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!
Table of Contents
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.
Pros
- Aggressive construction
- Slack geometry
- Design
Cons
- Weight
- Lacks dropper
Schwinn High Timber
- Durable mountain bike designed for trails and neighborhood rides
- Alloy crank provides steady gearing and less maintenance
- Twist shifters with rear derailleur for quick gear changes on the trail
- All-terrain, wide knobby mountain tires sit on light and durable alloy wheels for added stability
- Quick release seat post makes for easy height adjustment
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable frame
Cons
- Heavy
- Aesthetics
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!
Pros
- Versatile geometry
- Aesthetic design
- Wide gear ratio
Cons
- Slightly unstable on aggressive trails
- Not enough grip
- Weight
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
Pros
- Maneuverability
- Versatile for uphills and downhills
- Excellent braking power
Cons
- Weight
- Unstable on rough downhill trails
Mongoose Impasse
- Mongoose aluminum mountain-style frame with internal cable routing provides a durable ride
- 21 speeds let you adapt to your terrain, while front and rear disc brakes provide extra stopping power
- Threadless headset delivers crisp steering and an aluminum 3-piece crankset for easy maintenance
- Extra-large 29 x 2.35-inch tires provide extra grip and stability on road or trail
- 29-inch wheels fit adult riders 5’4” to 6’2”
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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.
Pros
- Alloy frame
- Large 29er wheels
Cons
- Drivetrain shifting
- Design
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.
Pros
- Head turner design
- Lightweight
- Versatile functionality
Cons
- Tire grip
- Shifting irregularities
Schwinn Mesa
- The Schwinn Mesa 2 is for riders who want to take mountain biking to the next level. 27. 5” wheels and small frame fit riders 5’2” to 5’6” in height.
- Schwinn mountain-tuned aluminum frame and Zoom HL565 aluminum suspension fork are great for dirt trails and gravel paths.
- Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain with Shimano EZ-FIRE shifters offer quick, precise shifts.
- Aluminum mechanical disc brakes deliver crisp all-condition stopping power.
- Schwinn MTB 27. 5” wheels and tires provide traction and stability out on the trail.
- Brake Style: Linear Pull
- Suspension Type: Front
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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.
Pros
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Reliable mechanical hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Unprecise shifting
- Slippery tires
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.
Pros
- Aggressive geometry
- Progressive sizing
- Lightweight
Cons
- Inferior grip
- Lacks dropper
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.
Pros
- Suspension fork
- Nimble and maneuverable size
- Modern geometry and aesthetics
Cons
- Shifting
- Unstable on technical downhill trails
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 what 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.
Pros
- Excellent climber
- Precise shifting
- Multiple size options
Cons
- Weak braking power
- Unstable on downhills
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.
Pros
- Simple frame design
- Stable on rocky descents
- Uphill climber
Cons
- Tires lack traction
- Outdated aesthetics
Mongoose Switchback
- Trail ready alloy mountain frame with SR Suntour XC-E28 suspension fork. Fits riders 5’4” to 6’2” tall.
- 21-speed shifters and derailleurs provide quick, precise gear changes.
- Front and rear disc brakes deliver crisp, all-condition stopping.
- Double wall alloy rims provide durability without weighing you down
- 27.5-inch wheels with Mongoose 2.1-inch wide tires for all-terrain adventures.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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.
Pros
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Sufficient stopping power from hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Unprecise shifting
- Unknown tire brand
Conclusion
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.
