The Best Women’s Mountain Bike Under 1000 Dollars

Mountain bikes are a great way to get out and ride the local trails in your area. Not only are they great for exercising, but they give you a chance to explore paths that other bikes can’t handle as easily.

Mountain bikes are generally able to handle rougher terrain than either a hybrid or road bike. They typically feature thicker, more durable wide tires, plus a heavier frame.

This makes mountain bikes a great option for trail riding, and allows them to handle dirt paths, rocky paths, mountain paths, and rugged terrain. Due to their weight and thick tires, mountain bikes are also generally not going to reach the high speeds of hybrid bikes or road bikes.

You can learn more about the Best Women’s Road Bikes Under $500.

The price range for a mountain bike can vary widely. A decent beginner mountain bike generally begins at around $500.

You can start getting many of the more advanced features starting around the $1000 price point. From there, mountain bikes can go up in price to up to $10,000 or more. The following guide will help you find the best mountain bikes under $1000.

You can learn more about the many great National Parks and trails for mountain biking in Virginia! Some of my personal favorite trails are the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, which includes over 40 miles of trails through woodland and parkland throughout Fairfax County in Northern Virginia.

This guide will help you find a great value on your next trail bike!

Top photo by Nik Owens on Unsplash.

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Best Women’s Mountain Bike Under 1000 Dollars

Liv Tempt 1


What to Look For in a Mountain Bike

When looking for a new mountain bike, there are some special features that you’ll want to keep in mind when trying to figure out which bike is the best option for you.

Most bikes feature either hardtail or full suspension (also called dual suspension). A hardtail mountain bike is sometimes recommended for more entry-level bikes, and for beginner riders. Hardtail is generally better at handling climbs and is generally easier to maintain.

Full suspension mountain bikes (dual suspension) is more costly to manufacture and maintain, as it involves a more complicated rear shock component. It generally tends to handle real rough terrain better though.

Another feature to look for is the type of brakes. Most bikes will come with either mechanical disc brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, caliper rim brakes, or V-brakes. The cheaper mountain bike models are more likely to have caliper rim brakes or V-brakes.

The wheel size for mountain bikes is generally 26-inch, 27.5-inch, or 29-inch in diameter. Larger wheels will be slower to both accelerate and brake, however, they have more traction and a greater ability to roll over rough terrain.

Tire width is another important thing to consider. 2.0 tires are very narrow (more like road bikes), while 2.8 tires are very wide (like fat-tire bikes). Wider tires will be slower but will provide more traction and control over rough terrain.

Mountain bike frame material generally comes in aluminum, steel, titanium, and carbon fiber. Aluminum is the most common, particularly at lower price points. Steel frames are very durable but considerably heavier.

Hydraulic disc brakes are the preferred type of brakes because they provide excellent responsive stopping power even in wet or rugged conditions. They tend to be a feature of more expensive bikes. Mechanical disc brakes are a cheaper alternative to hydraulic brakes.


Buying a Mountain Bike Online

When buying a mountain bike online, the bike will require some assembly when it arrives. You can assemble the bike yourself, pay for assembly when ordering the bike, or you can take it to a local bike shop for help with assembly. It’s also a good idea to bring the bike to a local shop to have them assist with any adjustments or check-ups.


Mountain Bike Comparison Chart

Best Mountain BikesFeaturesPrice
Liv Tempt 1-27.5 inch and 29 inch wheels
-Aluminum frame
-Front suspension
-7 speeds
-Hydraulic disc brakes
Click Here to Price
Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth/Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike-26 inch wheels
-Hardtail
-Steel frame
-16 speeds
-Fat tire
-Mechanical disc brakes
Click Here for Price
Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike-29 inch wheels
-Dual suspension
-Aluminum frame
-24 speeds
-Mechanical disc brakes
Click Here for Price
Gravity FSX 1.0-26 inch wheels
-Dual suspension
-Aluminum frame
-24 speeds
-Mechanical disc brakes
Click Here for Price
Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike-26 inch wheels
-Rigid suspension
-Steel frame
-7 speeds
-Mechanical disc brakes
Click Here for Price
Cannondale Trail 5 Women’s Bike-27.5 inch wheels
-Front suspension
-Aluminum frame
-10 speeds
-Hydraulic disc brakes

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Liv Tempt 1

Bike TypeMountain Bike
Weight28.5 lbs
Wheels27.5 inch, 29 inch
FrameAluminum
BrakesHydraulic Disc Brakes
Speeds7
SuspensionFront

The Liv Tempt 1 is my top pick for best women’s mountain bike under 1000 dollars. Unlike many of the unisex bikes available, the Liv Tempt 1 is designed specifically for women. It was created using “Women’s-specific geometry” for optimal balance, control, and comfort.

The bike features a lighter weight aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and front suspension. It also comes in both 27.5-inch wheels and 29-inch wheels, for greater versatility to match your needs. All of these characteristics make it one of the best women’s mountain bikes to choose from.

ProsCons
Hydraulic Disc brakesMore pricey than some other options
Specifically designed for womenNot as many speeds as some other options
Lightweight aluminum frameSome issues with brake responsiveness

Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth/Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike

Bike TypeMountain Bike
Weight37 lbs
Wheels26 inch
FrameSteel
BrakesMechanical Disc Brakes
Speeds7
SuspensionRigid

The Mongoose Argus is a great fat tire mountain bike option (also referred to as a fat bike). The fat tires can handle snow biking, though the tire tread is not as deep as it could be. It is built for youths and adults, and so make sure to choose the right size when purchasing.

It comes in several color options, including green, blue, copper, gray, and red. It only has 7 speeds, which is less than some of the other bikes on this list, and it also has no suspension, which means that it won’t absorb shocks like the dual suspension and hardtail bike options.

Another thing to note is that the Argus is made of steel, rather than aluminum, which makes it heavier than other bikes in this guide.

ProsCons
Comes in a variety of cool colorsNo suspension (rigid)
Great for snow bikingOnly 7 gears
Good responsive breaksTire tread is not as deep
Strong durable steel frame

Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike

Bike TypeMountain Bike
Weight49 lbs
Wheels29 inch
FrameAluminum
BrakesMechanical Disc Brakes
Speeds24
SuspensionDual Suspension

Schwinn is one of the most famous American bike brands, and they are well known for producing quality bikes. I personally own a Schwinn and it is very durable and sturdy. The Schwinn Traxion comes with great features for an affordable price. It has mechanical disc brakes for quick and controlled stops, dual suspension, and 24 speeds. One negative is that it is heavier than some of the other models on this list.

ProsCons
Great shock systemSeat is not comfortable
Easy assemblyHandle-grips are not as comfortable
Great priceNo water bottle holes
Great customer service

Gravity FSX 1.0

Bike TypeMountain Bike
Weight35 lbs
Wheels26 inch
FrameAluminum
BrakesMechanical Disc Brakes
Speeds24
SuspensionDual Suspension

The Gravity FSX 1.0 is one of the more affordable bikes available. It has excellent features for its price point, including adjustable front suspension and rear suspension, 24 speeds, and mechanical disc brakes. It also comes with a bicycle pump, which is a nice bonus. This is a great bike for your first mountain bike or for more casual riding.

ProsCons
Great price pointNot as durable for rougher trails
Easy assemblyTires not as durable
Strong durable frameSeat is not comfortable

Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike

Bike TypeMountain Bike
Weight37 lbs
Wheels26 inch
FrameSteel
BrakesMechanical Disc Brakes
Speeds7
SuspensionRigid

The Mongoose Malus is another fat tire option to consider. It has many similar features to the Mongoose Argus highlighted above. The bike is made of steel, which makes it very durable but a little heavier than some of the aluminum options.

The Mongoose Dolomite is another option to check out. It is an earlier version of the same bike.

ProsCons
Great price pointNo suspension (rigid)
Easy assemblyOnly 7 gears
Strong durable steel frame

Cannondale Trail 5 Women’s Bike

Bike TypeMountain Bike
Weight31 lbs
Wheels27.5 inch
FrameAluminum
BrakesHydraulic Disc Brakes
Speeds10
SuspensionFront

The Cannondale Trail 5 Women’s Bike is one of the best bikes to consider. Unlike many of the unisex bikes on this list, it is specifically designed for women. It includes many top-notch features that are found on more expensive bikes. For instance, it has hydraulic disc brakes, which are better than the mechanical disc brakes found on some less expensive bikes. Its aluminum frame also makes it a great lightweight bike option on this list.

ProsCons
Hydraulic disc brakesMore pricey than some other options
Specifically designed for womenNot as many speeds as some other options
Excellent frame design
Lightweight aluminum frame

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