If you’re looking for the best mountain bikes under $400, we’ve rounded up 10 very good budget mountain bikes for you.
Mountain bikes are usually built to be durable and efficient on rough terrain. But not all mountain bikes are created equal.
To get the best value for good at this price range, you need to carefully find a bike with a sturdy aluminum or steel frame, quality components, and good performance on the trails.
You also want to make sure that the brakes are precise and accurate, the gear shifting is smooth, and the suspension works well to dampen trail vibration and bumps.
Finding a good mountain bike at a reasonable price might be challenging because there are so many options available.
We researched and reviewed a selection of mountain bikes that are all available for less than $400 and have come up with this list of the top 10 best mountain bikes under 400 dollars.
Top 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $400
- Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Merax 26″ Aluminum 24-Speed Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Merax 26″ 24-Speed Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Eurobike EUG7 Folding Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Eurobike S7 Full Suspension Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- EUROBIKE X1 Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Mongoose Switchback Sport MTB: See at Amazon
- Mongoose Status Mountain Bike: See at Amazon
- Gravity FSX 2.0 Full Suspension MTB: See at Amazon
Mongoose Dolomite Mountain Bike
Key features
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Frame material: steel frame
- Brake type: mechanical disc brakes
- Bike weight: 50 lbs
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Mongoose Dolomite is one of the most affordable entries into the world of fat bikes. It’s the perfect bike for heavy people, with a sturdy steel frame and solid build-quality.
Dolomite is an excellent bike for riding around your neighborhood and light trails, it rides great and navigates well through roads and trails.
At 50 lbs, this bike is certainly heavy, but sturdy and tough. It’s also stable and easy to ride, which is great if you intend to use it for weight loss. The Dolomite comes with a comfortable cushioned saddle, and mechanical disc brakes that stop fast.
Price at time of publication: $375
Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 300 lbs
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Brake type: Mechanical Disc
- Bike weight: 30lbs
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- See more on Amazon
Vilano Blackjack is another great hardtail MTB with a sturdy build quality. The frame is made of aluminum alloy and the bike is quite tough and easy to maneuver. The 29er tires provide excellent traction and stability on the trails, making it a great choice for off-road riding.
The Shimano components offer smooth shifting and reliable performance, and the adjustable seat and handlebars make it easy to customize the fit to the body.
The Vilano Blackjack 3.0 is a great entry-level hardtail mountain bike that can handle trails, dirt paths, or the ride to work with ease. The mechanical disc brakes are reliable and provide sufficient braking power.
The bike is good and solid for the price, and we recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable mountain bike.
Price at time of publication: $349
Merax 26″ Aluminum 24-Speed Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 330 lbs
- Frame material: Aluminum, Steel.
- Brake type: Disc brake
- Bike weight: 40 lbs
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Merax 26″ hardtail mountain bike is an impressive piece of machinery. From its solid design to its powerful performance, this bike is a good option for cyclists on a budget.
The frame is made from high-grade aluminum, which means it’s strong enough to handle the most challenging terrain.
The disc brakes provide reliable braking, the gear shifting is smooth, and the 26-inch wheels offer great traction on the trails. The bike also comes with a comfortable seat and adjustable handlebars, allowing you to customize your ride.
The Merax 26″ is an ideal choice for those who want to take their cycling to the next level. The bike has many features that make it perfect for tackling the most challenging trails.
Price at time of publication: $369
Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 310lbs
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Brake type: Disc brakes
- Bike weight: 44lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- See more on Amazon
Mongoose Impasse is an excellent choice for an affordable and reliable mountain bike. This bike is designed to be lightweight and durable, and perfect for long rides on technical trails.
The hardtail frame is made of aluminum, which is solid and robust, and the suspension fork helps to absorb bumps and impacts on rough trails.
The bike also features 21-speed SRAM shifters with rear derailleur, allowing you to seamlessly shift gears while riding. And the padded and comfy saddle makes riding enjoyable.
The sturdy aluminum frame and 29-inch knobby tires give you all the traction you need to tackle rugged trail conditions. Overall, the Mongoose Impasse is a great pick for a reliable and affordable mountain bike.
Price at time publication: $395
Merax 26″ 24-Speed Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 330lbs
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Brake type: Dual Disc Brakes
- Bike weight: 40 lbs
- Warranty: 1-year Warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Merax 26″ is a hardtail aluminum mountain bike with a double-wall alloy rim and 21-speed Shimano derailleurs and shifters. The Shimano drivetrain provides plenty of gears for tackling any terrain, and the mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power.
It also features a trail-smoothing suspension fork and twists shifters for easy shifting. The durable frame and adjustable components make it easy to customize to your needs.
The 26” wheels are great for navigating rough terrain, and the adjustable handlebar and seat post allow for comfortable rides. The Merax 26″ is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable bike.
Price at time of publication: $369
Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 250-300 lbs
- Frame material: Aluminum, Steel
- Brake type: linear pull brakes
- Bike weight: 35.2 lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Schwinn High Timber MTB is great for anyone who wants to enjoy the exciting adventure of mountain biking. The steel and aluminum frames ensure stability on those difficult trails.
These bikes have 21-Speed twist shifters and a rear derailleur for seamless maneuvering in virtually any terrain or slope. Also, the linear pull brakes in the front and rear deliver precise stopping ability.
The wheels have all-terrain tires and alloy rims for strength and low weight. Plus, you can easily adjust the height of the saddle using the fast release seat post to get your best fit.
While this bike is good for entry-level mountain biking, it doesn’t have any of the newer technologies that mountain bikers find exciting.
Price at time of publication: $387
Eurobike EUG7 Folding Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 330lbs
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Dual Disc Brake
- Bike weight: 39lbs
- Warranty: 1-month warranty
- See more on Amazon
The Eurobike EUG7 is a full-suspension folding bike for outdoor enthusiasts. With its robust aluminum frame and easy-to-fold design, this bike is the ideal companion for any adventure. Whether a weekend camper or an avid mountain biker, the Eurobike EUG7 has the features you need to take your ride to the next level.
It sports a sturdy steel frame, a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain and powerful mechanical disc brakes, allowing you to tackle any terrain easily. The shock-absorbers and front suspension fork make riding on rough trails more comfortable.
The bike also features a comfortable saddle and adjustable handlebars to find the perfect riding position for your body type. The folding design makes it easy to transport and store in the trunk of your car, so that you can take your bike on the go with ease.
Price at time of publication: $305
Eurobike S7 Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 300 lbs
- Frame material: Steel
- Brake type: Disc Brake
- Bike weight: 40lbs
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- See more on Amazon
The S7 is another budget-friendly full-suspension MTB from Eurobike, and a good choice for beginner cyclists. It has a sturdy aluminum frame and a full suspension system that provides maximum control and comfort on the trails.
The bike also features a Shimano drivetrain with 21 speeds, and anti-skid tires that provide excellent traction with minimal wear and tear. The overall design is sleek and modern, and it can also be used as a commuter bike for rides around the campus or neighborhood.
The mechanical disc brakes provide consistent and powerful braking power to enable safe stopping in all trail conditions. Eurobike S7 is fun to ride, and a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable ride.
Price at time of publication: $329
EUROBIKE X1 Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 330lbs
- Frame material: Carbon Steel
- Brake type: Mechanical Disc brake
- Bike weight: 36lbs
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- See more on Amazon
The EUROBIKE X1 Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for a reliable, durable, affordable mountain bike. It’s a good-looking and performing bike for the price. The sturdy frame and quality components of the X1 provide you with enjoyable rides and long-lasting performance.
The EUROBIKE X1 Mountain Bike has a robust carbon steel frame, which is easy to maneuver and control. Its suspension fork ensures smooth rides on rough trails, while its dual disc brakes provide precise stopping.
The bike also comes with a 21-speed shifting lever, allowing riders to tackle terrain and easily change speed. The awesome features and design make it a reliable bike that is sure to provide fun rides for many years to come.
Price at time of publication: $249
A few extras you may like
The bikes below are a little above $400, but they have some impressive features and solid build-quality, so we thought to include them for you. You may want to check them out.
Mongoose Switchback Sport MTB
Key Features
- Weight limit: 300 lbs
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Brake type: Disc brakes
- Bike weight: 40 lbs
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- See more on Amazon
The Mongoose Switchback MTB is an exceptional mountain bike that can please riders of any skill level. From its high-quality aluminum frame to its front suspension fork, this bike is designed to take any terrain easily.
The powerful mechanical disc brakes provide excellent control and stopping power, while the knobby tires and wide handlebars allow maximum stability and maneuverability.
The Mongoose Switchback is an excellent mountain bike that offers great value for the price. It is durable, and equipped with top-notch components that provide good handling and control.
The front suspension fork helps to absorb shock and improve the overall ride quality. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable mountain bike that can handle any terrain, the Mongoose Switchback is a perfect choice. And it’s very upgradable too!
Price at time of publication: $529
Mongoose Status Mountain Bike
Key Features
- Weight limit: 300lbs
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Brake type: V-brakes
- Bike weight: 34.2 lbs
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
- See more on Amazon
Mongoose Status Mountain Bike is the perfect choice for any off-road cycling enthusiast. This bike is designed to provide smooth and comfortable rides on tough mountain trails.
The Mongoose Status MTB features an aluminum full-suspension frame, 26-inch wheels with durable alloy rims, and knobby mountain tires that roll over anything in their path.
It’s also equipped with a suspension fork, which helps to absorb shock and provide a smoother ride. And a 21-speed Shimano rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters ensures quick shifting and the appropriate gearing for any trail.
Additionally, the bike is fitted with disc brakes, which provide superior stopping power and ensures you can safely and efficiently navigate any terrain. These features allow riders to tackle challenging trails with confidence.
The Mongoose Status Mountain Bike is a good buy for both beginner and experienced mountain bikers. It’s a durable bike that’s built to last.
Price at time publication: $459
Gravity FSX 2.0 Full Suspension MTB
Key Features
- Weight limit: 280 lbs
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Brake type: Disc Brakes
- Bike weight: 27 lbs
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- See more on Amazon
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced mountain biker, the Gravity FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike is a perfect choice. This bike is designed to take on the most dirt and mountain trails with ease, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
The full suspension system ensures that you will have maximum control and stability on the trails, while the durable components give the power and speed you need to tackle the most challenging tracks.
The Gravity FSX 2.0 has quality components and a full-suspension aluminum frame. The frame is designed to be durable and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver on the trails.
The frame also features a tapered head tube, which helps reduce weight and improve steering. The bike also includes easy-to-use Shimano shifters with 24 speeds, which provides smooth shifting and reliable performance.
Price at time of publication: $449
Are budget mountain bikes any good?
Yes, budget mountain bikes offer good value for their prices. These bikes are great for riding on beginner mountain bike trails, around neighborhood parks, or even used as everyday leisure or commuter rides.
We recommend budget mountain bikes for beginners, but they may not be ideal for really tough or very technical trails. Using cheap mountain bikes for very serious Mountain Bike trails may not be ideal for your own safety.
Keep in mind that these bikes don’t have the best quality, even those with the sturdiest frames may have a couple of low-quality components as a compromise for the low price tag.
Budget mountain bikes are also great options for anyone who wants a bike they can upgrade and customize the setup.
Do I really need an expensive mountain bike?
You need an expensive and high-quality mountain bike if you intend to ride technical mountain trails frequently. Expensive mountain bikes tend to be more fun on the trails, especially real tough mountain trails.
There are limitations to cheap mountain bikes, for instance, they are often not as smooth as expensive MTBs, and will not handle climbs and descents very well.
Are more expensive mountain bikes better?
Yes. Investing in an expensive mountain bike is absolutely worth the expense if you have the money. Expensive mountain bikes are lightweight and have parts that are significantly more durable. Premium MTBs also come with great suspension and very smooth shifting and powerful and precise brakes.
What is the price of a decent mountain bike?
You can buy a good mountain for $400 to $1000, but there are also some decent mountain bikes that will cost less than $400. There are many excellent options available within a fair budget. The major problem with buying cheap bikes is finding really good ones among the sea of options available. You can also find decent mountain bikes for $300.
How much should I spend on a mountain bike?
How much you spend on a mountain bike will depend on your budget and what you’re looking for. The cost of a mountain bike can range from $300 or less to $15,000 and above, so you can find a good MTB at virtually any price range.
While you can get a mountain bike for less than $1000 or $2000, these would mostly be hardtail bikes that are tagged beginner-friendly, and not made for very technical mountain trails. Full suspension mountain bikes tend to cost much more than hardtail MTBs.
You can find the best hardtail mountain bikes for $1500 {Insert link to the article} or $2000, but you should be looking at $2500 and above for the best full-suspension mountain bikes.
How often should you replace a mountain bike?
Mountain bikes tend to last for several years, and some can last for up to 20 years. However, the performance of a mountain bike tends to drop as it gets older.
You can replace your bike when it starts to develop faults more frequently than it used to. This can mean that it’s getting old and tired. You can always replace the components, but sometimes, a new bike is what you need.
How fast do mountain bikes depreciate?
Mountain bikes lose roughly half of their value within the first year after purchase. This means that you can get a used bike that’s only a few months old for half the original price tag.
Wrapping Up
You can get yourself a good mountain bike without spending thousands of dollars, especially as a beginner cyclist. If your budget is $400 or below, there are actually a lot of options for you, as you may have noticed from the product list above.
But we have a top recommendation for you; the Mongoose Dolomite is the absolute best budget bike because it has a very solid build-quality, with a 4.2-star rating on Amazon.
Many people who purchased this bike reported that it’s well-designed and sturdy for the price, the components are high-quality, the bike is fun to ride, and they’re happy with the purchase.
