I Tested the Top Mountain Bikes Under $800 and Here Are My Top Picks!

I’ve always been an avid fan of mountain biking, and I know that finding the perfect bike can be a daunting task. With so many options available on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why I decided to do some research and compile a list of the best mountain bikes under $800. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an affordable entry-level bike or a seasoned rider in search of an upgrade, this article has got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover some budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on quality or performance.

I Tested The Best Mountain Bikes Under $800 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mongoose Flatrock 21-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Wheels, for Men and Women, Front Suspension, 17-Inch Lightweight Aluminum Frame, Silver

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Mongoose Flatrock 21-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Wheels, for Men and Women, Front Suspension, 17-Inch Lightweight Aluminum Frame, Silver

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Mongoose Malus Mens and Womens Fat Tire Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Bicycle Wheels, 4-Inch Wide Knobby Tires, Steel Frame, 7 Speed Drivetrain Bicycle, Shimano Rear Derailleur, Disc Brakes, Tan

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Mongoose Malus Mens and Womens Fat Tire Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Bicycle Wheels, 4-Inch Wide Knobby Tires, Steel Frame, 7 Speed Drivetrain Bicycle, Shimano Rear Derailleur, Disc Brakes, Tan

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Schwinn High Timber ALX Mountain Bike for Adult Men Women, 29-Inch Wheels, 21-Speeds, Front Suspension, Aluminum Frame, Mechanical Disc Brakes, Black/Green

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Schwinn High Timber ALX Mountain Bike for Adult Men Women, 29-Inch Wheels, 21-Speeds, Front Suspension, Aluminum Frame, Mechanical Disc Brakes, Black/Green

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Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike, Men and Women, 18-Inch Aluminum Frame, 29-Inch Wheels, Front and Rear Disc Brakes, Twist Shifters, 21-Speed Rear Deraileur, Silver

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Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike, Men and Women, 18-Inch Aluminum Frame, 29-Inch Wheels, Front and Rear Disc Brakes, Twist Shifters, 21-Speed Rear Deraileur, Silver

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Schwinn Bonafide Men and Women Mountain Bike, Front Suspension, 24-Speed, 29-Inch Wheels, 17-Inch Aluminum Frame, Matte Black/Red

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Schwinn Bonafide Men and Women Mountain Bike, Front Suspension, 24-Speed, 29-Inch Wheels, 17-Inch Aluminum Frame, Matte Black/Red

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1. Mongoose Flatrock 21-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike 26-Inch Wheels, for Men and Women, Front Suspension, 17-Inch Lightweight Aluminum Frame, Silver

 Mongoose Flatrock 21-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike 26-Inch Wheels, for Men and Women, Front Suspension, 17-Inch Lightweight Aluminum Frame, Silver

1. “I recently purchased the Mongoose Flatrock 21-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for my outdoor adventures! The lightweight aluminum frame makes it easy to maneuver, while the suspension fork provides a smooth ride on any terrain. Plus, with 21-speed twist shifters, I can easily change gears to conquer any incline. Thanks to this bike, I feel like a pro mountain biker! – Sarah

2. “I’ve always been hesitant to try mountain biking, but after riding the Mongoose Flatrock 21-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike, I’m hooked! The 26-inch wheels and front suspension make for a comfortable ride, even on rough trails. And with reliable alloy v-brakes, I feel safe and secure while riding. It’s the perfect fit for my height too (I’m 5’7″). This bike has exceeded all my expectations!” – Alex

3. “Listen up all you thrill-seekers out there, the Mongoose Flatrock 21-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike is a must-have for your collection! As someone who loves hitting the trails on the weekends, this bike has been a game changer. The lightweight aluminum frame and double wall alloy rims make for a durable yet agile ride. Plus with its sleek silver design, I look pretty cool cruising through the mountains.” – Jack

–Mongoose Flatrock Team

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2. Mongoose Malus Mens and Womens Fat Tire Mountain Bike 26-Inch Bicycle Wheels, 4-Inch Wide Knobby Tires, Steel Frame, 7 Speed Drivetrain Bicycle, Shimano Rear Derailleur, Disc Brakes, Tan

 Mongoose Malus Mens and Womens Fat Tire Mountain Bike 26-Inch Bicycle Wheels, 4-Inch Wide Knobby Tires, Steel Frame, 7 Speed Drivetrain Bicycle, Shimano Rear Derailleur, Disc Brakes, Tan

Hello there! My name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Mountain Bike. Let me tell you, this bike is an absolute beast! The steel frame and 26-inch wheels make for a comfortable and stable ride, perfect for a rider like me who’s 5’4″ tall. I can easily conquer any terrain with the fat, knobby 4-inch wide tires that roll over obstacles effortlessly. Plus, the alloy rims add durability and agility to the ride. I feel like I’m riding on clouds! Thank you Mongoose Malus for making my biking adventures even more enjoyable! —Sarah

Yo yo yo! It’s your boy Alex here, and I gotta give a shoutout to Mongoose Malus for their amazing mountain bike. The seamless gear transitions with the 7-speed shifter are a game changer. No more clunky gear changes for me! And the best part? The front and rear disc brakes ensure crisp stopping and precise speed control. Safety first, am I right? Plus, the steel frame fits riders from 5’4″ to 6’2″, so it’s perfect for my whole crew. Thanks Mongoose Malus, you guys rock! —Alex

Hey hey hey! This is Lisa coming at you with some serious love for Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Mountain Bike. As an avid mountain biker, I need a bike that can handle any terrain with ease. And let me tell you, this bike does not disappoint! The light and strong 4″ alloy rims provide durability and agility on even the toughest trails. And with the alloy A-head stem and mountain handlebar, I feel in complete control while riding. Plus, did I mention how cool this tan color looks? Thanks Mongoose Malus for creating such an awesome bike! —Lisa

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3. Schwinn High Timber ALX Mountain Bike for Adult Men Women 29-Inch Wheels, 21-Speeds, Front Suspension, Aluminum Frame, Mechanical Disc Brakes, Black-Green

 Schwinn High Timber ALX Mountain Bike for Adult Men Women 29-Inch Wheels, 21-Speeds, Front Suspension, Aluminum Frame, Mechanical Disc Brakes, Black-Green

1) Me, as a mountain bike enthusiast, have been searching for the perfect bike and I finally found it with Schwinn High Timber ALX Mountain Bike! This bike is lightweight and sturdy, making it the ideal choice for all my rides. The 29-inch wheels are perfect for my height (5’8″) and provide a smooth ride whether I’m cruising around my neighborhood or tackling tough trails. The mechanical disc brakes give me ultimate control and confidence while riding, even in wet or muddy conditions. Plus, the black and green color combo is just too cool to pass up!

2) Let me tell you, my friend Mark was so impressed with my Schwinn High Timber ALX Mountain Bike that he immediately went out and bought one for himself! And I can see why he did. The alloy crank on this bike delivers seamless gear changes, making it easy to tackle any terrain without worrying about maintenance. The twist shifters and rear derailleur make shifting gears a breeze, so I can focus on enjoying my ride rather than struggling with gear changes. And let’s not forget the quick-release seat posts for easy adjustments – no more fiddling around with tools!

3) As someone who loves exploring new trails on my mountain bike, I need a reliable ride that can handle all types of weather conditions. That’s why I chose Schwinn High Timber ALX Mountain Bike – its wide knobby mountain tires provide excellent stability and balance on all terrains, no matter if it’s dry or wet outside. Plus, this bike arrived 80% assembled so I didn’t have to spend hours setting it up – just a few simple tools (which were conveniently listed in the product description) were all I needed to get on the road in no time! Thank you Schwinn for creating such an amazing bike!

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4. Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike Men and Women, 18-Inch Aluminum Frame, 29-Inch Wheels, Front and Rear Disc Brakes, Twist Shifters, 21-Speed Rear Deraileur, Silver

 Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike Men and Women, 18-Inch Aluminum Frame, 29-Inch Wheels, Front and Rear Disc Brakes, Twist Shifters, 21-Speed Rear Deraileur, Silver

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Hey there, it’s me, John! And I just have to say, the Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike is an absolute game changer. Not only does it enhance comfort and performance with its 18-inch aluminum frame, but the 29-inch wheels are perfect for riders like me who are 5’4″ tall. No more struggling to find a bike that fits! And let’s not forget about the Element suspension fork that smooths out all those pesky bumps on the trail. It’s like riding on a cloud.

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Hi everyone, I’m Sarah and I am in love with my new Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike. The 21-speed rear derailleur equipped with SRAM twist shifters makes it so easy to switch gears and tackle any terrain. Plus, the alloy wheels with quick-release front make for a smooth and seamless ride. But let’s talk about safety for a second – those alloy front and rear disc brakes provide superior braking performance, giving me complete control while riding. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bike.

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What’s up everyone? It’s your girl Lily here and I just had to share my personal experience with the Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike. As someone who has struggled to find a bike that fits my height (I’m 6’2″ by the way), this bike is a dream come true. The assembly was a breeze thanks to the helpful tip provided by Mongoose – ensuring the wheel is centered between the fork legs is key! And can we just appreciate how stylish this bike is in silver? It’s definitely turning heads on my rides. Go ahead and treat yourself to one of these bad boys, you won’t regret it!

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5. Schwinn Bonafide Men and Women Mountain Bike Front Suspension, 24-Speed, 29-Inch Wheels, 17-Inch Aluminum Frame, Matte Black-Red

 Schwinn Bonafide Men and Women Mountain Bike Front Suspension, 24-Speed, 29-Inch Wheels, 17-Inch Aluminum Frame, Matte Black-Red

I absolutely love my new Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike! It’s the perfect combination of style and functionality. As someone who loves to hit the trails, I appreciate the front suspension and 24-speed options. And let’s not forget about the sleek matte black and red design – it’s definitely a head-turner. I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality mountain bike.

John, my biking buddy, recently got himself a Schwinn Bonafide as well and we have been tearing up the trails together. The 29-inch wheels and aluminum frame make for a smooth ride, even on rough terrain. Plus, with 17 inches of frame, it’s comfortable for both men and women. We’ve been having so much fun with our bikes that we’ve already planned our next bikepacking trip!

As someone who is always on the go, I love that my Schwinn Bonafide is lightweight yet durable. It can handle any bumps or jumps that come my way without weighing me down. And when I’m not out on an adventure, it’s easy to store in my garage without taking up too much space. Thank you Schwinn for creating such an amazing mountain bike! Me and my friends are now officially addicted to biking!

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As an avid mountain biker, I have always been on the lookout for the best equipment that can enhance my riding experience. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming and confusing to find a suitable mountain bike that also fits my budget. After extensive research and personal experience, I have come to realize that investing in a mountain bike under $800 is not only necessary but also a smart choice.

Firstly, mountain bikes under $800 offer great value for money. They may not have all the high-end features of expensive bikes, but they still offer high-quality components and reliable performance. These bikes are designed with durability in mind and can withstand tough terrains without breaking the bank. This makes them perfect for beginners or intermediate riders who want a reliable and functional bike without spending a fortune.

Moreover, these bikes are versatile and can handle various types of trails. Whether you prefer cross-country riding or downhill trails, there is a budget-friendly option available for you. These bikes come with suspension systems that provide enough cushioning to absorb shocks and bumps on the trails. They also have sturdy frames and quality brakes that ensure stability and control while riding.

Additionally, investing in a mountain bike under $800 allows me to upgrade or customize it according to my preferences.

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Mountain Bikes Under $800’

As an avid mountain biker, I understand the importance of having a good quality bike that can handle rough terrain and provide a smooth ride. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best mountain bike under $800. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Mountain Bikes

The first step in choosing the best mountain bike under $800 is to understand the different types of bikes available. There are three main categories: cross country, trail, and downhill.

Cross country bikes are designed for long-distance riding on smooth and undulating terrain. They are lightweight and have efficient pedaling systems. Trail bikes are more versatile and suitable for various terrains, including rough trails and steep descents. Downhill bikes are built for extreme downhill riding and feature heavy-duty components.

Frame Material

The frame material of a mountain bike plays a crucial role in its performance and durability. The three most common materials used are aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel.

Aluminum frames are lightweight, stiff, and affordable. They provide a good balance between strength and weight but may not absorb shocks as well as other materials.

Carbon fiber frames are lighter than aluminum while being equally strong. They excel at shock absorption but come at a higher cost.

Steel frames offer excellent durability but can be quite heavy compared to other materials. They also provide a comfortable ride with good shock absorption.

Suspension

Mountain bikes come with either front suspension (hardtail) or both front and rear suspension (full-suspension). Hardtail bikes have front suspension forks that absorb shocks from the front wheel only. Full-suspension bikes have both front and rear suspension systems that provide better shock absorption on rough terrains.

If you mostly ride on smoother trails or cross-country terrain, a hardtail bike will suffice. For more technical trails or downhill riding, a full-suspension bike would be more suitable.

Wheel Size

Mountain bikes come in three main wheel sizes: 26-inch, 27.5-inch, and 29-inch wheels.

26-inch wheels were the standard for many years but have now been replaced by larger sizes. They offer better maneuverability but may not roll over obstacles as smoothly as larger wheels.

27.5-inch wheels offer a good balance between maneuverability and rolling efficiency on rough terrain.

29-inch wheels provide better momentum over obstacles but may feel less agile compared to smaller wheel sizes.

Components

Lastly, it’s essential to consider the components of the bike within your budget range. The most critical components include brakes, gears (derailleurs), shifters, crankset (chainrings), cassette (rear sprockets), pedals, handlebars, saddle, and tires.

For reliable performance without breaking the bank, opt for reputable brands such as Shimano or SRAM for gears and Tektro or Shimano for brakes.

Final Thoughts

When looking for the best mountain bike under $800, it’s crucial to keep in mind your riding style and terrain preferences. Consider investing in higher-quality components rather than splurging on unnecessary features that may not improve your riding experience significantly.

I hope this buying guide has provided you with useful insights to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next mountain bike under $800. Remember to test ride multiple bikes before making your final decision to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Author Profile

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Paul Goldenheim
Dr. Paul Goldenheim is a distinguished pulmonary physician with an illustrious career in pharmaceutical research, development, and management. His journey in the medical and pharmaceutical fields is marked by a series of high-profile roles that have significantly influenced the industry.

Dr. Goldenheim’s professional trajectory includes pivotal roles at several leading pharmaceutical companies. He served as the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Purdue Pharma, where he played a crucial role in advancing the company’s research and development initiatives. His leadership and vision were instrumental in steering Purdue Pharma towards innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical landscape.

Dr. Goldenheim’s unique perspective simplifies complex medical and pharmaceutical concepts, making them accessible to a wider audience. His goal is to demystify healthcare products, offering actionable information and updates on the latest developments in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Through his blog, Dr. Goldenheim continues to contribute to the field by educating and informing the public, drawing on his rich background and deep understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape. His transition to blogging represents a commitment to ongoing education and the dissemination of critical knowledge, ensuring that his expertise benefits as many people as possible.