If you’re looking for an enjoyable and thrilling way to experience the great outdoors, consider mountain biking. It’s not just a sport for adrenaline seekers; it’s also a wonderful pastime for anyone who loves being in nature and appreciating its unspoiled beauty.
The best cheap mountain bikes under $200 are the Ecarpat Mountain Bike and the Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike. The Ecarpat Mountain Bike features 100mm front suspension length and knobby mountain tires. The Schwinn High Timber has an alloy crank that delivers smooth gear changes but is slightly expensive.
This article will explore the top budget-friendly mountain bikes with sturdy frames and versatile gear systems.
Best Cheap Mountain Bikes Under USD 200
- Stone Mountain Women’s Mountain Bike
- Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike (High End)
- Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bike
- Max4out Mountain Bike (Budget Buy)
- Ktaxon Mountain Bike
- HH HILAND Mountain Bike
- WEIZE Mountain Bike
- Ecarpat Mountain Bike (Top Pick)
Compare Top Cheap Mountain Bikes Under 200 US Dollars
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike | 80 | Comes with krypton grips | Check Out On Amazon |
 Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike | 80 |  Features solid front shock | Check Out On Amazon |
 Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bike | 77 | Super easy to assemble | Check Out On Amazon |
 Max4out Mountain Bike | 81 |  Has a smooth suspension fork | Check Out On Amazon |
 Ktaxon Mountain Bike | 84 | Equipped with mechanical dual disc brakes | Check Out On Amazon |
 HILAND Mountain Bike | 83 | Comes with a quick-release seat to adjust your height | Check Out On Amazon |
 WEIZE Mountain Bike | 83 | Arrives partially assembled | Check Out On Amazon |
 Ecarpat Mountain Bike | 90 |  Features 100mm front suspension | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Cheap Mountain Bikes Under $200
One of the first things we noticed when looking for the best cheap mountain bike under $200 is that there are MANY options to choose from! But, we managed to narrow it down to the following few:
1. Stone Mountain Women’s Mountain Bike
Overall Score: 80
First up, we have the Stone Mountain Women’s Mountain Bike. It’s a wonder how this high-performance bike is available at this price tag, considering all that it offers.
It’s made from lightweight materials which means that it rides effortlessly, and you can customize it to your preferences thanks to the different speeds and size versions that are available.
The Stone Mountain Bike comes with a dual disc brake that will bring it to a stop without jarring you out of place and you can rest assured that it can handle all types of different terrain with ease.
The brakes are surprisingly easy to fix as well, which is a nice extra.
We also liked the slightly raised handlebar on the bike which allows you to maintain optimal posture while the bike’s front suspension is fantastic at absorbing shocks from bumps on the road.
Without a doubt, the Stone Mountain Women’s Mountain Bike is the best cheap mountain bike under 200.
Advantages
- You have different colors, speeds, and sizes to choose from with this one.
- The padded seat is adjustable.
- Comes with ergonomically designed krypton grips.
- The rims aren’t just durable but aerodynamic.
- The tires provide optimal traction on all types of terrain.
Disadvantages
- You might need to adjust the brakes sometimes.
2. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
Overall Score: 80
Schwinn is an inevitability when looking for the best mountain bike under 200 dollars. Here, we have their Men’s High Timber 27.5″ Wheel Mountain Bicycle model, which is one of their best sellers.
This bike offers great value for money since it’s designed to ride smoothly no matter the weather or terrain.
It’s also available in different colors and sizes so you can customize it to your preferences to some degree and because it’s mostly pre-assembled by the time it reaches you, you can put it together within 20 minutes at the most.
It also comes with a water bottle holder, a comfortable paddle, and reliable brakes that actually work when you need them to. What more could you ask for?
Advantages
- Comes with a 21-speed rear derailer and Shimano twist shifters.
- Made with durable yet lightweight wheels.
- Features solid front shock that is just right.
- It can easily handle rough terrain thanks to the frame and suspension fork.
- Both the body and the frame are made from steel.
Disadvantages
- Short people might find this bike challenging to ride.
- It’s on the heavier side.
3. Northwoods Aluminum Mountain Bike
Overall Score: 77
The Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike is the best mountain bike under $200 for those who like to enjoy a bit of mountain biking on the weekend while sticking to lighter trails.
This bike is perfect for outdoor tours as well, making it possible for you to explore the great outdoors with friends, family, and those who like nature too.
This bike is made from a 26-inch frame, placing it on the lightweight spectrum, and it comes in a lot of different sexy colors, so there’s bound to be an option somewhere there for you.
The entire bike is made from aluminum and features comfy seats with a smooth paddle. Then you’ve the 24-inch alloy rims which make it possible to tackle round terrain with ease and grace.
Advantages
- Offers the best suspension we’ve seen at this price range.
- Suitable for both men and women.
- Made from durable yet lightweight aluminum.
- Offers great value for money.
- It’s super easy to assemble.
Disadvantages
- There’s nowhere to put the bucket or backseat.
- It’s on the heavier side when you compare it with other bikes.
4. Max4out Mountain Bike
Overall Score:81
Max4out Mountain Bike comes at just under 200 dollars with a nice vintage design that reminds us of our old school bikes.
But it comes with all the benefits of a modern bike, including Shimano twist shifters and rear derailleur which you can use to switch between 3 different speeds.
The bike frame sports a classy black and blue hue which looks great whether you’re looking at it during the day or in the evening.
It’s also made with an adjustable saddle that won’t let you down on those rough trails, while the durable tires will also play their part to keep your feet firmly on the ground.
Because it’s made from carbon steel, the frame is rather heavy but this comes in handy when you need a performance boost plus it’s made to last and no one can ever argue with that advantage.
For best results, purchase this bike if your height is between 5’2” and 6 and you’ll certainly get the most out of the rear linear and front pull brakes.
Another impressive feature is the bike’s ‘Ground Assault’ smooth suspension fork. That’s what makes it the best budget mountain bike in our view.
Advantages
- You can buy it pretty much anywhere.
- It has a smooth suspension fork.
- Preassembled for your convenience.
- Comes with a durable steel frame.
- Features great functionality.
- Offers great value for money.
Disadvantages
- Comes with clunky gears.
- Installation instructions could use some improvement.
5. Ktaxon Mountain Bike
Overall Score: 84
The Ktaxon Mountain Bike is a nice little bike for those looking to explore the local park or trail.
It has a simple and unassuming design that’s perfect for minimalists, and it’s made from an aluminum frame with full suspension for off-road excellence.
This bike features twist shift gears which you can use to switch between 21 different speeds, and the wheel sports 7 cogs and 3 chainrings on the front for your convenience.
The front rings aren’t too obvious to the eye and thus add to the bike’s simple design. They also serve multiple purposes, with the largest ring being meant to handle downhill rides.
The middle ring operates in conjunction with the middle cogs and is engaged on flat terrain, while the front ring works with the back cogs to help you climb uphill.
Advantages
- Mechanical dual disc brakes on the front and back.
- Made with aluminum full suspension mountain frame.
- Features reliable front suspension fork.
- 21-speed twist shifters with rear derailleur.
Disadvantages
- The front rim is bent.
6. HH HILAND Mountain Bike
Overall Score: 83
Next, we have the HILAND bike which is the best mountain bike under 200. It’s perfectly designed for the female physique and comes with features that will absolutely transform your bike riding experience.
Although it’s constructed like any other mountain style bike, it’s also suitable for day-to-day use. This means that it’s comfortable yet durable and formidable on difficult terrain.
This is in addition to hand brakes on the front and back, which are accessible and reliable in times of need.
The tires are knobby and ready to take on any challenge, and they feature aluminum wheels. The frame itself is available in the ideal shape and size and it’s optimizable as well.
Advantages
- Comes with a quick-release seat to adjust your height.
- Reliable front fork suspension system.
- Comes with V-brakes for the back and front wheel.
- Features 21 speeds offering a wide range of gears.
- Perfect for female cyclists.
Disadvantages
- It doesn’t come with a padded seat.
7. WEIZE Mountain Bike
Overall Score: 83
Our quest for the best cheap mountain bike under $200 also brought us the WEIZE , with its cool looks and outstanding performance.
This bike’s frame is made from steel and its full suspension so you know it’s ready for just about anything.
It’s also made with wide knobby tires so that you can take on any type of terrain, even that difficult off-road trail you like. But you can still use it to commute to work and still feel comfortable and fine.
Also included in this bike are linear brakes on the front and back, which are complemented by the bike’s 18-twist-shift groupset for easy gear changes.
Another feature worth mentioning is the bike’s saddle which is so comfortable that you’d be forgiven for confusing it with a small sofa. It’s just what you need to keep your tush nice and comfortable.
There’s also a quick-release seat clamp on this bike which allows you to customize the saddle’s height within moments.
This means that you can adjust it to your preferences or share it with friends so they can take it for a spin comfortably.
Advantages
- It’s constructed from durable carbon steel.
- Comes with a full suspension to handle difficult terrain.
Disadvantages
- The quality could be better.
8. Ecarpat Mountain Bike
Overall Score: 90
The Ecarpat Mountain Bike is another stylish entry on this list worth looking out for.
It comes with a lot of great features that we were surprised by considering its price range, and it’s able to carry its aluminum frame pretty well considering how light it is.
But, what makes it the cheapest mountain bike under $200 is its 100mm front suspension and well-made fork combination.
This means that you’ll be able to control the bike easily even if you need to brake at an inconvenient spot like rocky terrain.
The best cheap MTB not only does a great job of absorbing shocks, but it features a great drivetrain that comes with a rear derailleur and twist shifter which make it super simple to switch between the 21 provided gears.
The 21-speed drivetrain in particular is complimented by a performance-boosting 3-piece crank. This admirable bike is as easy to use as it’s durable and thoughtfully made.
Advantages
- It’s easy to assemble thanks to the straightforward manual.
- Comes with 21-speed twist grip gears for your convenience.
- Equipped with front and rear linear-pull brakes.
Disadvantages
- You may need to adjust it further.
- The seat could be more comfortable.
How to Pick the Best Cheap Mountain Bike Under $200
In order to find a $200 mountain bike, you must consider the following:
Material
You should consider the materials that your bike’s frame is made from. The most popularly used bike frame materials are steel and aluminum.
Steel is a heavy material that offers optimal stability and control, while aluminum is lightweight and easy to ride.
You can also check out my article on the best lightweight BMX bikes. These bikes typically feature a strong yet lightweight frame and are specially designed for off-road racing.
Composite materials are also available which offer the best of both worlds as they’re made from a combination of steel and aluminum.
Weight
Most budget friendly mountain bikes weigh around 30 to 38 pounds depending on the type of frame they carry as well as their composition.
For a lightweight bike, think aluminum or alloy.
Although nice and easy to ride, these types of lightweight bikes aren’t that durable in the long run, especially if you plan on going on rough trails in inclement weather regularly.
But, both aluminum and alloy are easy to carry up and down a mountain and they often come in folded options as well.
Type
Cheap mountain bikes under £200 are also available in different types with the most popular one being the trail bike.
As the name implies, this bike is equipped with all the features required to tackle mountain trails.
Other options here include the faster cross-country bikes as well as fat bikes which are characterized by their fat tires. The latter is usually recommended for newbie bikers.
The best mountain bikes under $200 which are also known as downhill or all mountain bikes, are usually more challenging and suited to more experienced riders.
But, they’re stellar on those difficult trails and can do wonders for improving your skills.
Suspension
Bike suspension is important because it contributes to the bike’s performance on the road.
Most bikes come with three main types of suspension, namely, full or dual suspension, as well as a hardtail and rigid suspension.
Full suspension bikes are the way to go because they offer front and back suspension. This means they offer superior support on the road, no matter what type of terrain you’re on.
Hardtail bikes, on the other hand, only offer front suspension while rigid bikes don’t offer any type of meaningful suspension.
Check out my comparison of the RockShox Pike and Lyrik suspension forks to discover the perfect balance of control and versatility for your biking adventures.
Tires
Another way to improve your riding experience is to pick the right tires for your bike. Most inexpensive mountain bikes for sale come with medium-sized tires that measure 2.25 to 2.4 inches.
Of course, you could always upgrade to wider tires if you want to improve your traction, while tubeless tires come highly recommended for their versatility.
Wheels
Most mountain bikes come with wheels that measure either 26, 27.5, or 29 inches.
The smaller 27.5-inch wheels will simply roll over obstacles effortlessly, while 29-inch wheels allow you to traverse through different types of terrain with ease and allow for faster speeds, even in cross-country applications.
For the best of both worlds, consider the innovative 650B (27.5-inch) tire which is the latest in mountain bike wheel design.
Brakes
Think about the types of brakes and gears featured with your bike. For what it’s worth, Shimano gears and shifters are the way to go, simply for their quality and performance.
Quality is especially important when it comes to brakes because you don’t want them to fail you when you need them the most.
Ideally, you want brakes that can come to a stop immediately no matter where you are or what the road conditions are like.
Don’t miss my guide on the best cantilever brakes to elevate your mountain biking experience with reliable stopping power and precision.
These Bikes Are More Practical for Occasional Riders, Offering Affordability and Durability for Moderate Use…
Now that you know what to look for and what your options are when it comes to the best cheap mountain bike under $200, it’s time to pick the winner. Drumroll, please… it’s the Ecarpat Mountain Bike.
We recommend this bike in particular because it offers a lot for what you’re paying.
It comes with features such as padded seats, customizable design, aerodynamic and durable rims, traction-friendly tires and most important an adjustable seat that allows you to maintain the perfect posture at all times.