Tag: Full Suspension

Buying mountain bikes on a tight budget is an area of much debate among cycling enthusiast, with many arguments over exactly what the best full suspension mountain bike under $1000 is.

In recent years the debate has changed a little, however, with some of the top brands producing higher-end full suspension mountain bikes for a relatively small budget, with all the technology and high-quality specifications of more premium bike models in an affordable package.

Below, we’re going to break down the major features of some of the best budget mountain bikes on the market in 2020 to help you buy with confidence.

All of these bikes are great choices, but the list below has been designed to help you to find the perfect bike for your personal needs, giving you full comfort and satisfaction without breaking the bank.

View The Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike Under 1000 Below

1. Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike is a lightweight aluminum mountain bike designed for comfort on rough trails. The gear system comes with 24-speed EZ-Fire Shimano trigger shifters and a matching derailleur. This high-end gear technology reduces disruption to your cycling experience by simplifying and smoothing the gear shifting experience, keeping your ride smooth even on more complex trails.

Fully equipped with suspension, the bike front-loads its shock absorbers into the fork, ensuring that the bike absorbs the impact of rough terrain, protecting your arms and shoulders from the strain while allowing you to feel the terrain beneath your wheels and keep full control while riding.

Pros: 
+ Wide range of gear settings
+ Durable aluminum alloy rims
+ Minimal maintenance
+ Lightweight aluminum frame
+ Strong front suspension

Why We Liked It – The light aluminum frame of the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike keeps it easy to transport and easily offsets the added weight of the high-end suspension system and complex Shimano gear system.

2. Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle

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Another lightweight aluminum-framed mountain bike, the Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle has a light frame to offset a range of high-end comfort technology, keeping the whole package as light as possible without compromising on features.

Mongoose R2780 comes with a 21 speed Shimano rear derailleur and twist gear shifters, as well as an Element Suspension fork to offer a higher level of shock absorbency, combining to make cycling on rough, difficult terrain and trails far more comfortable and controlled. In addition to this, the bike features quick release wheels, making maintenance far easier, an important feature for a bike which may be facing intense strain during regular use.

Pros:
+ Lightweight aluminum frame
+ High-control fork design
+ Alloy disc brakes
+ Wide gear range
+ Quick-release wheels for easy maintenance

Why We Liked It – The control offered by the Mongoose R2780 Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle is unparalleled, combining fork suspension technology with the premium Shimano gear mechanism. In addition to this, the high-end alloy disc brakes provide fluid control and a short stopping distance.

3. Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

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The Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike is a compact trail bike packed with premium comfort features. Its small 26-inch aluminum frame is lightweight but comes with both front fork suspension to absorb shock and prevent it from impacting your arms and shoulders, and a rear floating beam suspension mechanism packed into a compact space.

This dual suspension design ensures a comfortable ride over difficult, rough surfaces at high speeds by absorbing as much shock as possible. The Kent KZ2600 is equipped with a front wheel disc brake to give full precise stopping control, as well as 21 speed Shimano gear shifters and a rear Tourney derailleur, giving more refined control over gear shifting.

Pros:
+ Alloy wheel rims
+ Wide gear range
+ Lightweight aluminum frame
+ Front disc brake
+ Floating beam suspension mechanism

Why We Liked It – The Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike offers a rear-mounted floating beam suspension system in addition to the more common front fork suspension, combining to give a more premium and effective suspension system than most of the competition.

4. Takara Jiro Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

Prioritizing control, the Takara Jiro Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike’s lightweight aluminum frame is equipped with disc brakes on both front and rear wheels, reducing stopping distances and providing more precise control when stopping.

The gear system attached is made up of Shimano Tourney derailleurs and handlebar shifters, giving a natural and fluid control to gear shifting with minimal interruption even at high speeds, thanks to high-quality components and an intuitive twist mechanism.

This all combines to give a strong sense of control when riding, even on rougher trails, thanks to the extra large tires to reduce impacts and the strong dual suspension systems.

Pros:
+ Front and rear disc brakes
+ Shimano twist shifted gears
+ Lightweight aluminum frame
+ Extra large tires
+ Alloy wheel rims

Why We Liked It – The Takara Jiro Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike gives full control over your riding experience as well as a comprehensive list of comfort features. This is a trail bike for those who want a smooth, comfortable cycling experience even on rough terrains at high speed.

5. Dynacraft Men’s 26″ 21 Speed Mountain Bike

The Dynacraft Men’s 26” 21 Speed Mountain Bike is a great budget option, packing a wide range of higher-end features into a lower priced design. Focused on comfort, the Dynacraft 26” bike has more padding than most competitors on both the seat and the handlebars, ensuring full comfort in any situation. The mountain bike seat can also be easily adjusted with its quick release design, ensuring ideal spacing for users of a wide range of heights.

The gear system is a 21 speed Shimano derailleur mechanism, offering smooth gear shifts, and the wheels are built with alloy rims to keep them straight even through intense use, preventing warping and ensuring your control does not weaken over the course of the bike’s lifespan.

Pros:
+ Wide gear range
+ Padded for comfort
+ Easily adjustable
+ Alloy wheel rims
+ Dual suspension system

Why We Liked It – The number of premium features that the Dynacraft Men’s 26” 21 Speed Mountain Bike manages to pack into such a low priced design is impressive. This is an excellent budget option for those who don’t want to splash out on a higher end bike.

Full Suspension Mountain Bike Under 1000 Buyers Guide

Disc brakes

Disc brakes offer a larger pad than alternatives, giving a larger contact area against the wheels. This enables your bike to stop faster, giving more control and a shorter stopping distance in addition to a smoother slow stop if desired. Disc brakes are often a little more durable, helping them to survive a little longer before replacements are necessary, and therefore reducing the level of maintenance needed to keep your mountain bike running smoothly and comfortably.

Twist gears vs. levers

Being able to change gear easily is particularly important for a mountain bike, as changing terrain requires different gear settings, as does forcing your bike uphill. There are multiple control systems available, however, which can subtly change how your bike handles. Most bikes offer a system of a handlebar mounted gear levers, but some allow you to change gears through twisting the handlebars. The twist gear system is smoother and easier to use at speed, as it is a more intuitive form of gear change, allowing for more control and less cognitive load.

Tire sizes

Different sizes of the wheel are available, and these can affect the experience of riding your bike more than you might expect. Larger wheels smooth out your ride, as they hide the roughness of the terrain, reducing the impact on your body and giving a more comfortable, smooth ride, while smaller wheels allow you to feel the ground beneath your wheels in all its detail and texture. Larger wheels may seem like the obvious choice for comfort, but smaller wheels have their advantages too; they offer a closer sense of contact with the ground, helping you to react to changes more naturally and efficiently.

Alloy wheels

The wheels of your bike take more strain than any other part during a bike ride, being pressed against the ground constantly and striking every bump in the road. This can lead to damage through extensive use, especially with cheaper wheel options.

A slight bend in the wheel rim can radically decrease the level of control you have over your bike in the field, impacting the precision of your steering and the comfort of your ride. Alloy wheels are designed for strength and resilience, however, reducing the chance of such damage and keeping your bike as easy to control as possible throughout its lifespan.

Why full suspension?

Full suspension bikes feature suspension systems at both the front and the rear of the bike, while hardtail models only have a single suspension part mounted in the front fork. This reduces the shock of riding over rough terrain, absorbing impacts from uneven ground. Hardtail mountain bikes tend to be cheaper than full suspension bikes, which is a worthwhile consideration, but affordable full suspension bikes are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible.

As such, there is no great reason to go with a hardtail bike over a full suspension option; the price difference is now relatively insignificant, while the comfort added by the dual suspension design can make a substantial difference to your cycling experience

Conclusion

There are a huge number of affordable full suspension mountain bikes on the market in 2020, as well as a similarly wide range of hardtail bikes for under $1000, but the 5 listed above are some of the very best. All of these are balanced, lightweight, and durable while offering good control and powerful, absorbent suspension.

Your decision on which mountain bike is the right model for you and your personal needs should focus on your personal plans for your mountain bike rather than any perceived objective ranking.

Are you planning on extreme trail cycling or more relaxed riding? What about wild, rocky terrain or just off-road paths? Longer or shorter bike rides? How fast are you planning on going? No matter what your answers are, all of the bikes above are worth considering, and hopefully, this guide will help you to buy with confidence, safe in the knowledge that any of these are good choices no matter what your plans are.

Amazon Recommends:

Bestseller No. 1

Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike, Men and Women, 18-Inch...

• Enhance comfort and performance with the 18-inch aluminum suspension frame,...
• Element suspension fork smooths the bumps and increases control
• Effortlessly switch gears with the 21-speed rear derailleur equipped with...

Check Price on Amazon

Bestseller No. 2

Ecarpat Full Dual Suspension 24 Inch Mountain Bike, 21-Speed Disc...

• 【Durable Steel Frame】24x15.5 inch sturdy and durable steel frame,...
• 【21-Speed with Disc Brakes】Twist Grip Shifter help to switch gears with...
• 【Front Fork+Shock Absorber】These all-terrain MTB feature...

Check Price on Amazon

Bestseller No. 3

Rycheer Ecarpat 26 Inch Women Mountain Bike, 21 Speeds Steel Mountain...

• New Upgraded Dual Suspension Mountain Bike-- Ecarpat Newest model is...
• Premium Sturdy Frame-- mountain bike with a modern Durable and Lightweight...
• 21-Speed and Powerful Dual Disc Brakes- The classic Shi-mano drivetrain...

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If you liked this review, please rate below.

Full suspension mountain bikes are built for the most challenging trails and tracks. Unlike their cousins, hardtail mountain bikes, they have suspension on both front and back wheels. This can add a bit of weight, but they mean that you can ride more quickly, with greater control on rougher, more technical trains.

The suspension offers you a smoother ride by absorbing the shock of any obstacles on the trail. As with all mountain bikes, you should be expecting some good braking technology that operates in all weathers and conditions. Wheel size will affect what the bike is like to ride: bigger usually means faster but less responsive.

In the article below we’ve surveyed five of the best value full suspension bikes. In each case, we’ve given you a short summary of their key features and then told you what makes them stand out to us.

Slightly lower budget? Check out these mountain bikes for less than $1500.

View The Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike Under $2000 Below

1. Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

A great offering from Schwinn. This bike has a dual suspension frame, meaning it is lightweight and can climb and descend easily. It has a 24-speed gear system, meaning that you’ll be able to get up the steepest of hills without to much trouble. Additionally, the gear system is made by Shimano, so you know you’re getting quality. It has a front disc brake and a rear alloy V-brake.

This combination keeps the weight down while guaranteeing safe stopping in all conditions. It has an alloy crank which is durable and will need little maintenance. The tires are well gripped and supported by light and strong alloy rims. The wheel size is 26″ which is a compromise between speed and maneuverability.

Pros:
+ Shimano gears
+ Front disc brake
+ Well-gripped tires
+ Alloy crank
+ Quick-release front wheel for easy transportation

Why We Like It – This is a bike with all the features you would expect from a full suspension bike. It’s got an aluminum alloy frame and will suit you well for starting to tackle some mountain trails.

2. GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

This bike features a strong aluminum frame that is durable without being too heavy. The frame is robust and well balanced which is essential for when you’re approaching mountain trails. At the rear, the bike offers a slightly different suspension mechanism to the Schwinn. It utilizes a floating beam design which is supposed to offer more progressive suspension. It’s adjustable and does get softer over time.

At the front, a Zoom suspension fork is fitted with elastomer/spring technology. It has front and rear disc brakes so if the trails that you’re planning on riding are especially muddy, then that’ll be a big help. If appearance matters to you, this is probably the best looking bike we’ve reviewed: it comes in a matte black and blue.

Pros:
+ Balanced frame
+ Floating beam suspension
+ Front and rear disc brakes
+ Zoom suspension fork
+ High-flange alloy hubs

Why We Like It – This is a really well-balanced bike from GMC. It has a great frame and a good suspension system. The dual disc brakes make it perfect for tough conditions.

For cheaper options, consider these full-suspension mountain bikes under $1000.

3. Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

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This is a good aluminum-framed cheap mountain bike with 26″ wheels and a floating beam suspension mechanism. It has a 21-speed gear system with Shimano shifter and a rear tourney derailleur. It has grippy mountain bike tires and durable alloy wheel rims. At the price, it represents excellent value.

You’ll probably be surprised at how lightweight it is thanks to the aluminum frame. At 26″ inches, the wheels will give you a nice balance between downhill speed and responsiveness.

They have 36-spoke alloy rims, guaranteeing a high level of durability. In terms of braking, it offers a front disc brake and a rear alloy V-brake. There is a quick-release seat post clamp, meaning that you can quickly adjust the saddle height if you like changing your seating position for climbing.

Pros:
+ 36-spoke wheels
+ Quick release seat post clamp
+ Lightweight aluminum frame
+ Excellent value
+ Alloy rims

Why We Like It – If you’re looking for an excellent value bike that’ll introduce you to the world of mountain biking then maybe this is the bike for you. The full suspension system will cushion any rough terrain and will encourage you to get out and about again and again.

4. Polaris RMK Full Suspension Bicycle

This is a fairly classic full suspension bike. At the rear, it has a traditional, single-pivot suspension system that is reliable and effective. With fewer moving parts, the single-pivot system has less to go wrong and less to repair if it ever does go wrong. This Polaris features a 21-speed gear system with a Shimano Mega Range cassette on the rear wheel.

It had Shimano Revo twist gear-changing mechanism which some people prefer over the newer paddle system. The frame is steel, so it will be a little heavier than an aluminum-framed bike. If you’re tackling lots of hills, then do bear this in mind. It has a front disc brake and a rear linear pull. Included are reflectors and a kickstand, giving you that versatility for urban use.

Pros:
+ 21-speed gear system
+ Traditional, twist gear-changing
+ Single-pivot suspension
+ Aluminum rims
+ Reflectors and kickstand included

Why We Like It – This steel-framed full suspension mountain bike is very durable. It’ll see you through several years of trail-riding and mountain biking adventures. It’s a traditional design that has been tried and tested.

5. Takara Jiro Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

This bike is made using 6061 aluminum alloy. It’s an aluminum alloy frequently used on bikes because it has a very good strength to weight ratio. The result is that this bike is surprisingly lightweight for what it is. It’ll see you up the sides of hills and ravines quickly. The wheels and tires are big: 27.5″. Their large diameter gives you a greater potential for speed when you’re riding.

Their 2.125″ width balances this speed with stability and means that you’ll have a great grip on any surface you’re riding on. The floating bar suspension offers progressive suspension and, in combination with the front fork, will ensure that shock to your body is minimized, making for a more comfortable ride.

It features twist shifters, minimizing weight and providing what is often a more straightforward method of changing gears. It has disc brakes front and rear for maximum braking potential.

Pros:
+ 6061 Aluminum frame
+ Front and rear disc brakes.
+ Thick tires
+ Soft Vitesse saddle
+ Low rise handlebars

Why We Like It – It’s a full suspension mountain bike that has all the features you could want without being ridiculously heavy. It’s got a great aluminum frame that is durable and built to last. It’ll serve as a great way to explore new off-road tracks and trails.

Full Suspension Mountain Bike Under $2000 Buyers Guide

When making your purchase for a full suspension mountain bike, there are a few things you should consider. If you already know where you’re planning on riding it, then this will really help you make your mind up. Some features tend to lend themselves better to different situations.

If the tracks you’re planning on riding are very technical and need a lot of quick maneuvering, then you should be looking at a bike with a smaller set of wheels, for example. Or if you live in a hilly area or want to go riding in one, then your choice of gear-system should be at the front of your mind.

Below we’ve picked out some of the key components of a full suspension mountain bike and explained what to look for.

Frame

A mountain bike frame needs to be strong. This is because it takes a lot of punishing on the trails. Because of this, you’ll either need a good aluminum alloy or steel. Aluminum is lighter, but steel is stronger. If you’re planning on really thrashing your bike around, think about steel. Otherwise, the lower weight of aluminum is a huge advantage, especially when you’re climbing. It does tend to be more expensive, so that’s something to bear in mind, too.

Suspension System

In the bikes we’ve reviewed there are two suspension systems: the single pivot and the floating bar (also called the four-bar system). Both provide you with that all important back wheel cushioning, but they operate in slightly different ways.

The single-point suspension is a much more straightforward system. It has a single shock absorber which cushions the forces from the rear wheel. Its main advantage is its simplicity. It has few moving parts and good small bump compliance. It can’t provide huge levels of extension without damaging the chain.

Floating bar is an adaptation of the single pivot design. It operates in a very similar way, but it attaches additional linkages. Its advantage over a more straightforward single pivot design is that it offers more progressive, comfortable shock absorption. It is, however, a more complicated design and therefore has more components to go wrong.

Brakes

When you’re going quickly downhill in rocky terrain, you need to be able to stop quickly. Brakes are absolutely essential on mountain bikes. More than that, disc brakes are pretty much a must. All of the bikes we’ve reviewed have disc brakes on at least the front wheel.

Disc brakes operate much better than V-brakes in difficult weather conditions. Sometimes V-brakes require one revolution of the wheel to clear them of mud or water before they start working effectively. Disc brakes are much more responsive.

Two disc brakes might, therefore, be a better choice than one if you’re planning on riding in tough conditions. The downside is that disc brakes add extra weight.

Wheels

When it comes to wheels, it is important to choose something durable that can cope with difficult riding conditions. A big factor in durability is the number of spokes a wheel has. The more spokes, the more likely it will be to stay true.

In terms of size, a bigger wheel will mean you can go faster. However, smaller wheels are easier to manipulate and are recommended when the downhill conditions are particularly technical and need responsive handling.

Gears

For a mountain bike, a good gearing system is essential to enable you to climb hills and blast through muddy terrain. All of the bikes reviewed have fairly similar 21-24 speed gear systems which will offer you a high level of versatility.

The one thing to consider is the shifters. You can either go for a twist or paddle mechanism. It’s a matter of personal preference, but some people find the traditional twist mechanism easier to handle and more responsive, particularly during uphill climbs.

Conclusion

Once you’ve thought about where you’re going to use your bike, the next thing on your mind will really just be working out what you like. This might be a particular size of the wheel or even a particular look. Mountain biking is a great sport, and the more you do it, the more you’ll enjoy it.

The sport is also very technology driven, so you want to arrive on the trail knowing something about the choices you’ve made. It’s worth taking some time deciding about your bike because you want to be confident in your decision.

If you get a bike that you love, then you’ll love being out on it. This’ll mean more time outside, more fresh air, and more exercise. Happy riding!

Amazon Recommends:

Bestseller No. 1

Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike, Men and Women, 18-Inch...

• Enhance comfort and performance with the 18-inch aluminum suspension frame,...
• Element suspension fork smooths the bumps and increases control
• Effortlessly switch gears with the 21-speed rear derailleur equipped with...

Check Price on Amazon

Bestseller No. 2

Ecarpat Full Dual Suspension 24 Inch Mountain Bike, 21-Speed Disc...

• 【Durable Steel Frame】24x15.5 inch sturdy and durable steel frame,...
• 【21-Speed with Disc Brakes】Twist Grip Shifter help to switch gears with...
• 【Front Fork+Shock Absorber】These all-terrain MTB feature...

Check Price on Amazon

Bestseller No. 3

Rycheer Ecarpat 26 Inch Women Mountain Bike, 21 Speeds Steel Mountain...

• New Upgraded Dual Suspension Mountain Bike-- Ecarpat Newest model is...
• Premium Sturdy Frame-- mountain bike with a modern Durable and Lightweight...
• 21-Speed and Powerful Dual Disc Brakes- The classic Shi-mano drivetrain...

Check Price on Amazon

If you liked this review, please rate below.