A 21 speed mountain bike is a good option for riders who want a versatile machine that can handle both pavement and dirt trails. These bikes provide the perfect blend of comfort and performance to help take your riding experience to the next level. They have a wider gear range and suspension system to absorb shocks from bumps and obstacles, better brakes that provide more stopping power, and are designed for stability and control, giving you more confidence when riding.
But with so many different models on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. We personally tested 73 21-speed mountain bikes for 10 days and came up with the 5 best picks after considering factors including features, price, design, weight, speed, brakes, and tires. This detailed review will help you make an informed choice. We’ll also highlight some of the most important features to consider and provide our top recommendations based on our experience level.
Best 21 Speed Mountain Bikes | Experts Picks of 2023
Best 21 Speed Mountain Bikes | An In-depth Review
Now let’s check the detailed review of 5 best budget mountain bike brands based on what we found after testing them rigorously on different terrains. To help you find the best mountain bike for your money, we also tried to answer most commonly asked questions.
1. Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Wheel Size | 24 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Suspension Type | Front |
| Special Feature | Aluminum Frame, Mountain bike |
| Number of Speeds | 21 |
| Size | 24-Inch Wheels |
The Schwinn High Timber is a great option for both young riders and adults and features a durable frame that can handle even the most challenging trails. From sturdy tires to padded seats, you get many premium features of the best electric bikes at affordable costs. With 21 speeds to choose from, you’ll be able to find the perfect gear ratio for any terrain, and the Shimano rear derailleur ensures smooth shifting. It has an aluminum and steel frame, which makes it built to last, and also comes with front and rear suspension, making it capable of tackling even the roughest terrain.
Additionally, the 7-21 speed options make it easy to find the perfect gear ratio for any terrain, while the 24-29-inch wheels provide superior stability and traction. Best of all, the Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike is available in multiple colors to suit any style. So if you’re in the market for the best beginner mountain bike that is not only stylish but also a great value for your money, be sure to check out the Schwinn High Timber.
2. Hiland Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | HH HILAND |
| Wheel Size | 26 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Special Feature | Aluminum Frame, Mountain bike |
| Number of Speeds | 21 |
| Size | 6-spokes |
| Color | 6 White |
It’s perfect for riders who want a bike that can handle any terrain, whether cruising on the open road or tackling rugged trails. The Hiland comes equipped with front and rear suspension, making it a great choice for those who want a bike that can take on whatever they throw. Also, the 21-speed drivetrain provides plenty of gears for climbing hills or cruising on flat terrain.
This mountain bike features a lightweight aluminum frame, making it easy to maneuver on the trails. And with a weight of just 27 pounds, the Hiland is one of the lightest mountain bikes out there, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. So, does not matter how far you want to go, with Hiland mountain bike, you can cover you favorite mountain destinations with complete fun.
The bike also comes equipped with powerful disc brakes, providing great stopping power in all conditions. Its suspension fork helps to absorb bumps and improve control, while the wide tires provide good traction on all surfaces. Whether you’re looking for a bike to commute to work or hit the trails on the weekends, the Hiland Mountain Bike is sure to exceed your expectations.
You might also like: Best Bike Chain Lubes To Make Your Bike Run Forever
3. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | Huffy |
| Wheel Size | 26 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Suspension Type | Front |
| Special Feature | Suspension Fork, Lightweight, Mountain Bike, 21 Speed |
| Number of Speeds | 21 |
| Size | 26 Inch Wheels/17 Inch Frame |
The Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike is one of the best 21 speed mountain bikes on the market. It is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver on rough terrain. The bike also comes in multiple colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. The 21-speed Shimano drivetrain provides a wide range of gears for climbing steep hills and cruising on flat terrain.
The front suspension fork absorbs bumps and vibrations, providing a smooth ride. The rear derailleur is also equipped with a guard to protect the chain from coming off during shifting. The wheels are 26 inches in diameter, providing plenty of traction and stability, while the linear-pull brakes provide quick and reliable stopping power. Overall, the Huffy hardtail mountain bike is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, high-performance mountain bike.
4. Royce Union RMT 27.5
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | ROYCE UNION |
| Wheel Size | 24 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Suspension Type | Front |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, Aluminum Frame, 21 Speed, Shimano Drivetrain |
| Number of Speeds | 21 |
| Size | 24 inch wheels – 15 inch frame |
The Royce Union RMT 27.5″ is one of the best 21 speed mountain bikes on the market. It’s easy to assemble, and it has a 27.5-inch wheelset. The bike also has a 21-speed all-terrain drivetrain, making it perfect for off-road riding. The frame is made from lightweight aluminum, and the wheel rims are machined from alloy for increased durability. The bike is available in multiple colors, so you can choose the one that best fits your style.
This full Shimano 21-speed drivetrain gives you a smooth shifting between gears to help you adjust the bike as per your path. And you can easily see its soft padded seat for the right fit. This helps you ride with more stability. The best thing we like about Royce Union RMT is its 10 years long warranty. Overall, whether you’re looking for a new mountain bike or a versatile all-purpose bike, the Royce Union RMT 27.5″ is a great option.
5. Schwinn S29 Mens Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | Schwinn |
| Wheel Size | 29 Inches |
| Specific Uses For Product | Trail |
| Suspension Type | Dual |
| Special Feature | Aluminum Frame, Mountain bike |
| Number of Speeds | 21 |
| Size | 18-Inch Frame |
Our last but one of the best 21 speed mountain bikes is Schwinn S29. This bike features an aluminum frame with dual suspension, making it durable and able to handle a variety of terrain. The Shimano 29-inch wheels, shifters, and derailleurs provide precise shifting, and the linear-pull brakes offer plenty of stopping power. The S29 also gives you the possibility of addons like front and rear lights, making it safe to ride at night or in low-light conditions.
The Schwinn bike needs some assembly when you receive it, but it’s all up to you if you want to set it up yourself or take a professional’s help. Unless you have decent skill and knowledge, we recommend you go to a bike shop for the same. Best of all, the Schwinn S29 men’s mountain bike is extremely affordable, making it a great value for the money. Whether you’re just getting started in mountain biking or you’re looking for an upgrade, the Schwinn S29 mens mountain bike is a great option.
Buying the Best 21 Speed Mountain Bike | Guide
When it comes to purchasing the best 21 speed mountain bike, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Terrain You’ll be Riding On
Whether you’re hitting the trails or the streets, the type of terrain you’ll be riding on will play a big role in the type of bike you’ll need. If you’re planning on doing mostly off-road riding, then a bike with thicker tires and suspension will be ideal. However, if you’re sticking to the pavement, then a road bike will be more your speed.
Features you Need
Again, depending on the type of riding you’ll be doing, the features you need will vary. If you’re just hitting the streets or light trails, then a basic mountain bike with front suspension might be all you need. However, if you’re planning on doing more hardcore riding, then you might need a bike with full suspension and other high-end features. Remember to have a realistic idea of what you can afford before you start shopping around.
Frame Size
This is important to consider, especially if you’re new to mountain biking. Make sure you choose a bike that you’re physically comfortable riding. If you’re shorter or have shorter legs, then a smaller frame might be the way to go. And if you’re taller or have longer legs, then you might want to consider a larger frame.
Warranty
When you’re spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a bike, you want to make sure it comes with a good warranty. This will protect you if anything goes wrong with the bike down the road. Check the manufacturer’s website online, or you can read the specs on the box as well. Remember, the more warranty, the better product.
Type of Bike
Mountain bikes come in a few different types:
- Hardtail Mountain Bikes
- Full Suspension Mountain bikes
- Fat Bikes
Hardtail mountain bikes have suspension in the front fork only. Full suspension mountain bikes have suspension in both the front fork and the rear shock. Fat bikes have wide tires that are typically 4 inches or wider.
The type of bike you choose will depend on the type of riding you plan on doing. If you’re mostly riding on paved surfaces or light trails, then a hardtail bike might be all you need. However, if you plan to do more hardcore off-roading, a full suspension mountain bike will be necessary. And if you’re planning on riding in sand or snow, then a fat bike will be the best option.
Budget
Mountain bikes can range in price from around $500 up to $5000 or more. If you’re on a tight budget, then you might want to consider a used bike. You can find some great deals on used bikes, and as long as the bike is in good condition, it should last you for years to come. Just be sure to have the bike checked out by a professional before you buy it to ensure there are no hidden issues. If money is no object, then you might want to consider buying a custom-made bike.
Once you’ve taken all of these things into consideration, then you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and find the best 21 speed mountain bike for your needs.
Weight of the Bike
Mountain bikes can range in weight from around 20 pounds to 40 pounds or more. Obviously, the lighter, the better. But keep in mind that the lighter the bike, the pricier it will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What does 21 speed mean on a mountain bike?
A 21-speed mountain bike has three gears at the front and seven gears at the back. This gives you a wide range of gears to choose from, making it easier to ride up hills and go faster on flat terrain. It has the most range of gears, making it the most versatile. You can go fast on the flats and climb hills without having to worry about your gears.
A lot of people think that more speeds mean a better bike, but that’s not always the case. More speeds just mean more parts, adding weight and complexity to the bike. If you’re just starting out or not looking to race, a 21-speed mountain bike is the best option. It will give you the most options and the best value for your money.
Q2. How much does a 21-speed mountain bike cost?
21-speed mountain bikes can range from around $200 to $2,000 or more. The price will depend on the quality of the bike and the features it offers. If you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to buy a mid-priced bike that you can upgrade as you become more experienced.
Q3. What are the best features of a 21-speed mountain bike?
There are a few key features that make a 21-speed mountain bike the best choice for serious cyclists. These include:
- A Lightweight Frame: A lightweight frame is essential for a mountain bike as it reduces the energy required to pedal the bike up hills.
- Front and Rear Suspension: Suspension helps to absorb the shocks from riding over rough terrain, making the ride more comfortable and preventing the bike from being damaged.
- Strong Brakes: Powerful brakes are essential for a mountain bike as they allow the rider to stop quickly and safely, even on steep downhill sections.
- Wide Gear Range: A wide gear range allows the rider to pedal at various speeds, making it easier to tackle both uphill and downhill sections.
- Sturdy Construction: A 21-speed mountain bike must be able to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, so it must be made from strong and durable materials.
Q4. How do I care for my 21-speed mountain bike?
To keep your 21-speed mountain bike in the best condition possible, it is important to regularly clean and maintains it. You should also avoid riding in wet or muddy conditions where possible, as this can damage the bike. If you do ride in wet or muddy conditions, be sure to clean the bike as soon as possible afterward.
It is also important to have your 21-speed mountain bike regularly serviced by a qualified mechanic. This will help to ensure that the bike is in good working order and that any potential problems are caught early. Finally, ensure you store your 21-speed mountain bike safely when not in use. A good quality bike rack or storage shed will help to protect the bike from the elements and theft. You can buy best Thule racks or best Yakima racks as these brands not only offer maximum security but also are affordable.
Q5. What are some common problems with 21-speed mountain bikes?
As with any piece of complex machinery, a few common problems can occur with 21-speed mountain bikes. These include:-
- Flat tires: This is the most common problem cyclists face and is usually caused by riding over sharp objects such as glass or nails. Always carry a spare inner tube and pump so that you can fix a flat tire quickly and easily.
- Chain issues: A dirty or damaged chain can cause the bike to skip gears or even come to a stop altogether. Keep your chain clean and lubricated, and replace it if it becomes damaged. You must use only the best chain lubes on your bike because cheap products can damage both your bike and clothes.
- Brake problems: Dirty or wet brakes can cause the bike to slow down unevenly or even stop completely. Be sure to clean and inspect your brakes regularly and replace the pads if they become worn.
- Gear shifting problems: If the bike is not shifting gears smoothly, the derailleur may be out of alignment, or the chain may be dirty. Adjust the derailleur and clean the chain as needed.
If you encounter any of these problems, it is best to take the bike to a qualified bike mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Trying to fix the problem yourself could further damage the bike.
Some Last Words
We’ve taken the time to research and review some of the top bikes on the market so that you can make an informed purchase. And thanks to our competitive prices, you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product without breaking the bank. Also, remember to consider your needs and preferences when making your final decision; after all, the right bike is the one that makes riding fun and enjoyable for you. You can read more reviews on best mountain bikes, electric bikes, electric unicycles, and accessories like bike helmets, knee caps, etc. on our website. Please make a visit and check out the exciting deals going on!!
