Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Hop on the best mountain bikes under $1,000

Mountain biking can be an expensive hobby, but these affordable trail-ready rides prove that it doesn't have to be

As with any adventure sport, getting into mountain biking can be an exhilarating journey, but a pricey one at the same time. Whether you're a beginner mountain biker or an experienced rider, it's important to invest in a good bike because it will ultimately hold up longer and handle better on the trails.

But just because it's important to buy a good mountain bike doesn't mean it has to empty your wallet. These 10 models — all priced under a grand — are among the most affordable bikes worth springing for if you're looking to hit the trails. Whether you're a newb just starting out or a seasoned trail rider, these are the best mountain bikes under $1,000.

Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike
Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike
Jump to details
Cannondale Trail 8
Cannondale Trail 8
Jump to details
2021 ATX
Giant 2021 ATX
Jump to details
Giant Talon 2 (2022)
Giant Talon 2 (2022)
Jump to details
Giant Talon 1 (2022)
Giant Talon 1 (2022)
Jump to details
Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29
Specialized Rockhopper Comp
Jump to details
2021 Trek Marlin 7
Trek Marlin 7 (Gen 2)
Jump to details
2021 STP 26 SS
Giant STP 26 SS (2021)
Jump to details
Trek 2022 Marlin 5
Trek Marlin 5 (Gen 2)
Jump to details
Trek 2022 Marlin 6
Trek Marlin 6 (Gen 2)
Jump to details
REI Co-op DRT 1.1 Bike on a white background.
REI

Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike

REI's Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike is a solid trail mountain bike to start out with and is very competitively priced. The aluminum frame is lightweight yet durable, and all of its components are high-quality. The tires are on the smaller side at 27.5 inches. But the 21 available gears and SR Suntour front suspension system combine for a smooth, even ride on just about any rough terrain.

The only drawback is that some assembly is required upon receiving the bike if you opt to have it shipped. Still, this is easily one of the best value mountain bikes under $1,000 on the market right now.

Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike
Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike
Cannondale Trail 8 Bike on a plain white background.
REI

Cannondale Trail 8

Cannondale's Trail 8 Bike is available at a price similar to the REI DRT 1.1. With many similar advantages, such as an aluminum frame and similar tire sizes, though larger sizes of the bike feature 29-inch tires, this mountain-ready bike is quite competitive. Many of the components come from the same vendors, guaranteeing a great build.

The only ways in which the REI Co-op bike wins out is that the Cannondale has slimmer tires that are less suited to gravel and less travel in the suspension system. The fork is just 75 mm compared to the Co-op bike's 100 mm. So if you take major drops, the ride might not be as smooth. But, with a sub-$500 sale price, this is another incredible value mountain bike, especially one branded with the legendary Cannondale name.

Cannondale Trail 8
Cannondale Trail 8
Giant ATX mountain bike on a plain white background.
Giant

Giant 2021 ATX

The Giant 2021 ATX mountain bike is ideal for those looking dip their toe in the off-road waters. The mountain bike-style ride is equipped with an aluminum frame and 26-inch to 27.5-inch tires, depending on your bike size.

This two-wheeler is great as a commuter though its suspension fork allows you to venture onto light off-road rides on gravel, dirt paths, or easy trails, too. Integrated mounts for racks and fenders also mean you can customize it to suit your needs with additional safety and cargo options.

2021 ATX
Giant 2021 ATX
Giant Talon 2 (2022) Mountain Bike isolated on a plain white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Giant Talon 2 (2022)

Another solid option in Giant's lineup of just-right bikes, the latest Talon 2 (2022) is a good choice for intermediate riders and beginners looking to "level up." With an aluminum alloy frameset that rolls on either 27.5- or 29-inch tires, it provides a ride that balances comfort and liveliness.

The suspension fork offers between 80-100 mm of travel, depending on the size you choose, allowing you to dial in your preferred ride style. The best part? At a little over $700 (including professional assembly), it's an extremely high-quality bike at a very reasonable price point.

Giant Talon 2 (2022)
Giant Talon 2 (2022)
Giant Talon 1 (2022) Mountain Biking on a plain white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Giant Talon 1 (2022)

This "big brother" to the Talon 2 (2022) is the flagship mountain bike in Giant's latest Talon lineup. It offers many of the same specs, including 27.5 to 29-inch wheels and a plush suspension with up to 100 mm of travel.

But it adds premium features like caged pedals, a better fork, wider, 2.4-inch tires, and a seriously upgraded drivetrain that more experienced riders will appreciate. At around $900, this might be this year's single best mountain bike under $1,000.

Giant Talon 1 (2022)
Giant Talon 1 (2022)
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Mountain Bike isolated on a plain studio background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Specialized Rockhopper Comp

At exactly a grand, technically Specialized's Rockhopper Comp doesn't qualify as a sub-$1,000 mountain bike, but hear us out: It has everything you want in a dream mountain bike and nothing you don't. From the premium A1 aluminum frame to the SR SunTour XCM fork, this is a bike built for screaming down singletracks.

Outfitted with Shimano hydraulic brakes and a MicroSHIFT 1x9 drivetrain, this bike will handle beautifully and give you everything you need to conquer steep climbs while confidently tackling steep descents. Plus, it's pretty damn handsome to boot.

Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29
Specialized Rockhopper Comp
Trek Marlin 7 (Gen 2) Mountain Bike on a black studio background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Trek Marlin 7 (Gen 2)

The final mountain bike in Trek's Marlin lineup of picks is the Marlin 7 (Gen 2), which is a pricey choice (technically it's a hair over $1K, but you can often find it on sale). It is perfect for more advanced mountain bikers. It's a powerful bike for those who are still learning the ropes though, too.

The latest-gen Marlin 7 is designed to keep up with high-end racing bikes, thanks to additionally upgraded components and a RockShox suspension fork. The wide range of gears enables you to keep up whether you're hitting big trails or major cross-country rides or races. If, on the off-chance, you just can't let go of this bike to swap to a commuter, it's also outfitted with a rear rack so you can take it (and your belongings) anywhere you go.

2021 Trek Marlin 7
Trek Marlin 7 (Gen 2)
Giant STP 26 SS (2021) Mountain Bike on a plain white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Giant STP 26 SS (2021)

The Giant STP 26 SS is a great mountain bike for catching some air, be it on pavement or dirt. It tackles both with aplomb. The lightweight aluminum frame is durable and handles well thanks to the 26-inch wheels that are incredibly responsive.

With a top-notch, 120 mm suspension fork and 14t cassette, you can ride confidently anywhere you go. If you're lucky (look for holiday sales!), you can score this mountain bike for just under $1,000.

2021 STP 26 SS
Giant STP 26 SS (2021)
Trek Marlin 5 Gen 2 mountain bike on a black studio background.
Trek

Trek Marlin 5 (Gen 2)

The latest generation Trek Marlin 5 is an exceptional value because it's a do-it-all two-wheeler — a mountain bike perfect for anyone who wants a versatile ride that can also handle light to moderate trails. It's built with an aluminum frame, a suspension fork for a smooth ride, and a 2x8 drivetrain.

Though it's at home on the trails, the Marlin 5 also comes with a kickstand mount and a rack mount so you can use it as a good commuter bike for transporting light cargo, too. At this price point, it's a hard entry-level bike to pass up.

Trek 2022 Marlin 5
Trek Marlin 5 (Gen 2)
Trek Marlin 6 (Gen 2) mountain bike against a plain black studio backdrop.
Trek

Trek Marlin 6 (Gen 2)

Another great option in Trek's second-generation Marlin lineup, the mid-range Marlin 6 (Gen 2) mountain bike has the upgrades you need to take on more serious trails, even if you are mostly using it to commute.

The Marlin 6 has thicker rims, upgraded disc brakes, and a few more gears, thanks to the beefier 11x46 cassette. That means you'll be able to tackle climbs and fly down the descents more easily. The suspension fork helps smooth out the ride, too, even if it's just for taking groceries home, thanks to the kickstand and rack mounts.

Trek 2022 Marlin 6
Trek Marlin 6 (Gen 2)

Like almost any outdoor adventure sport — recreational scuba diving and alpine trekking come to mind — mountain biking can be an expensive hobby. Decent mountain bikes vary widely in price, from around $500 up to as much as a used Toyota Corolla for a high-end carbon fiber model. That doesn't even include all the fancy gear and accessories you'll no doubt be shopping for, too. But, if you know where to look and potentially cut corners (especially if you're a newbie rider), it is possible to score a solid mountain bike for under $1,000.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The Best Walmart Bike Deals to Shop Today
Hyper Bicycles 26-inch Shocker Mountain Bike parked on a street with blue sky, trees, and a small mountain in the background.

If you are looking for new bikes for family members or yourself, you'll want to take a look at today's Walmart bike deals. Bike prices can range from under $100 to multiple $1,000s depending on the bicycle brand, purpose, and special features. Unless you're a professional rider, chances are you'd like to buy one of the best bicycles available without blowing up your budget. The trick for getting the most for your money is to watch for sales and to be ready act when you find the best bicycle deals. Walmart sells a wide selection of bicycles for many purposes and we found five of the best Walmart bike deals you can buy today.
Todays Best Walmart Bike Deals

Dynacraft 26-inch Aftershock Bike --
$98, was $140

Read more
The Best Bike Gear for Hitting the Streets This Spring
A man riding a bike in traffic.

With spring just around the corner, bicycling season is almost upon us. Whether you're commuting to work, hitting the mountain biking trails, biking for exercise, or simply pedaling around town for the fun of it, you want cycling gear that will make your experience more comfortable, safe, practical, and enjoyable. To that end, we're taking a look at the best bike gear for 2022.

Read more
The 11 Best Gifts for Cyclists to Enrich Their Bike Riding Experience
A male cyclist with water bottle checking his watch in a park on a sunny day.

Cyclists love getting gear. But, there are a lot of options, from essentials like socks and patch kits to specialty items like trail lights and pint-sized inflators. So, here are just a few of the best gifts for the cyclist in your life.

Related Guides

Read more