- 1. Schwinn Traxion – Best Overall
- 2. Dynacraft Slick Rock Trails – Most Affordable
- 3. Elecony Saver100 – Best for Kids and Teens
- 4. Eurobike Aluminum 21-Speed – Highest Weight Limit
- 5. Schwinn High Timber – Best Dual-Purpose Option
- 6. Gravity FSX 1.0 – Best Range of Sizes
- 7. Mongoose Switchback Sport – Best for Tall Riders
- Final Thoughts
Exploring the trails on a mountain bike is an excellent way to get your adrenaline pumping and enjoy the wild outdoors. But some mountain bikes can be pricey. Some models cost $1,000 or more!
Fortunately, there are budget-friendly alternatives available. So, if you’re looking to spend less but still enjoy a high-quality bike, you’ll want to check out these top options priced at less than $800.
Comparison Chart
1. Schwinn Traxion – Best Overall
The Schwinn Traxion could be the best overall choice if you’re looking for a high-quality mountain bike for under $800. Though this bicycle is a little on the heavier side (weighing about 50lbs), the sturdy aluminum frame and massive 29-inch tires can make steep trails feel like molehills.
A rear shock coil and front suspension fork ensure riders can easily traverse the bumpiest trails and terrain. And with 24 speeds from which to choose, riders can customize their pedal tension to make short work of inclines and declines.
Pros
- Higher-than-average gears allow riders to pedal comfortably up hills, on flat terrain, and down declines
- Large, 29-inch wheels absorb shocks when riding across rough or bumpy terrain
- The suspension fork and rear suspension make rides more comfortable and fluid
- Appropriate for a wide range of rider heights
- Protected by Schwinn limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- One of the pricier options available for under $800
- The included seat may be too firm and thin for some riders
2. Dynacraft Slick Rock Trails – Most Affordable
If you’re looking to spend the least possible amount of money on a mountain bike, you might want to choose the Dynacraft Slick Rock Trails. After all, this mountain bike is affordably priced, stylish, and capable.
This bike is sized to suit riders of almost any size and weight, making it a compatible option. Though this mountain bike might not be the most rugged or technically advanced, it’s a solid option for most riders and won’t break the bank!
Pros
- One of the most affordable mountain bikes available
- It suits riders who are 4’11” to 6’1″
- It can accommodate riders weighing up to 270lbs
Cons
- Some buyers have reported that the bike components arrived damaged
- It may be challenging to align the derailleur during assembly
3. Elecony Saver100 – Best for Kids and Teens
If your child is eager to start mountain biking, you don’t need to spend hours searching for an affordable bike to suit their height and needs. The Elecony Saver100 is an excellent option, accommodating riders between 4’5″ and 5’2″.
The included disc brakes are a nice touch, making coming to a stop far more manageable, especially when riding on wet trails or during rainy days. Additionally, your child is sure to appreciate the range of colors and frame types that allows them to express their style.
Pros
- Ideally sized for children, pre-teens, and teens between 4’5″ and 5’2″
- Includes disc brakes for higher-quality braking in all weather and terrain types
- It comes in multiple colors and two distinct frame styles to suit your child’s preferences
Cons
- Included instructions aren’t helpful, which may require you to seek professional assembly assistance
- Some buyers have reported that the front fork arrived warped
4. Eurobike Aluminum 21-Speed – Highest Weight Limit
The streamlined design of the Eurobike Aluminum 21-Speed might resemble a road bike, but this bicycle is ready to tackle the trails! The durable aluminum frame, three-point spokes, and travel suspension fork support riders up to 330lbs, making this one of the most accessible options for larger riders.
However, despite this increased durability and support, the Eurobike Aluminum 21-Speed remains one of the most lightweight mountain bikes available, with a listed weight of about 30lbs. Traveling up steep hills is a cinch due to this lightweight build and the presence of a 21-speed gear changer.
Pros
- It has an exceptional weight capacity of 330lbs
- One of the most lightweight options, weighing only about 30lbs
- Features a three-point tire rim instead of spokes, reducing the risk of chain-on-spoke contact
Cons
- Some buyers have reported receiving Allen screws without threading, necessitating an additional purchase of threaded screws
- Not the easiest bike to assemble without professional assistance
5. Schwinn High Timber – Best Dual-Purpose Option
One of the best ways to reduce your spending is to choose products that have multiple uses. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly multipurpose bike that can handle pavement and dirt trails, you might want to choose the Schwinn High Timber.
This bicycle features a lightweight frame but capable, durable off-road tires. Consequently, it’s easy to navigate on trails and roads, ensuring that you only need one bike to get where you’re going!
But a word to the wise—because this bicycle is appropriate for trail and everyday use, you might want to invest in a high-quality bike lock to keep it safe when riding around town.
Pros
- Available in a dozen frame colors, four wheel sizes, and three frame materials, making it compatible with most rider heights, preferences, and budgets
- Buyers can choose between men’s and women’s frame styles
- It can be used for off-road trails and on-road pathways, making it one of the few dual-purpose mountain bikes for under $800
- Protected by Schwinn limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some users have reported gear change problems, particularly after at-home assembly
- May struggle to handle wild trails with lots of natural obstacles (roots, rocks, and uneven terrain)
6. Gravity FSX 1.0 – Best Range of Sizes
Looking to grab the family a bike? The Gravity FSX 1.0 line offers a great range of sizes for the smallest cyclist in your group to the largest. The bike comes with disc breaks in both the front and rear of the bike.
The suspension can be adjusted to better fit the needs of the rider, too. The best part is how lightweight this bike can be which makes it perfect for traveling when you have to load and unload them from your vehicle.
Pros
- Riders can select from 24 speeds to ensure that pedaling tension is appropriate for the elevation and terrain type of their chosen trail
- Available in four frame sizes to ensure that riders of varying heights (5’2″ to 6’1″+) can ride this bike comfortably
- Included suspension fork allows the front wheel to absorb some shock when traversing hilly or bumpy trails
Cons
- Cannot handle rough trails or terrain; better suited for flat trails with few obstacles and hills
- Welding points are noticeable and may make this bike aesthetically displeasing for some
7. Mongoose Switchback Sport – Best for Tall Riders
Though Mongoose bicycles are often associated with BMX, this brand also produces some durable, high-quality mountain bikes. The Mongoose Switchback is a fantastic example, with study aluminum disc brakes and 16 speeds for improved pedaling tension customization.
The superior 80mm travel fork allows the front wheel to adjust when riding over bumps and hills, making trail riding a far more comfortable experience. In addition, the 27.5-inch wire bead tires are designed to tackle wet and dry terrains of almost any type, so traction is never a problem.
Pros
- Surprisingly lightweight considering its large size, weighing only about 42lbs
- Available in three frame sizes, including a large frame that accommodates riders up to 6’1″
- Available in several easily-visible colors like blue, green, and orange
Cons
- The warranty does not cover riders over 250lbs
- Not as budget-friendly as other mountain bikes under $800
Final Thoughts
Several affordable mountain bikes are available, but the best one for you depends on your height, preferences, and budget. But we feel that the Schwinn Traxion is the best overall mountain bike available for under $800.
Schwinn is a trusted bicycle brand that has been manufacturing high-quality bicycles since the 1800s. The Schwinn Traxion is the culmination of more than 100 years of design improvements and upgrades, featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, large durable tires, and a top-notch suspension system.
If you’re unsure whether this bike is appropriate for your height, refer to our helpful bike size chart!
