Searching for a mountain bike under £500? With a bit of research, you can find a decent bike that'll get you off-road and up those trails with speed and confidence. However, there are also a lot of bikes which might seem a great deal... but a few rides down the line and you'll see the durability, handling and enjoyability aren't quite as good as you thought. Never fear though! Here is our list of the best mountain bikes under £500 so you don't make the mistake of buying the wrong bike. That doesn't mean every bike we've picked is up at £500 mark. Oh no, several of the bikes come in much under this, leaving you more money to get to some of the UK's best mountain bike trails! We hear Wales is pretty good...
See current Mountain bikes at Edinburgh Bicycle Coop
If you plan to use your mountain bike to get to work, another way to save money is to check if your employer is part of a Cycle to Work scheme so you can enjoy valuable tax savings. We also have great interest free credit options if you want to make monthly payments.
Best Mountain Bikes Under £500 - what to look for
Suspension: at this price range, it'll be mountain bikes with front suspension only, known as hardtails, that you'll be looking at. Have a read of our blog on suspension for more details.
Frame: until you start spending the big bucks, go for an aluminium frame which is both strong and lightweight.
Wheels: there are two sizes: 27.5" and 29". The smaller combines responsive handling with a fast rolling speed while the faster 29" are not quite as nimble, particularly if you're smaller.
Best Mountain Bikes Under £500
Specialized Pitch 2019 - £425
A great entry level mountain bike Specialized with progressive frame geometry by Specialized, the company who made the first production mountain bike (the Stumpjumper). The frame is lightweight aluminium and along with wide double-wall rims on genuine Shimano hubs make a strong case for being the best MTB wheels you’ll find on a bike this price.
The Specialized Pitch has been replaced by the Rockhopper Specialized
LIV TEMPT 3 2019 – £475
Designed specifically for women, this model has genuine trail geometry while ensuring the rider is balanced over the bike for optimal efficiency, comfort and control. It's also a bike that should last - Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano 3x8 Altus/Acera drivetrain are renowned for their reliable performance.
Giant ATX 2 2019 - £365
The Aluux frame, SunTour suspension forks, Tektro disc brakes, Shimano 3×7 gears and Giant’s own tyre a great entry level mountain bike. Suitable for riders of all sizes as it comes in six sizes from XXS (for around 10 year olds) to XL (for 6’4″ adults)!
See the current Giant mountain bike range here.
GIANT TALON 3 2019 – £475
Giant's ever popular hardtail mountain bike, the Talon 3 has a short stem and wide bars for quick steering while the Aluxx aluminium frame, with trail tuned geometry and hydraulic disc brakes, makes this bike a great buy in the sub £500 category.
Specialized Rockhopper Sport 2019 Trail Mountain Bike - £525
Okay, not exactly under £500 but it's only a smidge over! A highly respected mountain bike, the Specialized Rockhopper Sport 2019 this bike has been upgraded with a more trail-friendly geometry. With 29 inch tyres, these bigger tyres are particularly good for fast courses and taller riders.