If you have $2,000 to spend on your next mountain bike, we’ll help you choose the best model for your needs. Two thousand dollars can get you a proper trail-ready MTB if you know where to look for!
Depending on your appetite and your budget, mountain biking can become a very expensive sport. You can easily spend more than $5,000 on a bicycle and still not be anywhere near the top of the price range. There are some mouth-watering models that cost close to or above $10,000. However, for the majority of us mortals, that is much more than our budgets can handle.
Luckily, advanced cycling technology and higher-end components are now trickling down to the under $2,000 category. Therefore, there are many excellent mountain bicycles that you can get for less than or around that sum.
We’re showing you our 11 best mountain bikes under $2,000 below, including hardtail and full-suspension models!
Contents
Best Mountain Bikes Under $2,000
1. Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3
Best Mountain Bike Under $2000
MSRP: $1,399
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Judy Silver TK Solo Air (120mm)
- Groupset: Shimano Deore 12-speeds
- Tire dimension: 27.5″ or 29″ x 2.4″
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic discs
Our full review of the DRT series
Co-op Cycles is well-known for supplying the MTB market with surprisingly good entry-level and mid-range bikes. The Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3 is the best mid-range hardtail bike with the benefit of a lightweight aluminum frame. This bike also sports 27.5 or 29″ tires, RockShox suspension, and a few other hidden gems.
Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are a nice touch. They perform excellently in every condition, so these hydraulic disc brakes will stop you on a dime no matter the conditions.
One of the most recognizable features of this Co-op model is its 2.4″ wide Maxxis Rekon tires. They are 27.5″ or 29″ in diameter, depending on the frame size, so they are quite nimble and responsive when cornering. Their width will give you all the confidence you need to choose more demanding lines than before.
The RockShox Judy Silver TK Solo Air fork gives you 120 mm of travel, which is perfect for proper trail riding. It will greatly improve your comfort and confidence to hit more challenging lines.
The groupset on this bike is Shimano’s reliable and affordable Deore 12-speed groupset which is seen on many bikes in this price range. You get no accessories, but you can fit two water bottle cages, a rear rack, and fenders.
Budget riders on the lookout for hydraulic brakes shouldn’t really have second thoughts about Co-op Cycles DRT 1.3.
2. Specialized Chisel
Best Trail Bike
MSRP: $1,800
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Judy Silver TK Solo Air
- Groupset: SRAM SX Eagle
- Tire dimension: 29 x 2.35″
- Brakes: SRAM Level T
Lightweight, stiff, and efficient aluminum frames offer a fantastic balance between strength and performance. The Specialized Chisel is living proof! This is one of the best mountain bikes under $2,000 you can get for the money if you want to ride trails and crush climbs.
Apart from the affordable and light aluminum frame, other sweet features will come in handy when you hit the trails on it.
The Chisel has a lot to offer to mountain biking enthusiasts. It is an excellent choice for riding in extreme conditions, tackling rocky trails, or storming a steep descent. The Specialized Fast Trak tires roll over bumps, rocks, and roots much more efficiently, diminishing any chances of getting a flat.
The RockShox Recon Judy Silver fork enhances comfort and pedaling efficiency with 120 mm of travel. Sadly, there’s no dropper post, but you can easily install one.
The drivetrain comes with SRAM SX Eagle components. If you always wanted to own a capable hardtail trail bike with excellent components and you don’t want to overpay for it, the Specialized Chisel is your ticket into this world.
3. Mongoose Dolomite
Best Beginner-Friendly Fat Bike
MSRP: Check Price on Amazon
- Frame: Steel
- Fork: Steel, rigid
- Groupset: 7 speeds
- Tire dimension: 26″ x 4″
- Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
Mongoose Dolomite is a confidence-enhancing fun machine with modern geometry, wide tires, steel frame, and a 7-speed drivetrain. When Mongoose was making it, their main goal was to make a fun bike that will make a statement anywhere it appears. We believe they did it, and you can judge by yourself by taking a closer look below.
Mongoose Dolomite is an affordable rig with a super-stiff and compliant steel frame that features one bottle cage mount, a slack head angle, a high bottom bracket, and a beautiful red finish. The result is a stable, fun, and nimble machine.
Mongoose Dolomite comes in one frame size that fits riders 5′ 6″ to 6′ tall. Therefore, this bike is only suitable for tall riders.
Dolomite’s massive 4″ tires are ideal if you like riding year-round. They will smoothly roll over rocks, ice, sand, snow, mud, and whatever other challenges you come across. That’s why we consider it to be one of the best mountain bikes under $2000.
The simple drivetrain puts 7 speeds at your disposal with a 1x drivetrain that is light, simple, and easy to take care of. The same can be said about the powerful mechanical disc brakes.
Related: Road Bikes vs. Mountain Bikes – The Main Differences
If you’re like us and you ride bikes because they’re fun, you’ll probably like Mongoose Dolomite as much as we do.
4. Marin Rift Zone 1 29
Best Full-Suspension Mountain Bike Under $2000
MSRP: $1,699
- Frame: Series 3 6061 Aluminum
- Fork: X-Fusion Slide Boost 29, 140mm
- Rear Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro R, Custom Tune, 210x55mm
- Groupset: Shimano Deore 11-speed
- Tire dimension: 29″ x 2.35″
- Brakes: Shimano Deore MT200
Marin Rift Zone has the best of both worlds — lots of travel and 29″ wheels. It’s an excellent 29″ full-suspension bike for any newly-made or seasoned trail enthusiasts out there.
The Marin Rift Zone 1 is made for big hitters who don’t shy away from the steepest of descents. This is indicated by a combination of the front and rear X Fusion suspension with 130mm of travel and the lightweight aluminum frame. The suspension offers plenty of adjustability, such as lockout and rebound, so you can dial it to your weight and preference fairly well.
Marin has made a name for itself by supplying all price ranges with excellent choices. The Rift Zone 1 model is intended for the average MTB enthusiast. It has a Shimano Deore groupset with 11 speeds, which is one of the cheapest entry tickets into the 1x team.
The bike rolls on Vee Tire Crown Gems 2.35″ tires and Marin rims which are a good combination in this price range and will take plenty of beating on the trails. You can feel free to test them on descents with Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes in the back of your mind.
The Rift Zone 1 has a moderately slack head tube angle of 65.5° and a steep seat tube angle of 77° so it’s quite capable when it comes to the most extreme riding conditions.
If you compare the features and price, this is for sure one of the best mountain bikes under $2000.
5. Niner AIR 2-Star
Best Hardtail Under $2000
MSRP: $1,999
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail, 120mm Travel
- Groupset: SRAM SX Eagle
- Tire dimension: Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO Super Trail, 29×2.6″ / 2.35″
- Brakes: SRAM Level
Niner AIR 2-Star is our top pick in the entry-level hardtail category with 29 wheels and tires. This is a bike with a pretty balanced geometry that’s excellent for descents, but it does really well when climbing as well, thanks to a steep seat tube angle. Decent travel on the front suspension gives you the freedom to ride on and off-road and explore more trails than ever before.
The Niner AIR 2-Star has a durable and lightweight hydroformed aluminum frame, designed especially for this bike. It’s painted in a sleek silver color that makes the bike look more expensive than it is.
The AIR 2-Star is made for riders who love to climb and descend, as well as go on day-long. It has a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail, 120mm Travel front suspension, so it can tackle different obstacles on light trails quite easily.
The SRAM SX 12-speed drivetrain is excellent for climbing, whereas the SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes are there when the time comes to go down. Most cables are internally routed, so you won’t experience any rattle.
The Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO Super Trail tires are 29×2.6″ / 2.35″ wide, so you don’t need to worry about traction on loose patches on the trails.
If you’re on a limited budget and a hardtail bike that can do it all is a must for you, then we can safely recommend the Niner AIR 2-Star.
6. Orbea Laufey H30
Best Entry-Level Hardtail Trail Bike
MSRP: $1,899
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: RockShox Recon RL 140mm Travel
- Groupset: Shimano Deore 12-speed
- Tire dimension: 29″ x 2.6″
- Brakes: Shimano MT201 hydraulic discs
Any list of the best mountain bikes, no matter the price tag, would not be complete without at least one model from Orbea. In this case, we chose to include the Laufey H30, which is one of the best aluminum hardtail bikes with 29″ wheels. It’s a playful bike that will get the job done for beginners and casual riders.
The Orbea Laufey is a unique bike on this list because it comes with four beautiful paint jobs that will take your breath away. This iteration sports 2.6″ wide Maxxis Dissector tires. It’s up to you to decide what your ride requires. But it’s always nice to go wide.
Orbea Laufey H30 has a nicely balanced head tube angle, and the entire geometry is beginner friendly. It’s great for climbing, descending, and long days with loads of pedaling. The Rockshox front suspension with 140 mm of travel offers more than enough for trail riding, which will make your rides more comfortable and improve your grip.
Other components fitted on this capable trail bike are mostly sourced from Shimano. The drivetrain is a tried and true Shimano Deore 12-speed, and the brakes are Shimano MT201 hydraulic discs. Both are precise, reliable and packed into a lightweight package.
If you want freedom of choice, a dependable Orbea build, and quality entry-level Shimano components, the Laufey H30 model is made for you.
7. GT Zaskar FS Comp
Best for Singletrails and Climbing
MSRP: $1,800
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour Zeron 35, 130mm
- Groupset: Shimano Cues, 11 gears
- Tire dimension: 29″ x 2.3″
- Brakes: Tektro M275 hydraulic discs
The GT Zaskar is one of the best mountain bikes under $2000 for several good reasons. This bike is at the top of its game, offering a lightweight aluminum frame, wide tires, and reliable components.
The Zaskar FS Comp is built around a light and compliant aluminum frame with relaxed and upright geometry, internal cable routing, and 29″ wheels. It packs some decent travel with an SR Suntour Zeron 35 130mm suspension fork and an X-Fusion 02 Pro RL rear shock.
GT Zaskar’s frame has a slack head tube angle, which is great for descending. Coupled with 29″ wheels are trusty WTB Breakout Comp 2.3″ tires that give you some serious edge on the trails. Roots, rocks, and bumps are no match for this hardtail bike.
Just like most mountain bikes in this price range, GT Zaskar touts the Shimano Cues 11-speed drivetrain and Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes, both of which are safe choices that get the job done.
By getting the GT Zaskar trail bike, you’ll save money in the bank, but you’ll earn some profit on the trails.
8. Marin San Quentin 3
Best Hardtail with 29″ Wheels
MSRP: $1,799
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, 140mm
- Groupset: Shimano Deore 12-speed
- Tire dimension: 29″ x 2.5″
- Brakes: TRP Slate EVO 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc
Do you need a bike that you can use to show your skills on cross-country trails? If yes, then check out Marin San Quentin 3. This is the best entry-level XC mountain bike with 29″ tires that you can get.
The bike comes in four sizes, has fast geometry, and has some of the best components that you can get for this amount of money. It comes with a very nice paint job as well.
This is not a women-specific bike, but its geometry and graphics are suitable for women as well as for men.
Get More: Best Bikes For Women
The Marin San Quentin 3 is the perfect bike for newbie XC riders who want to jump on a hardtail mountain bike or for casuals who want an affordable and reliable bike for weekend adventures.
It sports an aluminum frame with a head tube angle that will put you in an aggressive riding position for fast riding.
With its quality set of beginner components, the San Quentin 3 will give any rider the necessary boldness to take a riskier line and come out of it unscathed.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 front suspension is a quality setup that offers 140 mm of travel. A 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain can conquer most hills, and the 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes guarantee a safe descent.
All in all, the Marin San Quentin 3 is a versatile XC bike with excellent components and a budget-friendly price tag.
9. Scott Scale 970
Best Equipped XC Bike
MSRP: $1,500
- Frame: 6061 Aluminum
- Fork:RockShox Judy Silver TK, 100 mm
- Groupset: SRAM SX Eagle
- Tire dimension: Maxxis Rekon Race 60TPI 29 x 2.25″
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 Hydraulic
See More: Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes
For aspiring riders who want a proper hardtail, things don’t get much better than Scott Scale 970 in this price category. This is an XC bike with 29″ wheels, 2.5″ tires, and an Aluminum frame that’s capable of doing a lot of damage on light trails. You’re looking at a versatile machine that can win races in the right hands.
Scott is known for frames that perform well and weigh very little, which translates to efficient riding. The handling is predictable, stable, and stiff, so you can explore your limits on different sections of the trails and choose the most challenging lines.
The SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed groupset is the real shiner on this one. The SX Eagle is considered to be a mid-range groupset and will give you every gear you need for steep uphills and fast downhills.
The Scott Scale 970 offers some serious features and it doesn’t get much better than this when considering this price category.
10. Salsa Rangefinder Advent X 29″
Best Mountain Bike Under $2000 with Aluminum Frame
MSRP: $749
- Frame: Aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour XCM32 Boost, 120mm
- Groupset: Microshift 10 Speed
- Tire dimension: 27.5″ x 2.8″
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic
Salsa Rangefinder is a capable trail bike that can jump over any stump or other obstacle in your way without a blink of an eye. This bike leaves little to be desired from a trail rig in this price range as it delivers generously in most areas. It’s a lightweight aluminum 29er with 12 speeds and tubeless-ready rims and tires that meet the requirements of riders of different levels.
Salsa Rangefinder frame is known to be stiff in the right places and compliant and comfortable everywhere else. Therefore, it feels comfortable when descending or going fast and responsive when you stomp the pedals to scale a climb.
SR Suntour fork provides 120 mm of travel and comes complete with lockout and adjustable rebound damping, eating any obstacles on the trail beneath you. This travel is suitable for trail riding and so is the aggressive geometry, so at this range, this is one of the best mountain bikes under $2000.
The Mircoshift drivetrain supplies you with 10 speeds and Shimano MT-200 hydraulic disc brakes guarantee all the braking power you need, whenever you need it.
Once the 27.5″ x 2.8″ tires gain momentum, they’re hard to be hindered by any challenge you’ll encounter on dirt roads and single tracks.
So if you want the best bike with plenty of travel, Salsa’s logo on it, and stellar components, the Rangefinder will put a smile on your face when you take it for a ride.
11. RadRover 6 Plus
Best Electric Mountain Bike Under $2000
MSRP: $2,099
- Frame: Aluminum
- Suspension: 60mm Front suspension fork with lockout
- Groupset: 1×7
- Tire dimension: 26 x 4″
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Rad Power Bikes is well-known for building capable electric mountain bikes that set the bar higher for the competition. The newest addition to their lineup is the RadRover 6 Plus hardtail fat-tire bike.
This is an aluminum beast with knobby 4″ tires, hydraulic disc brakes, a 1×7 drivetrain, and a pretty reasonable price. It’s intended for trail riders, commuters, and anyone else who wants to have fun or test their skills and technical limits.
The entire Rad Power Bikes lineup is known for excellent bikes intended for beginner or intermediate cyclists. The Rad Power is not an exception to that rule. It’s packed with beginner-friendly components that will satisfy the majority of riders out there, except for those with an appetite for serious trails.
First things first, this RadRover 6 Plus fat bike rolls on 26 x 4″ all-terrain tires. They’re huge and feel super grippy and confident-inspiring when riding on any kind of terrain. If you deflate them a bit, you can tackle rock gardens as well.
The groupset will give you 7 speeds and improve your climbing capabilities. The 750W rear hub motor and 672Wh battery will help with the climbing as well. You get 5 levels of pedal assistance and they will give you 25-45 miles in distance.
The hydraulic disc brakes offer some serious stopping power, making it one of the best mountain bikes under $2000.
The RadRover 6 Plus also comes with front and rear fenders and lights to keep you seen and safe.
Get this bike if you want the best-equipped electric fat bike for the money.
Bottom line
Finding the best mountain bikes under $2000 is a tricky task. In our eyes, all these bikes are winners. Even though #11 is the last on the list, it is still a winner because it won its place after it was compared to hundreds of quality bikes.
Therefore, whichever model you end up choosing, you’ll get a reliable and durable bike that can handle most XC routes and trails.
Let us know which one you like the most and share your experiences below! Happy riding!
None of those bikes have enough travel.
Hi, your mon,
It really depends on your needs. Some prefer to ride light offroad and gravel. Some of them are for people who don’t need technical terrain. The point is that these bikes serve their purpose to satisfy each rider’s needs.
Best Mountain Bikes Under $2,000. And #1 choice is . . . $635? You pick the $635 Trail 8 over the Trail 2 which is six grades above and still under $2,000 @ $1,875? Really? Sorry, but there is something going on here.
Hi Bill,
Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
You are totally right! Because of the bike shortages, it is quite hard to find proper bikes. In this case, the Trail 8 had a better price-to-quality range than other bikes. That’s why it’s there. But now we made some changes because it was a little bit confusing.
Title of article: Best bikes under $2,000
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