Best Mountain Bikes Under $2,000

$2,000 is a nice amount of money. We’ll show you how you can spend (read: invest) it on a proper mountain bike!

Depending on your appetite and your budget, mountain biking can become a very expensive sport. You can easily spend more than $5,000 on a bicycle and still not be anywhere near the top of the price range. There are some mouth-watering models that cost close or above $10,000. However, for the majority of us mortals, that is much more than our budgets can handle.

Luckily, advanced cycling technology and higher-end components are now entering the under $2,000 market.  Therefore, there are many excellent mountain bicycles that you can get for less or around that number.

We’re showing you our 11 best mountain bikes under $2,000 below, including hardtail and full-suspension models!

Best Trail/XC Hardtail

Lightweight, stiff, and efficient aluminum frames offer a fantastic balance between strength and performance. The Kona Big Honzo DL is living proof! This is one of the best mountain bikes under $2,000 you can get for the money if you want to ride trails and crush climbs.

Apart from the affordable and light aluminum frame, there are other sweet features that will come in handy when you hit the trails on it.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Aluminum
• Fork: RockShox 35 Silver TK Solo Air 130mm
• Groupset: Shimano Deore 12-speed
• Tire dimension:  27.5×2.8″
• Brakes: Shimano Hydraulic Discs

The Big Honzo DL has a lot to offer to mountain biking enthusiasts. It is an excellent choice for riding in extreme conditions, tackling rocky trails, or storming a steep descent. The plus-sized tires can handle it all, along with the other competitive components.

Apart from the aluminum frame, this model also offers Schwalbe Nobby Nic TLE tires. They roll over bumps, rocks, and roots much more efficiently, diminishing any chances of getting a flat.

The RockShox 35 Silver fork enhances comfort and pedaling efficiency with 130mm of travel. The Big Honzo DL also comes with a TranzX dropper post

The drivetrain supplies you with Shimano Deore components, which is the first proper groupset oriented for MTB riders in the Shimano hierarchy.

If you always wanted to own a capable hardtail bike with excellent components and you don’t want to overpay for it, Kona Big Honzo DL is your ticket into this world.

Best Beginner-Friendly Fat Bike

Mongoose Dolomite is a confidence-enhancing fun machine with modern geometry, wide tires, steel frame, and a 7-speed drivetrain. When Mongoose was making it, their main goal was to make a fun bike that will make a statement anywhere it appears. We believe they did it, and you can judge by yourself by taking a closer look below.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Steel
• Fork: Steel, rigid
• Groupset: 7 speeds
• Tire dimension: 26″ x 4″
• Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes

Mongoose Dolomite is an affordable rig with a super-stiff and compliant steel frame that features one bottle cage mount, a slack head angle, a high bottom bracket, and a beautiful red finish. The result is a stable, fun, and nimble machine.

Mongoose Dolomite comes in one frame size that fits riders 5′ 6″ to 6′ tall. Therefore, this bike is only suitable for tall riders. 

Dolomite’s massive 4″ tires are ideal if you like riding year-round. They will smoothly roll over rocks, ice, sand, snow, mud, and whatever other challenges you come across. That’s why we consider it to be one of the best mountain bikes under $2000.

The simple drivetrain puts 7 speeds at your disposal with a 1x drivetrain that is light, simple, and easy to take care of. The same can be said about the powerful mechanical disc brakes.

Related: Road Bikes vs. Mountain Bikes – The Main Differences

If you’re like us and you ride bikes because they’re fun, you’ll probably like Mongoose Dolomite as much as we do.

Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bike Under $2000

Marin Rift Zone has the best of both worlds — lots of travel and 27.5″ wheels. It’s an excellent 27.5″ full-suspension bike for any newly-made or seasoned trail enthusiasts out there.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Series 3 6061 Aluminum
• Fork: RockShox Recon Silver RL, 130 mm
  
• Rear Shock: X Fusion 02 Pro R, 120mm
• Groupset: Shimano Deore M5100
• Tire dimension: 27.5″ x 2.3″
• Brakes: Shimano Deore MT200

The Marin Rift Zone 1 is made for big hitters who don’t shy away from the steepest of descents. This is indicated by a combination of the front Rockshox and rear X Fusion suspension with 130mm of travel and the lightweight aluminum frame. The suspension offers plenty of adjustability, such as lockout and rebound, so you can dial it to your weight and preference fairly well.

Marin has made a name for itself for supplying all price ranges with excellent choices. The Rift Zone 1 model is intended for the average MTB enthusiast. It has a Shimano Deore groupset with 11 speeds, which is one of the cheapest entry tickets into the 1x team.

The bike rolls on Vee Tires Crown Gems 2.3″ tires and Marin rims which are a good combination in this price range and will take plenty of beating on the trails. You can feel free to test them on descents with Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes in the back of your mind.

The Rift Zone 1 has a moderately slack head tube angle of 66.5° and a steep seat tube angle of 74.5° (Medium) so it’s quite capable when it comes to the most extreme riding conditions.

If you compare the features and price, this is for sure one of the best mountain bikes under $2000.

Best Hardtail Under $2000

Cannondale Trail 8 is our top pick in the entry-level hardtail category with 27.5 or 29 wheels and tires. This is a bike with a pretty balanced geometry that’s excellent for descents, but it does really well when climbing as well, thanks to a steep seat tube angle. Decent travel on the front suspension gives you the freedom to ride on and off-road and explore more trails than ever before.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour M3030, 75 mm
• Groupset: Shimano Tourney, 2×7 spd
• Tire dimension: 29″ or 27.5″ x 2.25″ (depending on the frame size)
• Brakes: Tektro mechanical disc brakes

Cannondale Trail 8 has a durable and lightweight hydroformed aluminum frame, designed especially for this bike. It’s painted in a sleek black color that makes the bike look more expensive than it is.

Trail 8 is made for riders who love to climb and descend, as well as go on day-long. It has a SR Suntour M3030 front suspension, so it can tackle different obstacles on light trails quite easily.

However, keep in mind that this is a beginner-friendly suspension, so it’s not advisable to ride this bike on extreme singletracks.

The Shimano Altus/Tourney 14-spd drivetrain is excellent for climbing, whereas the Tektro mechanical disc brakes are there when the time comes to go down. Most cables are internally routed, so you won’t experience any rattle.

The WTB Ranger tires are 2.25″ wide, so you don’t need to worry about traction on loose patches on the trails.

If you’re on a limited budget and a hardtail bike that can do it all is a must for you, then we can safely recommend the Cannondale Trail 8.

#6 – Marin Palisades Trail 2

Best Entry-Level Trail Bike

Any list of the best mountain bikes, no matter the price tag, would not be complete without at least one model from Marin. In this case, we chose to include the Palisades Trail 2, which is one of the best aluminum hardtail bikes with 27.5″ wheels. It’s a playful bike that will get the job done for beginners and casual riders.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Aluminum
• Fork: RockShox Judy Silver TK, 100mm Travel
• Groupset: Shimano Altus/Acera, 9-speed
• Tire dimension:  27.5″ x 2.25″
• Brakes: Tektro M275 hydraulic discs

Marin Palisades Trail 2 is a unique bike on this list because it comes with a beautiful bright blue paint job that will take your breath away. This iteration sports 2.25″ wide WTB Trailboss Comp tires, but you can fit wider tires here as well, as there is enough clearance. It’s up to you to decide what your ride requires. But it’s always nice to have a choice.

Palisades Trail 2 has a nicely balanced head tube angle and the entire geometry is beginner-friendly. It’s great for climbing, descending, and long days with loads of pedaling. The RockShox front suspension with 100 mm of travel offers more than enough amortization, which will make your rides more comfortable and improve your grip.

Other components fitted on this capable trail bike are mostly sourced from Shimano. The drivetrain is a tried and true Shimano Altus/Acera combo with 18-speeds and the brakes are Tektro hydraulic discs. Both are precise, reliable, and packed into a lightweight package.

If you want the freedom of choice, a dependable Marin build, and quality entry-level Shimano components, the Palisades Trail 2 model is made for you.

#7 – Norco Storm 5

Best for Light Trails and Vacations

Norco Storm 5 is one of the best mountain bikes under $2000 and for several reasons. This bike is at the top of its game, offering a lightweight aluminum frame, wide tires, and reliable components.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Aluminum
• Fork: Suntour XCE28, 100mm
• Groupset: Shimano Tourney, 21 gears
• Tire dimension: 27.5″ or 29″ x 2.25″
• Brakes: Shimano Tourney mechanical discs

Norco Storm 5 is built around a light and compliant aluminum frame with relaxed and upright geometry, internal cable routing, and 27.5″ or 29″ wheels, depending on the frame size. It packs some decent travel with entry-level SR Suntour suspension and rolls on double-wall aluminum rims.

Norco’s frame has a 68–68.5-degree head tube angle, which is a good balance between slack and steep. Coupled with the 27.5″ or 29″ wheels are trusty WTB Starflight 2.25″ tires that give you some serious edge on the trails. Roots, rocks, and bumps are no match for this hardtail bike.

The SR Suntour XCE28 fork packs 100mm of travel, which is plenty for XC riding. However, this particular fork is quite heavy.

Just like most mountain bikes in this price range, Norco Storm 5 touts the Shimano Tourney 3×7 drivetrain and Tourney mechanical disc brakes, both of which are safe choices that get the job done.

By getting the Norco Storm 5 XC/Trail bike, you’ll save money in the bank, but you’ll earn some profit on the trails.

#8 – Diamondback Line

Best Hardtail with 27.5 Wheels

Do you need a bike that you can use to show your skills on trails and rough descents? If yes, then check out Diamondback Line. This is the best entry-level mountain bike with 27.5″ tires that you can get.

The bike offers a variety of sizes, modern upright geometry, and decent components that you can get for this amount of money. It comes with a very nice paint job as well.

This is not a women-specific bike, but its geometry and graphics are suitable for women as well as for men.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour XCR, 120mm
• Groupset: Shimano Acera, 9 gears
• Tire dimension: 27.5″ x 2.35″
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic

Get More: Best Bikes For Women

Diamondback Line is the perfect bike for newbie trail riders who want to jump on a hardtail mountain bike or for casual riders who want an affordable and reliable bike for weekend adventures.

It sports an aluminum frame with a steep head tube angle that will put you in a comfortable upright riding position for long days in the saddle.

With its quality set of beginner components, Diamondback Line will give any rider the necessary boldness to take a riskier line and come out of it unscathed.

The SR Suntour XCR front suspension is an entry-level setup that offers 120 mm of travel and has 32 mm stanchions, magnesium lowers, with preload adjust and hydraulic lockout.

Shimano Acera 1×9 drivetrain can conquer most hills and the hydraulic disc brakes guarantee a safe descent.

The star of the show is the 2.35″ wide tires, so you’re unlikely to lose traction no matter the terrain.

All in all, Diamondback Line is a versatile trail bike for different types of terrain with excellent components and a budget-friendly price tag.

#9 – Orbea Alma H10 Eagle

Best Equipped XC Bike

For aspiring riders who want a proper hardtail, things don’t get much better than Orbea Alma H10 Eagle in this price category. This is an XC bike with 29″ wheels, 2.2″ tires, and an Aluminum frame that’s capable of doing a lot of damage on light trails. You’re looking at a versatile machine that can win races in the right hands.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Hydroformed Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour Raidon 32, 100 mm
• Groupset: SRAM NX Eagle
• Tire dimension: 29″ x 2.2″
• Brakes: Shimano MT201 Hydraulic
• See More: Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

Orbea is known for frames that perform well and weigh very little, which translates to efficient riding. The handling is predictable, stable, and stiff, so you can explore your limits on different sections of the trails and choose the most challenging lines.

The bike ships with 29″ wheels and Maxxis Ikon 29″ x 2.2″  tires.

But the SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed groupset is the real shiner on this one. NX Eagle is considered to be a mid-range groupset and will give you every gear you need for steep uphills and fast downhills.

Orbea Alma H10 offers some serious clout and it doesn’t get much better than this when it comes to this price range.

#10 – Salsa Rangefinder Advent X 29″

Best Mountain Bike Under $2000 with Aluminum Frame

Salsa Rangefinder is a capable trail bike that can jump over any stump or other obstacle in your way without a blink of an eye. This bike leaves little to be desired from a trail rig in this price range as it delivers generously in most areas. It’s a lightweight aluminum 29er with 12 speeds and tubeless-ready rims and tires that meet the requirements of riders of different levels.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour XCM32 Boost, 120mm
• Groupset: Microshift 10 Speed
• Tire dimension: 27.5″ x 2.8″
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic

Salsa Rangefinder frame is known to be stiff in the right places and compliant and comfortable everywhere else. Therefore, it feels comfortable when descending or going fast and responsive when you stomp the pedals to scale a climb.

SR Suntour fork provides 120 mm of travel and comes complete with lockout and adjustable rebound damping, eating any obstacles on the trail beneath you. This travel is suitable for trail riding and so is the aggressive geometry, so at this range, this is one of the best mountain bikes under $2000.

The Mircoshift drivetrain supplies you with 10 speeds and Shimano MT-200 hydraulic disc brakes guarantee all the braking power you need, whenever you need it.

Once the 27.5″ x 2.8″ tires gain momentum, they’re hard to be hindered by any challenge you’ll encounter on dirt roads and single tracks.

So if you want the best bike with plenty of travel, Salsa’s logo on it, and stellar components, the Rangefinder will put a smile on your face when you take it for a ride.

#11 – RadRover 6 Plus

Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $2000

Rad Power Bikes is well-known for building capable electric mountain bikes that set the bar higher for the competition. The newest addition to their lineup is the RadRover 6 Plus hardtail fat-tire bike. 

This is an aluminum beast with knobby 4″ tires, hydraulic disc brakes, a 1×7 drivetrain, and a pretty reasonable price. It’s intended for trail riders, commuters, and anyone else who wants to have fun or test their skills and technical limits.

A quick glance:

• Frame: Aluminum
• Suspension: 60mm Front suspension fork with lockout
• Groupset: 1×7
• Tire dimension: 26 x 4″
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes

The entire Rad Power Bikes lineup is known for excellent bikes intended for beginner or intermediate cyclists. The Rad Power is not an exception to that rule. It’s packed with beginner-friendly components that will satisfy the majority of riders out there, except for those with an appetite for serious trails.

First things first, this RadRover 6 Plus fat bike rolls on 26 x 4″ all-terrain tires. They’re huge and feel super grippy and confident-inspiring when riding on any kind of terrain. If you deflate them a bit, you can tackle rock gardens as well.

The groupset will give you 7 speeds and improve your climbing capabilities. The 750W rear hub motor and 672Wh battery will help with the climbing as well. You get 5 levels of pedal assistance and they will give you 25-45 miles in distance.

The hydraulic disc brakes offer some serious stopping power, making it one of the best mountain bikes under $2000. 

The RadRover 6 Plus also comes with front and rear fenders and lights to keep you seen and safe.

Get this bike if you want the best-equipped electric fat bike for the money.

Bottom line

Finding the best mountain bikes under $2000 is a tricky task. In our eyes, all these bikes are winners. Even though #11 is the last on the list, it is still a winner because it won its place after it was compared to hundreds of quality bikes.

Therefore, whichever model you end up choosing, you’ll get a reliable and durable bike that can handle most XC routes and trails.

Let us know which one you like the most and share your experiences below! Happy riding!

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