Best Mountain Bikes Under 200 – Beginners Bike Guide

If you ever visit a local shop to look for the best mountain bikes under 200, the storekeeper may wrinkle his face in a dismissive manner. After that, he will suggest you pay at least twice or thrice of your budget if you want something good. But, this is just a TRAP! Don’t fall for it. Here’s the catch!

There are two options for you. First, you may fall for his trap by believing his words. And secondly, you can go for a perfect mountain bike within your budget range. If you choose the second one, scroll down to know more interesting stuff about budget mountain bikes!

Well, what is a mountain bike? For those who are new to bikes, this is a bike designed for off-road cycling. Despite their name, not all mountain bikes are designed to go up and down the mountain. At the same time, not every person who buys a mountain bike wants to cycle up and down the mountain either. But for those who would love to explore and get some time off the tarmac, be sure to try out the following mountain bikes; cross country mountain bikes, which are the most common.

You can also go for All mountain/ Enduro mountain bikes, if you are not in a position to make out what bike you want, this will be your best choice as it never goes wrong, Downhill mountain bikes, designed are for riders who just want the downhill riding experience, Freeride mountain bikes, almost similar to Downhill bikes and finally Dirt Jump bikes which come as a blend of Freeride and BMX.

There being several types of mountain bikes, I will discuss the best ones from the many tried out in that one decade. You can try out either depending on what you want to do with the bike. Be keen of their features for the suitable choice, since some of these bikes have almost similar specifications but serve very different purposes. Make your choice wisely and enjoy your riding.

Mountain Bikes Under-200 Comparison

Best Mountains Bikes Under – 200 Reviews

If you are looking for quality and reliable mountain bikes, read my reviews of the best mountain bikes under 200 that bikers and outdoor lovers appreciate. Whether you are choosing mountain bikes for rough biking, normal biking, or recreational biking, I’m sure you will end up with one after going through the reviews.

01. Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike

In case you are not sure about what to get your teenage son for his birthday stop worrying about yourself too much because I know the perfect gift that will make his birthday the best one ever.

Get him the Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike and watch how you become a cool parent because of the cool gift. Assembling the parts of the bike is a simple task that will not take much of your time. It has a user manual and a toolkit that has the tools to help you during the assembling.

It is designed with an aluminum frame that makes it serve your riding for a long period of time. Get this bike and get to rock the streets and have everyone looking at you as you ride down the street past the vehicles.

The bike is fast enough and has the best brakes for easy stopping and cycling. Its seat and handlebars are easy to adjust in order for you to get comfortable as you enjoy your riding.

Highlighted Features:-

• Full Suspension Aluminum Frame
• 24″ Alloy Rims
• 21 Speed Twist Shifters
• Crank- Steel Triple

Pros

• 21-speed twist shifters
• Crank-steel triple
• Full suspension Aluminum frame
• 24″ alloy rims
• Alloy seat clamp

Cons

• The front-wheel doesn’t have a quick release
• Doesn’t come assembled

Summary: When buying a mountain bike for teenagers, you have to consider hundreds of things. But, thanks to North Woods for combining all of those required functions on a single bike. This bike is a perfect beast for your beloved teenagers.

02. Mongoose Status 2.2 Mountain Bike 26″ Wheel Men’s bicycle

Is there anything yet that has not already been said? Yes, that’s the Mongoose Mountain Bike. These bikes are already well known for specific color combinations and distinctive styling. Today we will talk about a remarkable bike from Mongoose. Under the budget of $200, probably this Mongoose Status 2.2 Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for every biker. Mongoose always tries to include the latest and fittest technology with style, performance and blend of quality.

It is fairly uncommon to find out a 26-inch wheel-size mountain bike that is specially made for men. These jumbo-sized wheels help you to pass a longer distance with minimum effort to pedal. It leaves you some extra energy after completing a long ride.

The secret behind making these bikes lightweight yet sturdy is Aluminum. Aluminum is widely popular because of its durability. Additionally, it also increases the portability that comes in handy during storage. Though it is a lightweight bike, it can dispute up to 330 lbs despite its small structure and frame.

Mongoose includes suspension forks on both rear and front wheels. These forks are extremely important while surfing the rough surface of the mountains.

Along with all of these features, speed is another blessing. This Mongoose Status 2.2 contains 21-speed gear shifts from Shimano. Further, it is easier to shift gear depending on the terrain.

This bike has not only the most significant speed but also great stopping power when needed. The brake is quite useful even when you are under a free roll. It gives you ultimate control on the road without sacrificing safety.

With the greatest build quality, big wheel and ultimate control over the bike, it becomes a perfect package of the best mountain bike under $200.

Highlighted Features:

• Lightweight, durable rims
• 21-speed Shimano rear derailleur
• Rear and front V-brakes
• Powerful shock-absorbing system
• Aluminum-made full-suspension frame

Pros

• Features height adjustment
• SRAM twist shifters
• Durable alloy wheel rim
• Stable knobby tires
• Easier to handle and maintain

Cons

• The saddle has a smaller surface area
• Doesn’t come with a manual

Summary: A bike from Mongoose with 21-speed gear shifts must be a blessing for the riders. If you want a sturdy yet lightweight bike, you should take a good look at this bike.

03. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bikes, Multiple Colors

Mountain biking is a sport loved by many. It is a sport that opens up band new challenges, opportunities & experiences for bikers and travelers around the world. Mountain biking involves biking over rough terrain, stony and irregular paths, downhill, etc. To fulfill your passion and thrill for mountain biking Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bikes are one of the best of their kind. It provides perfect endurance and balance.

Design:

The Schwinn High Timber has a steel frame of 29 inches. It provides durable and responsible riding. This is a 21speed bike, with Shimano Revoshift twist shifters; it also has a Shimano rear derailleur, which provides a wide gear range and quick shifts out on the trail. The bicycle is equipped with front and rear linear-pull brakes for crispiness and provides an efficient stop. Its MTB riser handler provides a comfortable riding experience. The bike’s dimensions (L X W x H) are of 68 x 23 x 41 inches. And weighs about 42lbs, the wheel diameter is 26 inches and the rear cogs 14-28T. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike’s 29er has a limited lifetime warranty.  

Frame Material:

Its Frame material is made of aluminium 17 inches. It has SR Suntour M2000 front suspension fork and its shifters are SRAM grip shift shifters.

Suspension Fork: 

Its suspension fork increases control, while the handlebars offer a comfortable upright riding position. The suspension fork is made up of aluminum and makes the bike lightweight and durable. The bike’s AL’s quick-release seat allows you to make height adjustments.

Wheels & saddle:

Its wheel diameter is 26 inches and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. The bike’s large wheels allow it to roll over stones and mountainous pathways. The saddle is of Schwinn vinyl mountain sports brand and the pedals are plastic.

Alloy material: 

Light and strong alloy rims add durability without weighing you down, while Schwinn alloy cranks with triple chainrings supply optimal gearing. Its rims are made of single-wall rims alloy. The front hub is made of alloy QR and the rear hub of alloy bolt-on.

Pros

• Lightweight, Large wheels, Durable,
• Has a large weight capacity
• Aluminum frame,
• Have front and rear gears.
• Light alloy rims Affordable

Cons

• Pedals are plastic
• Does not come with a water bottle provision

Final Verdict

Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike is calculated to be fully featured and provides the best experience. It is user friendly and economically entry leveled Mountain bike. It will satisfy all your needs to cover off-road trails like single track, back country roads, fire roads, cross country, trail riding and many more.

04. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike

For very energetic riding where you need to pass through dirt, you need this Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike since it has knobby tires that tear into the dirt. And to let you experience the thrill of riding downhill and climbing uphill the rear derailleur is combined with the micro-shift twist. This lets you experience 21 speeds depending on the requirement you have.

To help you with experiencing constant stopping action, the linear hand brakes can be pulled for consistent delivery. 

Furthermore, this mountain bike is all about making you feel comfortable during your whole riding experience. The padded seat can be adjusted to your preferred height with the help of a quick alloy release.

The handlebar is slightly risen upwards to make sure that you don’t feel any sort of strain on your back and shoulder. Since this position handlebar lets, you experience an upright position. The krayton grips present on the handlebar prevent your hand from slipping off ensuring that you don’t lose control and balance.

Pros

• The mountain bike comes in 3 different colors and patterns to select from.
• 1200 suspension fork present to absorb the shock of road bumps providing you a smooth riding experience.
• Kickstand included to let your park the mountain bike when you have to stop for some reason.
• The padded saddle is stitched by the side to ensure longevity and durability.
• The wheels consist of alloy making it strong enough to tear through the dirt.
• Comfortable riding experience because of the adjustable seat height.

Cons

• This bike is not suitable to be used by children who are below 13 in age. Also, the rider riding this bike should have a minimum height of 5 feet.

Final verdicts

To conclude, giving you comfort is the main intention of this mountain bike. You will not have any more issues of feeling pain in your back and shoulders since you can adjust the seat height to your comfortable position. Also, the upright position of the handlebar adds further comfort to the riding experience since you don’t have to lower yourself any longer.

05. Generic 26-inch Hyper Havoc Full Suspension Men’s Mountain Bike

The Generic 26″ Hyper Havoc Full Suspension Mountain Bike is calculated to be fully featured and provides the best experience, user-friendly and economically entry leveled Mountain bike. It will satisfy all your needs to cover off-road trails like single track, back country roads, fire roads, cross country, trail riding and many more.

Design:

The Havoc full suspension 26″ men’s mountain bike is lightweight. It’s front and rear suspension give provide smooth rides. Its speed is 21; it also has a comfortable Shimano twist shifter along with a Shimano rear derailleur. Gears can be changed easily. 

It has three-piece, standard pedals, and a high-performance crank and is also equipped with a plush MTB seat, providing you ultimate comfort during long trip rides. The bike’s dimensions are 52.4 x 7.5 x 27.2 inches. The bike is made & designed by Hyper Bicycles, established by former BMX pro-Clay Goldsmid; providing hyper graphics which are authentic.

Frame Material:

The bike has an aluminum frame, giving you a very lightweight feeling while riding. Handlebars are standard. The rims are 26 inches, with 21 speeds twist grip.

Suspension Fork:

The Mountain bike has full suspension with a fork. Its smooth fork material absorbs shock from rough trails and enables you to ride easily and handle your bike well. It enables switching flawlessly from a rocky mountain trail to an easy outdoor ride. The suspension fork is adjustable so that you can adjust it according to your requirements.

Wheels:

The wheels are 26 inches. The bike’s large wheels allow it to roll over stones and mountainous pathways.

Front and rear brakes: 

It also has a front and rear Shimano pull braking system. The hard pull brakes for good riding control. Also, its 21 Speed Shimano gearing, allows smooth, fast and accurate hand grip shifting.

Pros

• Reasonable price
• Sturdy framework 
• Front and rear braking system
• Tires are nimble
• Hyper graphics design

Cons

• Some of the components require adjustments

Final Verdict

There are very few bikes you can have fun with at such a reasonable price. It has been resourcefully designed to meet the needs of a large variety of riders. You can upgrade and customize this Generic 26″ Hyper Havoc Full Suspension Mountain Bike according to your preferences. The bike provides its riders durability and comfort. The suspension Hyper Havoc bike contains a padded gel seat; this provides increased comfort and a rugged frame for good durability

06. Mongoose Status 2.2 Men/Women’s 26-inch Wheel Mountain Bike

Many mountain bikes nowadays are quite costly, and it gets tough for an average person to purchase them. If you are a traveler or love riding in all types of terrains or are a mountain biker the Mongoose Status 2.2 Women’s 26″ Wheel Mountain Bike is the sort of reasonable and quality bike with all proper features. It is a bike that gives you the tools that you need to experience a fun and exciting ride, and all that within a reasonable budget.

Design: 

Mongoose status 2.2 is a women’s full suspension bike. It contains a lightweight aluminum frame, 4 bar linkage, alloy rims, its speed is 21 with a Shimano rear derailleur, making smooth gear changes every ride; has linear-pull brakes, front shock and SRAM shifters. It has a riser handlebar with colored end plugs, this helps to complete the MTB look. It has front and rear v brakes to enable quick stopping. The dimensions of the bike are 68 inches by 23 inches by 41 inches and the chain is KMZ Z51.

Frame material:  

The bike is made up of an aluminum MTB frame with a hydro-formed tubing aluminum frame makes the bike lightweight and durable so that I can support you riding on all sorts of terrain. The frame is 16-18 inches. It also has height adjustment features, so that people of all heights and sizes can ride comfortably.

Suspension frame: 

The bike is a front element full suspension type rig. The front fork is equipped with an element suspension component to smooth out any bumps, humps, cracks, etc on your path. This feature is also present on the rear shock mechanism where it will absorb any vibrations that come from rocky, harsh tough mountainous terrains. It also helps provide maximum control of the bike while riding.

Wheels: 

The wheels are 26 inches and of alloy material. The bike has a freewheel hub so that you can pedal backward without any difficulties. The pedals are made of plastic.

Shifters: 

The speed control of the bike is provided by a rear derailleur of Shimano brand and SRAM twist shifters. This combination helps to perform a gear change smoothly without nags, and it is also adaptable to changing conditions on the road. The durability of the shifters is of high quality.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Height adjustment facilities
• SRAM twist shifters
• Stable knobby tires
• Good durability
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Pedals are plastic
• Has no water bottle holder

Final Verdict

Mongoose status 2.2 is a women’s full-suspension bike that is a very good choice for women who love traveling and also those who love occasional riding. Its excellent durable features, smart speed controlling and height controlling features are very handy and well praised. It has good reviews and is highly recommended by its riders.

07. Merax Falcon Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Don’t say that you didn’t dream about conquering Mount Everest! It is a dream of almost every adventure enthusiast. Instead of the icy mountains, if you want to conquer a rugged mountain, you will need a mountain bike. If you are looking for a sturdy yet low-cost full-suspension mountain bike, this bike will be a worthy choice.

This bike offers the smoothest ride with increased control because of the dual suspension design and aluminum frame. As this bike is a full-suspension bike, it can handle rugged surface areas very well.

Another good thing about this mountain bike is that you can assemble this bike pretty easily. In fact, it will be delivered to your hand almost 85% assembled. But if you are thinking about detaching the wheels, you can do it within seconds without any help of expertise! This bike is also offering you 21 speeds which will give you a range of options to surf the hills!

Another feature I like about this bike is the overall visual design. The manufacturer company made it in three different color combinations. This bike is available in Red and Black & Green.

However, it has a simple drawback too. This bike is only available as a 26-inch wheeler. It will be the best fit for 5 ½ to 6 feet height people. If you are shorter than this, I don’t think that this bike will be a wise choice for you. Further, it has a maximum weight limit of 330 lbs (approximately 150kg).

With a budget range of under $200, this might be the best choice as your adventure partner. This bike is definitely the best value for your money with other aesthetic and technical benefits.

Highlighted Features:

• 26-inch wheels approved from CPSC
• Shimano 21 speed derailleur
• 6061 Heat-treated alloy frame
• Shimano ASLRS35LNBC and Shimano ASLRS35R7ET shifters
• Weight Capacity 330lbs

Pros

• Aluminum alloy wheels
• Comfortable on rugged trails
• Adjustable saddle height & handlebars
• Delivered to you almost 85% assembled

Cons

• No water pot holder available

Final Verdict

The lightweight 6061 heat-treated alloy frame makes this bike a suitable fit for both experienced and novice bikers. Such a well-designed and perfectly manufactured bike will fulfill your riding needs for sure!

How To Choose The Best Mountain Bike Under 200 Dollars

Do not just hope into a shop and grab any bike that looks appealing to your eyes. You might end up regretting what is not what you wish for. Consider the following things any time you want to buy the best mountain bike.

Each bike has a special feature that makes it different from the rest. Pick one that has all the features you want so that it satisfies your needs. Do not be convinced to buy what you think will not suit you. After all, you are the buyer.

01. Style/Design

Mountain Bicycle design refers to the creativity and buildup of two wheels, human-driven, pedal-paddled vehicles and their use for various aspects and necessities of our daily lives. Bikes can take on a variety of frame and suspension geometries, can be structured from different materials such as aluminum, bamboo and carbon fiber and can also include hybrid and electric versions.

Each of the bikes is designed with good suspension systems, front and rear braking features, grip shift shifters and much more; all to provide riders with a very healthy and exciting riding experience.

02. Frame Material

Frame material is made of aluminum, steel, titanium, or carbon. Steel frames are used in many bikes. The walls are thinner in the center of the bike frame. Steel is the least expensive frame material among all. Aluminum frames are larger in diameter but more rigid and sturdier than steel. It provides a lighter and stiffer frame, providing an efficient ride.

The titanium frame has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios. Titanium frames can flex and maintain their shape very well, thus it is used as a shock absorber on some bikes.  Carbon fiber frames are tough and exceptionally lightweight. Carbon fibers are made up of a bunch of knitted carbon fibers attached together with glue. The material is also resistant to corrosion and can be molded into any specific shape.

03. Gears & Shifters 

When riding a bike, your body can produce so much power before you lose energy.  Gears on a bicycle help you ride more efficiently and unfailingly so you can sustain much of your energy for more time. Gear shifters are an important part of your bicycle enabling you to increase or and decrease the range of gears to the demands of the terrain, speed, etc.

There are many types of gear shifters: indexed shifters, friction shifters, and MTB and road shifters. MTB shifters are mostly found on mountain bikes. These shifters can be activated by the thumb and forefinger. These provide the best control when riding rough mountainous terrain.

04. Geometry

Bike geometry is accountable for how a bicycle looks, feels, rides, and handles. It is also the collection of key measurements that define a particular bicycle or motorcycle configuration. The geometry of the rider and his location are in direct proportion to the geometry of the bicycle. The bicycle’s geometry determines the length and angles that define its full suspension fork and frame.

A bicycle that is too large compared to the size of the rider is not appropriate and would also place the rider in dangerous situations. Rider and bike geometry must be equivalent and in good proportions to make an enjoyable riding experience, without keeping in mind the age or gender of the rider.

05. Suspension

Suspensions are the system of systems that prevent the rider to feel impacts from any kind of rough terrain while riding. Suspension systems absorb the impact of the rough path and insulate it, preventing the force to reach the rider and keep him safe and comfortable. Mountain bikes are classified into three categories: rigid, hardtail, and full. Rigid bikes are the most common type; rigid ones have no suspension or shock-absorbing qualities.

Hard tail bikes have suspension on their front wheel tires only. They do not have rear suspension on rear wheel tires. Full suspension mountain bicycles have both front and rear suspensions. Full suspension bicycles have the feature which can help to lock out the rear suspension for better climbing

06. Brakes

There are different types of brakes present on mountain bicycles: Generally, use  Disc and Rim. Disc brakes have long replaced rim brakes on most models except entry-level bikes. Disc brakes hold firmly onto a brake rotor mounted to the wheel hub of the bike. It is available in two versions: hydraulic and cable activated.

Hydraulic is often the preferred version as it has less finger effort and powerful stopping ability. Wireless, rim brakes hold tightly on the wheel rims with cable activation from the rider. They are cheaper than disc brakes and are easily adjustable. Rim brakes have less stopping power in wet or muddy conditions.

07. Wheel & Tire   

Wheels help to support the tires and are an important part of bikes. Mountain bicycle wheel sizes are 26, 27.5, or 29 inches. The 27.5-inch wheel sizes provide a comfortable ride on the roughest terrain.  The 29-inch wheels are faster but require more effort and energy to roll. These wheels are chosen for cars that travel long distances. The latest wheel is the 650B (27.5-inch) tire which divides the difference between the 26-inch and 29-inch wheel sizes.

 

Choosing the right tire will increase your riding comfort and experience. Mountain bikes have tires with widths ranging from 2.25 to 2.4 inches. Mountain bike tires are of 2 types. They are either ‘clincher’ or ‘tubeless. Clincher tires require a tube to hold air and inflate it. Clincher tires require no internal tube; they rely on firm tolerances and air pressure to produce an airtight seal.  Wider tires will ultimately have better traction. Tubeless tires are your best bet for all types of mountain bike riding.

08. Size Select

When buying a bicycle, the correct size is the most important factor when it comes to comfort & efficiency. A bike that is too small will be frustrating to ride and uncomfortable.. A bike that is too big is also uncomfortable and dangerous for the rider as well, as it gets tough to control larger-sized bikes.

09. Weight

The weight of mountain bicycles ranges from 30 to 38 pounds. The weight of the bikes varies depending on bike composition and frame material. Alloy and aluminum frames are lighter; Mountain bikes that have full suspension have added weight on them, this they can travel longer distances and roll over tough mountainous paths and terrain.

in general, a bike will be about the perfect size fit if the top tube (the bar that goes between the seat and the handlebar) leaves 2-3 fingers of space below your groin as you straddle your bike with your feet flat on the floor. You should know mountain bikes are a bit smaller than normal bikes so that you can control and ride better on rough paths.

10. Budget

The budget of your mountain bike depends and varies on the type of bike, the brand of the bike, and the material being used on the frame and fork. Sometimes it also depends on the condition of the bike. Bicycles of good and prestigious brands may be a bit costly, as they use high-quality materials to make their product and design them better. But it is not the case that always a good brand is the sole identity of a quality mountain bike.

Mountain bikes constructed by good companies and normal brands are very good too. These bikes have all the proper features needed for riding and are also affordable and can be obtained by average people within their desired budgets.

Final Words

I have been riding for more than ten years, and I can assure you that owning some mountain bikes is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Find out what you need so that you choose the type of bike that will match your requirements.

Do not be in a rush since there are thousands of bike designs and you might end up mixing up yourself.

Talking from experience, mountain bikes are fun and smooth to ride off the tarmac. I would suggest you get yourself one or even more if you love to explore a terrain that looks difficult to ride through.

I was a little scared the first time I went mountain riding with my friends, but I can assure you it is safe if you have the riding skills. Don’t be surprised to be an expectation within a very short period. You can try out any of these great and affordable bikes for the most fun of the experience.