5 Best Mountain Bike Reviews-Buyer Guide 2021

Mountain bikes, or so-called trail bikes, are intended for use in off-road conditions, including dirt, hills, mountains and forests. They should be equipped with strong and lightweight frame, powerful brakes and wide tires with big protectors. In this article we will describe the main components and features of best mountain bikes available on the market.

Among the key features are as follows:

1. Durable aluminum frame
2. Mechanical disk brakes
3. Enduring gear with distinctly working derailleurs
4. Thick tires with big protectors
5. Front fork with long travel suspension.

For comfortable riding, the bike should perfectly fit your body by the size of frame, height and size of the saddle and handlebar. Most of the bikes have a 26-inch frame and 30 mm handlebar, but in case of high weight or long legs, it’s recommended to pay attention to bigger bikes.

Present reviews will focus on mountain bikes for different categories of riders, particularly, professional trail riders, mere city and forest cruisers, universal riders that sometimes drive patiently along the street, but sometimes fall deeply into hardcore trail with dirty, dust and jumping over hills.

GMC Topkick Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

The GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike features an ultra-strong aluminum frame that utilizes a floating beam suspension design which along with the suspension fork gives riders smooth and steady performance even on rough terrain.

The wheels of this bike are constructed of a strong aluminum rim with a V-shaped design for added strength. The GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike also features Microshift TS-50 ADII shifters, Shimano rear derailleur and LCHI DSK-320 disc brakes.

GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike Features and Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 44.9 pounds
• 21-speed mountain bike features a full-suspension, strong aluminum frame
• Floating beam suspension design is mated to a Zoom suspension fork with elastomer / spring technology
• Microshift push shifters and Shimano TZ-30GS derailleur
• Strong aluminum wheelset featuring V-shape rim profile and high-flange alloy hubs
• Front and rear Promax disk brakes work great, even in adverse conditions

GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike Reviews

The reviews for the GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike are pretty good. With nearly 100 reviews online the average user rating for this bike is just over 4 stars out of a possible 5. Most reviewers agree that this bike is very sturdy and very durable. Several reviewers say that they use this bike to commute to and from work so they put quite a few miles on it.

One person in particular said that they have owned this bike for almost a year and have approximately 2000 miles on it. The only problems they have run into so far are that the derailleurs are starting to wear out and it needs new brakes but after 2000 miles a little bit of routine maintenance is to be expected.

A number of people are saying that this bike is a bit heavy at approximately 37 pounds however these people are also saying that the bike feels extremely sturdy and durable and they attribute that to the heftier frame. One other issue that a few people pointed out is that the bike does not come with any instructions. Most people are saying that assembly is not difficult but a set of instructions would be helpful.

Some people also stated that the handlebars are a bit low for taller people and some reviewers stated that they have purchased a handlebar stem riser to allow them to move the handlebars up a little higher.

Reviewers are commenting that the dual suspension is very nice to have and it does a good job of reducing shock and vibration especially for some of the people that use this bike to commute to work. They say they are able to go over bumps, dirt roads and jump off curbs with a lot less jarring than they experienced with other bikes in the past.

According to our research, it seems like the GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike is a very sturdy, high quality bike and is a very good value for its price. People are saying that it is durable and offers a very smooth ride with easy shifting and very good braking. We feel that the GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike deserves at least the 4.1 star rating it received and we would certainly recommend this bike.

Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike

If you are dirt jumping, riding on smoother trails, riding to class, or just cruising around the neighborhood then you may be better off with a hardtail (i.e. no rear suspension) than a full-suspension mountain bike.

If this is the case, then the Diamondback Overdrive 29er mountain bike boasts a larger 29″ wheel and greater value in comparison with other hardtails. The Overdrive was launched by Diamondback in the mid-1990s and was responsible for starting the big-wheeled, off road revolution.

The Overdrive is built on the same strong and responsive aluminum frame as the more expensive Overdrive Pro and comes equipped with a SR Suntour XCT 100mm suspension fork, Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes, SRAM X.4 eight-speed trigger shifters, SL-7 double-wall tires, and a WTB Speed V sport saddle.

The tires come in at an extra-large 29 inches, offering decreased rolling resistance, improved ground clearance and increased traction, making any trail ride both smoother and more exciting.

We found Amazon.com to have the best price on the Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike. Click here to check it out.

Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike Features

1. Available in 16-, 18-, 20-, and 22-inch sizes
2. 24-speed Hardtail mountain bike with oversized 29-inch wheels
3. 29’er butted 6061-T6 aluminum Overdrive hardtail frame
4. Super-responsive aluminum frame
5. SR Suntour XCT suspension fork with 100-millimeter travelk
6. SL-7 double-wall rims and Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes
7. Lifetime warranty: frame; one-year warranty: components, finish, suspension parts, and labor

Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike Reviews

We found a number of reviews online for the Diamondback Overdrive 29er mountain bike and all of the reviewers that we found gave this mountain bike extremely high marks. All reviewers were very happy with the price tag and the high quality of the components received for the money. They also highlighted that it performs better than many mountain bikes that cost 3 or 4 times as much.

Many of the reviewers also commented on the obvious feature of the larger 29 inch wheels and the difference that these made on various trails with different difficulties and terrains. One reviewer commented specifically on how light weight the frame is, and there were many positive comments on the value of the individual components that came with the mountain bike compared to how much this would be if each of these were bought separately.

As some of the reviewers had owned the bike for longer periods they had chosen to upgrade individual components, such as the pedals and the saddle, when these wore out.

A comment made frequently in the reviews concerned the assembly aspects of the Diamondback Overdrive, as this is delivered pre-assembled, i.e. needing some minor assembly to be done. Whilst the assembly itself does not appear to have caused the reviewers any issues, there is a need for this to a local professional bike shop for proper tuning and adjustments to maintain the warranty.

From the research undertaken it is very clear that the Diamondback Overdrive 29er mountain bike delivers great performance and quality with a fantastic design. This together with all the positive reviews on the excellent value for money that you receive with this bike, it gets our recommendation as a strong buy.

Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Mens Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike

The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike has a durable steel frame with a full suspension system. When you couple that with the suspension forks the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 offers a very smooth ride even over bumpy terrain.

The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 also features front disc brakes to give you ample stopping power and Shimano EF-50 trigger shifters to let you easily select one of the 21 speeds that this mountain bike offers.

We found Amazon.com to have the best price on the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike and it also qualifies for free shipping. Click here to check it out.

Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike Features and Specifications

1. Product Dimensions: Height: 40.0 “; Length: 70.0 “; Width: 24.0 “
2. Product Weight: 46.0 Lb.
3. Steel Frame
4. Alloy Rims
5. Adjustable Seat with Quick Release
6. Warranty: 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty on Parts

Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike Reviews

The reviews for the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike are pretty good. We found approximately 40 user reviews online and the average rating these customers gave the bike is 4.25 out of a possible 5 stars. Assembly of the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 is easy because much of it is preassembled. You only need to install the handlebars, seat, pedals and front wheel. Assembly should take most people approximately 20 min. The only tools you will need are a socket wrench with hex bits (and preferably a ratcheting handle), a Phillips head screwdriver and a pump to put air in the tires.

People also seem to be quite impressed with the looks of this bike saying that the styling, paint and decals all look really good. A few people did complain that shifting through certain gears didn’t work very well or that the disc brakes rubbed slightly against one of the tires but it is important to note that this type of thing happens with most bikes and that the bikes are not defective, they simply need a few adjustments.

Even bicycles that you would purchase at a bike shop require adjustments after they arrive on a truck and before they are put out onto the showroom floor. If you don’t feel comfortable making certain adjustments yourself you can take the bike into a local bike shop and have them give you a quick tuneup.

Most reviewers agree that this bike feels very sturdy and offers a nice, smooth ride. Many people commented on the quality of the gears and the brakes and were impressed with the quality of the bike overall especially when taking the affordable price into consideration. The general consensus seems to be that for anyone looking for an affordable, full suspension mountain bike the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Men’s Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike would be a good choice.

Kawasaki DX226FS Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

The Kawasaki DX226FS 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike features a strong aluminum frame that has both front and rear suspensions that provide a smooth ride whether you are on a paved surface or a bumpy trail. The Shimano TZ 21-speed drive train gives you a lot of options for selecting the right gear for your current conditions. The Kawasaki DX226FS 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike also features a front disc brake, rear alloy linear pull brake and indexed twist-shift gear shifters. The Kawasaki DX226FS comes mostly assembled and requires only minor assembly.

Kawasaki DX226FS 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike Features and Specifications

1. Product Dimensions: 51 x 29 x 6 inches
2. Shipping Weight: 46.4 pounds
3. Kawasaki aluminum full-suspension frame mountain bike
4. Shock absorber fork and rear frame
5. Indexed twist-shift and 21-speed Shimano gears
6. Linear-pull MTB brakes
7. Aluminum MTB wheel and Knobby MTB tires

Kawasaki DX226FS 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike Reviews

The reviews for the Kawasaki DX226FS 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike are somewhat disappointing. There are a couple dozen user reviews online and the average rating is approximately 3.1 stars. The main problem that most of the negative reviewers are pointing to is that the bike comes somewhat preassembled but the factory assembly job is so bad that you must disassemble and reassemble the bike properly. Many reviewers felt that they would’ve been better off if the bike had come completely disassembled in the first place.

The pre-assembly from the factory is by far the biggest issue that people had with this bike. There are actually a number of reviewers that feel that the Kawasaki DX226FS is a very good bike at a very affordable price. One reviewer in particular seemed to fiercely defend this particular bicycle saying that it is a steal and the price does not begin to match the quality. He says that the frame is excellent and he has ridden this bike very hard, jumping off of 4 foot walls and park benches and it still holds up fine.

In addition to reviews that are extreme polar opposites there are a number of reviews that are right in the middle as well with a lot of people saying that the Kawasaki DX226FS is not bad for an entry-level bike but that it is clearly an entry-level bike. If you’re going to use it for exercise or for getting from point A to point B the bike is quite good but if you are planning on doing some serious off-road mountain biking you may want to look elsewhere.

Because the reviews for the Kawasaki DX226FS 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike are all over the place we don’t feel confident giving it a recommendation. Some people feel that the bike is of superb quality at a ridiculously low price and other people feel you get what you pay for and the quality is not what it should be. It’s up to you if you want to take a chance on this bike but there are other bikes in the same price range that got much better reviews so going with one of those might be a safer bet.

Mongoose Sector Mens Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

The Mongoose Sector Men’s Dual Suspension Mountain Bike is equipped with a full suspension frame as well as suspension forks for maximum comfort and incredible off-road performance. You’ll be able to easily control this bike going over the roughest terrain.

The Mongoose Sector also features linear pull brakes that offer plenty of stopping power and the 21 speed SRAM twist shifters allow you to easily change to the proper gear for current conditions. The Mongoose Sector Mountain Bike also features lightweight alloy rims and Shimano cranks, shifters and derailleur.

Previously, the best price for this mountain bike was found at Amazon.com but around the end of 2011 the bike was showing as unavailable and has not been back in stock at Amazon or any other online retailers since then. We have looked for alternative suppliers for this mountain bike but unfortunately have not been able to find any.

In terms of consumer reviews, value, and price, the closest mountain bike from Mongoose is the Mongoose Status 3.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike and this is available at Amazon.com. We have added the features and specification below and you can click here to check it out in more detail at Amazon.com.

Another alternative mountain bike that has also received very positive reviews is the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Mens Dual Suspension Mountain Bike, and you can find a review of this bike here.

Mongoose Sector Men’s Dual Suspension Mountain Bike Features and Specifications

1. Product Weight: 48 pounds
2. Full suspension bike
3. Dual Promax disc brakes RST capa T8 fork
4. Alloy front triangle frame RST capa T6 fork
5. Alloy MTB bars with alloy head stem
6. Shimano Altus RD EF50 shifters promax dual disc
7. Shimano tourney alloy cranks
8. Anodized black wheels alloy
9. Assembly required

Update: The Mongoose mountain bike with comparable postive customer reviews and in the same value range is the Mongoose Status 3.0 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike. Here are the Mongoose Status 3.0 Features and Specifications

1. 26-inch Dual-suspension mountain bike with a full suspension frame
2. SR suspension fork smoothes bumps and increases control
3. 24-speed Shimano trigger shifters and Shimano rear derailleur
4. Front and rear disc brakes provide great braking power in all conditions
5. Suntour crank and alloy pedals; oversized threadless headset

Mongoose Sector Men’s Dual Suspension Mountain Bike Reviews

The reviews for the Mongoose Sector Men’s Dual Suspension Mountain Bike are quite good. We found a couple dozen reviews online and the average user rating for this bike was 4.5 stars. Most reviewers agree that this bike is very sturdy and is able to handle some serious abuse. One reviewer said that they rode this bike hard, riding it over stairs, off jumps, and off-road trails and after two years they have not had to replace any parts or make any repairs.

A lot of people are commenting that the dual suspension system gives the Mongoose Sector a very smooth ride but one drawback that a couple of people mentioned was that the seat is quite hard. A couple of reviewers said that they bought a gel seat cover to go with their bike and that made it a lot more comfortable.

Assembly for the Mongoose Sector Men’s Dual Suspension Mountain Bike is quite easy as well. Most reviewers said they were able to put this bike together in somewhere between 15 and 30 min. All you need to do is install the handlebars, front tire and disc brake, slide seat rod and put some air in the tires, after that assembly is complete and you are ready to ride.

Many people are also commenting on the looks of this bike saying that it looks phenomenal and the pictures online don’t even do it justice, this is a very attractive and slick looking bike.

With so many positive reviews online it was very easy for us to recommend the Mongoose Sector Men’s Dual Suspension Mountain Bike, although this is no longer available.

Schwinn High Timber Womens Mountain Bike

Mountain biking is a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise and the Schwinn High Timber Women’s Mountain Bike offers an affordable option for anyone looking for a good quality bike. It features a sturdy, high tensile steel frame that is powder coated for corrosion resistance. The wheels of this bike are constructed from a rust proof alloy as are the front and rear linear pull brakes which provide you with plenty of stopping power.

The Schwinn High Timber also features a Suntour M2000 suspension fork to help give you a smooth ride even when traveling on uneven terrain. The Schwinn High Timber Women’s Mountain Bike also features a 30mm Rise Handlebar, Shimano drivetrain, Suntour alloy cranks and SRAM Grip-Shift index shifters to easily work your way through all 21 speeds.

We found Amazon.com to have the best price on the Schwinn High Timber Women’s Mountain Bike and it also qualifies for free shipping. Click here to check it out.

Schwinn High Timber Women’s Mountain Bike Features and Specifications

1. Product Dimensions: 52.2″ x 28.1″ x 7.7″
2. Product Weight: 41.9Lb
3. Schwinn High Timber: S2716
4. Color: Matte Light Blue
5. 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Schwinn High Timber Womens Mountain Bike Reviews

There are only about a dozen reviews online for the Schwinn High Timber Women’s Mountain Bike and the average user rating is approximately 4 stars. Most reviewers feel that the Schwinn High Timber is a good quality bike especially at this price point. It is constructed with a high tensile steel frame but is surprisingly lightweight considering the fact that the frame is made of steel rather than a lighter weight material like aluminum.

Most reviewers agree that the Schwinn High Timber mountain bike is easy to assemble and most people are able to put everything together in under a half an hour. Some reviewers point out that they appreciate features like the quick release that allows the to adjust the seat and remove the front wheel. Having the gear shifters on the handlebars right next your hands is also very convenient. People are also stating that this bike gives a nice smooth ride and that shifting gears is done very easily.

The reviews online for this bike are pretty strong and according to our research the Schwinn High Timber Women’s Mountain Bike seems like a pretty good quality bike for the money. It seems like a 4 star rating is fair and we would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a decent quality mountain bike that can be purchased at an affordable price. The Schwinn High Timber Women’s Mountain Bike is available for sale at a number of online retailers but the best price we found online is at Amazon.com. Click here to buy from Amazon.

 

How to Play Mountain Bike Sport Safely

Mountain biking is fun, exhilarating, and very rewarding, but it can, if you don’t take the proper precautions, also be dangerous. If you want to feel the thrill of hurtling at high speed down a trail, it is essential that you have the best mountain bike for the terrain and you wear the right kind of protective clothing. To help make sure that you stay safe when you are mountain biking, here are our safety tips for mountain bike beginners.

1. Wear a helmet

Without a doubt, the number one piece of safety equipment for the mountain biker is a helmet. You will see other people on the trails that ignore this advice, but don’t follow their lead because, if you don’t wear a helmet, you are putting yourself at risk No matter how hot or uncomfortable it gets; always wear the best mountain bike helmet that you can afford. A good mountain bike helmet could save your life.

2. Understand what your limits are

When you are a beginner, it’s very easy to get carried away and think that you can attempt the same things that the experienced riders can. Don’t let your enthusiasm get the better of you. It’s far better to play it safe than it is to push yourself too far and have an accident. Start off easy and practice your skills. There is no shame in getting off your bike and walking around a particularly tough section of a trail when you are still a beginner. Also, be aware of your physical limitations. If you feel tired, take a break because when you get tired, you are more likely to make dangerous mistakes.

3. Make sure you have the right safety gear

When you first start mountain biking it is quite likely that you will take a few tumbles but, if you have the right kind of protective gear, you won’t hurt yourself badly. As well as the essential mountain bike helmet that we already mentioned, it is worth investing in a good pair of gloves to protect your hands and the best mountain bike shoes that you can find. The best mountain bike shoes will give you a firm grip on the pedals and they will allow you to keep the laces tucked safely away so they don’t get caught in the chain. A good pair of reflective sunglasses is also a good idea. They will protect your eyes from the sun and they will stop bits of flying debris and dust getting in your eyes.

4. Keep your bike well maintained

You will also need to maintain your mountain bike properly to ensure that it is up to the task of traversing difficult trails. Before you set off on a journey, check that the tyres are sound, the brakes are working well, and the chain is well oiled. Check too for any parts that may have come loose. Taking a few essential spare parts and tools, including a puncture repair kit, is also a good idea.

5. Use your common sense

Above all else, it’s your common sense that will keep you safe. Plan your journeys in advance, keep an eye on the weather, and tell someone where you will be. It’s also a good idea to carry a small first aid kit with you in case of an emergency. We hope you have found these basic safety tips useful. Have a great time mountain biking!

FAQ

The primary question that needs to be answered when you are looking to buy one of these bikes is that you will need to know which will be the best mountain bike for you personally. To help you decide, we have put together a few factors that need to be checked out before you zero in on a mountain bike to buy for yourself.

1. Budget
Anybody and everybody, who uses a mountain bike, will tell you that you will have to first decide your budget. Remember that it isn’t only the cost of the bike that you will need to take into consideration, but also the kit, which includes helmet, gloves, dropper seatpost etc.Usually, mountain bikes under $1000 do the trick and these are great to use on every trail.

2. Experiment
Now that you have set your budget for buying a mountain bike, check out all the bikes that are available in this price range. Take your time and don’t just buy the first bike you see. Check more than just handful bikes before you decide on which one will be the best mountain bike for you.

If you know someone who has a mountain bike, then check with them regarding which is the best one. If not, do your research online to check out which is the best one that you can afford to buy.

3. Choose your style
Choose your bike on the basis of its usage. Sure, we all dream of trying out the toughest trails and conquering them straight away, but you need to be realistic and choose a bike that is specifically made to suit your style. It may be free riding, cross country, all-mountain, or it could be something else.

4. Bike fit
Once you have chosen the bike for yourself, you will then need to ensure that you get a ‘bike fit’ performed. This will ensure that your new bike matches perfectly to your size, and hence, it will be a lot more comfortable to ride on. This will also make your bike a lot easier to ride and a lot more fun.

If you choose a bike after taking into consideration all that we have mentioned above, the bike, you choose will be the best mountain bike for you and, in turn, it will ensure that all your rides will be a lot more enjoyable.

To help you out in your search for the right mountain bike, we have shortlisted the 5 best mountain bikes (MTB) under $1000 for you.