While we were browsing for the best full-suspension mountain bike under 3,000 dollars, we discovered $3,000 is an key price point when it comes to full-suspension MTBs; some of the bikes we found have price tags around this figure. However, there are plenty of models out there that hit $5,000 or beyond, just like some others can go below $1,000. We also noticed it’s relatively easy to find a good full-suspension mountain bike with dropper post at $1,000-$2,000. For this article, we have ranked the bikes based on customer reviews, frame size, materials, overall quality, construction, and weight, among other factors.
| Product Name | Wheel Size | Sizes Available | Part Quality | Frame Material | Weight | Price Range | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s MTB | 26”/66cm | Unisex | Medium | Aluminium | 43lbs/19.5kg | Cheap | 3.9/5 |
| Mongoose R2780 MTB | 29”/73.6cm | Unisex | Medium | Aluminium | 44lbs/20kg | Cheap | 4.0/5 |
| Cyrusher FR100 Folding MTB | 26”/66cm | Unisex | High | Aluminium | 41lbs/18.5kg | Medium | 4.2/5 |
| Raleigh Bikes Kodiak 2 | 27.5″/69.85cm | Unisex | High | Aluminium | 33.3lbs/15.1kg | High | 4.5/5 |
| BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 | 27.5″/69.85cm | Unisex | High | Carbon Fiber | 23.5 lbs/10.7kg | High | 4.7/5 |
| Diamondback Bicycles Release 1 MTB | 27.5”/70cm | Unisex | Medium | Aluminium | 32lbs/14.5kg | High | 4.8/5 |
6. Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
This mountain bike features front disc brakes and rear alloy V-brakes that ensure that you stay safe regardless of the terrain you are riding on. A dual-suspension complements the bike’s braking system. You will also love the wide gear range (24 speeds) that gives you a chance to shift out of your trail smoothly.
The bike’s fork is highly reliable and responsive to give you a smooth ride. Its rims are also super strong for extra durability. This budget mountain bike, however, may not be ideal for use on rough trails since it does not maintain the required stability, according to multiple riders.
5. Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle
This very inexpensive mountain bike features a full suspension and an element fork to ensure you ride smoothly across any trail. It has an aluminum frame, which makes it lightweight, durable, and comfortable. You’ll be able to control it on whichever terrain because its shifters will enable you to change gears with unrivaled ease.
Besides being very affordable, this bike is made of high-quality materials that enhance its durability. Its pedals, however, may come out of the crank as you ride it. All in all, it’s the best budget full suspension mountain bike if your budget is microscopically small but you just can’t wait to hit that trail. For more budget trail bikes, check out our Best Trail Bikes of 2019 review.
4. Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike
The Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike is impressively lightweight due to its 17-inch aluminum frame and compact construction. This full suspension mountain bike under 3000 features quality shock absorbers for a comfortable ride. The braking system utilizes front and rear disc brakes that are complemented by the shifting speeds. It also has a quick release clamp for quick folding.
The bike has a pretty stylish look and foldable design that allows you to carry and store it with ease. It is worth noting, however, that the threads between the cassette and rear wheel may peel off after using it for a while.
3. Raleigh Bikes Kodiak 2 Mountain Bike
This solid but sleek looking mid-level MTB for is a fairly priced single pivot bike that will not let you down. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality materials and components of the Raleigh Bikes Kodiak 2: aircraft grade aluminum frame, SRAM NX drivetrain, Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes, Rock Shox Monarch R 200×57 rear air shock suspension, and more. This trail bike has everything a big name, full-suspension bike has at a fraction of the price.
Don’t expect any cheap stuff in this MTB, but it does have some flaws. For instance, it couldn’t professionally handle steep climbs (but no MTB within this weight and price ranges could) and it lacks a rear shock lock out feature. But if the positives outweigh the negatives for you, this full suspension bike will make an excellent XC or trail bike.
2. BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Mountain Bike
Featuring a 3K matte colorful finish that is stylish for all users, this model might just be the best full suspension mountain bike under 3000. It has a prowheel integrated crankset, and it uses an internal cable routing. You will get it with a black-red mountain trial saddle and a YBN 10S cycle-chain. Both sizes come with air suspension forks that are highly efficient. It operates with dual hydraulic disc braking. The bike comes partially assembled, and you do not need technical know-how to put the remaining parts together.
It has an ultra-light frame that makes riding easy and the bike portable. It also comes with smooth shifters and superior quality brakes that complement the high-quality Shimano materials. The bike, however, may be a little noisy.
Related: The Best Full-suspension Mountain Bikes under 1000
1. Diamondback Bicycles Release 1 Full Suspension Mountain Bike
This model makes the best full suspension mountain bike under 3000 for anyone keen on safety. This is because the bike is fitted with brakes that have 180mm rotors both at the front and at the rear for greater stopping power. You will also love its 1×11-speed SRAM drivetrain that will allow you to ride easily up and down a hill. It is available in extra-small to extra-large sizes.
The bike has an excellent control that gives you a handling precision. It is also lightweight and agile, which ensures a smooth ride. The seat sold with the bike, however, may be a bit stiff for some users.
Conclusion
When shopping for a good full suspension mountain bike under 3000, you should carefully balance the bike’s price against its specs to see if the pros outweigh the cons. You should also compare the price and specs against your needs to be able to find the model that best defines you. Our personal favorite is the Release 1, which is yours? Feel free to share your opinion with us or share the article with your friends. Feedback is always welcome!
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The Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike is well worth the money because it works great, the brakes are good, and the speeds are varied. It is one of the more expensive ones around but it is highly worth the investment.
Hey, Sam, thanks for your comment! I also like that this model is also foldable which makes it versatile on top of the great features you underlined here. Stay tuned to more MTB reviews by following our Facebook page!
If I were to give my opinion I must say the Beiou Carbon Fiber mountain bike is the best full suspension mountain bike that you can get under 3K. It is very well made and has a comfortable ride. It’s still on the higher end of the cost range, but it’s worth it.
Hey, Sammy, thanks for your feedback! Glad you loved this selection and hope your insights will help others!
I am also a total fan of the Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike. It is safe to ride and the ride is very smooth. I know that anything over 2K is costly, but this is well worth the money IMO.
Hey, Alan, thanks for sharing your feedback with us. Hope your words will help others decide on a mountain bike!
After doing plenty of research on the type of mountain bike to get, I have decided that I am willing to pay more in order to get a better quality bike. I have decided on getting the Cyrusher FR100 Folding Mountain Bike because I know others who like it a lot.
We agree Dean – have fun biking! 🚵🏼♂️
The BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5 Mountain Bike is fancy and it is one of the best bikes to get in order to get the ultimate smooth ride, with plenty of speeds. But if your funds are tight, my suggestion is to go with something more affordable that has good reviews.
Fancy indeed, Blaine! Thanks for the visit 😊
All of these full suspension mountain bikes are still very expensive, and you make it sound affordable since you are saying that these bikes are under 3K. Well, 3K or even anything above 2.5K is a lot of money to spend on a bike in my opinion.
Under 3K is NOT affordable Len. We never said those were cheap. The ones marked as affordable are under $500. Full-suspension is a premium feature so it’s nice to find some bikes that are so cheap!
That is true that most good quality mountain bike models cost more than 5K, but 3K is also a bit pricey. However, I also need to consider that quality usually comes with a price. Otherwise, it would be a rip-off. These are good bikes so I know that is not the case here.
Our selection of quality MTBs here includes only models that cost between a few hundreds dollars and $3K. We have focused on both quality and price as for many models, you’ll have to shell out several hundreds to a thousand more just for the brand. Those are the true rip-offs.
I just commented about the best beginner bike but I landed here and wanted to chime in about an experience my friend had with the Mongoose bike. She was badly ingured because it did not perform well and she spent a lot of money on it. I am not sure if I will ever go with that one.
Hey Ash! We’re really sorry for your friend’s bad experience with the Mongoose. Still, for a $300 full suspension bike, she should have expected from the manufacturer to skimp on quality to trim down costs. Hope your friend will get well soon!
All of these mountain bikes appear to be very high quality even though the price point is high. My take on it is if you want something that is going to last you a long time and that serves you well, you need to pay more.
Very true, Tim. Thank you for your feedback!
thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.