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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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?
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!
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.
Yay for goals Chantal! Nice having you 😊
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.
It’s a great bike – newbie or not 😁
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.
We’re glad you’re enjoying it, Ted! Happy biking!
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.
Happy to hear your story, Jamie 😇