Good Enough for a Beginner: Best Cheap Mountain Bikes Under 200
Well, you’ve come to the right place because this article was built to guide buyers like you who are on a budget looking to snag a great deal on mountain bikes!
Cheap prices do not mean cheap bikes, and hopefully after this guide you will believe that as well.
Your first bike doesn’t have to be that costly. Read on to find some of my top recommended bikes at astounding prices under $200.
Pro riders can get super cool mountain bikes that cost as much as $10,000, but as a beginner, you don’t have to shell out such a mammoth amount on your first bike.
With a budget of $200 or less, you can still get a good starter mountain bike that is durable, sturdy, fast, and well-crafted and gives the thrill you’re looking for.
Wondering how this is possible?
Have a look at the following list of top 3 best cheap mountain bikes under 200.
Roadmaster Men’s Granite Peak 26-inch Mountain Bike
It is a good bike for cruising around your neighborhood streets and along those rugged paths. Roadmaster Granite Peak is good because of:
Good craftsmanship
Its built quality is great and can sustain accidental falls during those first few rides.
The steel geometry is specially crafted to allow easy riding. Roadmaster has a good construction that gives you a human form.
You can ride it on uneven terrains as it gives you smooth control.
Better control
The stopping ability of this bike is good. It has powerful linear brakes that give you added safety.
The wheels are not so big (26-inch) which is just the right size to cruise unhurriedly as you gradually get acquainted with mountain biking.
It is not like the 29er or 27+ types that roll faster along the trails.
Easy Assembly
Assembly of parts isn’t a big issue in this best cheap mountain bike under 200. Everything is straightforward.
You don’t need any prior knowledge of bike assembling to set this bike up out of the box.
However, you need to be careful when installing plastic components because they can loosen if not fixed properly.
Additionally, this bike provides an excellent riding position and is great if you’ve had back problems in the past.
On the flipside, this best cheap mountain bike under 200 isn’t the best for advanced riders and is just an entry-level bike.
Therefore, it may not be suitable if you are planning to upgrade your bike to a pro level.
Uncomfortable saddle
The saddle is also not comfortable enough, so it might not be a suitable bike for long rides.
It is just made for short commutes around your home and neighborhood streets.
Therefore, if you’re considering riding along bumpy terrains, the saddle might compromise your comfort.
Brakes loosen
The brakes also loosen from time to time, so you might need to make regular adjustment if you’ll frequently be riding.
This might be a nuisance because you are not used to bikes.
Overall, you get what you pay for. Since this is an inexpensive starter bike, we may not harshly condemn it.
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Schwinn High Timber Steel Mountain Bike
This starter bike is both sturdy and agile. Being one of the best mountain bikes under 200, Schwinn High Timber gives you a means of exploring outdoor trails without breaking your bank account.
Some of the great features you’ll adore in this bike include:
Responsive handling
If you fear crashes, then find a bike that is easy to handle.
The reasons why you can crash include riding on the wrong terrain and using a bike that is challenging to ride.
Schwinn comes with a durable steel mountain frame that makes it smooth to ride on bumpy grounds.
It gives you added control allowing you to ride comfortably as you master few basic riding skills.
Aesthetically appealing
This is a good-looking bike. Apart from the easy handling, you will love how attractive it is.
It features a matte black finish that enables it to withstand slight bruises and remains new every time.
Very comfortable
Comfort is excellent. The seat is heavily padded, and this is why Schwinn beats most entry-level bikes in the same price range.
It means you can ride anywhere as long as you want without feeling fatigued or getting experiencing muscle pains.
Schwinn will be ideal if you’re riding on rough terrains.
Quick Assembly
Just because you’re new to mountain biking doesn’t mean you should hire someone to do the assembling for you.
Schwinn is pretty quick and straightforward to assemble. All you need are a few assembly tools, and you’ll be good to go.
Quality components
Remember that this bike is made of a steel frame. This makes it durable as it can withstand a couple of those first abuses.
On the contrary, Schwinn is still not the best mountain bike because of:
Braking isn’t efficient
Schwinn brakes have been reported to be faulty and not that reliable.
This might be because it lacks disc brakes and might not guarantee you a full stop especially if you’ll be riding on steep terrains.
Brakes are good but only during dry weather.
Cheap plastic pedals
This can be a bit annoying because they may not last for as long as you might have anticipated for.
It means it might need some replacement which might be another burden.
It is also slightly heavier which might pose a challenge for your biking.
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Stowabike 26-inch MTB V2 Mountain Folding Bike
Some of the nice features of this bike include:
Easy folding
The foldability of this bike makes it a space-savvy bike for everyday use. To do so, you’ll need to unlock the security handle located at the front of the seat.
Additionally, the package comes inclusive of all the tools you need for assembling. If you want to travel with it, fold and throw it into your car trunk.
Easy Maneuverability
Stowabike is one bike that is easy to control. The gears shift smoothly even when your bike is fully loaded.
The easy handling means you can perform necessary twists and turns with ease as you advance up the ladder.
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It is safe and comfortable
There is no need to worry about muscle pain and sores because the seat of this bike is heavily padded.
Although it is a bit taller, the handlebars provide a steady and comfortable grip.
It also prides of reliable brakes that give you an instant stopping power. It balances comfort and stability.
You can ride it comfortably over rocks, logs, and other steep terrains.
However, some of the things you might not like in this bike include:
It can be heavy in weight
It is quite heavy with 36 lbs which can make it cumbersome for first-time riders. Although it is foldable, the 26-inch wheels still make it appear bulky.
Some components are cheap
If you want to use this bike for intensive riding, then consider replacing the cheap ingredients. It may also not withstand heavy riders of high 200 lbs.
Requires several adjustments
Most of the parts need fixing. For instance, when folding the wheels are a bit difficult to remove.
This can be stressful when trying to put your bike into your car trunk.
All in all, it is hard to find a folding bike at a price similar to that of Stowabike MTB V2. The performance it provides is excellent compared to the price.
So what are you waiting for?
However, your starter bike doesn’t have to be an expensive one because you’ll need to upgrade at some future date.
The above are good mountain bikes under 200. Even though they aren’t the best bikes around, they can deliver excellent performance.
For more cheap mountain bikes, check this: Best Mountain Bikes Under 300: 5 Stellar Options for Beginners
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