Best Mountain Bikes Under 300: 5 Stellar Options for Beginners
Riding is by far the most fulfilling outdoor activity today for it gives you the chance of seeing the breathtaking mountain sceneries that the world has to offer.
It’s also a fun way to exercise and stay fit. Are you operating on a shoestring budget?
The good thing is that no matter how limited your budget is, you can always find a good mountain bike to start you off in this exciting riding life.
If your budget is $300 or less, then you have come to the right place where we will explain to you everything you need to know about bikes within this price range.
We have also researched and experimented on best mountain bikes under 300 and prepared a list of the five top options that you ought to consider. Be our guest.
But first…
The Top 3 Mountain Bike Features to Consider
That’s why we are here to help you find a bike that will not only satisfy all your biking needs but also keep you on budget.
Well, the price is always the first factor to consider when making any purchases.
But because you have already made a decision on that, we will have to by-pass this factor.
Other factors that should guide your choice include the type of terrain you will mostly be riding on as well as the reputation of a bike’s manufacturer.
Different bikes have features that suit each of the factors we’ve mentioned above- and even more.
For the purposes of this guide, however, we will only review bikes that can withstand any type of terrain.
And whose manufacturers have built a great reputation over years.
That will allow us to focus on the three main bike features that you should check before making your purchase. They include:
1. The Bike Size
It’s the size of a bike that determines the level of your riding comfort and, by extension, your riding speed.
How does the distance between the saddle and the pedals compare with the length of your legs?
You need a bike which you can peddle comfortably without bending too much or hurting your knees.
A good mountain bike for adults has a frame size of at least 17”.
Note: A bike’s frame size is measured from the center of its crank to the top of its quick release seat post.
How high/adjustable is the handlebar, and is the saddle adjustable?
The last thing you need is a saddle that remains in the same inclination angle and a handlebar that forces you to strain your back when riding.
Remember that straining your back could lead to serious back, neck, and muscle injuries.
Wheel and stem sizes are also important considerations to make because they play a critical role in a bike’s stability and speed.
2. Quality of the Bike’s Material
Because a mountain bike is a long-term investment, you need a bike frame that’s durable, corrosion-resistant, rust & stain resistant.
Most importantly, the bike should be strong enough to carry at least 180 pounds without breaking. This ensures that it can suit a variety of body types, including any weight you may be carrying on your back.
It should be easy to fix when the need arises, light enough for portability purposes, and easy to clean in all seasons.
Some of the good frame options for you include steel (together with chromium and molybdenum), Titanium (with 3-6% aluminum and 2-4% vanadium), and carbon fiber.
Whichever frame material you choose, check to ensure that its welding is meticulously done for longevity purposes.
The tubing quality of a bike is equally as important as the frame is.
Riding is supposed to be fun but without good tubes, the chances of your fun being cut short by a flat tire are extremely high- particularly when riding on a rocky terrain.
You need a bike whose inner tubes hold consistent air pressure all day long.
A bike whose valves long enough to make installing and inflating/deflating the tube easily, and which are thick enough for durability.
Of course, you can always change your bike’s inner tubes, but that should not be a reason to settle for a substandard bike.
3. Bike’s Brakes, Gears, and Suspension Fork
You need brakes which offer you unbeatable control on both beaten and unbeaten tracks.
Dual-pivot, hydraulic/semi-hydraulic, or disc brakes are the best options for you but there are bikes which work well with conventional side-pull brakes.
Whichever brake type your bike of choice has, ensure that it is well-padded and that the pads aren’t noisy.
The bottom line: A good bike offers you the tightest grip on the road and guarantees your safety whenever you need to apply emergency brakes.
Additionally, you should also consider your suspension forks–the shock absorption machine of your bike.
Suspension systems make your ride smooth and comfortable, even on rough terrain, because it absorbs the bouncing shock.
If you plan on riding on rocky trails, you should consider a bike with full suspension but still light enough so you don’t have to compromise your acceleration.
A full suspension is not always necessary, as it can be pricier, but it is worth it for safety and stability where it counts.
Lastly, choose a bike whose gears will give you a comfortable pedaling speed both uphill and downhill.
A good gear/derailleur system has two or more chainrings and more than 10 sprockets… that translates to a 20+ speed setup. Such a setup allows you to change your bike’s speed for up to 20 levels.
Avoid single-speed bikes because although they serve their purpose well when deployed on flat terrains, they will disappoint you when you take them to the mountains.
The Best Five Mountain Bikes Under 300
Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er (29” Wheels)
Because its seat can be adjusted in height, it is ideal for anyone between 5’10” and 6’8’’.
As for its weight capacity, this bike can carry up to 300lbs. It weighs about 30lbs, making it light enough to lift and carry.
The Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er bike has a durable frame which is made from a light but a sturdy aluminum alloy.
Its wheels are double-walled and are made of a sturdy aluminum alloy as well.
The tires are 2” thick when inflated while the inner tubes are well-seamed to ensure that your ride is always smooth even when the road is bumpy and rocky.
With a setup of 24 speeds, mechanical disc brakes, and dual suspension forks of 3.15” in diameter, this budget-friendly bike is an ideal choice for your rides on either paved trails or single tracks.
The speed is sufficient for long rides- the Shimano 8 speed EF-51 integrated shifters enables you to change the gears easily and swiftly.
The brake levers are reliable and safe, and the lockout front suspension provides shock absorption.
Pros:
- This bike comes partially assembled and an easy-to-follow installation manual for the unassembled parts
- The bike’s pedal crank is firm and reliable
- It has a sleek design and look
Cons:
- Gears may switch on you from time to time but overall still reliable
- The given seat and handle grips may be uncomfortable for some, but easily replaceable
Vilano 26″, 2.0 MTB, 21 Speeds
It is available in two sizes: 17″ and 20″. The wheels are 26” by 1.95” meaning that it accommodates adult users of all body sizes.
When fully assembled, the bike weighs about 35lbs making it slightly heavier than the first bike, but sitll portable.
Its 26” suspension fork is sturdy and has a lockout system which you can use to lock it whenever you need to save on energy- mostly during your soft rides.
A double butted aluminum frame gives this bike longevity and stability on the road.
Its wheels are made from an all-purpose alloy mag which is also very durable and easy to clean.
With mechanical disc brakes, its braking power on any surface and in all weathers is unquestionable.
The disc brakes have good grip, which helps with stopping power even during wet seasons. You don’t want to worry about slipping.
Pros:
- The installation guide is very detailed. You can assemble this bike on your own within an hour
- All-purpose tires can handle all kinds of terrain
- It has pre-drilled and threaded holes for a water bottle and comes with all the screws that you need.
Cons:
- The rims are so thick yet the valves are small
- You are likely to hear an irritating noise while pedaling but you can get it fixed in a bike shop.
- The seat isn’t very comfortable
Stowabike 26″ MTB V2 Folding Dual Suspension
Its 26” folding frame measures 67.3” by 23.2” by 55.1” when fully assembled but for easy storage and portability, it can be folded to about 38.2” by 12.6” by 29.5”.
As for the weight, the bike weighs approximately 38.5lbs and can carry a weight of up to 250lbs.
The wheels, suspension forks, and frame are all made of steel, ensuring durability and strength of the bike.
This is a very durable bike for its price. At a $150 price tag, it is a great hardtail mountain bike for a beginner who isn’t looking to break the wallet while getting started with mountain biking.
Pros:
- It’s a unisex bike in terms of color and design
- It saves on storage space big time both at home and in a car
Cons:
- Requires many modifications out-of-box
- Many have reported replacing the seat due to its discomfort out of box
Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
Its wheel sizes range from 12” to 29”, all using about 2” thick tires, making this bike durable enough to accommodate all body shapes and weights.
This particular model is an 18” medium size frame but there are smaller/bigger options for you.
With its original seat, this bike is ideal for users who weigh 250lbs and below.
If you replace the seat with a wider one, it can accommodate up to 300 pounds of body weight.
The entire bike is made of steel so its durability is unbeatable. The seams of the inner tubes are well done too.
It’s well coated to prevent it from water whenever you ride in the rain or forget it outside.
This bike combines the power of 21-speed gears and Shimano TX-31 front and rear derailleurs to make your ride smooth and comfortable.
It’s alloy linear pull rim brakes then ensures that your stopping is quick and safe even when at full speed or on wet surfaces.
Pros:
- It is a sturdy bike that accommodates heavy weights
- Great design and guaranteed longevity
- Assembly is minimal and easy–comes 90% pre-assembled
Cons:
- The seat is extremely uncomfortable and many recommend replacing
- The pedals and cranks make obnoxious sounds over time
Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension (29-Inch)
The tires are 29” by 1.95” and the rims single walled. To guarantee the bike’s longevity, the stem and suspension frame in this bike are made of durable aluminum.
This bike has 21 speeds which are complemented by a Shimano gearing, guaranteeing you solid performance on any surface.
For convenient braking, this bike uses rear disc brakes.
Its dual suspension, together with the front fork spring shocks, allows for comfortable riding on different terrains.
Pros:
- Assembly and setup were easy and can be completed with simple hand tools
- Great disc braking power
- Affordable full suspension bike
Cons:
- The seat is a little too narrow and can be uncomfortable on long rides
- Some components are better off replaced over time
To read review of other mongoose mountain bikes, check this: My Honest Mongoose Mountain Bike Review
They all meet the threshold of bike quality and are, without a doubt, currently the best mountain bikes worth considering. For a beginner, these are definitely a great first mountain bike to see if the sport is for you.
Bottom line: quality is not necessarily expensive. All the best as you decide which one among these bikes suits your needs best.
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