This year we’re going to look at a few amazing bikes we’ve seen last year and some new ones. Originally at the time of writing I wanted to recommend bikes under $400 but prices have changed with ongoing supply chain issues. These bikes are affordable without sacrificing on quality. Whether you’re looking for a great entry mountain bike to start your journey or are experienced looking for something new, you will find something for yourself here. So here are the best mountain bikes to ride in 2022 under $500.
This is a great entry mountain bike every year. The handmade 6061 Aluminum alloy frame and mechanical disk brakes make this bike a strong one. The wheels on this one are dual walled alloy making it sturdy yet smooth to escape those muddy paths with a strong grip. Fork is made out of 29 inch alloy suspension fork alongside 80mm travel that efficiently reduces shocks when riding the paved surfaces.
Pros
- This bike has a very strong frame that you can be confident will be durable.
- The front suspension fork comes with a lockout so you can enjoy this bike on flat pavement as much as you will on bumpy trails.
- The bike is lightweight making it easy to carry when you need to.
- 24 speed shifter to give you many options on how to tackle different obstacles on the trail.
- 29 inch wheels are big enough to handle many challenging terrain.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- When turning the big 29in wheel the tire comes into very close contact with the pedals and many have complained it bumps into their toes.
- The front suspension is not able to handle the larger bumps as well at this price point.
- No placeholder for water bottles. You can always get a backpack with water bladders here.
Looking for a great beginner bike with dual suspension then this bike can often be found at a great price. The bike is made of sturdy premium aluminum frames and can support the weight of the bicycle which is more than 20 pounds. It comes in matt black with red wheels and is a sharp looking bike. The suspension both front and back is adjustable and provides a great ride. You will find Tektro Novello disc brakes on it for instant stopping. The gear set is a EF51 24 speed (3×8) that allows for great shifting.
Pros
- This bike has a comfortable ride with the dual shock suspension.
- Competent gear shifter makes for all terrains and gradients.
- Good looking bike with simple design.
- Strong frame for long durability.
- Lightweight material.
Cons
- The tires may not be the best for street use and probably the one thing many change about the bike first.
- If you are self assembling, the bike comes mostly pre assembled but customers have complained about confusing instructions. I suggest getting a local shop to put it together if you’re having trouble.
If the trails you’re riding on are unstable terrain then this fat tire bike will be enjoyable to ride on. The tires are 26 inches in diameter and 4 inches wide. Wide enough that you can enjoy low tire pressure on sand, snow, or dirt. This is my favorite feature about the fat tire bikes, you may not have active suspension but on relatively leveled terrain the ride is just smoother. Without paying for full suspension prices a fat tire bike will offer a smooth ride. The Mongoose Dolomite has a steel frame that will keep this bike strong over heavy usage.
Pros
- 4” Tires are the main selling point for this bike.
- Great comfortable ride over many different terrain.
- Strong steel frame.
- Comes with 7 speeds and makes riding enjoyable even if you won’t be going too fast or dealing with too much steepness.
- Very good brakes.
Cons
- The Dolomite is very heavy with its fat 29 inch tires and steel frame. This is to be expected with a fat tire bike and a trade off.
- Customers have had trouble with some plastic pieces on the chain guard and pedals. Beware how things are shipped and have a professional install if you’re worried about accidentally breaking things during installation.
The Mongoose Impasse is a great 29 inch wheel mountain bike. It features full suspension and is a great bike for people beginning to mountain bike for the first time. Many times people will say that you should buy a hardtail mountain bike because you learn to use your legs more to brace and really feel the bumps of the trail. This is not necessary and like all skills, mountain biking gets better the more you practice. This bike will allow you to tackle trails and sharpen your skills without having to feel every bump up your spine.
Pros
- Good looks with either a silver or charcoal color.
- Dual suspension that can be tuned to your riding preferences.
- Twisty shifters with 21 speeds.
- Front and rear disc brakes for smooth stopping at this affordable price point.
- Easily upgradable and easy to assemble.
Cons
- There is a 1.5 inch space between and tire so some people have complained of hitting the tires when turning. This will likely not happen if you’re using the balls of your feet to pedal though.
- Some riders have complained that the plastic parts sometimes squeak when riding.
If you are looking for something more affordable and a versatile choice then the huffy stone mountain hardtail offers many different wheel sizes, frame sizes, and even speeds. There are even two models for both men and women. The bike branded as a women’s bike has it’s top tube lower (this is a better fit because women usually have longer legs and shorter torsos than men). You can choose from 20, 24 and 26 inch wheels that correspond to 13, 14, and 17 inch frames. Note that the 20 inch models will come in only 6 speed while the others get a 21 speed shifter. There are many different colors to choose from so you will have a lot of different choices here.
Pros
- Lots of different bike choices to get a good fit for different heights and genders.
- Variety of colors.
- All models are at a great affordable price.
Cons
- These bikes are not made of the highest quality materials at this price point.
- Customers complain some models break at many points including handlebars, gears, and tires.
- The rear derailleur and gear system is not as dynamic and customers have complained the gears all feel similar.
Speaking of variety, the High Timber will offer a different set of tire sizes, frames, gear sets and colors. Wheel sizes come in 24, 26, 27.5, and 29 inches. Schwinn is offering three different frame choices. One is a steel frame which will be offered in many colors and will be strong but also heavier. The other two choices are an aluminum frame or aluminum frame with disc brake set. If you’re going to buy from amazon then make sure to pick what frame and wheel size you want and then choose from the available choices. For example for the 29 inch wheel in steel frame you can choose Blue/Green but for the aluminum frame with disc brakes only the Black/Green will be available. As a woman you may want a bike that has a lower top tube for comfort. Teal and coral offer a frame with more space.
Pros
- Multiple choices in size and style to choose from.
- Very good value at these choices.
- Optional aluminum frame for lightweight.
- Disc brakes for precision braking.
- 21 speed option available for different trail challenges.
Cons
- Price has increased dramatically over the years but this is part of the inflation we have seen everywhere since the pandemic.
- Riders have complained the gear shifting is sometimes not as satisfying and direct.
- Difficult to assemble and parts may come broken or bent with shipping.