Best Mountain Bike Under $1200 – Review in 2023

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get the best bike for you that can take you anywhere from roads to the mountains.

Furthermore, you will not lack any options for these bikes and you will be surprised at the features they managed to add at these budget-friendly prices.

The best mountain bike under $1200 is not just inexpensive, it should also have awesome components.

Although you can buy a cheap bike, it may not be all worth it. You should choose one that has parts, materials, and components that will allow you to traverse many types of terrain so that you can have a better riding experience. If you are in a tide budget you should check mountain bike under $500 review.

Best Mountain Bike Under $1200

If you have a limited budget, these bikes are worth your attention. These come from great brands of bikes who put great attention to the details and build of their products so that you don’t need to worry when riding them on any type of terrain.

1. Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike, Full Dual Suspension, 29-Inch Wheels

Now, this first on the list sets the bar high. It is a dual-suspension 29-inch wheels mountain bike.

Normally, you will find these bikes at a higher price point, but this one is something you will find below $1200.

They managed to build a bike that is both affordable and offers great value.
This one comes from a well-known mountain bike brand, so that takes care of your worry about the build quality.

They used in-house components on some parts, which helped in keeping the price friendly to budget-conscious consumers.

Moreover, the frame is made from aluminum, a material often used on bikes. The dual suspension makes for a great vehicle on trails as it will easily absorb any bump on the trail.

They also included a wide handlebar that makes turning easier, especially on rough terrain.

To make it more beginner-friendly and versatile, it is equipped with a 3×8 speed configuration, which will allow you to climb, descend, and make good speed on flatland.

It is equipped with Shimano EZ fire trigger shifters, which do a good job in shifting quickly so that you can adjust on the fly in any riding situation.

The 29-inch knobby tires have great traction both on pavement and gravel.
You will get more control over your riding with this bike because it is already equipped with mechanical disc brakes.

The wheels have quick-release hubs that make them easy to replace in case you need to fix the tire mid-ride.

The rear hub is cassette type, which is a step up for bikes at this price point. That being said, this bike is also a good foundation for upgrading and learning how to pair different components to improve the riding capability.

Related Guide: Good Mountain Bike for Tall Riders

2. Mongoose Argus Sport Fat Bike

Fat bikes are like monster trucks in the bike world. Well, maybe not necessarily, but they do resemble them mainly because of the oversized parts, and most obviously, the wheels.

Generally, these bikes are designed to ride easily on terrains such as snow and sand.

But that doesn’t mean that all you can ride this on. You can still ride this downhill and uphill.

Although you may need a little more skill when riding it up because of the tires. Nevertheless, this is still an enjoyable bike.

The frame of the bike is made from aluminum which is a sturdy and lightweight material that’s used on bikes.

Even though the tires are 26 inches, you will not feel like they are small stuff because of the 4.8-inch width they provide.

This allows for more traction and shock absorption if you ride it on rougher roads.

The drivetrain is 1×10 which is what most modern bikes now have. This will help you pedal easily and not feel the weight of having thick tires as wheels.

On the headset, you will have a tapered headtube which gives more stability and control and can fit most modern forks if you decide on upgrading.

But you will most certainly ride this stock because it has nice Shimano components like the rear derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes.

However, it may look sluggish, but this bike is agile and easy to control. It is designed to subdue almost any type of trail.

So if you want to feel a new experience in riding, this is the best mountain bike under $1200 you can buy.

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3. Oyma Power 21 Speed Folding Bike

If you want to bring a bike along and don’t have enough space in your car, folding bikes are a great option for you.

Oyma Power offers a 21-speed folding bike that you can bring virtually anywhere.

It has 26-inch tires and duals suspension, so if you go on a camping trip and want to explore nature riding a bike, this will be a great companion.

The frame is made from high carbon steel, which helps make it lightweight. So if you run across a rather difficult path and need to traverse it on foot, you don’t necessarily have to worry about the weight of this on your shoulder.

You will get mags on the wheels, which ensure that they are true and stay that way before and after rides.

It is also equipped with mechanical disc brakes for easy stopping and control.

On the seat, you will get a padded saddle that will provide comfort even for long rides.

The seat post is also adjustable thanks to the quick-release locks.
This bike is also a good commuter as it will fold easily when you need to ride the train or bus.

The wheels are slim enough to provide easy riding on roads. That is because there is less resistance on the wheels enabling you to ride faster on flatlands.

It is a bike designed to be a daily rider. So, it will make a great gift for young children or anyone that needs a bike to get around town.

Suggested Guide: Perfect Mountain Bikes Under $1000

4. Montague Paratrooper 24 Speed Folding Bike

Last on this list is another mountain bike which, from the name itself, is meant to take a beating.

We know that this can take a beating because this was commissioned by the military so that paratroopers can have a bike to use once they land on the area they are targeting.

This mountain bike is designed to be portable as well as functional for any type of utility.

You can use this for hauling gear, riding trails, or just commuting, this will be a great bike to ride on any day.

It has a 3×8 drivetrain that will offer plenty of versatility so that you can get to your destination easily.

The 24 inch tires are great if you need something easy to control as well as get to good speeds.

The folding feature is not the usual lockout you see on most folding bikes. But it does the job and folds neatly to a portable size and opens just as quickly.

It is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, which are great for added control and safety.

One additional feature you will get is a cargo rack to place your belongings if you are using this when traveling or commuting.

This is a great feature if you plan on using this to help when traveling to different places.

You will get a fork with a shock that will absorb bumps and keep stress from your hands.

Additionally, the components on this bike are all from Shimanos top line. That will ensure good shifting and reliability even on long rides.

So, if you want a reliable easy to carry a mountain bike, this one will be a top choice.

Related Comparison: Mountain Bike vs Road Bike Guide

Features to Look for Before Buying

There are some specific things you need to look for before purchasing a mountain bike, and knowing the difference or specifics will help you find the best one for your budget.

Build Materials

Or more specifically, the frame materials used. This is because the frame is where all the parts are connected and it is what will take most of the impact and stress.

There are several materials used in building mountain bike frames, and all of them have different specifications and functions.

Aluminum

Aluminum frames offer lightweight features and durability. A well-built aluminum frame will be able to withstand impacts on trails and daily use.

The downside of aluminum is that it is not as durable as steel and may dent more easily.

Steel

On that note, steel is another material usually used on mountain bikes. It is more durable than aluminum and can take a lot of beating on the trail

And it will last a long time. The downside though, as expected, is that it is heavier than aluminum, thus making it less agile and playful.

When choosing between aluminum and steel materials, you will find that steel tends to be more expensive because of the amount of time and effort to manufacture it.

Carbon

You will also find carbon materials for frames, but those bikes go way beyond $1200 so we will not discuss them further in this guide.

Suspension

If you are planning on going on trails, then you have to look at suspensions. This prevents your arms and legs from absorbing all the bumps, which will, in turn, help reduce fatigue and even add safety to your riding.

When looking at suspension, you will find the term “travel†which is measured in millimeters.

This simply means the amount of compression your shock will compress. Taking that into consideration, that’s how much shock it can absorb.

Some shocks have adjustments so that you can set the travel you are most comfortable with. You can also read in forums or comments what are the standard travel for certain types of suspensions as your baseline and then adjust accordingly to your preference.

Another thing to note is the number of suspensions. You can get either just one suspension, usually on the fork, and dual suspension, where you get another one in the rear, usually built into the frame.

This comes into play when you are on a budget. A full-suspension bike will have more parts and will require more effort so if you are eyeing something below the $1000 mark, then you can expect a compromise here and there.

So just make sure to ask around for people you trust to have good knowledge of suspensions to provide you with useful insights on your choice.

Wheel Size

A few years ago, there wasn’t much wheel size choice when it comes to budget bikes. But in recent years, they have made 27.5 the usual tires.

This is a great advantage because simply put — a larger wheel size will help you get around quickly and safely.

It offers more ground coverage compared to 26 inch or 24-inch wheels and gives more ground clearance, which is important when you are going through rough terrain.

Another advantage of bigger wheel size is stability and reliability when shedding downhill. That being said, you will get more enjoyment with a larger wheel size.

If you are on a budget, remember that a bike with 29-inch wheels will cost more, but it will also be a better platform if you are thinking of upgrading.

Weight

This factor comes into play if you plan on riding your bike for long periods. In essence, when the price goes down on mountain bikes, the weight goes up.

Manufacturers have created production innovation that can reduce the weight on the bike, but it comes with a cost. Higher-end components will also help reduce overall weight.

While cycling is more concerned about weight than mountain biking, it still helps to have a sub-20-pound bike when you are pedaling uphill. It also helps make your bike more nimble and easy to maneuver when going downhill.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain includes the gears that are used to move the bike. Usually, bikes will have 3×9 configuration, which was supposed to mean you have plenty of options for many applications.

But recently, 1x components have gained popularity as it has been discovered that riders tend to just use one gear when riding along. This led to the increasing popularity of these types of gear ratios.

Again, that doesn’t mean that you should go with what is popular, as riding is a very personal endeavor.

Your choice is all that matters. Make sure to pick the one that you will be comfortable with.

If you want to try out different components though, choose a bike that will allow for such upgrades and modifications.

Brakes

Not a lot of people pay attention to brakes that come in with their bikes, but this needs to be addressed more.

Brakes are as important as the bike itself because it will provide safety to your riding, so having reliable brakes is necessary.

Most mid-priced bikes have disc brakes, and that is a great thing. Even if they are mechanical, these are far better than rim brakes because they provide more stopping power since they stop the wheel closer to the center as opposed to rim brakes.

You will also see hydraulic brakes, which are a step above mechanical brakes because you don’t need to worry about any cable snapping accidentally.

Handlebars

Again, there are plenty of options for the length of handlebars. Generally, wider is better because you have more control and tend to be more comfortable when riding long distances or going downhill.

There are also other factors like the rise, the back sweep, and the materials used for it.

All these factors provide a sense of comfort, control, and aesthetics. The good thing with all these features is that you can pick out even to the minute details of what fits your preference best.

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Unisex vs. Women’s Specific Mountain Bikes

The main difference you will notice between a unisex and women’s specific mountain bikes are very subtle.

Most mountain bikes for women have lower standover height, which makes it easy for easier mount and dismount.

They also have narrower bars in the package and smaller diameter on the grips. Additionally, they have more feminine color options. The frames will also be smaller.

Aside from those small changes, the performance of women’s bikes is up to par with standard and unisex models.

They are also upgradable and can accommodate different components to make the ride more comfortable and enjoyable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

When looking for the best mountain bike under $1200, you have to ask around from friends or compare them on the website and keep a list of what you want from your bike.

You should be able to feel comfortable and get a sense of pride from it for the experience to be worth its cost.