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Best Mountain Bikes under 1500 dollars

In recent times, as people are moving towards a healthier lifestyle, cycling as a hobby has become very popular. According to the Outdoor Industry Foundation, nearly 40 million people mountain bike every year in the United States. As more and more people participate in this outdoor sport, the demand for high quality yet inexpensive mountain bikes are beginning to increase. According to our detailed research on this topic, we feel that $1500 can get you a good entry-level, high-quality hard-tail which can be a good starting point to further explore this healthy activity. 

Within this price range, riders are most likely to find the perfect mountain bike that is best suited to their needs and demands. From cross-country (XC) machines to bikes more focused on steep and fast uphill climbs, a variety of options are available. The article below provides numerous options for what the bike market has to offer under $1500. 

Best Mountain Bikes Under 1500 Dollars

Best Hardtail mountain bikes under $1500: 

BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike


BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Mountain Bike

Check BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike on Amazon

Pros Cons
Much more comfortable for tall riders Hard bike seat
Two different wheel options to choose from Spare parts are difficult to find
Carbon frame helps to steer easily Disc brake not as good as the vertical brake of other models
Superb value for money

The company BEIOU pride themselves in producing some of the best mountain bikes that are sturdy and long-lasting. Like many of its Chinese competitors, the company chooses to avoid fussing over fancy marketable names. However, they instead choose to focus on how well these machines perform. This is an example of a great mountain bike. It is amazingly light and looks great. The best part about it is that while other carbon fiber structured bikes cost upwards of $5000-6000, this beast is available for a fraction of that. The overall quality is quite acceptable given the price range. It’s gears and brakes function as desired. This being said, it is not a professional mountain bike ready to be driven on any trail; it is a bike for moderate off-road/ on-road activities that cover most people’s requirements. Similarly, it may need some upgrades based on your usage.

This CB020 comes with a Toray T800 carbon fiber frame. It features a 30 speed Shimano Deore M6000 groupset, which helps keep the machine noise-free as it changes the gears efficiently. Additionally, an air-sprung brand fork is also present to help with suspension. Although the fork is light, users often face trouble in finding spares. 

The BO-CB020 Mountain Bike size is 17 to 19 inches. The size of the frame makes it a popular choice amongst taller users on a lookout for a sturdy two-wheeler.

The frame size is not the only reason for the bike’s increasing popularity. Many users sighted the option of different wheel sizes (27.5 & 29) as the feature which sold the bike to them. Although the 27.5-inch sized wheels are a good option, the 29-inch wheels are much more ideal for bumpier and longer rides. 

On the other hand, some users did voice their dissatisfaction with this bike about the comfort of the bike seat, the hidden disc brake present on the bike which did not work as well as the vertical disc brake used in the other BEIOU bike models and the cheap grips and plastic stoppers that hold them on. Though, given that it ticks many other boxes, user satisfaction on all other fronts was exceptional, making this a popular buy. 

Key Features & Specifications:

  • Toray T800 carbon fiber frame
  • Shimano Deore M6000 groupset
  • 30 speed
  • 17″/19″ frame size: 
  • 27.5″ wheel size

Marin Pine Mountain 1 Marin Pine Mountain bike 2020

Check Marin Pine Mountain 1 (2020) on Amazon

Pros Cons
Affordable price point No dropper post
Specs comparable to more expensive Pine Mountain 2 Huge tires result in a heavy bike.
Great selection of frame mounts Slightly lower-end Series 2 Chromoly frame

Any list about the best mountain bikes under $1500 would not be considered complete if it does not mention this particular machine. The latest Marin Pine Mountain 1 2020 edition is a beautiful piece of equipment that successfully pays homage to the brand’s past by taking hardtail adventure to the next level. Rolling on large volume Vee Tire Flow Snap, 29×2.6″, Wire Bead tires with undeniable support from the bike’s classic butted and formed Series 2 4130 CrMo frame, users are bound to experience perfect all-day trail rides with this reliable bike. 

Its wider plus-sized wheels help provide improved traction and control. This is because of the larger contact patch of the tires with the ground. Something that traditional tires lack. 

The Pine Mountain 1 is truly a remarkable bike for this price range. It’s more affordable than the prime mountain 2 but built up around a slightly lower-end Series 2 Chromoly frame and component group. With that said, at just $1,349, it’s still packing a lot of value in our opinion. The most notable changes include a 120mm RockShox Recon RL fork, a non-tubeless wheelset, a wide range 1×11 drivetrain, and no dropper post. 

If you need a bike that performs well on all trails, this should be your next investment. Capable of handling all your biking adventures, this bike has the potential to be your favorite partner-in-crime for all your outdoor expeditions. 

Enjoy this video to see why this is one of the best mountain bikes on our list!

Key Features & Specifications:

  • Shimano MT400 Hydraulic brake levers
  • Series 2 Double Butted CrMo frame
  • RockShox Recon RL, 120mm fork
  • Shimano MT420, 4-Piston, Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotor front brakes
  • Marin Alloy, 30.9mm seat post
  • FSA Orbit ITA, Sealed Cartridge Bearings, 1 1/8″ x 1 1/2″ headset
  • External Sealed Cartridge Bearings bottom bracket
  • Shimano MT400, 2-Piston, Hydraulic Disc, 160mm Rotor rear brakes

Best trail bike under $1500:

Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3 Mountain Bike

Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3 Bike

Check Co-Op Cycles DRT 1.3 Mountain Bike on Amazon

Pros Cons
Light aluminum frame Fork lockout mounted on handlebars.
Clutch-style rear derailleur difficult to transport because of its frame shape, older racks don’t support such shapes.
Air-sprung suspension fork
Decreased chain slaps making shifts more reliable 
The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes are powerful & reliable
20 gears catering for both uphill power and downhill speed 

One of the most well constructed and designed bikes on our list today. Its matte paint gives it a more unique, sleek, and sophisticated look as opposed to its competitor’s shiny frames. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3 features a light aluminum frame. Despite being a lightweight mountain bike, it is strong enough to take on the deadliest terrains head-on. Its double-butted construction reduces weight and maintains strength, so riders do not have to fear drag when climbing slopes.

The bike has a Shimano SLX Shadow Plus clutch-style rear derailleur that helps in maintaining consistent tension and eliminates chain slaps caused by a slack chain, so shifts remain quick and precise, with no dropped chains, making the ride seamless and smooth.

A lightweight air-spring suspension keeps the bike nimble and steady. The inbuilt adjustable rebound ensures tires remain glued to trails and stay on-path. Riders can choose to switch the suspension off for climbs without removing hands from the grips, a feature that many users sight as being a great design feature for added ease, making it a strong contender for the best mountain bikes under $1500. 

Key Features & Specifications:

  • Shimano Deore 2×10 drivetrain providing 20 gears 
  • Co-op Cycles 6061 double-butted aluminum frame
  • Shimano SLX Shadow Plus clutch-style rear derailleur 
  • Front suspension features 120mm of travel and a remote lockout 
  • Internal cable routing 
  • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes 
  • Full-fender and rack compatible
  • Total weight capacity is 300 lbs
  • 29 lbs. 2.7 oz. weight
  •  27.5 inches wheel size

Marin Nail Trail 6 29″ 2019 Mountain Bike

MARIN NAIL TRAIL 6 29" BIKE 2019

Check Marin Nail Trail 6 29″ 2019 Mountain Bike on Amazon

Pros Cons
durable and lightweight aluminum alloy frame The fork is not up to par with the rest of the bike parts.
The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide impressive stopping power The front suspension has caused some users problems. 
Tubeless-ready wheels provide increased traction while preventing flats from happening
 A wide gear range for steep hills

BikesEtc awarded this mountain bike their MTB of the year title in 2017, and we couldn’t agree more! The Marin Nail Trail 6 29″ is the perfectly packaged mountain bike to get the adrenaline pumping on a fast trail. 

The Nail Trail 6 29 is an amazing bike coming at an equally impressive price point. It’s Rock Shox Recon SL fork aims at providing a consistently smooth ride. The Nail Trail has been built with a durable and lightweight hydroformed 6061 aluminum alloy frame. The SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain has all the gears for climbing the steepest hills, and likewise, the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes provide great stopping power for descending steep slopes. Like the other Marin bike model, the Nair Trail is also well-rounded with Marin Tubeless Ready wheels to avoid flats and improve traction.

If you are looking for a bike that can handle everything the trail has to offer, the Marin Nail Trail needs to be your next ride. From a fast flowy single track to rocky turns and everything in between, the Nail Trail was designed to handle anything the trail dishes out. Push your riding further and ride your favorite trails with more confidence than ever before.

Key Features & Specifications:

  • Roch Shox Recon RL 120mm suspension fork 
  • Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
  • SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain 
  • Frame compatible with dropper seat-post 
  • Series 3 6061 Aluminum alloy frame,
  • 29” Wheels,
  • Internal Shifter and Dropper Post Routing,
  • 148x12mm Boost Thru-Axl

To check out more hardtail mountain bikes click here.

Best full suspension mountain bike under $1500:

Mongoose Salvo Comp 27.5″ Wheel Frame Mountain Bicycle

Mongoose Salvo Comp 27.5" Wheel Frame Mountain Bicycle

Check Mongoose Salvo Comp 27.5″ Wheel Frame Mountain Bike on Amazon

Pros Cons
Hydraulic lockout & rebound adjustments catering to any terrain The rims are tubeless ready but they come with a Schrader tube setup. 
Gearing options make for a smooth ride Pedals are slippery, many users reported dissatisfaction because of it
Reliable speed control and powerful braking power. The Mongoose lock-on’s leave a little to be desired. 
Tires ideal for long single-track rides

The trail-ready Mongoose Salvo Comp 27.5 mountain bike is best designed for all-day rides. Lightweight for steep climbs and fast rides through woods, the bike with its 120 mm of suspension travel is the perfect companion for cross country races. The bike’s travel aluminum trail frame paves way for minimal suspension lockouts while applying brakes. It also helps with reducing chain tension during the rider’s travel cycle. It’s a no brainer that this bike made its way on multiple lists for the best mountain bikes!

Lightweight, durable and ready for action, this mountain bike is built to handle tough, rocky trails and soak up all the bumps along the way. With its X-Fusion O2 RL Pro rear shock provides adjustments for any terrain paths, helping prevent rider mistakes that would otherwise lead to accidents. Besides that, the front SR Suntour XCR fork is air-sprung providing steadier balance to both front and rear suspension. 

Also, the Shimano Deore/Alivio 3×9 drivetrain with Alivio shifters aid riders with faster shifting and possess optimal gearing options ideal for a much-varied terrain path. Also, the bike has Shimano M365 hydraulic disc brakes with strong 160 .mm rotors offering reliable stopping power.

Key Features & Specifications:

  • Mongoose horst link 120 mm travel aluminum trail frame 
  •  X-fusion O2 shock & sr sun tour xcr air 120 mm travel fork 
  • Shimano deore/Alivio 3×9 drivetrain with Alivio shifters 
  • Shimano M365 hydraulic disc brakes with strong 160 mm rotors 
  • Alex dp-23 tubeless-ready rims support knobby 27.5×2.1 inch (diameter x width) arisun mount bona tires
  • 15.5″/Small size
  • 37 pounds total weight

Fezzari Wasatch Peak Comp 29er

Fezzari WASATCH PEAK COMP 29

Check Fezzari Wasatch Peak Comp 29er Mountain Bike on Amazon

Pros Cons
The bike is easy to set up Customers found the seat to be slim and stiff
Offers both great traction and grip Some users might not want constant interaction with the company. 
The frame is sturdy with a durable construction
Customized according to each user’s needs

An ingenious bike designed for young riders and trail novices might not sound appealing to some, but consider that such riders just need tough equipment that works straight out of the box, no special tuning or tinkering required. In addition to that, at it’s $1,000 price point, the Fezzari Wasatch Peak matches its competitors for tech but offers rider-oriented setup and customization that make it a worthy addition to any group of the best mountain bikes. 

Interestingly, the company started with a new design of the F29B alloy frame and increased the wheel size to accommodate both tire sizes, 29er, and 27.5. The increased size allows the riders to navigate through rougher terrains confidently, or to fasten up the riding pace through the 29er setup. With the 68-degree head tube angle, riders can maintain stability in a wider range of terrain and have precision with their steering. The bike’s steep 75-degree seat tube angle puts the rider’s in a good pedaling position without putting stress on the back. Also, the short 435mm length of the chain-stay helps with both agility and stability.

Similarly, the Wasatch Peak has similar lines to the Cascade Peak suspension bike, offering an overall strong look. Using the same formed alloy tubing of the Cascade Peak suspension bike, they have kept the lines still appealing and looking strong. By adding an internal brake, derailleur, and optional dropper post routing with removable service ports, the brand has hoped to keep the design neat and tidy. Additionally, the removable derailleur hanger helps with easy maintenance and there is also the option to carry up to 3 water bottles which are especially helpful when crossing long trails. 

The Wasatch Peak Comp features a Shimano 1×10 wide-range cassette that offers low gears, ideal for the off-road climbs, and to achieve the right speed, back on the bike path. The SR Suntour air fork helps with adjustments using light-weight air spring. Moreover, stopping power via the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and the WTB tubeless-ready wheel-set helps the bike withstand numerous years of rough riding.

Key Features & Specifications:

  • 29″ or 27.5+” wheel and maximum up to 29×2.6
  • 6061 Aluminum alloy construction
  • Boost 148mm rear thru-axle
  • English threaded bottom bracket
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty on the frame – the best in the business
  • SR Suntour XCR 34 Air fork with 120mm of travel
  • Shimano Deore 1×10 wide-range drivetrain
  • Shimano Hydraulic disc brakes
  • WTB tubeless-ready wheels 130mm fork
  • 1 x 10-speed drivetrain
  • 2.2-inch Maxxis Ardent Race tires

Best women’s mountain bike under $1500

If you’re looking for a great women’s mountain bike under $1500, then look no further than the Rockhopper Mellow. This bike comes equipped with a lightweight aluminium frame, alloy wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes. This is a great bike for beginners and is sure to get you through your next mountain bike ride. If you’re looking for a more advanced mountain bike, then the Marin Jeeperz Spyder 29er is the bike for you.

When mountain bikes were invented, they were used by only the most hardcore mountain bikers. Today, mountain bikes are used by everyone from families looking to get some exercise while they’re out and about, to professional athletes training hard to get to the next level. No matter who you are, a mountain bike can help you get where you want to go. That being said, not all mountain bikes are created equal.

Conclusion 

Mountain biking is a great way to be out in nature and to experience nature firsthand. Consequently, whether you are used to bike parks or are on the lookout for thrilling trails, this hobby is sure to provide some vigorous exercise and a grueling workout. 

We hope this article provided you with just the right information about the best mountain bikes under $1500. We understand that such a transaction requires industry and market research to make sure you get the best available option for your money. This is why our list had some stellar options for beginners and intermediate bikers alike.

If you bought one of the bikes from our list, let us know how it performed and whether the information we provided helped you find the right fit for you! We would love to incorporate your feedback.

Michael Holding
 

Michael is an outdoor adventurer and a kayaking enthusiast who loves to share his experiences with others. He is the Chief Editor at XgearHub.

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superteam carbon wheels - January 19, 2020

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Bicʏcle Centeг!) ⅼast spring ѡhen sһe outgrew һer
“baby” helnet аnd it’s bеen reslly nice.

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