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Best Mountain Bikes & MTB Gear Reviewed

The Best Entry Level Mountain Bikes of 2018

December 16, 2024 By Melissa Arno

With the wide selection of available models to choose from, finding the best entry level mountain bike can often seem like a difficult process. Fortunately, we have rounded up six of the best models currently available and have ranked them by popularity. We will be discussing the main features of each bike model and offer an in-depth review as well. Let’s begin!

Product Name Wheel Size Sizes Available Part Quality Frame Material Weight Price Range Score
North Woods 24/26 inches Unisex Medium Aluminum 42 lb / 19.05 kg Medium 3.2/5
Schwinn Protocol 1.0 26 inches Men Medium Aluminum 43 lb / 19.50 kg Medium 3.4/5
Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle 26 inches Women Medium Aluminum 34.9 lb / 15.83 kg Low 3.8/5
Orkan 26 inches Unisex Medium Aluminum 40 lb / 18.14 kg Low 4.2/5
URSTAR 26 inches Unisex Medium Aluminum 36.5 lb / 16.56 kg Medium 4.5/5
Merax Falcon 26 inches Unisex Medium Aluminum 50 lb / 22.68 kg Low 4.7/5

 

6. Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike

best entry level mountain bike Northwoods Aluminium Full Suspension

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Frame: Aluminum
Fork: 50-mm steel crown
Suspension: Full suspension
Shifters: Twist shifters
Speeds: 21
Wheels: Present: 24/26-inch alloy rims
Front Derailleur: N/A
Rear Derailleur: Shimano
Brakes: Dual linear pull brakes
Weight: 42 lb / 19.05 kg

North Woods is the brand behind one of our top entry level mountain bike suggestions. Featuring a dual linear braking system, this bike has great stopping power. The bike has 21 adjustable speeds and handles well in virtually any terrain type.

As for sizes, it comes in 24 and 26-inch configurations. Our only issue was the limited color choices that the bike comes in.

5. Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

best entry level mountain bike Schwinn protocol 1.0 Dual Suspension

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Frame: Aluminum
Fork: 50-mm steel crown
Suspension: Full suspension
Shifters: Shimano EZ Fire
Speeds: 24
Wheels: Present: 26-inch alloy rims
Front Derailleur: N/A
Rear Derailleur: Shimano
Brakes: Front disc brake and rear linear brake
Weight: 43 lb / 19.50 kg

Another one of the best entry level mountain bike choices available is the Schwinn Protocol 1.0. Designed specifically for men, this bike incorporates a wide selection of high-quality parts in its construction.

One of the things that we like most about this particular bike is the combined brake system. Offering both a front disc brake and a rear linear brake, this bike can stop on a dime. We also love the level of support that the suspension offers on various terrain types as well.


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4. Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle Women’s Road/Mountain 21 Speed Bike

best entry level mountain bike Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle Womens Road

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Frame: Aluminum
Fork: Front shock fork support
Suspension: Full suspension
Shifters: Shimano grip shifters
Speeds: 21
Wheels: Present: 26-inch alloy rims
Front Derailleur: N/A
Rear Derailleur: Shimano
Brakes: Front and rear V-brake system
Weight: 34.9 lb / 15.83 kg

For female riders, one of the best entry level mountain bike selections available is the Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle series. Weighing in at just under 35 pounds, this bike is quite light and easy to store.

We also found the large comfort seat to be very comfortable and felt that it offers plenty of support for the hip area. With 21 different speeds, this bike is quite maneuverable as well.

3. ORKAN 26″ Folding Mountain Bike

best entry level mountain bike Orkan 26 inch

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Frame: Aluminum
Fork: Tension coil
Suspension: Full suspension
Shifters: Grip shifters
Speeds: 7
Wheels: Present: 26-inch alloy rims
Front Derailleur: N/A
Rear Derailleur: Shimano
Brakes: Power steel V-brakes
Weight: 40 lb / 18.14 kg

In terms of portability, ORKAN is our top best entry level mountain bike pick. The reason for this is that there are multiple areas where the bike can be folded for easy and convenient storage.

In addition, we really liked that there are mud flaps to help prevent splashback when riding in wet conditions. The only issue we have with this particular choice is the limited speed selections that it offers.

2. URSTAR 26″ Aluminum 24 Speed Mountain Bike

best entry level mountain bike Urstar 26 inch Aluminium

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Frame: Aluminum
Fork: 70-mm tube type
Suspension: Full suspension
Shifters: Grip shifters
Speeds: 24
Wheels: Present: 26-inch alloy rims
Front Derailleur: Shimano
Rear Derailleur: Shimano
Brakes: Front and rear mechanical disc brakes
Weight: 36.5 lb / 16.56 kg

With both a front and rear Shimano derailleur system, this mountain bike offers a great deal of precise control. Weighing just over 36 pounds, it’s also one of the lightest mountain bikes available on our list.

With two different color choices to choose from, the bike is suitable for a broader range of style preferences. We also found the seat to be particularly comfortable due to its broader size.

1. Merax Falcon

best entry level mountain bike Merax Falcon

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Frame: Aluminum
Fork: Suspension coil
Suspension: Full suspension
Shifters: Grip shifters
Speeds: 21
Wheels: Present: 26-inch alloy rims
Front Derailleur: N/A
Rear Derailleur: Shimano
Brakes: Linear pull brake system
Weight: 50 lb / 22.68 kg

Our number one best entry level mountain bike pick is the Merax Falcon. Thanks to its suspension coil design, this bike is quite comfortable to ride on virtually any terrain type. It also offers plenty of control with 21 different speed selections. With its dual linear pull brake system, it also has great stopping power as well.

Conclusion

When searching for the best entry level mountain bike, the six products we reviewed are all excellent choices. With a wide selection of styles and many of them with high-quality Shimano parts, you should have no problem picking the perfect bike. Once you have had the chance to try one of these models out for yourself, tell us about your experience.

Comments

  1. Falcon says

    August 15, 2018 at 4:48 pm

    Based on what I am reading here, I am the most impressed with how the Merax Falcon mountain bike sounds. The fact that it has 21 speeds and is comfortable to ride is quite helpful for a beginner especially. I will look into this one.

    Reply
    • Melissa Arno says

      August 17, 2018 at 12:35 pm

      Hello, Falcon! This might be the beginning of some great adventures. I’m glad you found our guide useful and looking forward to hearing your view on your first mountain bike. Follow our Facebook page for more similar recommendations!

      Reply
  2. Sharla Jett says

    August 21, 2018 at 9:23 pm

    I am looking for an entry level mountain bike for my 16-year-old daughter. She wants to learn how to ride one, and what do you recommend? What is the ideal bike for a teenage girl that has never had any experience with riding a bike?

    Reply
    • Melissa Arno says

      August 22, 2018 at 11:01 am

      Hello, Sharla! I would recommend the Dynacraft mountain bike. This is an entry-level choice, strong enough to take some damage while your daughter is learning to ride a bike. It comes with some quality Shimano parts. Your daughter can also learn how to care for a MTB and what exactly she wants from this hobby until she’s ready for a bigger investment. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  3. Brittany Ang says

    September 16, 2018 at 12:24 am

    I have started riding the Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension mountain bike and I think it works quite well and the ride is smooth. However, the only thing that I have to say about it is that it is a bit heavy.

    Reply
    • Melissa Arno says

      October 3, 2018 at 10:41 am

      Glad to hear it Brittany! We agree – heavy bikes are really uncomfortable if you live somewhere with lots of stairs

      Reply
  4. Giselle says

    September 24, 2018 at 10:07 pm

    When I started my weight loss journey, I purchased a bike that was part of the Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle series and I cannot tell you how GLAD I am to have made that investment. It has changed my life for the better. And, it is newbie-friendly.

    Reply
    • Melissa Arno says

      October 3, 2018 at 11:07 am

      Glad to hear it, Giselle! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. Rachel Adams says

    October 22, 2018 at 7:34 pm

    I can’t say I have had any experience with these mountain bikes yet because I have not ridden any. However, 2 of my friends were recommending the Dynacraft because they found it to be the easiest for beginners. I will consider it.

    Reply
    • Melissa Arno says

      October 25, 2018 at 11:09 am

      Yeah I’d go with that too. Beginners will like how light it is but still chock full of premium features

      Reply

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