| 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
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
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.
You Might Also Like: The best mountain bike gloves
4. Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle Women’s Road/Mountain 21 Speed Bike
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
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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?
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!
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.
Glad to hear it Brittany! We agree – heavy bikes are really uncomfortable if you live somewhere with lots of stairs
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.
Glad to hear it, Giselle! Thanks for stopping by!
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.
Yeah I’d go with that too. Beginners will like how light it is but still chock full of premium features