Best Hardtail Mountain Bike Under 1500 USD of 2022

Last updated on April 17th, 2022 at 10:31 pm

A good way to start mountain biking is by getting a hardtail mountain bike. Not only are they a bang-for-your-buck. But they also help you learn the basics of riding without depending much on suspension.

There are a lot of hardtail mountain bikes out there that let you make the most out of the sport. Durable components, sleek builds, and versatile frame geometries are what you need.

Unfortunately, it’s confusing to choose one with the many options out there. That’s what this article will help you with.

Here, we will be discussing the best hardtail mountain bikes under 1500.

Some might say that’s too much. But trust us, that’s the average price range if you want a decent hardtail mountain bike!

Our recommended bikes:

Diamondback Mason 1

Diamondback is one of the most renowned bike manufacturers in the world. The brand originates from the United States and now has multiple factories around the globe due to its products’ increasing demand.

They’ve built various kinds of bikes, ranging from entry-level bicycles all the way to race-ready enduro trail bikes. One good example is the Mason 1, an all-out hardtail mountain bike made specifically for the trails but can also double down as an all-around bike for commuting and leisure cycling.

This versatile trail bike is priced under $1,100 and delivers an exceptional riding performance for its value.

It’s got an aggressive frame geometry that feels stable on the downhills. This is then coupled with a neutrally-angled seat tube that makes climbing easier. This one’s for you if you’d want to start in the sport with a bang.

Highlight features

The Diamondback Mason 1 comes with an SR Suntour XCR fork that has a diameter of 34 mm and 120 mm of travel. This is ideal for light trail and cross-country riding.

It comes with a Shimano Deore M6000 drivetrain that provides 10 gears for a wider gear ratio. This pairs well with the Tektro mechanical brakes alongside 160 mm rotors that are known for their modulation and affordability.

This also runs on 27.5-inch wheels with rims that have a 35 mm double-wall rim with 32 holes configuration.

Get it at Diamondback

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Schwinn High Timber

Schwinn is best known for its budget-friendly mountain bikes. But don’t take this lightly because, despite its affordable price tags, their bikes are all packed with decent features that will surely make you enjoy the outdoors.

Take for example the High Timber which is best for beginners who want to have a taste of the trails. It’s a great choice if you want to lose weight, have some cardio exercise, or just want to stroll around town.

The Schwinn High Timber comes with a 21-speed drivetrain which helps you tackle uphills and downhills. Its 3×7 gear ratio will also ensure you keep up with the needed pace for smooth navigation

The frame is made from steel, which makes this heavier than most bikes. However, the front and rear brakes are made from alloy. It also has a quick-release seat post for utmost convenience and adjustment.

You’ll also find twist shifters and a pair of wide knobby tires for trail stability and maneuverability.

Or get it at Schwinn

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Rocky Mountain Growler 20

The Canadian mountain bike brand, Rocky Mountain, isn’t just making high-end bikes. Instead, they’re also dominating the mid-end hardtail market. Their Growler 20 is living proof of this.

It’s a mountain bike that can go anywhere and do anything because of its versatile geometry. It does well on downhill trails as well as climbing XC routes. The geometry might be a bit conservative, though, but that’s what makes it an all-around mountain bike at a very affordable $1,000 price tag.

Highlight features

The Rocky Mountain Growler 20 runs on a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain with an SR Suntour XCM fork with 34 mm diameter. This is coupled with Shimano’s MT200 brake set. The rubbers running the show are Kenda Amrak with a full-blown 29er size. You’ll also find the Toone Drop dropper very convenient!

Get it at Jenson USA

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Trek Roscoe 6

Trek is another well-known bike brand worldwide. It might look small and short compared to other bikes of its caliber. But this is what the mountain bike is designed for, durable, stylish, and most of all, having an iconic branding with a very affordable $1,049 price tag.

The Trek Roscoe 6 is made for agile and maneuverable handling that can hit corners easily. It’s also got plus-sized tires that provide excellent grip on muddy or loose trails. This one’s a great choice if you’d want your first bike but don’t want to compromise looks and durability!

Highlight features

The Roscoe 6 is running on a Deore 10-speed drivetrain, Shimano’s entry-level mid-end bike drivetrain. This is better compared to the heavier and less reliable Shimano 3×8 and 3×7 drivetrains found in cheaper hardtails, which are at the lower end of the spectrum.

It’s got an SR Suntour XCM 32 upfront with 120 mm of travel. But what sets this apart is its large 160 mm brake rotors on the front and rear, paired with Shimano MT200 brakes and Alexrims rims wrapped around with Schwalbe Rocket Ron cross-country trail tires

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Mongoose Impasse

Then there is the Mongoose Impasse, another well-known brand when it comes to manufacturing budget mountain bikes that can take on a variety of terrain.

This hardtail mountain bike is a good choice if you’re still new to mountain biking and you’re still unsure whether what discipline you’d like to dive into. Are you going for cross-country, trail, enduro, or downhill? If so, then the Impasse is a great starting point.

It comes with 21-speed SRAM twist shifters that make gear ratio shifting much easier. Simply twist the grips and you’re in another gear. You’ll also find a front fork suspension that absorbs vibrations and bumps on rough roads.

But the deal-breaker for this is its 29er wheels that give you optimal rollover capacity. This also makes you go faster once you’ve built up momentum.

What makes it even better is that the 29-inch wheels are wrapped with knobby tires so you can hit the trails anytime you want. Plus, its frame is made of alloy and has internal cable routing. This is the epitome of the modern budget mountain bike.

Or get it at eBay

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Hiland 27

Bike reviews won’t be complete without a Hiland mountain bike, especially if we’re talking about hardtails. It might sound cliche, but Hiland is very popular for a purpose, and that is because they make quality bikes that speak of durability and affordability.

A good example of this is the Hiland 27, a full-bred cross-country bike that can also double down as a commuter. This is perfect for trail riders who want to cover huge distances on a hardtail without the hassle of carrying heavy-weight components. The geometry is very neutral which makes it capable of downhills, uphills, and flat trails.

Highlight features

It has a stock Hiland coil suspension fork up front that goes alongside a 3×7 Shimano drivetrain with mechanical disc brakes. The combination of slick cross-country tires and alloy rims also provides good grip and traction.

Get it at Hiland CA

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Schwinn Mesa

Here comes another Schwinn hardtail mountain bike, but this time, it’s the lighter and more premium Schwinn Mesa.

Its frame is made from lightweight aluminum alloy that makes mountain biking easier and more fun with you with its increased maneuverability.

It’s a versatile mountain bike that works great for anyone who wants to have a taste of mountain biking. This also has a relaxed frame geometry so you don’t have to worry about spending hours on the saddle because you won’t have any back pains, making this one of the best hardtail bikes.

The Mesa 2 features a 27.5-inch pair of wheels that goes alongside a suspension fork and a tuned alloy frame.

It is also powered by a 21-speed drivetrain with its proprietary Shimano EZ-fire shifters for fast and precise shifting. Another nice thing about this is that it has mechanical hydraulic disc brakes which provide strong braking power on descents just like what many other premium hardtail bikes and full suspension bikes have.

Or get it at Schwinn

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Marin San Quentin 2

Then there’s Marin, another popular bike brand based in Marin County, California. They make bikes for various disciplines, whether it be XC, enduro, trail, or entry-level sports models.

Introducing the San Quentin 2, a fun bike designed for hobbyists and newbies alike. But don’t take this lightly because it’s very capable of traversing downhills. This is thanks to its slack 63.5-degree head angle. This one’s for you if you’d want to get the raw feeling of downhill riding just like with full suspension bikes.

The San Quentin 2 is powered by an SRAM NX drivetrain. Unfortunately, it’s just the 11-speed model.

It doesn’t matter much, though, because this is still better than the heavier 12-speed SX Eagle. Its suspension fork is a RockShox Recon RL with 130 mm of travel. This pairs up with Tektro brakes that include 180 mm and 160 mm rotors at the front and rear.

Get it at Schwinn

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Royce Union RHT

You might also want to check out the Royce Union RHT which is a top pick for those who are short of budget but want to enjoy mountain biking along with the pros.

Although this is considered a budget hardtail mountain bike priced below $1,100, it’s still packed with components and features that make it a great bang for the buck. It’s reliable, lightweight, and can bring you from one destination to another without any hassle.

Highlight features

This hardtail mountain bike has a 20-inch frame that is made from no-rust aluminum alloy, making it lighter and sturdier compared to the bikes that have steel frames. It comes with a Suntour XCT fork that makes this a cross-country and trail thrasher.

The wheels measure 29 inches and go alongside its Shimano 11-speed drivetrain. It comes with slick cross-country Kenda Block 8 tires for a stable and maneuverable ride on rough roads, alongside mechanical disc brakes.

Or get it from eBay

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Norco Fluid HT 2

Norco is another Canadian bike brand that has dominated the pro-bike industry for some time. But they also are into the mainstream mountain bike market as their Fluid HT 2 shows.

This bike is an all-rounder because of its versatile geometry and shape. This one’s targeted at those who want to combine leisure, exercise, and light racing. Although you have to compromise a bit in comfort and looks, it’s still a great choice for the value.

Highlight features

This bike is packed with components that are way better than its counterparts. One such example is the 12-speed NX Eagle drivetrain with the Truvativ Stylo crankset.

And what sets this apart is the TranzX dropper post. This provides convenience and improved maneuverability on uphills and downhills. You also have the option to get 26er wheels if you choose size XS for a hardtail bike, making this a good hardtail mountain bike and undoubtedly one of the best hardtail mountain bike in the market.

Get it at Norco

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Hiland Mountain Bike

Hiland stands out from other budget hardtail bike brands mostly because of its style, appeal, and affordability. But they’re not just about looks and branding as they deliver superior quality and functional features. This even covers budget, mid-end hardtails, and top-tier race bikes!

The Hiland Mountain Bike embodies what hardtails should be like, simple, lightweight, and capable. It comes with a no-nonsense geometry that’s great on flat trails.

But it also does a fairly good job climbing light XC trails. Or even thrashing down mellow trails. It can also take a lot of beating thanks to its trail-oriented alloy frame just like a full suspension bike.

Highlight features

The Hiland mountain bike comes with a stock coil suspension fork and a Shimano 21-speed drive train. The suspension is ideal for uphills and long-distance rides on paved roads.

It comes with aluminum rims wrapped around slick cross-country tires that ensure fast rolling speeds with minimal grip on the pavement. You will also find a special spoke design that improves air flow and makes it more aerodynamic. This is a nice choice if you want to buy a new hardtail mountain bike.

Or get it at eBay

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Mongoose Switchback

The Mongoose Switchback is another top pick for hardtail mountain bikes under $1,500.

Although this one doesn’t have the premium components compared to the Commencal and Ragley hardtails, it instead has bang-for-the-buck parts that will make you dive deeper into mountain biking.

This bike is designed for the trails, but it also does a good job on paved roads, making this very versatile.

Highlight features

The Mongoose Switchback comes with a T1 aluminum frame and 27.5-inch wheelset wrapped with all-terrain tires. You’ll find internal cable routing here which is already the trend for modern mountain bikes.

You can also find hydraulic disc brakes here so you don’t have to worry if you’re in for some downhill treat because you can rely on it for maximum stopping power. This hardtail mountain bike also has a 21-speed drivetrain with a 3×7 gear ratio.

Or get it at Mongoose

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Verdict

The best hardtail mountain bike under $1500 is:

Hardtail mountain bikes are the best choice if you want to enjoy the sport without breaking your bank. They’re ideal for the budget-conscious market. But they’re more than just for price’s sake because they also help you learn basic mountain bike skills.

Some might see the lack of rear suspension on a hardtail bike as a disadvantage. Well, they’re even an advantage when climbing and reaching higher speeds!

Hopefully, this article helped you choose which of the best hardtail mountain bikes under 1500 is fit for you. Consider the brand, geometry, design, and components. You’ll surely get your dream hardtail mountain bike when you do.