In today’s competitive landscape of mountain biking, it can be tough to discern which bikes offer the best features and performance. However, with some careful research and analysis, you can find the perfect bike for your needs. When looking at different options, it is important to consider things like frame materials and suspension systems. An aluminum frame will usually be light and strong, while a titanium or carbon fiber frame might be more expensive but much lighter and more rigid. Likewise, high-end suspension systems with adjustable settings allow you to fine-tune your ride depending on the terrain or if you are carrying extra cargo. Other considerations include wheel size, gears, brakes, and tires.

Ultimately, choosing the best mountain bike comes down to your individual preferences and budget. Whether you’re looking for a fast gravel bike that performs well on pavement or a heavy-duty downhill machine equipped with extra features like hydraulic disc brakes and shock absorbers, there is sure to be a perfect and the best mountain bike brands out there for you in 2023! So get out there and start searching for your dream ride today with us! Our experts at O.Bike have tested, reviewed, and put up a list of the best Mountain Bikes to buy NOW!!

Our Picks for Best Mountain Bikes

Editor’s Choice









Mongoose Status Mountain Bike



  • 21 Speeds
  • 26″ Wheels
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
Best Looking







Mongoose Dolomite Mountain Bike



  • 7 Speeds
  • 26″ Wheels
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
Value For Money







Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike



  • 24 Speeds
  • 29″ Wheels
  • Lifetime Warranty

 

In-Depth Review of Best Mountain Bikes in 2023

Many brands manufacture top-end mountain bikes that are perfect for enjoying the sport. Let’s have a look at the famous mountain bike manufacturing brands, best mountain bikes for the money and more.

1: Mongoose Status Mountain BikeMongoose Status Mountain 2.2 Bike

Brand Mongoose
Frame Aluminum MTB
Fork Front Suspension
Speed 21 speed
Derailleur Shimano rear
Brakes V-brakes
Rims Alloy rims
Tires 2.125 in
Handlebar Riser MTB look
Style Status 2.2

 

Mongoose Status mountain bike 2.2 comes with hydroformed tubing as well as an extremely strong suspension fork. The suspension fork helps achieve smooth bumps and the aluminum frame is lightweight, sturdy, and long-lasting. This means that cycling up and down hills is packed with excitement and fun without any worry about damage.

The bike comes with 21-speeds with an easy and stable shifting system. With a rear derailleur from Shimano, it is possible to change gears effortlessly. Moreover, it’s equipped with SRAM shifters that ensure fast shifting and the best gearing for your needs. The stylish status 2.2 Mongoose bike also features a comfortable and stylish handlebar.

It has colored plugs at the end which enhances the MTB appearance. Furthermore, the comfort level of the seat post is extremely amazing. You only need to perform a little adjustment as per your height. Overall, this bike falls under the top mountain bike brands available in the market right now. Anyone who is familiar with bikes can build the components in less than 30 minutes.

Pros

  • Alloy rims enhance the looks
  • Aluminum frame for durability
  • Lightweight and easy assembling

Cons

  • Missing disc brakes
  • The seat may feel a bit uncomfortable

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2: Mongoose Dolomite Mountain BikeMongoose Dolomite Mountain Bike

Brand Mongoose
Dimensions ‎60.25 x 30 x 10 in
Weight 52 Pounds
Warranty Limited Lifetime
Color Light Blue
Material ‎Steel
Suggested Users ‎ Unisex-adult
Size Medium, ‎17 in

 

Another one from Mongoose, the Dolomite MTB offers a 17-inch steel alloy frame that is robust due to its metal frame. It’s also designed to look like a Cruiser to provide you with the security and balance you need while riding it. Additionally, it comes with 26-inch fat tire wheels that are topped with 4-inch wide tires, which makes it possible to conquer the mountains with sufficient grip, while also cycling through snow, ice, and mud.

With the benefit of a 7-speed Shimano grip, the bike is even easy to climb on different terrains. Its brakes are effective but if noise is present, you can always consider replacing them. When you’re ready to assemble the bike, it’s quite simple and the lubrication of the bike should be performed by you because the manufacturer doesn’t provide any type of lubrication. Moreover, we can call it one of the best mountain bikes for the money spent by you.

The fat tires and the steel frame give this Mongoose Dolomite MTB Bike a decent appearance. Thanks to the three different colors that it comes in, you can pick from; Light blue, Navy blue, and a Red-colored frame. And, even though it’s a bit of a bulky bike, it looks pretty amazing and is considered one of the good mountain bikes for adults. Call it one of the best mountain bike brands at present. It is one of the best bike for under 300.

Pros

  • 7 Gears
  • Frame is durable
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Quite heavy for a bike with fat tires
  • Brakes sound very noisy sometimes

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3. Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain BikeSchwinn Bonafide Men's Mountain Bike

Brand Schwinn
Dimensions ‎55.5 x 30 x 8.5 in
Weight 39 Pounds
Warranty Limited Lifetime
Color Red/ ‎Matte Black
Material ‎Aluminum
Suggested Users ‎ Unisex Adult
Wheels ‎29″

 

Schwinn is an all-American bicycle manufacturing brand that has the expertise of over 100 years in this industry. The brand has a vast array of bicycles including mountain bikes, and MTBs, which are more than popular across the globe. Schwinn offers a spectrum of mountain bikes that includes Schwinn Bonafide, and Schwinn Traxion.

The bikes designed by Schwinn are what riders love to ride. From irresistible designs to customized gear systems, the brand offers a lot of elements that can improve bike riding. Schwinn uses top-notch European and American designs and mechanics to make sure that its Bonafide men’s mountain bike is perfect in every way.

Also, this top mountain bike brands are lightweight, and the riders can add customized accessories to them. Lastly, Schwinn is committed to the objective to manufacture bicycles that have improved specs, and are ideal for the requirements of modern riders. Their quality ranks them among the best mountain bike brands for 2023 and beyond.

Pros

  • Massive appeal
  • Responsive braking system
  • Lightweight frame and geometry

Cons

  • Chains rarely slip
  • Assembling can be difficult

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4. Royce Union RMA Women’s 21-Speed All-Terrain Mountain BikeRoyce Union RMA women 21-speed bike

Brand ROYCE UNION
Color Metallic Teal
Dimensions‏ 53.94 x 9.65 x 30.71 in
Weight 43.6 Pounds
Material Aluminum
Wheels 27.5 in
Speeds 21

 

Mountain bikes must be designed in such a way that they can suit all kinds of terrain. It should keep in mind the safety of the rider as well. One such bike is the Royce union Women 21-speed bike. The bike has an aluminum hardtail frame that is sturdy and durable. Also, the aluminum frame makes it a lightweight bike that is most suitable for women riders.

Other than this, the frame of the bike is anti-corrosive and you can use the bike in any weather. Talking about the gear system of the bike, it has a combination of Shimano EZ fire gears and the Shimano Altus rear derailleur. The bike has 21 speeds and the Shimano gears help in shifting the speed while you are riding the bike. It is one of the best bike under 300.

Moreover, the bike has a suspension fork that makes sure that the structure of the bike is maintained even when you are riding on a bumpy road. With the bike, you get a suspension fork that can absorb the shocks while you are stopping the bike or even when you are riding on bumpy terrain.

The bike has alloy linear-pull brakes that ensure the safety of the rider while stopping the bike. It can help you adjust the momentum especially when you are riding the bike on mountain terrain. When it comes to the wheel of the bike, It has 27.5” wheels that maintain the balance of the bike. The large wheels can help you to ride better on bumpy terrains. Coming under the budget, this Royce Union is one of the best mountain bikes for the money minded users.

Pros

  • Rust Resistant  
  • Zoom suspension
  • All-terrain 27.5″ wheels

Cons

  • Limited color availability
  • Sometimes the braking is noisy

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5. Gravity FSX 1.0 Full Dual-Suspension Disc Brake Mountain BikeGravity FSX 1.0 Mountain bike

Brand Grav
Color Black
Material Aluminum
Wheel Size ‎ 15″
Suspension Dual
Speed 24

 

In case you are looking for an affordable mountain bike, this is the one that we will recommend you to try. Gravity FSX1 is made up of an aluminum frame that makes it a lightweight and corrosion-resistant bike. It is kept in mind by the manufacturer of the bike to give extra welding to the places on the bike that has more impact while you are riding.

Also, the bike has a full suspension that is going to give you a comfortable ride and you can through a bumpy road easily. Another thing that we like about this bike is that the saddle bike is quite comfortable. You can go on long adventures by carrying it in a trailer hitch bike rack safely and feel the thrilling riding experience.  

Other than this, the bike has Shimano gears that are very responsive and you can easily shift the gears while riding the bike. Also, the crank and the cassette of the bike are made of Suntour components. On the whole, these components make the shift system very reliable and efficient

The braking system of the bike is very efficient. It has tektro novella disc brakes that make sure that you have a precise and jerk less stopping when needed. These are some of the rare quality brakes that you are going to get at this cost. We do not think that the tires of the bike are too bad, but they do not provide you with everything that you need for the heavy terrains. All in all, this Gravity bike is one of the top mountain bike brands present in the market.

Pros

  • Effective disc brakes
  • Value for money purchase
  • Lightweight yet durable frame

Cons

  • The tires need a bit of improvement
  • The rear suspension could be better

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6. Schwinn High Timber Mountain BikeSchwinn High Timber Mountain bike

Brand Schwinn
Dimensions 56 x 30.5 x 9.1 in
Weight 37.2 Pounds
Warranty Limited Warranty
Color Green/‎Black
Material Aluminum
Suggested Users ‎ Men
Wheels 24-‎29 in
Speed 21

 

Now, this bike is designed keeping in mind the needs of the rider on the hard or rough terrains. This bike has a steel frame that makes the frame of the bike quite strong. You would also know that the steel frames ate less prone to rust and make them durable. What we like is that the bars of the bike does not get damaged easily and you can use them in any kind of weather.

Other than this, on the bike, you will get 7-speed Shimano twist shifters and also the rear derailleur. The gear shifting mechanism is very easy when you are riding the bike. The Shimano shifters make the shifting mechanism of the bike efficient. Most people use shock absorbers in their bikes when they have to travel on a bumpy or rough surface but with this bike, you do not have to do this.

The suspension fork makes sure that you get through the bumpy road without any jerks and comfortably. Other than that, it will help you to protect the operational system of the bike to get damaged. Also, we need a powerful braking system so that when we have to stop the bike, we do not feel any jerks. The bike has alloy cranks that provide you with precise acceleration and maintain stability. It is one of the best mountain bike under $300.

Pros

  • Durable build
  • Multicolor availability
  • Dual suspension ensures comfort

Cons

  • Hard assembling
  • The seat lacks some comfort

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7. Ancheer 26” Electric BikeAncheer 26” Electric bike

Brand ANCHEER
Warranty ‎ 1 year
Color ‎Black/White
Material Aluminum
Weight 52.9 lbs
Suggested Users ‎ Unisex Adult
Wheel 26 in
Top Speed 15-20 mph
Speeds 6
Brake Dual disc

 

This is a hybrid electric bike that can be used for different purposes. This is a foldable bike that you can use to ride on any kind of terrain. We love this bike because it is very easy to port from one place to another or even requires very little space in your home. Other than this, the bike has a very comfortable saddle that makes the journey of the rider somewhat easy and comfortable.

It helps you to maintain an upright position while you are riding. Being an electric bike, it needs to be charged but the battery of this bike is quite great. You can use the bike for the next 30 miles at the speed of 15mph after you have charged it. The bike offers you the 21-speed function that you can use to have an adventurous and exciting journey.

Also, the bike has a great braking system that ensures that you have a precise stopping when needed. You also get the fenders attached to the bike that keeps the dirt away from the tires of the bike. Also, it has an LED headlamp and an adjustable handlebar that you can adjust according to your comfort. This MTB is considered a premium pick and if you’re seeking something in the budget, consider purchasing the best mountain bikes under 200

Pros

  • Excellent range
  • Dual Disc brake
  • High-quality construction

Cons

  • Few color availability
  • Only 1 year of warranty

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8. Xspecs 26” 21-Speed Folding Mountain Bike

Xspecs 26” 21-speed folding mountain bike

Brand Xspec
Dimensions 68 x 22 x 39 in
Weight 42.5 Pounds
Suggested Users Unisex Adult
Material Steel
Wheel 26 in
Suspension Type Dual
Special Feature Portable
Speeds 21
Size 26”

 

This is a folding mountain bike that you can use if you have less space to keep your bike. This bike has folding MTB and the design of the bike is quite classy making it worth a stare. This bike has a steel frame that makes the bike quite durable and also strong. The frame is strong enough to let you ride the bike even on rough terrains.

The brakes of the bike are disc brakes that provide you with a better and more reliable stopping of the bike. Also, the disc brakes do not wear out easily as compared to the V brakes. Other than this, the bike has shock absorbers that can maintain the stability of the bike when you are riding on bumpy terrain.

The bike has both front and rear shock absorbers to make your ride comfortable. Moreover, the gear system and the shifter of the bike are from Shimano and they are known for their durability. The Shimano shifters make the gear system of the bike more efficient. You will also get double-wall rims on the bike wheels. They are 26” in size and are sturdy to ride the bike on rough terrain.

Pros

  • The bike frame is very strong and sturdy
  • Fold Latch has a very secure locking mechanism
  • Dual Suspension is phenomenal at shock absorption

Cons

  • Plastic Pedals
  • The assembly is a bit complex

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Different Mountain Bikes Different Situations

Mountain bikes are a type of bike designed for off-road riding, typically on mountain trails and rough terrain. There are several different types of mountain bikes available, each with different features and intended uses. Some of the most popular mountain bike styles are as follows:

Hardtail Mountain Bikes

Hardtail mountain bikes have a suspension system that consists of shock absorbers in the front fork only. These bikes are lighter and more affordable than full-suspension mountain bikes, making them a great option for entry-level riders or those on a budget. Hardtails are also generally easier to maintain since there are fewer moving parts. However, they don’t provide as much traction or comfort as full suspension mountain bikes and aren’t ideal for riding on rough terrain.

Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

Full suspension mountain bikes have a suspension system that consists of shock absorbers in both the front and rear forks. These bikes provide a smoother ride and more traction than hardtails, making them a great choice for riders who want to tackle more challenging trails. Full suspension mountain bikes are also more expensive than hardtails. 

Cross-country Mountain Bikes

Cross-country mountain bikes are designed for riding on relatively smooth trails. They have lightweight frames and components, making them easy to pedal up hills. Cross-country mountain bikes typically have front suspension only, although some higher-end models may have full suspension.

All-mountain Mountain Bikes

All-mountain mountain bikes are designed for riding on both smooth and rough trails. They have slightly heavier frames and components than cross-country mountain bikes, making them a bit tougher to pedal up hills. All-mountain mountain bikes usually have front & rear suspension for smooth riding.

Downhill Mountain Bikes

Downhill mountain bikes are designed for riding on steep and rough terrain. They have very heavy-duty frames and components, making them extremely tough and durable. Downhill mountain bikes always have full suspension to absorb the impact of riding on rough ground.

Fat Tire Mountain Bikes

Fat tire mountain bikes have very wide tires, usually 3.7 inches or wider. These tires provide plenty of traction and stability, making them ideal for riding on sand, snow, or other unstable surfaces. Fat tire mountain bikes have front suspension only, although some models may have full suspension.

E-mountain Bikes

E-mountain bikes are mountain bikes that have a motorized assist feature. This feature helps you pedal up hills and makes it easier to ride for longer periods of time. E-mountain bikes generally have front and rear suspension, making them a great choice for riders who want a smooth ride on rough terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Should I consider upgrading from 1×11 to 2×10?

We will suggest you upgrade to 2×10 if you want to have a wide range of gears. The 2×20 has a wide range than the 1×11 and it has a better chain line. In case you think that 1×11 is a good range for you, you may stick to it.

Q2. How to protect my feet while riding a mountain bike?

When you are riding down a trail on your mountain bike, the last thing you want is for your feet to get soaked. And not only will wet feet make your ride uncomfortable, but they can also lead to blisters and other issues. That’s why it’s always a good idea to wear water proof socks when you’re riding. Water proof socks are made from materials that help to keep your feet dry, even when they’re sweating. And they usually have a snug fit that helps to prevent chafing.

Q3. Which one is better: Cannondale or trek?

On an overall basis, Cannondale is better than trek. It will provide you with better performance on almost all terrains. Also, you will get good performance with Trek bikes that too at low prices. So, if you are looking for better performance at low prices, you should go for the trek.

Q4. Which is the best mountain bike for beginners?

If you are starting to ride the bike, you can try bikes like specialized Fuse comp29, commercial Meta HT AM origin, Norcon Fluid HT1, Santa Cruz Chameleon D 29, and Kona Honzo 29.

Q5. Is it ok to buy a mountain bike from Walmart?

In case you have a low budget, you may have to consider buying the mountain bike from Walmart. Other than this, if you do not have to ride the bike daily, it will just do fine for you.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the best mountain bike brands. Not only will you get best-in-class after-sales services from these brands, but also the bikes are superior and ideal for mountain biking. There are many more impressive facts about these mountain biking brands, which make them a popular choice among mountain bikers. 

Overall, all the brands and their mountain bikes enlisted here have established themselves in the market, so you can rest assured that you are buying something which is backed up with the trust of thousands of buyers just like you.

Author

I am Alina, O.bike’s longest-serving technical writer and specialises in the technical side of cycling. Before joining O.bike, I was a successful road racer, competing in many international races worldwide. I am one of O.bike’s lead testers and knows how to push the products to their limit to review the best bike having excellent money value.