Best Mountain Bike Under 500

July 6th, 2010 | mtb-

The Focus Fat Boy

For 500, you can get a pretty solid mountain bike that will withstand a good testing and ride over the toughest terrain. Of course, you can spend much more on a mountain bike – to get lower weight, and more high end features. But, for 500, you can still get a good starter bike and not worry about parts soon wearing out. Some of the most popular mountain bikes for under 500 include

Specialised Hardrock

The Frame is the Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, fully butted, reinforced disc mount. For the disc version comes with forged dropouts and replaceable hanger. Alloy fork with 28mm suspension.
Groupset is a mixture of SRAM components and Shimano Altus. Brakes are cable pull Tektro Novela, mechanical disc, 6″ rotor.

At 349 this is very good value. There is some room for upgrading components like pedals and tyres. But, for your money you get a good lightweight, manoeuvrable bike. Once you’ve ridden this for a few years, you may want to upgrade to higher end features, but for money you can’t complain.

Specialised hardrock 2010 at Evans Cycles

Scott Aspect 55

Scott has a growing reputation for mountain bikes, this entry level bike offers good value for a sub 400 bike. It is based on a light alloy frame with front suspension that can be ‘locked out’ for situation where you don’t want the suspension. The gears work nice and smooth and are a mixture of Shimano Acera and other Shimano components. The tyres are Scott’s own brand which could be upgraded later.

Focus Fat Boy

Well strictly speaking over 500 at 550. But, if your budget can stretch an extra 50, you get some nice features, such as better quality (Schwalbe Nobby Nic ) tyres, Shimano disc brakes, 13kg weight, and Shimano SLX gear shifters. Good for rough commutes or testing over tough mountaineous terrain.

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2 comments ↓

#1 Best Value Mountain Bikes — Cycling Review on 08.09.10 at 7:33 am

[...] Best value mountain bikes under 500 [...]

#2 Best Mountain Bike Under 1000 — Cycling Review on 08.13.10 at 1:21 am

[...] For under 1,000 you should be able to get a good lightweight aluminium frame with rear suspension and good groupset. Unlike the road bike market, you’ll struggle to find any carbon fibre MTBs for under 1,000. You will also be mainly limited to the ‘hardtail’ MTB’s i.e. solid rear frame with just front suspension. However, for 1,000 you can get a really good machine which will stand some of the toughest punishments on off road rides. A 1,000 MTB may not be competitive at the highest level, but, it makes an excellent entry level standard to get the feel of a top machine. There is also a good difference from a MTB you may be able to find for under 500. (see: Best MTB’s under 500) [...]

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