How To Choose a Mountain Bicycle for Trails


Buying a good mountain bicycle within 500 dollars is not near as hard as a person might think. Shopping around, getting a feel for what is out there, and finally deciding on the brand and model liked better might take a little time, but the payoff at the end when flying through the air on crushing the trail course is priceless.


1. Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

Schwinn founded in 1895, is the oldest of all the bicycle manufacturers. When one says Schwinn one expects a high standard of workmanship. It is no wonder that the Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual Suspension Mountain Bike is one of the best mountain bikes under 500 dollars.

Description

This Schwinn is delivered leaving only the handlebars, front wheel and the seat to add, tighten and the trails await.

Features
  1. Great for riders of all sizes
  2. Frame has mounting points for ease in upgrading
  3. Perfect for the inexperienced or beginner
  4. Self-Assemble simple, fine tune for weight singlehandedly
Positives and Negatives

The Protocol is one that is user friendly straight out of the box. The 26” frame and wheels, adjustable suspension front and rear, Shimano shifters, 24 speed mountain bike gives comfort, dependability, and flexibility all in one package. The low price tag is just an added bonus.

As for negatives, only the front wheel is quick release not both, low grade, poor quality rubber, and the front fork can be difficult to adjust.

Customer feedback

When reviewing there were multiple customers over 300 pounds to own the Schwinn Protocol that have had no issues at all, which is not the case with many other manufacturers.

Customers complain of the chain and chain derailleurs slipping or not adjusting correctly. Most recently however, there seems to be an issue with the bike arriving having different components than those advertised.

2. Diamondback Bicycles Sorrento HardTail

Founded in 1977 in the BMX world, Diamondback went to the mountains is 1982, and now are known to have great mountain bikes under $500.

Description

The Sorrento comes fully installed with the exception of the pedals, seat, the brakes, and the handle. It is a good buy for the price tag making it an easy addition to the best mountain bikes under $500 listing.

Features
  1. Boxes weight capacity 300 pounds
  2. Sorrento has good parts and feels solid
  3. Affordable and sturdy bike for the money
  4. Quick release front tire
Positives and Negatives

The Sorrento comes with instructions and a list of tools needed. A complete set of tools is now included to aid in assembling.
The brakes and seat are not the best, not horrible for the lower price tag as it can be easily upgraded.

Customer feedback

Great bike for the money that has good parts, some shipping issues but Amazon was quick to correct.

Shipping of bent and missing parts has been the primary complaint. This followed with complaint of an assembly at the local bike shop not being free.

3. Diamondback Overdrive Mountain Bike

Founded 1977, Diamondback has seen a few name variations but their bike continues to hold its ranks of old-school.

Description

The overdrive is a nice low cost bike that has been getting great Amazon reviews. Large sturdy wheel and frame make it a good buy for almost all heights and weights. Good for a beginner or a more sophisticated cyclists.

Features
  • 27.5” Wheels
  • Easily upgradeable
  • Equipped with disc brakes
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
Positives and Negatives

Though it is not required to have professional assembly it is highly recommended to ensure that preassembled items are all correct. Super sturdy bike with double wall rims making it the heavier riders friend.

Pedals are made of cheaper plastic and should be replaced. Does not come with a kickstand but can be purchased inexpensively on Amazon.

Customer feedback

For anyone who is unsure what size they should order simply click here and there is help figuring what size bike would be the best. Sizing Help.

Of all the feedback given only one customer had an issue with a tire not holding air.

Note – Only one review received below the ratings of 4 & 5 stars.

4. SE-Bikes Big Mountain 24-Speed D Bicycle

Description

SE has done another great job with this D-Bicycle. Founded in 1970 the SE company continues to show us they know more than just the BMX.

Features

  • Double Butted alloy frame
  • 29er with front suspension
  • 24 speed with mechanical disc brakes
  • Quality bike for a great price
Positives and Negatives
  1. The lowest star rating this model received for a start rating was a 3 out of 5 on Amazon.
  2. Seat is not super comfortable.
Customer feedback
  • All parts came individually wrapped for shipping protection.
  • Did not come with instructions on how to assemble.

5. Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle (29-Inch)

It was founded in the year 1974, Mongoose has been in the dirt, on the trail, and taking air for more than 40 years.

Features
  1. Sturdy and dependable larger bike
  2. Full suspension budget saver
  3. Perfect for amateur riders and high
  4. Perfect quality frame for upgrades
Description

The Impasse is a great, affordable 29er for the beginner and up. Some parts of a cheaper quality but can be easily upgraded.

Positives and Negatives

The Impasse is an easy to assemble mountain bike that although not recommended for a beginner the amateur would adore this model.

Cheaply made seat ripped quickly; low grade rubber for the tires made them begin to deflate within two weeks of installation.

Customer feedback
  • Recommending this bike to everyone know as this is just too good of an option to let slip through
  • Back tire likes to leak air and pedals like to strip and fall off.

Choosing A Mountain Bike Under $500, Why?

Choosing a mountain bike under $500 is not as difficult as many would of thought as these days’ manufacturers understand that consumers expect and demand the best for less. With a smaller budget as one can easily now see there is a lot of really good deals out to help get us out to the weather and trails.

The key tip is go for a quality and proper fitting frame first, this is the one piece of the bike that can, make or break your desired repair person.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Differences between Elliptical and Treadmill Workout

Image
We all know why we want to lose weight. But, do we all know that a primary goal of any exercise routine is to get your heart rate into a target zone and keep it there for a period of time. The target zone is calculated by first obtaining your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age in years from 220. Your target heart rate is then 60% to 80% of the maximum heart rate. Because this is so critical, many treadmills will come with a heart rate monitor to display the heart rate on the machine. If your treadmill does have this capability, you can purchase an inexpensive heart rate monitor from most department stores, health stores or online. While both elliptical workouts and treadmill workouts primarily are designed as aerobic workouts for the lower body, there are distinct differences that may make one, the other, or a combination of the two the best choice for you. Elliptical Workout An elliptical workout is primarily different in that there is much less impact on the feet whic...
Read more

PM Kisan Registration: New Farmer Apply Online

Image
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) is a program initiated by the Indian Government to provide income support to the families of landholding farmers across the country. This Central Government Yojana is designed to offer financial assistance to farmers for purchasing inputs related to agriculture and allied activities, as well as fulfilling their domestic needs. The yojana extends support to all landholding farmer families who own cultivable lands, and is fully funded by the Government of India. The primary objective of PM-Kisan is to supplement the financial needs of farmers and help them procure necessary inputs to ensure better crop health and yield. Under the scheme, eligible farmer families are identified by the respective State Government and UT administration, and the funds are transferred directly to their bank accounts. PM Kisan Launch Date On 1 December 2018, an informal launch of a scheme took place. However, it was formally launched on 24 February 2019 by Prim...
Read more

Accessories for Road Bikes

Image
Racing bicycles also known as road bicycles are now in almost every corner where a racer or potential racers are located. Shops are now loaded with numerous models of road bikes to suit every kind of cyclists . But that is not all! Shops are also crowded with accessories to go along with road bicycles and even to the owners themselves. After having your own road bicycle, you would want everything just for it to be look better and of course safe as you go riding on it. The answer to that is just hanging on the walls of road bicycle shops. These are the accessories that will aid you in dealing with problems you will meet along the road such are flat tires and the others. Upon seeing the walls decorated with different road bicycles accessories you will find yourself asking with questions like, “What are all these accessories for?” or “Do I need all these stuff?”. Of course not all of the accessories are of utmost importance. Here are some of those accessories that can be considered of hig...
Read more