8 Best Mountain Bikes Under 600
Looking for affordable and best mountain bikes under 600 that won’t break the bank? There are hundreds of mountain bike models under $1000 available on the market. But choosing a good-quality mountain bike with a budget of under $600 is tricky for beginners. But nothing to worry about, We are here to help you.
For this comparison review, we’ve researched and tested over 25 cheap mountain bikes with prices under 600. All the selected MTB models are manufactured around a high-strength frame and equipped with a wide range of advanced features to fulfill your riding needs and budget.
Whether you need a mountain bike for uphill riding, gravel riding, or normal urban commuting, our selection is for anyone who has a specific budget and can’t spend more than $600 on a mountain bike. According to our testing results, Schwinn Bonafide and Tommaso Gran Sasso are the best budget mountain bikes for your time and money.
Here is the list of our top 8 picks of best mountain bikes under 600 price range. With powerful brakes, an accurate gear shifter, a front suspension fork, and user-friendly geometry, these mountain bikes deliver a highly controlled riding experience without causing pain in the arms, shoulders, or legs.
So, what should you be looking for in the best budget mountain bikes? Using bestbikeslab editor’s years of bicycle testing and reviewing experience. Below is a comparison list of the best affordable mountain bikes. If you need more options for you or your family, look at our guides to the best mountain bikes.
Best Mountain Bikes Under 600
Image | Product | Features | Price |
1 | Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike | ||
2 | Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Mountain Bike | ||
3 | Mongoose Impasse Adult Mountain Bike | ||
4 | Ancheer Sunshine Electric Mountain Bike | ||
5 | Schwinn High Timber Youth Mountain Bike | ||
6 | ROYCE UNION RMT Mountain Bike | ||
7 | Eastern Alpaka Mountain Bike | ||
8 | Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike |
1. Schwinn Bonafide Men and Women Mountain Bike
Features:
- 17-inch Rust-Proof Aluminum Frame
- Shimano 24-Speed EZ Trigger Shifters
- Front & Rear Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Front Suspension Alloy Fork & Cranks
- High-Profile Double Wall Alloy Rims
- 29-Inch Wheels & 2.25-Inch Wide Tires
- Recommended Height: 5’4” to 6’2” Tall
The Schwinn bonafide Mountain Bike is one of the cheapest mountain bikes under 600 we have tested. This model is super light in weight and has only 39 pounds, and comes with almost complete aluminium components. Which includes a 17-inch aluminium frame, double-wall alloy rims, double-alloy cranks, and a front alloy suspension fork.
We appreciate the manufacturer for providing well-chosen features such as the Shimano 24-speed EZ fire trigger shifter, which can tackle any road condition, and dual mechanical disc brakes, which provide reliable stopping power in wet and dry weather conditions. This Bonafide comes with 2.25-inch knobby tires, which we found perfect for rough and uneven roads.
Unfortunately, this bike is only available in 29-inch wheel size fits for 5’4″ to 6’2″ tall riders. It would be better if Schwinn offered this Bonafide in different sizes, with internal cable routing and hydraulic disc brakes. However, we found each and every feature perfect for aggressive trail riding as well as urban commuting. Its maximum weight limit is up to 300 pounds.
2. Tommaso Gran Sasso 29er Mountain Bike
Features:
- 6061 Lightweight Aluminum Frame
- Shimano M315 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Full Shimano Acera 24-Speed System
- 2.1-Inch Wide Kenda Non-Slip Tires
- Suntour SF15 Front Suspension Fork
- 29er Rugged Wheels For Fast Rolling
- Four Sizes For 5’5” to 6’5” Tall Riders
If you are a beginner and getting into mountain biking or returning after a long time and want the best performing mountain bike at an affordable price range of 600 dollars. This Tommaso Gran Sasso MTB Bike is equally suitable for all riders, which is made with an aluminum alloy frame and equipped with highly advanced and powerful features that helps to easily handle the toughest mountain trails.
Tamosso used a latest package of Shimano parts which includes Shimano M315 hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Acera Shifter, Shimano Acera/Altus 24-speed drivetrain to provide controlled rides. This Gran Sasso is also equipped with a premium Suntour SF15-XCM fork with 100mm of travel and Kenda 2.1-inch grippy tires to easily push the bike through rough terrain, roots and gravels.
One of our readers gave us a video review of Gran Sasso, and he says this mountain bike entirely changes his riding style and provides good value for the money. Tammoso offers four different sizes to accommodate 5’5″ to 6’5″ tall riders, and the smallest size has only 24 pounds weight. Tommaso also offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 2-year warranty on the Shimano parts.
3. Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike
Features:
- Dual-Suspension Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Front Suspension & Rear Spring Absorber
- Shimano 7, 8 & 9-Speed Trigger Shifter
- Mechanical or Hydraulic Disc Brakes Option
- 27.5 & 29-Inch Double Wall Aluminum Rims
- 2.6-Inch Wide Knobby All-Terrain MTB Tires
- Lightweight Aluminum Alloy 3-Piece Cranks
- Two Frame Sizes For 5’2” to 6’2” Tall Riders
If you are looking for trail-ready hydraulic disc brakes and a dual suspension aluminum frame with internal cable routing, then, according to our experience, there is no better choice than the Mongoose Impasse MTB bike, which is affordable at around 600 dollars. Like the above Schwinn bonafide, this bike also has the lowest weight of 39 pounds.
This dual-suspension Impasse is equipped with a front suspension fork and rear shock-absorber spring to absorb maximum bumps and vibrations and give you the smoothest riding experience. It also features a threadless headset, double-wall aluminum rims, and 2.6-inch wide knobby mountain tires to tackle any rough trail.
Unlike the above Schwinn Bonafide, this Mongoose Impasse is available in a wide range of Shimano 7, 9, or 21-speed shifters, mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes, and 17-inch or 18-inch frame size options to accommodate 5’3 to 6’2″ tall riders. The company also offers a 5-year warranty on frames and a 1-year warranty on remaining parts.
Note: The following comparison chart can help you easily choose the best mountain bike model for your needs.
Model | Specifications |
Impasse 1.0 | 27.5-inch Wheels, 7-speed, Mechanical Disc Brakes |
Impasse 2.0 | 29-inch Wheels, 8-speed, Mechanical Disc Brakes |
Impasse 3.0 | 29-inch Wheels, 9-speed, Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
4. Ancheer Sunshine Electric Mountain Bike
Features:
- Rust-Proof Aluminum Alloy Frame
- 500W Brushless Motor (Peak 750W)
- 48V 7.8Ah Lithium-Ion Large Battery
- Full Shimano 21-Speed Gear Shifter
- Front & Rear Mechanical Disc Brakes
- 5 Pedal Assist Mode + LCD Display
- Lockable Front Suspension Alloy Fork
- 2.1-inch Knobby Tires & Alloy Wheels
- Recommended Height: 5’2” to 6’3”
If you want to upgrade your riding style with electric features, then the Ancheer Sunshine E-Mountain bike would be suitable for you. This e-bike offers excellent performance. fast speed, long mileage, and adjustable riding position. Its price was $539 when we purchased it for testing reviews. This class-1 is made with an aluminum frame and has numerous features that we enjoy during test rides.
Electronic Features Of Ancheer Sunshine:
The Ancheer Sunshine is equipped with 500W powerful motor (peak 750W) that can provide up to 20mph top speed. The 48V 7.8Ah lithium-ion large battery give 22 miles range in pure electric mode and more than 45 miles in pedal assist mode. You will get 5-levels of pedal assist levels, Large LCD display to monitor performance, headlight for night traveling.
General Specifications of Ancheer Sunshine:
The mechanical disc brake levers are connected with power-off brake levers to immediately switch off the motor in case of emergency stopping and are reliable to ensure safe riding in rain, heavy off-road, and adverse riding conditions. Its Shimano 21-speed drivetrain and twist shifter provide accurate shifting with a wide range of gears.
The front suspension fork is lockable and comes with 100mm bump-absorbing travel to help you feel fewer vibrations and bumps. Its 2.1-inch wide tires with tread patterns have good contact area and give fast rolling, excellent grip, and anti-slip performance no matter what type of road surface it is. The company also offers a one-year service warranty on electric motors, batteries, and other replaceable parts.
5. Schwinn High Timber Youth Mountain Bike
Features:
- Aluminum or Alloy Steel Frame Option
- Dual Linear Pull or Disc Brakes Option
- Available in 7 or 21-Speed Twist Shifter
- Lightweight Double Wall Alloy Wheels
- Reliable Front Alloy Suspension Fork
- 2.1-inch All-Terrain Wide Knobby Tires
- Available in All-Wheel Sizes For Everyone
This Schwinn High Timber MTB is a highly in-demand mountain bike with more than 2950 reviews on Amazon. The main reason for its popularity is that Schwinn offers almost all wheel sizes from 20 inches to 29 inches, a wide range of colors, the facility to choose an aluminum or steel frame, a 7-speed or 21-speed drivetrain, linear-pull brakes, or disc brakes.
This Schwinn High Timber weighs only 33 pounds and comes with a lightweight, solid frame, Shimano twist shifter, front suspension fork, quick-responsive brakes, adjustable sports seat, double-wall alloy wheels, and 2.1-inch mountain tires.
Overall, this is one of the best mountain bikes under 600 among our top picks to get silky, comfortable and hardtail performance. However, it is also important to tell you that 7-speed drivetrain is only available in 20″ wheel size, all other models have 21-speed drivetrain. Two major differences in Schwinn High Timber AL and ALX models are as follows.
Model | Specifications |
High Timber AL Model | Linear Pull Brakes, Steel Frame, |
High Timber AlX Model | Mechanical Disk Brakes, Aluminum Frame |
6. ROYCE UNION RMT All-Terrain Mountain Bike
Features:
- Heat-Treated No-Rust Aluminum Frame
- Full Shimano 21-Speed Twist Shifter
- Front & Rear Linear Pull Alloy Brakes
- 27.5-Inch Machined Crafted Alloy Wheel
- All-Terrain Tread Grippy Mountain Tires
- Front Suspension Alloy Fork By Zoom
- Kraton Handle Grips & Adjustable Seat
- Available in 15″, 18″, & 22″ Frame Size
If you are tall and looking for an extra large frame size to improve your mountain biking skills without breaking the bank, you should consider this beginner-friendly Royce Union RMT Mountain Bike. It is made with a heat-molded aluminum frame and will never rust under the effects of the outer environment.
Its slightly raised handlebar and adjustable seat give the upright position to give comfort to shoulders, arms, and legs. Other comfortable features include Shimano 21-speed twist shifter, Shimano drivetrain, front suspension fork, comfortable padded seat, Kraton handlebar grips, linear pull hand brakes, 27.5-inch machined alloy wheel rims, and all-terrains mountain tires.
This Royce Union RMT is the one and only mountain bike in this review that comes in Royce Union all-frame sizes from 15-inch to 22-inch to accommodate 5’0″ to 6’6″ tall riders. You will also get a free tool kit to quickly assemble this bike for your next ride. The company also offers a 10-years manufacturing warranty.
7. Eastern Alpaka Mountain Bike
Features:
- Hydroformed Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Front & Rear Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Shimano X-Gear 9-speed Sram Shifter
- Soft Padded Seat With Vinyl Cover
- RST Lockable Front Suspension Fork
- Black Quick Release Double Wall Rim
- 2.2″ inch Wide Knobby Mountain Tires
- Four Frame Sizes Fits For 5’2″ To 6’5″
This Eastern Alpaka Mountain Bike is newly arrived in the cycling market. Three main reasons to include this bike in our list of best mountain bikes under 600 are its Hydroformed aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes and padded seat with vinyl cover.
This Eastern Alpaka is equipped with tapered alloy 740mm handlebars and a lockable front suspension fork for smooth rides. The well-chosen combination of Shimano X-Gear 9-speed rear cassette with SRAM shifter and Shimano X-Gear 34t chainrings provides quick and accurate gear shifting to control bike speed. Its 27.5-inch wheels, black double-wall rims, and 2.2-inch-wide knobby tires are enough to tackle hard-riding situations.
You will also like its internal cable routing, which makes it less complex and attractive. The quick-release clamp on the alloy seat post provides the facility to adjust the seat height without using any tool. Overall, this newly arrived mountain bike will provide you with great value for the money. The company also offers a 5-year warranty on frames and a 12-month warranty on all parts.
8. Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike
Features:
- 18.5-Inch Aluminum Frame Material
- Shimano 21-Speed Rapid Fire Shifter
- Aluminum Handlebar, Stem & Cranks
- Front & Rear Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Front Aluminum Alloy Suspension Fork
- 29″ Aluminum Double Wall Solid Rims
- 2.3″ Inch Wire Bead Mountain Tires
- Suitable For 5’6” to 6’2” Tall Riders
If you want a safe and secure mountain bike under 600 for normal urban commuting, you should take a look at the Kent Hawkeye Mountain Bike. Like the above multi-option mountain bikes, this model also comes with a solid aluminum frame, Shimano 21-speed drivetrain, and other reliable features.
Except for tires, this Kent Hawkeye is almost entirely made of aluminum and equipped with an aluminum handlebar and stem, front crown aluminum suspension fork, double-wall aluminum alloy rims, and a 170mm aluminum crank. This super-light bike weighs only 37 pounds.
Before testing, we encountered some difficulty in assembly due to the misalignment of the wheels and disc brakes. Another drawback is that companies only provide a one-year warranty. This mountain bike has 29-inch wheels for 5’5″ to 6’2″ tall riders.
Why you should trust us:
At Best Bikes Lab, we have tested hundreds of bikes, including hybrids, mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bikes, and other regular commuting bikes. Our team of professional bike riders regularly takes multiple rides on these bikes for ordinary commuting to the office, shopping markets, and workplaces.
For this comparative review, we shortlist our market research findings and purchase the 25 most famous mountain bikes with prices under or around $600. During assembly, we used our checklist to evaluate the quality of each component before installing it into the bike.
Our testers daily spend hours for about six months riding the above-recommended mountain bikes on Monarch Crest trails of Salida, Colorado, and The Cannell Plunge trail of Kernville, California, under possibly aggressive situations. They applied customized tough test rides to check frame strength, component quality, brake response, and shifter accuracy and weaknesses.
At the end of our in-depth bike testing process, we use our performance metrics to determine which mountain bike gives maximum value. In addition, whenever we receive any news about newly released mountain bike models, we purchase them at their original price and regularly update our previous review articles, where we think to include these new models.
How We Choose Mountain Bikes:
The selection process to choose mountain bikes for testing starts from market research. Our team members regularly visit online websites, physical bike shops and also take multiple meetings with suppliers and manufacturers on the weekly basis to get regular updates about upcoming bike models and highly in-demand mountain bikes.
For this review, we combed through hundreds of cheap mountain bikes from every source and made a spreadsheet of more than 65 popular mountain bikes with prices under $600 and equipped with good quality components. After evaluating their ergonomic appearance, specifications with respect to price point, and additional extras, we chose the top 25 mountain bikes to purchase for testing that met our selection criteria.
How We Test Mountain BIkes:
The testing and reviewing process for mountain bikes consists of three parts: the unboxing and assembly process, performance testing under the same conditions, and hands-on, aggressive riding styles by our reviewers.
During assembly, our bike mechanics thoroughly check the quality of each component and test them separately before installing them on the mountain bike. After assembly, our riders take multiple test rides on all mountain bikes using the same roads, riding styles and benchmarks to easily compare the performance of all bikes.
In the last and most important part of testing, our reviewers use the hand-on aggressive style of riding to check the handling and strength of these bikes. They take different tests including fast speed test, long distance test, rough trail test, jumping over the mountain rocks, sudden brakes test, and quickly move the bike from flat road to rough gravel surface.
For this review, our main focus and purpose of taking these tests is to check how well these mountain bikes can give maximum controlled rides and how safe these bikes are for beginners. We specially concentrate on finding best mountain bikes equipped with more advanced features at an affordable price of under or around $600.
Our Rating Metrics:
The following criteria are the most important rating metrics for calculating performance and scoring the best mountain bikes under 600.
- Budget & Price Point (Provided Specifications & Extras)
- Bike Weight & Handling ( Frame Material & Tire’s Grip)
- Uphill & Downhill Riding (Tire’s Grip & Rider’s Position)
- Speed Control Features (Accuracy of Shifter & Brakes)
- Shock-Absorption Test (Suspension Fork Response)
You can use all the above rating metrics as a checklist to easily choose the best budget mountain bike for yourself. The most important factors are brake response in dry or wet conditions, tire grip in rain, and shifter accuracy, which account for about 40% of the overall rating criteria.
Our Test Team Members:
Here at bestbikeslab, we have expert bike riders for testing and reviews. They are well experienced bike racers, mountain trail riders and have participated in different racing competitions including UCI mountain bike world series, downhill and cross-country national MTB series. They have tested more than 260 mountain bikes including latest hybrid bikes, hardtail mountain bikes, road bikes and other types for our multiple comparative review articles.
Lon Schroeder is a senior mountain bike review editor at Best Bikes Lab and has extensive knowledge and reliable contacts to get updates about old and new trends in the mountain bike industry from his time. In 2010, He started his business in the cycling industry as an MTB bike supplier by purchasing and reselling mountain bikes to local area bike shops in Michigan, US. After moving to Washington in 2018, Lon Schroeder successfully changed his profession in the bicycle industry and introduced himself as an MTB cross-country coach. Now, he provides training and leads mountain bike racing participants in preparing them for different cycling competitions.
Jason Jones has been an adventure lover, aggressive mountain biker, and bike industry expert since 2010. Now, he is a freelance writer and mountain bike tester for our comparative reviews. Recently, he participated in two important competitions, the Butte 100K Mountain Bike races in Butte, MT, United States, and Montana Enduro Series 2024 Whitefish, United States. He also published his mountain biking guide named “Mountain Biking—The Complete Guide To Mountain Biking For Beginners.”, in which he shares his years of experience and many useful cycling tips for beginners to encourage them to start their Mountain biking journey.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Best Bikes Lab is reader-supported and we physically purchase bikes for testing and comparison reviews. Our earning source is affiliate marketing and we use affiliate links in our review content. If you make any purchase through our affiliate links, we may get a cute commission from the manufacturer and suppliers at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our complete Affiliate Disclosure Policy. Thanks for your support.
Conclusion:
One of the common practices that we see in our routine life is that the prices of every product fluctuate with the passage of time. Many companies offer discount deals or holiday sales to meet the needs of budget-conscious people. While you can easily find a perfect mountain bike under 600 dollars, depending on your riding style, you must make some comparisons to find other best options. If you want to purchase the same MTB bike at a lower price, then you should wait for a holiday sale or seasonal discount deals.
Apart from a discount sale, you may need to increase your budget by around $700 to find a durable mountain bike that will give you more valuable performance than any normal commuting mountain bike. However, we used our years of bicycle market knowledge to find the best mountain bikes under 600, whose prices will sustain for a long time or may change a little bit with the passage of time under the influence of government policies.