10 Best Cheap Mountain Bikes 2025 in the United States

The Mongoose Argus ST is a solid choice for beginners or casual riders looking for an affordable mountain bike that can handle various terrains. It features a sturdy 17-inch alloy steel frame, which gives the bike durability but adds some weight, so it’s not the lightest option out there. The bike uses a rigid suspension, meaning there’s no shock absorption, which keeps things simple and low maintenance but may feel less comfortable on very rough trails. The wheels are 26 inches in size, a standard for mountain bikes, making it suitable for riders between 5'5" and 6'0". Its standout feature is the fat tires (26 x 4 inches), which are wider than average and offer excellent grip and stability on soft surfaces like sand, snow, or loose dirt. This makes the bike especially good for off-road adventures where traction is important.

With 7 speeds controlled by an easy twist shifter, the bike allows simple gear changes to tackle mild hills, though it won't be ideal for very steep or technical climbs. Mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power even in wet or slippery conditions, which is a safety plus at this price. The bike weighs about 42 pounds, so it’s a bit heavy but typical for this kind of budget-friendly fat tire bike.

In essence, the Mongoose Argus ST offers good value for riders wanting a tough, no-frills mountain bike for casual trail rides and all-terrain fun, but it may not satisfy those looking for a lightweight or highly responsive ride.

The Schwinn High Timber ALX is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable mountain bike for casual trail rides or neighborhood cruising. Its lightweight aluminum frame offers durability without being too heavy, fitting riders from about 5'4" to 6'2" comfortably. With a front suspension, the bike helps absorb bumps on rough trails, making the ride smoother. The 26-inch wheels are a standard size that balance stability and maneuverability well on various terrains.

It comes with 21 speeds controlled by twist shifters, which allow for easy gear changes as you tackle hills or flat stretches. Mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, which is especially important for safety on uneven surfaces. The wide knobby tires enhance grip and balance, helping you maintain control in different weather conditions.

This bike requires some assembly out of the box and basic tools, which might be a bit challenging if you’re not comfortable with bike maintenance. Also, while the mechanical disc brakes are effective, they need occasional adjustment compared to hydraulic brakes found on more expensive models. The Schwinn High Timber ALX offers good value with decent parts and features for beginners or casual riders wanting a dependable, entry-level mountain bike.

The Schwinn High Timber ALX is a solid choice for youth or smaller adult riders looking for an affordable mountain bike. It features a lightweight aluminum frame that is both durable and easy to handle. With 24-inch wheels, it suits riders between about 4'8" and 5'6", making it especially good for teens or smaller adults. The bike has front suspension, which helps absorb bumps on trails or rough roads, improving comfort and control. It offers 21 speeds with twist shifters, allowing smooth and easy gear changes, which is great for beginners learning to navigate different terrains.

Mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in various conditions, though they may require occasional adjustment compared to hydraulic brakes found on pricier models. The wide, knobby tires add stability and grip, making this bike capable of handling dirt paths and wet surfaces well. Some assembly is required, but the bike comes mostly put together and the tools needed are common household ones. On the downside, being a budget option, it lacks advanced features like full suspension or high-end components, so it’s best suited for casual riders or those new to mountain biking rather than serious off-road enthusiasts.

Its weight is reasonable at about 14 kg, making it manageable for youth riders. The Schwinn High Timber ALX delivers good value with dependable performance for light trail riding and neighborhood adventures.