Whether you’re an experienced mountain biker or someone who is just looking to take their first trail ride, you know that it can be an expensive sport. Mountain bikes of the modern era are not like the models that were available 20 years ago. We now have bikes that would blow their older competition out of the water. With the evolution of mountain bike technology, we can have our pick of exactly what we want in the perfect mountain bike.

Tires have gotten wider, frames have gotten longer, seats are more easily adjustable, bars have become stronger and more customizable, and gears are much quicker to change. And, these are only a few of the modern innovations that you can expect from the mountain bikes of today.

We have put together a list of the 6 best mountain bikes under $1000. This way you will be able to see what is available to you without burning a hole in your pocket. The more you can save on your bike, the more you’ll have left over for gas money to get you to the trailhead.

Alternative: Best Electric Mountain Bikes.

View The Mountain Bikes Under $1000 Below

1. Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike, 29″ Wheels

Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike, 29

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Schwinn has long been a widely trusted name in the world of biking. You will have a super smooth, floating experience with the aluminum dual-suspension frame and fork. The EZ-fire trigger shifters will allow you to fire through the 24 speeds with ease and precision while going down the mountain. With front and rear derailleurs, everything will slide into place seamlessly.

No matter what elements you face on the trail, you will be confident with the front and rear mechanical disc brakes. The 2.25 inch tired will provide all the grip you need, and the double wall alloy rims give riders strength and stability. The 18″ frame is well suited for riders between 5’6 and 5’10. This is a great bike for multiple levels of terrain.

Pros:
+ Dual suspension
+ Extra-wide rims
+ Mechanical disc brakes
+ 24 Speeds
+ EZ Fire gear changers

Why we like it – This bike offers everything you want in a solid mountain bike. The suspension is really smooth and allows you to take bigger drops with less stress on your joints.


2. Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive

Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive

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Diamondback has designed an extremely reliable hardtail mountain bike that will stand up to whatever you need it to on the trail. This mountain bike is best designed for riding cross country as opposed to ripping it down the rocky slopes. You will have a good amount of control with the mechanical disc brakes which are mounted on DB Sl-7 tires. These tires will keep you locked securely against the earth and prevent unwanted slips.

The drivetrain is made by Shimano and offers 24 speeds with 8 on the back sprocket and 3 on the front. Your gear shifting will be effortless and seamless. The 80 mm Suntour suspension fork also helps to offer a smoother ride. This bike comes mostly pre-assembled and is made to ship easily. It only takes 30-60 minutes to finish assembling when it shows up.

Pros:
+ Durable/simple design
+ DB SL-7 tires
+ 24-speed
+ Cross-country specific
+ Mostly assembled

Why we like it – Sometimes you just need a no-nonsense bike to get you across the trail in a reliable fashion. That’s exactly what this bike offers and comes with the suspension, speeds, tires, and brakes that you need.


3. Diamondback Bicycles Hook

Diamondback Bicycles Hook

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This bike has been designed with the tighter trails in mind. Along with its close siblings the line and sync’r, Diamondback Hook has a low center of gravity, short tail and long front to offer you exceptional levels of control. The low center of gravity allows you to be maneuverable and stable on any type of terrain, at any speed. A 120mm Suntour suspension fork adds to the prestige of this ride as it gives you a real suave ride.

The 1/8 drivetrain allows you to pick between 8 different speeds and doesn’t bother with any additional speeds. This bike is mostly meant to be going downhill for that reason. You won’t need to worry about losing control with the wide 27.5″ wheels. This bike is great for the trail or shorter road trips in between bombing sessions.

Pros:
+ Long front
+ Short tail
+ Low frame
+ Downhill trail bike
+ 8-speed

Why we like it – Although this is still a fairly simple bike, it does the trick when flying down the hill. You’re able to keep good control of it and the lower center of gravity really makes a difference in those tighter and quicker turns.


4. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike

Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike

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This fat tire mountain bike is purely designed to conquer the off-road echelon. The steel frame sits on supersized all-terrain tires. You may not be able to keep up to the road bikes, but you’ll be sticking to the trail whether its dirt, rocks, grass or otherwise. Twist shifters allow you to switch between the 7 speeds to get you up hills easier.

Although the tires are supersized, the rims are made of alloy and are a real help when keeping the weight to a minimum. The simple beach cruiser pedals are comfortable to lay your feet on and the mechanical disc brakes will keep you from breaking yourself. This bike ships ready to be assembled and comes in at a weight of 52 pounds.

Pros:
+ Fat tires
+ Disk brakes
+ Alloy rims
+ 7-speed
+ Pre-assembled

Why we like it – This is a really tough bike and is going to get the job done on the rugged terrain. You’re not looking for a lightweight speed bike and this one is not meant to be treated as such. You can beat this bad boy up and down the trail all day and it’ll still come back for more.


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

Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men's Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

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Looking for a bike with a little more of a flashy design? Here you go. This Schwinn Protocol 1.0 mountain bike offers dual suspension by way of the front fork suspension as well as the rear “under-seat” spring suspension. They have chosen Shimano as the main provider of the moving parts with a 24-speed derailleur that is easy to shift with the EZ fire shifters.

No matter what type of terrain you are on, you will have the confidence to stop on a dime with the front disc brake and the rear alloy V-brake. The knobby tires sit nicely within the alloy rims and will aid you whether you are riding the trails or on the road. This is a pretty versatile bike for a good price point. At 43 pounds, it’s starting to get a little lighter on the mountain which will make it easier for you and your bike to make it from point A to B.

Pros:
+ 43 pounds
+ Dual suspension
+ 24-speed
+ Front-end disc brakes
+ Versatile design

Why we like it – As far as a mountain bike under $1000 is concerned, this bike does the trick. It is a pretty versatile machine and will work whether you’re on the trail or the road. It’s fairly easy to set up and will have you on the road in no time.


6. Schwinn Men’s Protocol 2.7 Mountain Bike

Schwinn Men's Protocol 2.7 Mountain Bike

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The newer version of the aforementioned Protocol 1.0, the Protocol 2.7 will have you eager to get it off the website and under your feet so you can get on the trail. This bike has everything you need including 2.7″ wide tires, 21-speeds, EZ fire shifters, and dual suspension. You will have a really smooth ride that can conquer many trails over and over again. This is considered to be a really great weekend warrior bike for less than $1000.

With descents you will have no trouble as the front-end mechanical disc brakes keep you where you need to be. Grip the trail and feel the wind soar past you as you rip down your favorite bike tracks.

Pros:
+2.7″ tires
+ Mechanical disc brakes
+ 21-speed
+ EZ fire shifters
+ Pre-assembled

Why we like it – This bike just ups the anti from the Protocol 1.0 It’s slightly wider and easier to handle and can take on a little bit more roughness. Whether you’re going up or down the hill, you’ll want a bike exactly like this one to get you where to want to go and how you want to get there.


Mountain Bike Under $1000 Buyers Guide

What to look for in a mountain bike under $1000

As innovations improve and expand in the world of mountain bikes, so many more options open up to consumers. In the old days, there were only a few frame styles, a few pedal styles, and limited accessory add-ons. Now we are able to have our pick of the litter. This is fantastic for mountain bikers but also can add to buyers confusion.

How do you know what you should be looking for in a mountain bike? Especially when you’re talking about budget options, you want to make sure you’re still going to get the trail runner you need. Here is a short explanation of what you should look out of in a mountain bike under $1000.

Size

Bikes are not one size fits all. If you’ve ever ridden a bike that is too small or too large, you may know the discomfort doing so can cause. If a bike is too small, you won’t be able to get the amount of power thrust into the pedals to push you up the hill. If it is too large, you maybe won’t be able to reach the pedals at all. Bikes are made with different heights in mind. The typical sizing options are as follows:

Height – Frame Size

4’11” – 5’3 – 13-15″ inches
5’4″ – 5’7 – 15-17 inches
5’8″ – 5’11 – 17-19 inches
5’11 – 6’2 – 19-21 inches
6’2 – 6’4 – 21-23 inches
6’4 + – 23 + inches

If you stick with this general outline of frame sizing for your height, you will generally be okay and have a bike that is the right size for you. Keep in mind that mountain bike sizing is different from a road bike and hybrid bike sizing. This is not an umbrella sizing chart.

Tire Width

The tire size and width will be determined by a few factors. What type of terrain you are riding, what experience level you have, and what kind of control you want to have over the bike. It is recommended that at some point, riders test out some wider tires. Tires between 2.5 and 3 inches will offer a ton of stability on the bike.

This is great for people who want a little extra peace of mind on the bike and to help you steer clear of trees and rocks. Wider tires will absolutely help you stay in a little better control. With wide tires, you lose a little bit of speed and agility. You are a little less able to pick up the velocity you may need on a flatter or dryer trail.

If you are going to be riding a lot of rough, unpredictable, downhill terrain, then try out some wider tires and see how they feel. If you can afford to gain a little bit of speed and mobility by dropping your tire size, eventually you will need to replace tires anyway, so you can always give them a try. Riders on more dry and straight terrain will definitely benefit from a smaller tire width.

Wheel Size

Wheel and tire size are a bit different. We covered the tire size already, but you also want to note what size of wheel you want. This means the diameter of the entire rim. The larger the rims, the smoother your ride may be. Generally rims come in sizes such as 25″ – 29″. 29-inch tires are a large standard for mountain bikes.

If you want to be able to gain a little bit of a smoother ride, then a larger tire may be what you want to try out. Although, the more size you have in a tire, the more weight your bike will have. This will affect the maneuverability and portability of your bike.

Frame

There are various types and sizes of frames you can choose from. A typical term that is used is reached. Some bikes are being made with longer reach as they offer riders a more centered weight distribution. This can give a lot more control on faster downhill descents while decreasing stability at slower speeds.

Again think about the type of terrain and riding you’ll do. Where you need more control, you may want to go with a frame that puts your center of gravity a little lower. On flatter terrain, you can afford to be a little higher off the ground.

Suspension

Dual suspension is great if you are going to be bouncing off of rocks and want to save your keister. Added suspension simply keeps things less rigid and allows for some play. If you’re on extra rugged terrain, having back suspension may allow you to ride for longer and with more comfort. On flat terrain, a dual suspension is not always necessary.

You will only need a slightly loosened front suspension to help save your wrists from any unexpected jolts. The length and allowance of your suspension will be determined by how hard and rigorous you ride. If you need the extra cushioning, then having dual suspension can be a butt-saver in the long run.

Derailleurs

Some bikes come with derailleurs in the front that give you more variety in the speeds. Although in the larger picture, the speeds you will have will generally be very close. A front derailleur offers a little more of a smooth transition between your speeds. This also means there is more in between your pedals and the frame.

With a more simple design, and losing the front derailleur, you gain stability and tightness in the bike. You may not need the extra derailleur at the front, so decide whether or not you want that extra stability over the more versatile speeds. Also, front derailleurs add more moving parts and possible components that can break later on.

Conclusion

Are you ready to hit the trails? Hopefully, we have summed up the necessary information that you will need to make a confident buying decision. There are still a ton of factors that could come into play and many of them you will learn as you gain experience on the trail. Enjoy your next ride.

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For all of us mountain dwellers who need to have the fresh air and the company of wildlife around us, we need to have the right tires for our mountain bikes. Tires are one of the cheaper but more important parts of the bike and will largely determine the level of grip and performance you get out of your tires.

We have decided to put together a list of the 5 best mountain bike tires in 2021. Here you can compare different tires and decide which one has the right features for your riding style.

Related: Front Wheel Electric Bike Kit

View The Best Mountain Bike Tires Below

1. Goodyear Folding Bead Mountain Bike Tire

Goodyear Folding Bead Mountain Bike Tire

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Goodyear doesn’t just help keep cars on the road. They also work to keep you gripped to your favorite mountain path. These tires will fit on rims that are 2″-2.125″ and 26″ rims. This is a basic tread pattern that will give you a good grip on softer surfaces like grass and dirt.

The folding bead design helps the tire to stick strongly to the rim and is easy to store if you are using them as a set of spares. They have great value and are a good place to start for beginner mountain bikers.

Pros:
+ Folding bead
+ Lightweight
+ Grip soft surfaces
+ Great value

Why we like it – As far as a reliable and durable pair of mountain bike tires go, these ones by Goodyear are all you need to get started. They are not fitted with the latest grip patterns and most advanced rubber, but on softer surfaces, they feel great and grip well to the ground.


2. Schwinn All Terrain Bicycle Tire (MTN)

Schwinn All Terrain Bicycle Tire (MTN)

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All-terrain tires are meant for riders who sometimes need to ride the roads to get to the trailhead. These tires are meant to be ridden on both smoother, harder surfaces, as well as softer, rougher surfaces. You get the versatility of being able to go from pavement to rock pile with great grip and strength. They are meant for bikes with rims at 26’X1.9″.

Since they are slightly narrower than some mountain bike tires, they will be suitable for the rider who doesn’t need as much grip but likes to keep the rolling resistance to a minimum. They have a built-in flat-resistant layer to help protect from punctures.

Pros:
+ Versatile
+ Narrow
+ Lightweight
+ Flat resistant

Why we like it– The simplicity of being able to go from the road to the trail is really nice. Sometimes riding tires that are strictly meant for the mountain mean that riding on the pavement is often not an option. they still work great on the rougher trails as long as you don’t need a heavy duty style of a mountain bike tire.


3. Maxxis Ardent TR EXO Tire

Maxxis Ardent TR EXO Tire

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The Maxxis Ardent TR Exo tire is designed to do it all when it comes to trail riding. It is built to have lower roll resistance to give you a lot better momentum on the trail. Very lightweight and adaptable to various trail conditions allow you to stay connected in the sun or the rain. The tubeless setup means that you will have less moving parts to worry about, and the tire becomes highly puncture resistant. The knobby designs are there to help you stay fully gripped to the trail on tight turns and to roll easily on flat terrain.

Pros:
+ High puncture resistance
+ All-around tire
+ Good hard terrain grip
+ Tubeless

Why we like it – This tire is an all-around dream that gives you confidence on rough trails as well as seamless momentum on smooth trails. The puncture resistance matches that of industry leaders and you won’t find yourself on the side of the road too often. With a tubeless design, you don’t need to worry about buying an extra inner tube to go along with it.


4. KENDA Smoke Type K816 Bicycle Tire

KENDA Smoke Type K816 Bicycle Tire

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This tire will fit onto rims that are 26X2.1 inches. They are beefy when it comes to the treads. They grip perfectly to hard and soft surfaces with no problems at all. When riding up steep hills and descending at maximum velocity, they hold to the ground and give you the confidence you want in order to stay on top of it all.

They are really easy to install and have durable sidewall strength. This will help the tire resist bulges and pops when going around harsher corners and hitting heavier trail styles.

Pros:
+ Aggressive teeth
+ Puncture resistant
+ Hard trail equipped
+ Strong grip

Why we like it – Whether your climbing, gliding, bombing, you can be confident with these tires beneath you. The look of them alone will make you want to take that tight turn at a higher velocity just because you can.


5. Schwinn Bike Replacement Tire with Kevlar

Schwinn Bike Replacement Tire with Kevlar

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This mountain bike tire is great for easier trails. It is not specifically designed to take on more intricate and daring courses. The tread is more shallow which allows for less rolling resistance. The Kevlar tread center reduces the likelihood of punctures. So if you’re going over surfaces with lots of small rocks, you can be confident that it won’t blow out.

This tire measures 26X1.9″. The beading is made of steel to allow it to have a longer lifespan. This is a really comfortable riding tire and any cruiser will be happy to throw it on the rim.

Pros:
+ Comfortable ride
+ Shallow tread
+ Low rolling resistance
+ Steel beading

Why we like it – Compared to many mountain bike tires, this one gives you the smoothest ride you can ask for. Although it isn’t meant for heavy trail riding, for more smooth trails you get a really nice gliding sensation and a nice and comfortable ride.


Mountain Bike Tires Buyers Guide

What to look for in mountain bike Tires

Mountain bike tires are made different from road bike tires, and that is because they have to deal with an entirely different world of circumstances. Dirt, gravel, mud, water, rocks, and other elements will be coming into contact with your tires and you want to be able to stay within your means all the while. So when you’re buying mountain bike tires, what are some of the things you need to look out for?

Tire Size

Mountain bike tires will come in sizes that range from 24 to 29 inches. Be sure that you know what size of tire you need to fit on your rim before going ahead and buying the tires.

Tire Width

Mountain bike tires will start at 1.8 inches and go all the way up to 3 inches in extreme cases. 1.2 inches may not seem like a lot, but when it comes to grip and rolling resistance, you will certainly notice it. The wider the tire, the more grip, and stability you will have. For really rough terrain with the loose ground underneath, wider tires can help you stay on top of your bike as opposed to underneath it. Wider tires also mean you will have more contact with the ground, therefore, more resistance. On flatter surfaces, it may be more difficult to pick up some extra steam. What type of surface will you be mostly riding on?

Riding Style

If you’re going to be riding really rocky and unpredictable ground, you’ll want to be equipped with mountain bike tires that can stick to the surfaces. Going over rocks, especially wet ones can cause you to slip out and fall. If you are not riding on really rough terrain and you are mostly going cross country riding, tires with less grip and a narrower base will be fine for you. That will allow you to pick up some more speed and stay fluent when going from downhill to uphill sections.

Rubber Hardness

The hardness of the rubber on your tire will determine how much grip, durability, and rolling resistance you will experience. A harder tire will be able to roll much easier but will lack extra grip. With softer rubber, you gain comfort and grip, but also gain rolling resistance.

The more rigorous your riding style is, the softer you may want your rubber to be. Harder rubber will help you stay at a necessary velocity when you are on a longer-term track. There are exceptions to the rule, however, and what works for one rider may work differently for another.

Tire Styles

You can get three different types of tires. The clincher, tubeless, and tubular.

Clincher tires use beading on the outside of the rubber in order for the tres to grip onto the trim. They require you to have an inner tube and utilize air pressure to maintain a tight seal. These types of tires are the easiest to replace but also the least durable.

Tubeless tires are meant for the more experienced riders. They offer higher puncture resistance and durability. The downside is that they are harder to replace and may take a bit longer. However, they are able to be ridden after a puncture for a short time, so your ride may not have to come to an abrupt end.

Tubular tires are a sort of hybrid of both. They still require an innertube but form a tighter seal around it to give the tire a little more strength and resistance to punctures or pinches.

Conclusion

There are many forms of mountain bike tires that will get you from point A to point Z. Paying attention to the factors we’ve listed can help you find the best tire for your purposes and have you gleaming while riding down the mountain in no time.

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