If you prefer to ride over rough and rocky terrain, rather than a smooth tarmacked road, then you need a decent mountain bike.
A standard road bike just won’t be enough.
Mountain bikes have several unique features that are specifically designed to support riding over tricky terrains. Mountain bikes have thicker, more rugged tires to help you move over rough ground.
They are much more comfortable so you won’t find any sharp drops or uneven ground too jarring.
Mountain bike suspensions are specifically designed to support the the bike. This allows the bike to go over uneven and rocky terrain more easily.
So, because of all these features, you’re going to need a good quality mountain bike. Otherwise, you’re going to have a hard time going across mountainous terrain and will be bumping and bouncing all over the place.
To help you find the perfect bike for your favorite new hobby, we’ve put together a list of the best mountain bikes under $600.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top pick for the best mountain bike under $600 is the Schwinn High Timber mountain bike.
It is available in a great range of sizes, heights, speeds, and even frame metals. You can essentially customize this bike to make it perfect for you.
This mountain bike is a really great option if you know exactly what you want. If you regularly ride over the same or similar types of terrain, you’re going to know the specific features that you will need.
This bike is available with a choice of either a steel or aluminum frame. Steel is an incredibly strong material and is very stiff. This is ideal for a mountain bike as it will provide you with great resistance and support on rough terrain.
If a steel bike isn’t looked after properly, it can begin to rust. So if you’re regularly riding in bad weather or through water, this bike will need some aftercare.
Aluminum is, as far as metal can be, quite soft. It isn’t nearly as strong as steel but it is much lighter. Aluminum has around a third of the density of steel. So you’re going to be much speedier on an aluminum mountain bike.
As it is such a soft material, more is needed to make a mountain bike sturdy and durable enough. But even then, aluminum bikes are around a third lighter than steel mountain bikes.
The choice between these two materials is incredibly useful. Neither is “better” than the other, they simply have different abilities. You can choose between these two metals to find exactly the kind of bike you need.
As there are so many wheel sizes also available, you can almost customize this bike. Finding the perfect mountain bike can be difficult. Especially when some bikes are only available at certain heights.
So being able to choose exactly what you want and need will save so much time. You also have choices in terms of look as this bike is available in 12 different colors.
Pros
- Multiple wheel sizes available
- Multiple colors available
- Choice of steel or aluminum
Cons
- Price varies depending on wheel size
EDITORS CHOICE
The frame of this mountain bike has been made from durable but lightweight aluminum. The frame is thick and sturdy so will provides endurance and support. But the lightweight aluminum won’t slow you down or cause any drag.
The frame is specifically made from hydroformed aluminum tubing. Hydroforming is the process of turning soft and malleable metals, like aluminum, into structurally strong shapes. These shapes are still lightweight but stiff.
The wheels are also strong and lightweight but made from an alloy. These will be tough going over difficult ground and provide support for the knobby 2.215” tires. Not much will get in the way of this bike.
The 21 speed rear derailleur will allow you to switch gears quickly. Mountain biking often involves going over unexpected obstacles. Even a smooth looking terrain can surprise you. So the ability to quickly change gears is essential.
This is a great standard mountain bike that is very affordable. It is also available in a bold black and red design or a bright metallic teal. So it definitely stands out.
Pros
- Thick, sturdy frame
- 21 speed shifters
- Available in two colors
- Affordable
Cons
- Only available in one size
BEST VALUE
Available in three different wheel sizes, this mountain bike also has a range of frame sizes to choose from.
The various sizes available mean that this mountain bike is suitable for both teenagers and adults. It can be ridden by people from around the age of 13 upwards. (Of course, this is a general guide and sizing should be decided primarily through measurements).
This mountain bike features an indexed Shimano rear derailleur. This, combined with the micro-shift twist shifter, should make switching gears easy. You will have great control over this bike.
The wheels of this bike are knobby so have thick defined treads. This will provide grip over different types of terrains, especially on dirt tracks.
This bike also has a great look. It has completely matte black wheels and tires. It is also available in 6 different colors.
A kickstand is also included. This might seem like a standard feature of bikes but they aren’t always a given.
Pros
- Choice of wheel sizes
- Choice of frame heights
- 6 colors available
- Kickstand included
Cons
- Hard saddle
RUNNER UP
This is a lightweight but still quite large mountain bike. The wheels are 27.5” which isn’t the biggest available but they are definitely still big. This is great for going uphill.
Aside from the large wheels, this is a very standard mountain bike. But that isn’t a bad thing.
If you are a beginner when it comes to mountain biking, you don’t want anything too complicated. As you become more proficient, you will discover the kind of trails you like and what you need from a mountain bike. But, for now, this kind of bike is ideal.
It is also very affordable. This is also ideal for beginners as you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a hobby that you may not be that in to. That said, once you experience the thrill of mountain biking, there’s no going back.
Pros
- Affordable
- Dual suspension
Cons
- Does not include kickstand
RUNNER UP
Schwinn is a great brand when it comes to bikes. They are well-known and reliable and make great quality bikes.
The wheels on this mountain bike are very big. The tires are very thick and the treads are very deep and defined. The tires are 2.25” wide which, combined with the lightweight aluminum frame, will be great for cycling up-hill.
This mountain bike has a slightly higher number of speeds than other options on this list. With 24 speeds, instead of the more common 21, this bike has more gear options available. This provides even great control. It will allow you to ride over a bigger range of terrains.
As well as all these practical features, this bike also has a great look. It has quite a small frame in comparison to the big tires but this isn’t too unusual for a mountain bike.
The tires and wheels are both completely black. The frame is available in blue, red, or a combination of the two.
The saddle and handlebars are also matte black. This contrasts with the frame and makes the bike really stand out.
Pros
- Large, thick, defined tread tires
- Available in 3 colors
- Large wheels
- Knobby tires
Cons
- Heavy
RUNNER UP
No. of Speeds: 18
This mountain bike doesn’t have as many speeds as some other similar bikes. 21 is the most common number but there are some with more. 18 isn’t a small number and a difference of 3 might not seem like much but it can make a difference.
This means that this mountain bike has fewer gears so won’t be quite as adaptable to different terrains. But, it is also one of the reasons that this bike is (at the time of writing) so affordable.
This bike is quite standard but is absolutely fine for a hobbyist. If you don’t often go over dangerous or very rocky and uneven ground, then this bike is great.
But that doesn’t mean that this bike doesn’t provide the support and comfort that you would expect from a mountain bike. It has rigged tires that will be able to handle a range of terrain. The ATB saddle has strong, contrasting stitching so is durable.
This mountain bike is available in two very bright colors. It comes in either black and hot pink or black and baby blue.
Pros
- Affordable
- Available in 2 colors
- Kickstand included
- Low number of speeds
RUNNER UP
No. of Speeds: 21
Frame Material: High Carbon Steel
With a high carbon steel frame, this is a very sturdy mountain bike. High carbon steel is the material items such as cutting tools and milling machines are made from. It is incredibly tough.
A unique feature of this mountain bike is the style of the wheels. The wheels of this bike don’t have the traditional thin metal spokes. Instead, each wheel has three very thick alloy spokes made from the same material as the rims.
This style of wheel is incredibly strong. Combined with the thick tires and strong suspension fork, these wheels will provide excellent shock absorption. If you are regularly going up and over uneven terrain, then this bike is a great option.
Pros
- Arrives 85% pre-assembled
- Very unique design
- High cardon steel frame
- Available in 2 colors
- Only suitable for hobbyists, not regular users
RUNNER UP
No. of Speeds: 7
Frame Material: Steel
This mountain bike features tires that are specifically designed for intense off-roading. This “fat tire” style will be able to go over any kind of terrain. You will barely feel the difference.
These thick tires will be great for riding over rough ground but it means the bike will be very slow over tarmac.
The durable steel frame will complement the fat tires well. Fat tires will support you over extremely rough terrain. But that won’t make much of a difference if the bike’s frame isn’t tough and supportive as well.
As mentioned before, steel is heavier than aluminum but it is much tougher. So will support the rider, the tires, and the suspension very well.
Pros
- Incredibly thick tires
- Strong steel frame
- Available in 2 colors
- Low number of speeds
- Slow on tarmac/concrete
RUNNER UP
No. of Speeds: 21
Frame Material: Aluminum
This bike has very large wheels. Mountain bike wheels range considerably with 29” being one of the largest. In general, mountain bikes need very large wheels to be able to travel easily over rough terrain.
The large wheels, combined with the deep tread on the tires make this a great mountain bike for uneven and rocky ground.
It is available in two colors, a subtle charcoal with blue accents or a bright silver. This is great as mountain bikes have a tendency to either be a shiny black or very bright colors. Even the black usually have very loud colors accented.
Pros
- Available in 2 colors
- Large wheels
- Knobby tires
- Short frame
RUNNER UP
No. of Speeds: 21
Frame Material: Aluminum
This is another unique style of mountain bike. Similar to the Max4Out mountain bike, this bike has large, thick spokes instead of the standard collection of thin metal spike spokes.
But this mountain bike is more different still. This bike is available with a choice of three or six spokes. These spokes are made from carbon fiber and are of the same one piece as the rims. The intention of this spoke design is to increase stability, especially at high speeds.
Mountain biking can often be a bit of a slog, especially over uneven ground. But you’re of course going to want to be as aerodynamic and as fast as possible.
This style of wheel is not necessarily new, but it also isn’t very common. Your choice of wheel depends entirely on the kind of riding you do, or are planning on doing.
There is further choice available with this mountain bike as it comes in a range of colors. You can choose between something dark and subdued or bright and loud.
Pros
- Choice of 3 or 6 spokes
- Available in multiple colors
- Thick, deep tread tires
- Arives 85% pre-assembled
- Assembly tools included
- Handlebars very low down and close to the frame
Conclusion
Mountain biking is a difficult and at times dangerous sport. So you need a bike that will provide you with the best support.
But you also need something that will make you aerodynamic and, of course, have fun.
For under $600 you can easily find a good quality mountain bike that will provide you with exactly what you need.
The kind of bike you buy will need to depend on the kind of mountain biking you do. Always make sure to find a bike that will correctly suit your height and will give you the support and suspension necessary. This is will not only keep you safe but also make sure that you have fun.