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Best Mountain Bikes & MTB Gear Reviewed

The Best Beginner Mountain Bikes of 2018

April 27, 2018 By Ronald Keeney

This article seeks to help readers find the best beginner mountain bike by examining and ranking several mountain bikes based on their price, available sizes, frame material, available wheel sizes, their weight, maximum gear speeds, and the braking mechanisms.

Product Name Wheel Size Sizes Available Part Quality Frame Material Weight Price Range Score
Orkan Mountain Bike 27.5”/70 cm Unisex Medium Steel 35lbs/15kg  Affordable 3.8/5
Merax Finiss Mountain Bike 26”/66 cm Unisex High Aluminum 53lbs/24kg Affordable 4.1/5
Diamondback Overdrive 29”/73 cm Unisex High Aluminum 40lbs/18kg Medium 4.4/5
Vilano Mountain Ridge 2.0 26”/66 cm Unisex High Aluminum 41lbs/18.5 kg Affordable 4.5/5
2018 Gravity FSX 1.0 15”/17”/19”/21”

38/43/48/53 cm

Unisex  High Aluminum 35lbs/15kg Affordable 4.7/5

 

5. Orkan Mountain Bike

Orkan Mountain Bike

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Frame: HI-TEN Orkan Steel Mountain bike frame
Fork: Aluminum
Suspension: Mountain bike suspension
Shifters: Twist grip and thumb shifters
Speeds: 21
Wheels: Present: 27.5” / 69.85 cm diameter
Derailleur: Shimano
Rear: Shimano
Front: Shimano
Brakes: Disc brakes on the front, brake pads on the rear
Weight: 35 pounds / 15.87Kgs

This bike is arguably the best beginner mountain bike since it suits riders of any gender. Another appealing feature is the decals that are painted on the frame to give the bike a stylish look. Front mechanical disc brakes and rear brake pads give the bike an ability to handle rough and smooth terrain in the city or on a mountain trail. The rear derailleur provides excellent response when you need to switch up or down the gear range.

The bike comes with a non-adjustable handlebar that is quite unsuitable for tall riders. This means that the bike will need a few adjustments before the maiden ride, which may prove hectic for those lacking mechanical skills, especially for beginners. The good news is that it is available in black with blue or yellow and grey with orange.

You Might Also Like: The Best Full-suspension Mountain Bikes under 1000 of 2018

4. Merax Finiss Mountain Bike

Merax Finiss Mountain Bike

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Frame: Heat treated aluminum
Fork: Lockable aluminum suspension fork
Suspension: Mountain bike suspension
Shifters: Shimano EF51
Speeds: 21
Wheels: Present: Made of Lightweight Magnesium alloy
Derailleur: Shimano
Rear: Shimano RD-TZ50
Front: Shimano FD-TZ30
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes on both front and rear wheels
Weight: 53lbs / 24.04Kgs

This bike’s magnesium alloy wheels coupled with a heat-treated aluminum 19” frame provide a lightweight yet mechanically sturdy ride. In addition to boosting performance off-road, the alloy wheels also give the bike a shiny look. The bike handles a weight capacity of up to 330lbs / 149Kgs, making it a good beginner mountain bike. To ensure instant stopping power, the bike comes equipped with disc brakes on the front and rear wheels.

The initial installation instructions are quite skimpy, but there is nothing you won’t fix if you are keen. If you plan to hit a hard trail, you may need to change the tires since the stock ones wear out fast. Be sure to rotate the fork a full 180 degrees before installing the front wheel. Failure to do this, the bike will malfunction. The bike is available in black with red or gray with green.

3. Diamondback Overdrive

Diamondback Overdrive

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Frame: Aluminum Mountain bike frame
Fork: Aluminum
Suspension: SR Suntour
Shifters: Shimano
Speeds: 21
Wheels: Present: 29” / 73.66 cm diameter
Derailleur: Shimano
Rear: Shimano Acera
Front: Shimano Suntour
Brakes: Disc brakes
Weight: 40lbs/ 18.14Kgs

The Overdrive ranks among the best beginner mountain bike models because it is available in 4 size options. This makes it suitable for riders between 5’4” and 6’4”. Inside the factory box, the bike is partially assembled and will take you one-hour to complete installation and adjustments. For strength, durability, and a smooth ride, the bike has a high-end aluminum mountain bike frame. Moreover, the bike comes with a sturdiness that makes it ideal for any terrain. It also comes equipped with a suspension fork that travels 80mm to provide extra comfort during the ride.

Before purchasing the bike, you might want to test if it fits your body size and ride style. Overall, this is the best mountain bikes for beginners given its entry-level components. It is available in black with blue.

2. Vilano Mountain Ridge 2.0

Vilano Mountain RIdge 2.0

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Frame: 6061 butted aluminum available in 17”/ 43 cm and 20” / 50 cm
Fork: Fork alloy with lockout
Suspension: 26” mountain bike aluminum suspension
Shifters: Shimano Easyfire EF-51
Speeds: 21
Wheels: Present: 26” / 66.04 cm Magnesium alloy
Derailleur: Shimano
Rear: Shimano Tourney TZ50
Front: Shimano TZ30
Brakes: Mechanical disc
Weight: 41 pounds / 18.59Kgs

If you intend to start mountain biking, this model makes one of the best beginner mountain bike options out there. It is available in a budget-friendly price and an impressive design. Its wheels provide a smooth ride over any surface and they look sporty. The bike is equipped perfectly for entry-level bikers, and it is available in black and red.

While on a trail, however, it is worth noting that its spoke rims may undermine its cornering ability, especially when on hard trails. Similar to most bikes, you need to shift gears systematically or the chain will jump out of the rear sprocket. The mechanical disc brakes also tend to heat up during steep downhill runs, which may interfere with your bike’s stopping ability.

1. 2018 Gravity FSX 1.0

Gravity FSX 1.0

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Frame: Mountain bike aluminum with hydroformed tubing
Fork: Suntour Triple crankset
Suspension: Adjustable dual suspension at both front and rear
Shifters: Shimano EF51
Speeds: 24
Wheels: Present: 26” / 66.04 cm double wall Magnesium alloy
Derailleur: Shimano
Rear: Shimano M190
Front: Shimano
Brakes: Tektro Novela disc brakes at both front and rear wheels
Weight: 35 pounds/ 15.87Kgs

This Gravity model the best beginner mountain bike for people interested in an unmatched functional performance without breaking the bank. The manufacturer ensures high-quality welding on the frame and its paintwork options match the overall bike design. The bike is available in yellow, white, red, black, and gray.

The bike’s rear shocks provide hefty compression, which makes it unsuitable for jumping. Its stock tires are also not suitable for slippery slopes. They are more suited for road cycling, which is a big bummer. This means that the bike may need a little tweaking to achieve the desired biking experience.

Conclusion

To enhance your experience as a beginner mountain biker, it is prudent that you buy an affordable bike. The low price ensures that the bike will not dent your budget if you damage it. The best starter mountain bike should come with entry-level specs that help you become a pro. What do you think of our list of best beginner mountain bike options above? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.

Comments

  1. Colin G says

    August 15, 2018 at 4:42 pm

    From what I am reading here, you are suggesting that the Orkan mountain bike is the best one to get if you are a beginner. But I have to disagree. This bike is not as easy to use for a newbie like it states here. I know because I have experienced this.

    Reply
    • Ronald Keeney says

      August 17, 2018 at 1:11 pm

      Hello, Colin! We chose this Orkan model for beginners who don’t know what exactly they are looking for in a mountain bike. Given the extremely low price point, they can use it to learn how to replace parts, how different gears change their riding experience, and how to maintain an entry-level bike. As a result, they will have a much easier time when the time comes to invest in a quality mountain bike.

      But I understand that you have used this bike for some time now. In your opinion, which model should replace the Orkan bike for beginners?

      Reply
  2. Curt Madge says

    August 22, 2018 at 7:23 pm

    I am a newbie, and I am using the Orkan mountain bike to ride around and I find it quite user-friendly for a beginner like me. I am also a short guy so I am sure that is why I like it since tall people may not like this bike.

    Reply
    • Ronald Keeney says

      August 28, 2018 at 7:03 am

      Hey, Curt, great to hear your take on such a product. Hope you’ll make the most of it now that you selected the right bike for you. By the way, you can also follow our Facebook page to stay tuned to the latest reviews on MTBs and their accessories!

      Reply
  3. Judd says

    August 28, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    Which is the best bike for an adult that is literally starting out with bike riding? I mean, I never learned how to ride a bike when I was young. So what do you recommend for an old dog like myself to pick up quickly?

    Reply
    • Ronald Keeney says

      August 29, 2018 at 10:26 am

      Hey, Judd, there’s never too late to learn how to ride a bike. You’ll surely get the hang of it even without dangerous falls as you no kid anymore to have no clue about what safety is. The only thing is that this might take longer.

      So, in this case, I recommend you stick with a mountain bike if you plan to use this hobby for long trips offroad whenever you have the chance. Therefore, Diamondback Overdrive might do the trick. It is sturdy, can take enough falls, and you get some fine bike parts with it. Of course, you might want to replace the saddle with a more comfortable one. Good luck!

      Reply
  4. Chantal says

    September 13, 2018 at 11:15 pm

    Ever since I got my Orkan Mountain Bike, I have been riding like there is no tomorrow. I have lost weight over the last several months because I really love bike riding and this bike has made this an enjoyable activity.

    Reply
    • Ronald Keeney says

      October 3, 2018 at 10:16 am

      Yay for goals Chantal! Nice having you 😊

      Reply
  5. Jesse says

    September 20, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    I have been looking into riding a new mountain bike and when I asked others around for recommendations, they swear by the Merax Finiss bike as they say it is the best one on the market for newbies. I may go with that.

    Reply
    • Ronald Keeney says

      October 3, 2018 at 10:17 am

      It’s a great bike – newbie or not 😁

      Reply
  6. Ted Charles says

    September 26, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    Last Christmas I got the Merax Finiss mountain bike as I have been wanting to learn how to ride a bike for so long. And, I finally am. I love it, and this bike has been treating me so well.

    Reply
    • Ronald Keeney says

      October 3, 2018 at 10:21 am

      We’re glad you’re enjoying it, Ted! Happy biking!

      Reply
  7. Jamie says

    October 17, 2018 at 10:39 pm

    The Orkan Mountain Bike was introduced to me when I expressed interest in learning how to ride a bike since I did not learn how to do that when I was a child like my neighbors did. It was very easy to use.

    Reply
    • Ronald Keeney says

      October 25, 2018 at 11:02 am

      Happy to hear your story, Jamie 😇

      Reply

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