When first getting into the sport of cycling, a lot of people are wary of spending too much on a brand new bike, as they may find that they don’t enjoy the activity and end up wasting their money on a bike that they never use. Others may prefer to look for the best mountain bike under $1,000 because they want to introduce somebody to the sport or are looking for the perfect present. Whatever the reason, nobody wants to purchase a poor quality product so it is a good idea to have an understanding of what you need to look for in a good bike.
| PREVIEW | NAME | RATING | PRICE | MORE DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Stowabike 26" MTB V2 Mountain Bike | 4/ 5 | $$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension | 3.7/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike | 4.7/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bike | 3.2/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Thruster T-29 29er Men's Mountain Bike | 3.3/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Diamondback Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike | 4.7/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Thruster KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike | 4.4/ 5 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
The History
Though cycling has existed for many years, the mountain bike as we have come to know it was actually introduced in 1966. This is when the first bicycle was advertised as a ‘mountain bicycle’ and, in many cases, they were simply 
heavily modified cruiser bikes that were suitable for riding on rougher terrain. However, the sport began to pick up steam and by the time the 1970s rolled around there were many bikes that were being made specifically for this aspect of the sport.
What To Look For
A good mountain bike needs to have a sturdy frame that is capable of withstanding the difficult conditions that it will encounter, in addition to very good breaks, excellent handling and tires that are capable of dealing with difficult riding conditions. Cyclists must also make the effort to find gear that will keep them safe when riding, to protect from the hazards of falling.
Mountain vs Road Bike
There are many differences between mountain and road bikes, so you are going to need to understand what you want to use the bike for before making a purchase. If you are going to be riding on smoother surfaces, a road bike will offer a far superior level of performance. However, if you anticipate riding on all sorts of terrain, a mountain bike is the best option. With this guide, you should find one that is perfect for your needs.
1. Stowabike 26″ MTB V2 Mountain Bike
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Stowabike has placed a lot of emphasis on portability with their mountain bike, mirroring the current trend for folding bikes that is being followed by a lot of commuters. This makes their bike far easy to commute with, as it can be easily stored in the trunk of a vehicle, rather than requiring a large bike rack for transport.
Better yet, it doesn’t sacrifice any performance, offering a solid frame that can withstand difficult riding conditions in addition to solid suspension that makes riding in difficult conditions an absolute breeze.
- The 26 inch steel frame is sturdy and can be folded for easier transport.
- Comes with 18 speed gear settings so that you have plenty of options when riding.
- Has a 26 inch steel form that ensures suspension isn’t an issue in tough terrain.
- The steel v-brakes will bring the bike to a halt quickly and with minimal jolting.
- The thick tires will last for a long time, no matter where you ride.
What’s To Like About The Stowabike 26″ MTB V2
A lot of users have spoken about how the bike is perfect for people who are new to the sport, allowing them to get to grips with mountain biking without spending a lot of money on their first bike. Others have highlighted the portability offered by the folding frame as a definite plus point.
What’s Not To Like
A number of more experienced cyclists have compared the bike to more expensive models and drawn unfavorable comparisons, though it is important to remember that this bike is intended for beginners. A few have also had issues with being provided with the wrong instruction manual, though later reviews indicate that this has been remedied.
Final Word
If you are looking for the best mountain bike under $1000 but are also concerned about having to spend more money on bike racks and related peripherals, this is an excellent choice. Its 3.6 out of 5 rating is not fully indicative of its quality, but it is important to point out that experienced cyclists may want to look elsewhere.
2. Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension
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Mongoose advertises their bike as being one of the best 29ers on the market and it is difficult to argue with them when you consider the fact that they use high quality parts made by companies like Shimano in the construction of this full suspension mountain bike.
Featuring an aluminum frame that offers the ride plenty of flexibility and much more comfort than the average steel frame is capable of, this bike is still extremely sturdy and capable of withstanding the rigors of riding in tough terrain.
- The aluminum frame is intended to improve rider comfort while also improving the bike’s performance.
- The 21 speed gear system is made by Shimano, which is one of the most respected companies in the bicycle industry.
- The Element suspension fork helps to keep the ride even smoother.
- The alloy front and rear wheel brakes have plenty of stopping power.
- The allow wheels are lightweight yet sturdy, further improving performance.
What’s To Like About The Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension
A lot of users have expressed shock at how well priced this bike is, with some even going so far as to claim that the cost could hurt the business of manufacturers that sell similar products at a higher rate. Others have pointed towards its durability and comfort, claiming that it can handle thousands of miles without issue, if treated properly.
What’s Not To Like
While most riders have been delighted with the build quality of the product, a minority have encountered manufacturing issues, such as loose pedals or poorly aligned gears. Others have noted that the customer service offered by Mongoose is fairly poor, making it difficult to get these issues remedied.
Final Word
The 3.7 out of 5 rating that this bike currently sports tells both sides of the story. As long as you get the bike as it is intended you will have one of the best value mountain bikes on the market. However, there seem to be a number of manufacturing issues that some riders have encountered, which is something you will need to keep in mind before buying.
3. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
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Schwinn has long maintained a solid reputation in the cycling industry for the quality of their high-end bikes, but the company also makes sure to cater to those who are shopping on a budget and people who are just taking their very first steps into the world of mountain biking.
The company is so confident in the quality of their products that they offer a limited lifetime warranty on all of their bikes, which will keep you covered if you have an issue with the bike that was caused by regular use. The High Timber is no different in this respect, despite costing less than $1000.
- Comes with a frame and suspension fork that have both been designed by Schwinn and matches the standard you would expect from the company.
- The 21 speed Shimano gear system is capable of quick and smooth gear shifts.
- The 3 piece allow crank offers an even wider flexibility when it comes to your gears.
- The allow wheels offer great performance.
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
What’s To Like About The Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
Reliability is the name of the game with this bike, with many people pointing out that it may sacrifice a little bit of the speed you will have with more expensive bikes, but you get a high quality and long lasting product in the bargain. For those who are new to the sport, that is a compromise worth making.
What’s Not To Like
Negative feedback has been minimal so far, with just one user commenting on how they have experienced manufacturing errors. As noted previously, these should be covered by the warranty that comes with all Schwinn bikes.
Final Word
This bike is a front runner when trying to pick the best mountain bike under $1000. It is sturdy, reliable and is made by a company that has a long standing reputation for quality in the industry. The fact that it currently boasts a 4.7 out of 5 rating should tell you everything that you need to know.
4. Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bike
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This bike from Northwoods features a durable aluminum frame that is able to take a real battering when you are riding, while still offering an exceptional level of performance that is impressive even for people who are more experienced with the sport of mountain biking.
It is one of the lowest-priced bikes on this list, which makes it absolutely perfect for those who are shopping on a budget. Even so, you can expect plenty of quality form this package and a mountain bike that will more than offer a solid return on your initial investment.
- The aluminum frame allows for a high level of performance not often seen in bikes of this price.
- The steel fork ensures that the suspension of the bike is study and capable of handling most terrain.
- Has 24 inch allow rims that make for great wheels for the beginner.
- The Shimano rear derailleur offers an extra level of quality to the overall package.
- The 21 speed gear system is great for people just getting to grips with the sport.
What’s To Like About The Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bike
A number of users have commented on how the light weight of the bike belies its durability and that it is much more reliable than they expected given the price that was paid. Others have mentioned how it makes a great gift for kids so that you don’t have to spend large amounts of money on a bike they will eventually grow out of.
What’s Not To Like
A number of people have encountered manufacturing errors, such as misaligned gears or poor tires. Others have taken issue with the amount of time it takes to assemble the bike on delivery, with a few users commenting on the instructions being less than what they expected.
Final Word
If you are looking to get the biggest bang for your buck, this is a mountain bike that is definitely worth considering. While we can’t ignore the fact that a number of users have encountered issues with the bike, most are delighted with the overall package and use it as a gateway into the sport of mountain biking.
5. Thruster T-29 29er Men’s Mountain Bike
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This Thruster bike is manufactured for fully grown men, as indicated by the fact that it is a 29er, and has been developed with beginner and intermediate users in mind. Of course, to meet the claim that the bike is suitable for people who have some experience, it needs to meet a certain level of quality.
Thankfully, the bike passes those tests with flying colors. Not only is it extremely well-assembled, it is also capable of a surprisingly high level of performance given the cost, likely because of the use of quality components from the likes of Shimano.
- The lightweight aluminum frame is sturdy while also offering great performance.
- The well-made tires are capable of providing excellent grip on practically any surface.
- The steel crank set is made with durability in mind.
- Shimano derailleurs and shifters ensure the ride is as smooth as possible.
- The 29 inch alloy rims ensures the wheels perform better than their steel counterparts.
What’s To Like About The Thruster T-29 29er Men’s Mountain Bike
The quality of the ride has received plenty of praise for users, with some going so far as to claim that the bike has helped them to understand why so many people enjoy the sport of mountain biking. Considering that is one of the main aims of any beginner bike, it’s hard to find much more meaningful praise than that.
What’s Not To Like
There has been little in the way of negative feedback, but those who weren’t happy with the bike generally pointed towards manufacturing errors or issues caused during transit. In most cases, this can be remedied by contacting the company directly.
Final Word
This may be the best mountain bike under $1000 for people who are looking for the most affordable option that also offers a level of performance that you may expect from an intermediate bike, rather than a beginner model. The 3.9 out of 5 rating it currently sports shows that most people have been more than satisfied with their purchase.
6. Diamondback Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike
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Diamondback are another big name in the cycling industry that you may not expect to manufacture bikes at this price range but, much like Schwinn, they understand the importance of drawing more people into the sport by offering affordable option that will encourage them to explore more later on down the line.
This means that you can still expect plenty of quality from this beginner’s mountain bike, with the company making use of high quality components in addition to providing an excellent frame that will endure plenty of use before it starts showing signs of wear and tear.
- The aluminum frame has been designed to be as shock absorbent as possible.
- The mechanical disk brakes are made to help you come to an easy stop in any conditions.
- The suspension fork allows for customization so you can get the ride you want.
- Comes with a 24 speed gear system to offer plenty of choice while riding.
- Sturdy wheels that offer protection from obstacles while also allowing for a speedy ride.
What’s To Like About The Diamondback Bicycles Mountain Bike
Many riders have pointed out just how great a deal you will be getting with this bike, claiming that the performance levels on offer are far beyond what you would expect. Better yet, it can also be customised quite readily, making it a good choice for experienced cyclists shopping on a budget.
What’s Not To Like
There has been very little in the way of negative feedback, with the only real issue being had by one customer who received a damaged bike. This appears to have been a problem caused by the delivery company, rather than a manufacturing fault from Diamondback themselves.
Final Word
It’s something of a two horse race when considering the best mountain bike under $1000, as this offering from Diamondback is the only one capable of offering any real competition to the Schwinn bike we looked at earlier. It also boasts a 4.7 out of 5 rating, so it is really tough to choose between the two.
7. Thruster KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
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Thruster are back with a slightly smaller version of their basic mountain bike design, with the19 inch frame included here making it more suitable for younger rides or smaller adults. It also makes use of some quality components, so you can expect a good ride whenever you take it out.
The bike has been designed with both quality and aesthetics in mind, with a nifty little flair in the design of the tires used helping this to stand out from the crowd in terms of looks, while the performance levels are also surprisingly good for a bike of this price.
- The 19 inch frame makes this bike perfect for smaller riders.
- Comes with sturdy disk brakes that offer plenty of stopping power.
- The suspension allows for 65mm of travel.
- The 21 speed shifter is designed by Shimano, meaning you get smoother gear changes.
- The alloy wheels are sturdy while still offering superb performance.
What’s To Like About The Thruster KZ2600 with Dual-Suspension
Many people have complimented the bike because of the quality of the components used, with most being satisfied with the smoothness of gear changes and performance of the brakes. The use of aluminum for most of the major parts of the bike are also considered to be a big plus.
What’s Not To Like
A minority of users believe that Thruster have spent too much time on the looks of the bike and not enough ensuring they meet the expected standards of build quality every time. A few have experienced issues with failing brakes, which is something that you don’t want to occur when you are riding difficult trails.
Final Word
With a 3.3 out of 5 rating, the opinions of this bike are a fairly mixed bag. While a few people have encountered construction issues that hampered the experience, most have found the bike to be extremely reliable and excellent value for money.
Choosing From The Best Mountain Bike Under $1,000 Reviews
There are only really two choices to consider when selecting the best mountain bike under $1000 from this list, with those being the Diamondback Bicycles Full Suspension Mountain Bike and Schwinn High Timber Men’s 18 Mountain Bike. There is so very little to choose between the two and you are almost guaranteed to be satisfied with either one. However, the Diamondback just manages to top Schwinn’s offering because it offers additional customization which makes it a good choice for experienced riders.
Most of the other bikes on this list are similar to each other in terms of quality, but the Stowabike 26″ MTB V2 Mountain Bike stands out from the rest of the pack because of its focus on portability.