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 Bikes | Features | Price |
| 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 | Click Here for Price |
Liv Tempt 1
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Weight | 28.5 lbs |
| Wheels | 27.5 inch, 29 inch |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Speeds | 7 |
| Suspension | Front |
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.
| Pros | Cons |
| Hydraulic Disc brakes | More pricey than some other options |
| Specifically designed for women | Not as many speeds as some other options |
| Lightweight aluminum frame | Some issues with brake responsiveness |
Mongoose Argus ST & Trail Youth/Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Weight | 37 lbs |
| Wheels | 26 inch |
| Frame | Steel |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Speeds | 7 |
| Suspension | Rigid |
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.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes in a variety of cool colors | No suspension (rigid) |
| Great for snow biking | Only 7 gears |
| Good responsive breaks | Tire tread is not as deep |
| Strong durable steel frame |
Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Weight | 49 lbs |
| Wheels | 29 inch |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Speeds | 24 |
| Suspension | Dual 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.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great shock system | Seat is not comfortable |
| Easy assembly | Handle-grips are not as comfortable |
| Great price | No water bottle holes |
| Great customer service |
Gravity FSX 1.0
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Weight | 35 lbs |
| Wheels | 26 inch |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Speeds | 24 |
| Suspension | Dual 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.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great price point | Not as durable for rougher trails |
| Easy assembly | Tires not as durable |
| Strong durable frame | Seat is not comfortable |
Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Weight | 37 lbs |
| Wheels | 26 inch |
| Frame | Steel |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Speeds | 7 |
| Suspension | Rigid |
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.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great price point | No suspension (rigid) |
| Easy assembly | Only 7 gears |
| Strong durable steel frame |
Cannondale Trail 5 Women’s Bike
| Bike Type | Mountain Bike |
| Weight | 31 lbs |
| Wheels | 27.5 inch |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
| Speeds | 10 |
| Suspension | Front |
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.
| Pros | Cons |
| Hydraulic disc brakes | More pricey than some other options |
| Specifically designed for women | Not as many speeds as some other options |
| Excellent frame design | |
| Lightweight aluminum frame |
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