, I’ve owned a couple of Schwinns. I keep coming back to this brand because they are just so reliable. The Schwinn High Timber is one of the more expensive mountain bikes we’ve reviewed but its overall performance more than makes up for the price. I highly recommend this one to you if you are on a tight budget.

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3. Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Bicycle

We’re coming to the end of our list but there’s still enough time to fit in one more Mongoose. The Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle has a space-age look that will delight first-time cyclists as well as experienced pros.

Features and Benefits

• High-tech design. The frame is geometrically designed to spread the impact of bumps and reduce damage to the bike and rider.
• Dual alloy disc brakes. The only problem with disc brakes is the added weight. On the Mongoose Impasse, this problem is countered by using ultra-light-weight metal alloy.
• Front and back suspension guarantees a comfortable ride and protects the bike from hard impacts
• Quick-release wheels make storage and transport easy.

The Mongoose Stasis is a serious high-performer, designed to help you reach your full potential in any mountain range. It’s got a bucket load of features with a cutting-edge frame design. If you’re passionate about off-road cycling, Mongoose won’t let you down.

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4. Mongoose Stasis Comp 26-Inch Full Suspension Mountain Bicycle

Editors Choice:

I’ve already mentioned Mongoose are the experts when it comes to making mountain bikes so it’s a little surprise there’s another bike of theirs on our list.

The Mongoose Stasis Comp 26- Inch is one of the best full suspension mountain bikes, creeping just under the budget on our list of the good MTB under $300.

Features and Benefits

• 21 speeds give you the versatility you need to tackle even the toughest of courses.
• The full suspension isn’t too loose. A very comfortable ride on any surface.
• Aluminum frame and alloy wheels. This bike is feather-lite weighing just 51 pounds. Incredible for a mountain bike in this price bracket.
• 3-piece alloy crank. The three-piece pedal crank is very durable and won’t weaken over time.

The Mongoose Stasis Comp is suited to entry-level and experienced trail riders alike. Although it’s in the upper half of our budget it doesn’t disappoint on any level. The Mongoose has the best features, fastest ride, and lightest build materials available for under $300. You can check more details before buying this bike.

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5. Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Closing out our list is another low-cost mountain bike from Northwoods. The reason we’ve included this on our list is that it’s the cheapest aluminum mountain bike you’ll find anywhere.

On top of that, you get front and back suspension which, at this price, is astounding.

Features and Benefits

• A lightweight aluminum frame allows you to pick up a lot of speed with minimal pedaling.
• Front and rear suspension. As I mentioned, getting front and rear suspension at this price is very rare. It a very comfortable ride.
• A three-piece steel crank. Cranks that are made from three separate pieces tend to last a lot longer than their one-piece counterparts.
• 24-inch alloy rims that keep the bike’s overall weight right down.

If you’re on a budget Northwood’s Aluminium full suspension is the best value for money you’ll find. It easily takes a place on our list of the top-selling mountain bikes for the money. The only issues are that it’s quite difficult to set up and, if you want to make the most of it, needs to be maintained on a regular basis. For the build materials alone this bike is a steal costing a fraction of the price of similar bikes.

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6. Merax 26″ Dual Disc Brakes 21 Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike

When you say the name Merax you’re likely to get a blank look unless you ask a mountain biker. The Merax brand has quietly been making a name for itself as a top-quality producer of entry-level performance bikes.

Features and Benefits

• The Merax Hardtail has a stunning, your-face, look with its neon blue frame and sharp styling.
• Disc brakes. When it comes to braking equipment disc brakes are by far the best. Using the same technology they use on sports cars, you’ll have no problem stopping with the Merax Dual Disc Brakes.
• The Aluminum rims shave a few pounds off the bike’s overall weight and won’t fade over time.
• 1-year warranty. The guys at Merax are so convinced of the build quality of this bike they’re offering a warranty. No risk to buy.

When we reviewed this bike we couldn’t believe how low the price was. For the features on offer, you could easily see this bike selling for over $300 were it from an American manufacturer. As it is, the only black marks for me are the clunky gears and uncomfortable saddle. The customer reviews for this are great.

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7. Schwinn Women’s High Timber Mountain Bicycle

The first bike on our list of quality mountain bikes to be designed specifically for women. The Schwinn Women’s High Timber Mountain bicycle features a drop bar frame for easy mounting and dismounting.

Features and Benefits

• Specifically designed for women with a lowered frame that makes it easy to get on and off.
• Comes from one of the best brands in bicycle manufacture. You can trust a Schwinn to deliver a high performance.
• Front suspension fork. Having front suspension is a must-have for riding on bumpy, off-road surfaces.
• Schwinn designed Alloy crank. The alloy is a material that is strong like steel, but lightweight like aluminum. It gives you the best of both worlds.

Overall, the Schwinn Women’s High Timber is an excellent bike for those new to the mountain range. It’s in the mid-range of our budget so it doesn’t represent too much financial risk and is built to last. A decent option for beginner cyclists. Check Latest Price

8. Pacific Women’s Stratus Mountain Bike

Pacific is a mass producer of budget cycles that have dominated the US industry for over fifty years. Offering entry-level bicycles at rock-bottom prices means you’re never going to get the best features but if you’re on a tight budget the Pacific Women’s Stratus Mountain Bike may be the bike for you.

Features and Benefits

• Solid steel frame. Having a frame made from steel adds weight but it also lasts a lot longer than its aluminum counterpart.
• 15-speed gears will give you a decent level of versatility for climbing hills and being off-road.
• Torque thumb shifters. A nice little feature that means you won’t have to take your hands off the bar when changing gears
• A 26-inch frame means this bike is the right size for most cyclists.

The Pacific Stratus Women’s mountain bike is hardly going to set the world alight. Having said that, it’s extremely low cost making it ideal for first-time cyclists or younger children. It fits comfortably in our budget of the top mountain bicycles available for under $300.

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9. Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike MTB

From an entry-level mountain bike to the top of the range. Vilano is an Italian brand renowned for its style and substance. The Blackjack 3.0 29er is a hand-built mountain monster capable of some serious off-road trekking.

Features and Benefits

• Hand-built frame. Hand-built frames are far more durable due to the seamless welds.
• Alloy construction material. Metal alloys are the lightest construction material guaranteeing the fastest, most agile ride.
• Mechanical disc brakes that record the best stopping distances around.
• The looks are to die for. A sleek, black triangulated frame with stylish Vilano decals.

The Vilano Blackjack is a high-performance mountain bike capable of dealing with the most difficult terrain. I would recommend this bike to experienced cyclists as well as beginners. A little expensive, but as an investment, a great buy. Check Latest Price

10. GTM 26″ 7 Speed Folding Mountain Bike

Every now and then GTM will come out with something just a little bit different. This time they’ve produced a top-quality mountain bike at an astoundingly low cost.

The guys at GTM have even made this bike foldable which is ideal for when you’re traveling to the local range.

Features and Benefits

• Folding frame. The GTM 7 Speed is the only bike on our list to have a folding frame that can be collapsed in 25 seconds. Surprisingly the frame doesn’t impact the performance and, it makes it highly portable. Perfect if you have a smaller car, or use public transport when taking it to the trails.
• 7 Speed gear changes. One of the ways GTM seems to have kept the cost down is by keeping things simple. Seven gears aren’t a lot but they are surprisingly smooth, capable of handling the toughest uphill gradients.
• The dual suspension on the front and back goes some way to giving this bike a comfortable ride. It’s not going to be able to handle the toughest terrains but it does the job well enough
• Thick, durable 20-inch tires support this entry-level bike, and judging by the looks of them, they won’t be breaking anytime soon. Top marks for longevity.

What the GTM 7 Speed lacks in features it more than makes up for in overall build quality. GTM has produced an excellent, entry-level mountain bike on a relatively small budget. If you’re just starting out, and your budget is limited, this is without a doubt the bike for you. If you want to know how well this bike stands the test of time, You can check the customer reviews.

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Conclusion

So, to sum things up, we’ve gone through a list of ten of mountain bikes for under 300 dollars. I’d like to think that there’s something here for everyone regardless of what your budget is. In my personal opinion, I would opt for one of the Mongoose options.

They tend to cost a little more but, as an investment, they are well worth the money. It will be years before you have to replace them. Always remember to buy your bicycle online, setting up a bike yourself can be a bit of a hassle, but the savings you make online are more than worth it.

Last Updated: January 18, 2023

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BikeJar Team

Our writing and editorial team, There are six pro bikers & bloggers. We have more than ten years of experience in cycling and review writing. Our team has written in various local newspapers, online bike magazines, and blogs for the last ten years. Robert H Moore(Professional biker) Leading the team since 2016. Visit the about us page to know more about our team or visit the social profile. Facebook | Youtube | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter