Are you one real enthusiastic soul who is full of life and loves adventure?
Do you prefer those goosebumpy rush of blood kinda feeling over unusual introverted vibes?
Are you dedicated enough to follow your passion of embarking on the adventurous journey of Mountain biking, despite boundaries of age, sex, time, professional commitments, or personal liabilities?
If yes, then indeed you need to read this invigorated piece of work.
As they say, it is always the very beginning of something the moment a sheer thought regarding it hits your mind.
If you are a beginner looking forward to mountain biking, then what exactly are you waiting for?
Life is indeed unpredictable and quite short to stay idle for what you desire. If you wish to touch the sky, start with the mountains.
They would lead you through the best of their trails and terrains pushing you more towards your final destination.
Moreover, there are a number of physical and psychological benefits of Mountain biking that may play wonders for you.
Mountain biking is extremely beneficial in preventing you from severe threats of various diseases.
It keeps up your heart rate along with optimizing the fat-burning process in your body. It strengthens your muscles, joints and makes you more fitter and healthy.
In fact, it is that one strict kind of workout that is much easy over your joints keeping you relaxed.
For the younger generation or people of any age group, mountain biking is all equivalent to hitting the gyms, health clubs, and ooze our sweat like anything.
Hence, it is overall an unavoidable outdoor activity if you’re really willing, to begin with.
We believe this is enough motivation to push you towards your keenness and desire to dive deep into the ocean of thrill, fun, fitness, peace, tranquility, and what not?
But are you still puzzled about where to begin? Need to be more specific about Mountain Bikes for Beginners, the factors to be considered before the purchase, Buying guide, comparisons, reviews, and the final outcome?
Allow me to help you with that yet again.
So beginners, let’s begin this peppy journey with an extravaganza of exuberance..!
Buying Guide: Facets To Be Considered & Resolved Before Buying A Mountain Bike for Beginners
Beginner’s Mountain Bikes are very much comfortable and better in several aspects.
But there are always certain Factors to be looked out for before buying a Mountain bike for Beginners. Read down below to know about it all.
1. What should be Your Maximum Entry Level Budget?
Usually, Mountain Bikes for Beginners are quite affordable, still, you must be clear about the tentative expenses that you’re capable enough to bear.
Besides, to make it fancy perhaps you’d be requiring a well-suited sports outfit, helmet, biking shoes, backpack, safety glasses, etc.
In addition, you may also need some upgrades or add ons to make your ride more comfortable.
Hence, to fulfill all these basic yet eminent requirements, eventually, you’d need a decent budget. Thus it’s better to be prepared in the very beginning itself.
2. Why are you buying your first MTB?
If you’re actually new to the world of Mountain Biking, clear the air first.
You can’t simply own an MTB just because you can. To be a roadie is something that requires passion and purpose both.
Along with being passionate about biking, be specific about the reason why you want it. The purpose can be either adventure biking, fitness, commuting, or any other specific reason.
There are many types of mountain bikes available. Your clear purpose to buy an MTB would help you opting the best suitable out of them.
3. Which Frame Material to choose?
The frames of Mountain bikes commonly are made up of either Aluminum, Steel, Titanium, or Carbon fiber.
The most suitable frame material is Aluminum, as it is lightweight, durable, and less expensive as compared to other frame types.
Steel is also a considerable option for better performance in mountain bikes for beginners, as it’s stronger than the Aluminum frame.
But despite that, Steel is heavier and expensive comparatively. On the other hand, Carbon fiber is extremely light in weight and is durable, but a little expensive and lacks strength.
Lastly, Titanium is super strong and lighter than steel but lacks popularity because it is highly expensive.
4. Which handlebar would give you more comfort?
While looking out for Mountain Bikes for Beginners, you’d come across two types of handlebars, viz., Flat bars, and Riser bars.
The light flat bars are preferred for longer rides while sitting a bit lower.
On the contrary, Riser bars are wider and comfortable for downhill biking, while the biker sits upright.
5. Which Brake system to heed?
Modern mountain bikes are all equipped with Disc Brakes designed to work in all conditions which are categorized as Mechanical and Hydraulic.
Mechanical Disc Brakes use a cable to actuate the caliper, are easily serviceable, and work well in all weather conditions.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes, contrarily, use fluids to actuate the piston and provide much better-stopping power.
6. Which Wheel size would suit you the best?
Wheels give you a comfortable and safe biking experience. Hence the suitable wheel size depends on the type of terrain you’d be following.
Generally, 26” wheel size is considered to be the standard one, as it is lightweight
But with time, 29” wheel size is emerging as a better choice as they let you roll over the obstacles on your way much easier, however, they are a bit tough to handle.
In such a case, 27.5” wheel size is a balance of features of both 26” and 29” wheels. Hence you can choose a suitable wheel size as per your requirements.
7. What type of Suspension must be considered?
In terms of Mountain bikes, there are Full-suspension or front and rear, Front-suspension or Hardtail, and Rigid or no suspension bikes available.
To be precise and point, Full-suspension bikes are always superior as they have both a suspension fork up front and a rear shock, that absorbs the bumps more efficiently on tough trails.
This helps in reducing fatigue, resulting in faster, longer, and comfortable biking. Hardtails usually have only a suspension fork, thus suitable for smoother trails.
Although, Rigid Suspension bikes might be considered for true beginners who only prefer ease and fun over adventure.
10 Best Mountain Bikes For Beginners – Comparison
| Name of MTB | Speed | Frame | Specialty | Price |
| Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike | 24 speed | Aluminum | Best Overall | Check here |
| Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike | 21 speed | Steel | Best Pocket-friendly | Check here |
| Merax 26″ Mountain Bicycle | 21 speed | Aluminum | Best fully-featured | Check here |
| Raleigh Bicycles Tokul 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike | 9 speed | Aluminum | Best Hardtail | Check here |
| Gravity 2020 FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike | 24 speed | Aluminum | Best Design | Check here |
| BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Mountain Bike | 30 speed | Carbon Fiber | Best plush Carbon Fiber MTB | Check here |
| Diamondback Bicycles Recoil 29er Full Suspension Mountain Bike | 24 speed | Aluminum | Best Value for money | Check here |
| Apollo Orchid 26 Full Suspension Bicycle | 21 speed | Steel | Best Affordable | Check here |
| Geekay Single Speed Mountain Bicycle Hashtag Bike | Single Speed | Steel | Best Single speed bike | Check here |
10 Best Mountain Bikes For Beginners – Review
1. Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike
The Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike has a strong durable Aluminum frame.
It features a 27.5-inch wheelset, 24 speeds, a premium plush 4” Suntour suspension fork, and powerful disc brakes.
Big knobby tires enhance the gripping power over rocky trails, keeping your ride smooth and controlled.
If you’re a beginner and willing to pursue your mountain biking passion with a solid starter mountain bike, this bike is the one for you.
Another reason behind choosing this MTB over others is that it is the best mountain bike under $500.
Pros
- Overdrive 27.5” butted 6061-T6 aluminum frame makes the bike strong
- SR Suntour XCT 27 coil-spring fork with 80mm travel provides added control and comfort on the trail
- The Tektro mechanical disc brakes offer powerful stopping capability
- Shimano drivetrain is extremely reliable
- Pocket-friendly
- Best suitable for beginners
Cons
- The seat is uncomfortable
- Expert Assembly required
2. Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike
For beginners, this mountain bike is complete bliss, as it provides smooth comfortable biking over various terrain.
It has a steel frame that is durable and strong. It features 21-Speed shifters with a rear derailleur for smooth navigation over patchy trails.
The front and rear alloy linear-pull brakes provide quick stopping power.
The 24” all-terrain, wide knobby mountain tires sit on light and durable alloy wheels for added strength.
The Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike has a quick-release Seatpost that enables you to make easy height adjustments, to let you find your perfect fit.
Pros
- Strong mountain bike created for trails and safe expeditions
- Alloy crankset provides swift gearing and less maintenance
- 24” All-terrain wide knobby mountain tires
- 21-Speed shifters with rear derailleur provide smooth gear shifting on the terrain
- Quick-release seat post for easy height adjustment
- The aluminum frame option is also available
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not suitable for taller people
- The handlebar is set very low
- The seat is not that cushy
3. Merax 26″ Mountain Bicycle
This bike is a superior quality model perfectly great for an excellent entry-level experience. It is made up of a 26” lightweight aluminum frame.
The Merax 26″ Mountain Bicycle features a high-performance Front suspension fork to provide smoothness and control over bumpy trails.
It is fitted with a 26” wheelset, Shimano 24-speed derailleurs, and shifters for reliable and smooth gear shifting. Dual disc brakes enable powerful stopping.
Pros
- Made with durable aluminum frame
- Most economical fully-featured MTB for beginners
- Front suspension forks increase control for fluid riding
- Shimano 24-speed derailleurs and shifters for smooth gear shifting
- Dual disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power
- Best fully featured and economical entry-level mountain bike
- Weight Capacity is a maximum of 330 lbs
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
- Poor instruction manual attached
4. Raleigh Bicycles Tokul 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike
The Raleigh Bicycles Tokul 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike is well suited for beginners to explore rough rocky trails.
With slightly relaxed geometry, this mountain bike offers a smooth ride that helps you have the best base for future mountain biking stints.
The Weinmann U28 27.5” wheels and Kenda Honey Badger 27” tires keep you rolling smoothly over the toughest terrain.
If you prefer the simplicity of a hardtail bike without rear suspension, you’ll find a good balance of stability and quick handling in this superior quality bike.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable Aluminum frame
- The Suntour suspension fork provides 120mm of travel to absorb the bumps
- The powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent stopping power
- Shimano Alivio Rear Derailleur with 9-speed cog set
- Shimano shifters provide 9 various gears for safety and controlled expedition
Cons
- Suspension lockout is non-functional
- Poor pedal quality
- Expert assembly required
5. Gravity 2020 FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike
This is an extremely affordable, strong, great quality, mountain bike for beginners.
It is a 24-speed dual suspension bike that features an advanced aluminum frame with Single Pivot technology.
The Gravity 2020 FSX 2.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike has a higher performance hydroformed tubing, an adjustable rear coil-over cartridge shock, a Shimano drivetrain, and an adjustable front shock.
Pros
- Durable Aluminum Frame with higher performance hydroformed tubing
- Tektro Novello DISC BRAKES
- SHIMANO M190 REAR DERAILLEUR
- Suntour TRIPLE CRANKSET
- Aluminum riser handlebar
- A great starter full-suspension bike
Cons
- The frame is a little unusual and heavy
- Poor brake quality
6. BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Mountain Bike
The BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Mountain Bike is an extremely good-looking Hardtail bike with plush features and specifications.
Eminently, this bike flaunts its super stylish Toray T800 Carbon fiber frame that is durable and lightweight.
It features a 27.5” wheelset with carbon hubs, SHIMANO M315/M335 hydraulic disc braking system, and an Air suspension fork.
It is a 30-speed ultralight bike that weighs around 10.7 kgs. It is very well designed specifically for high-end entry-level biking enthusiasts and professional bikers for a super exciting biking experience.
Pros
- Toray T800 Carbon fiber frame
- Carbon Fiber integrated body plush Flat Handle Bar and Seat Post included
- SHIMANO M315/M335 hydraulic disc braking system
- Air Suspension fork for effortless and smooth pedaling
- Internal Cable Routing
- Prowheel integrated crankset
- Extremely good-looking and attractive
Cons
- No rebound adjustment setting on front forks
- Material is not strong
- Little expensive
7. Diamondback Bicycles Recoil 29er Full Suspension Mountain Bike
This mountain bike’s frame is built with butted and formed aluminum tubing. It is lightweight and durable, hence it’s all ready to explore the mountains with the new beginners with zeal and style.
The Diamondback Bicycles Recoil 29er Full Suspension Mountain Bike uses a simple single pivot design to maintain traction and deliver a smooth biking experience.
4” of the front and rear suspension travel combined with a 29″ wheelset lets you bike smoothly, overcoming the hurdles falling on the trail.
This ensures your safety and comfort overall. It has trail-proven parts built including a 24-speed drivetrain, disc brakes, and solid components.
Pros
- DB Recoil 6061 T-6 aluminum frame
- Kenda Honey Badger 29 x 2.2″ tires for all terrains
- 4-inch travel single-pivot suspension platform
- Kindshock coil rear shock
- SR Suntour XCT 29″ 100mm travel fork
- Strong mechanical disc brakes with 180 mm front and 160 mm rear rotors
Cons
- Poorly assembled
- Heavier in weight
8. Apollo Orchid 26 Full Suspension Bicycle
This full-suspension bike is a great option to be chosen by beginners, hence can be considered as a great value entry-level mountain bike.
The 26” Apollo Orchid 26 Full-suspension Bike has 21-speeds twist shifters, lightweight aluminum rims, Shimano rear derailleur, front and rear linear-pull brakes, all mounted on an ultra-strong steel frame. This is overall a great bike to master any terrain.
Pros
- 17 Steel dual-suspension frame with a steel suspension fork
- Aluminum rims with 26-inch mountain bike tires
- 21-speed drivetrain
- Powerful SHIMANO rear derailleur and twist shifters
- Front and rear V-Brakes
- A premium quality Steel quill stem, and steel rise handlebar
- Kickstand included
- Attractive and good-looking bike
Cons
- Heavier in weight
- The rear wheel rim rubs the brake pad
9. Geekay Single Speed Mountain Bicycle Hashtag Bike
This sleek, trendy and stylish Mountain bike for beginners is built to conquer any road or trail with ease.
The frame is made up of durable and strong steel and is designed Aerodynamically to reduce air friction.
The Geekay Single Speed Mountain Bicycle Hashtag Bike is available with wheelset options of 24”, 27.5”, or 29”.
The supersized all-terrain knobby tires are good enough for a wonderful biking experience.
The bike comes with lightweight high tensile rims for ultimate road performance. It also features high-quality double disc brakes on both front and rear wheels that ensure stable and quick braking power.
The easily adjustable seat post with quick release, steady grips, and knobby tires give smooth roll and a cushioned comfortable biking.
Pros
- Strong aerodynamically designed steel frame to reduce air friction
- Double-wall high-tensile Alloy Rims
- 29” wide wheelset
- Powerful double disc brakes on both front and rear wheels
- Quick-release Seatpost and easy-adjust saddle
- Attractive handlebar grips
- Extremely easy assembly
Cons
- The seat is uncomfortable for longer rides
- Pedals may touch the front tire while riding
Comparison Table for Top 3 Best Mountain Bikes (MTB) For Beginners
| Name | Wheel Size | Frame | Speed | Brake Style | Suspension | Rating |
| Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike | 24” | Steel | 2 | Linear Pull | Front | 4.1/5 |
| Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike | 27.5” | Aluminum | 24 | Disc | Front | 4.6/5 |
| Merax 26″ Mountain Bicycle | 26” | Aluminum | 21 | Disc | Dual | 4.1/5 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Que: Which suspension-type mountain bike is right for beginners?
Ans: Always look for full-suspension bikes if you are looking out to spend a little more and want to ride on extreme trails. On the contrary, choose a hardtail bike if you have a budget issue and plan to spend most of your time on smoother trails.
Que: Which entry-level full-suspension mountain bike should I choose?
Ans: For your first entry-level full-suspension mountain bike, you are recommended to choose a bike with 100 mm-160 mm of front fork travel, depending on what type of riding you plan on doing the most.
Que: How a suitable mountain bike should be selected as per the rider’s height?
Ans: Initially, FYI, Mountain bike sizing is significantly different than that of road bikes, and other kinds of bikes. The best place to start when trying to choose the right size mountain bike is by looking at a particular size chart, as it is a good baseline, helping you find the right size bike in accordance with your height.
It is highly recommended to look at the size chart that is specific to the brand you are looking at due to differences in design philosophy and geometry. For an instance, have a look at a Mountain Bike Size Chart here.
Conclusion
If you see the world as a classic portrait, Mountain biking indeed it that one golden tint amongst various shades of hue, that would show the brightest.
The spirit of going across the mountains and exploring nature is that thing in particular that would fill you with more zeal and energy.
Hence, post-reading the article, I firmly believe that now you might be all prepared for the deep expedition to the mountains.
And even if you wish to let it go slow and steady, beginning from lower trails to the peak of the rocks, at least you now have an idea where to begin.
If so, with this thorough read, you can buy yourself a high-quality beginner’s bike at very affordable rates, that are designed to be stable, simple, and comfortable to ride.
So better luck with the experience of a lifetime..!