I got my first Mountain bike at the age of 17 which costs few hundred bucks at the time.
I did that by working part time at a parlour.
The bike I got lasts for many years and had many sweet memories attached with it.
Mine didn’t cost thousands of dollars but only few hundred bucks and it did a great job.
So, if you’re in the same situation and looking for an affordable and value-packed bike then keep on reading.
Kent Thruster KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
Are you looking for an affordable and good looking mountain bike?
Kent Thruster KZ2600 might just fit your bill.
Kent KZ2600 comes with an aluminum MTB frame, Shimano gear system, and high-rise handlebar
Let’s have a look at the features of this bike:-
Kent KZ2600 boasts of highly durable 6061 Aluminium frame which helps in smooth movement across all types of terrain. The Aluminium frame gives more control of the bike to the biker while evacuating tough terrain. Kent KZ2600 comes with a 21 speed Gear speed which enables you to change speed quickly and with ease. The Gear system is accompanied with Shimano gear and rear derailleur. Kent does come fitted with 26-inch tires. These type of tires are lightweight, safe and do have better gripping power. This makes Kent truly an all-terrain bike. The bike is fitted with two types of brake: front disk brake and rear linear pull brake. I though found that it would have been better if both the tires consist of the disk brake. However, I did find that I was able to stop the bike at a quick notice.
Performance
Performance wise this bike does great in this price segment. Kent Thruster has lots of features to improve its maneuvering ability and performance. I particularly like the small attention given to several of its parts like the quick release mechanism and the floating beam suspension. The 26” tire gives you the ability to move across the rock terrain with ease
Pros
- The bike is extremely well built and highly suited for a person of all size.
- Dual suspension helps in preventing your b and from a severe backache and discomfort.
- The 21-speed drive train enables you to move quickly without compromising any safety factor.
- Aluminium frame makes it light weight. So, you can carry it everywhere with ease.
- The braking system is very good with both disk brake and rear linear brake providing the necessary static friction for uptime functioning.
Cons
- The bike is shipped unassembled. So, be prepared to shelve some extra bucks to get it assembled properly at your local bike shop.
- The Bike is priced at a highly attractive rate and hence comes without any extra holders or any other utility.
Recommendation
Kent KZ2600 is a solid bike with all the necessary features to make your biking experience worth remembering. It is also highly affordable in this price segment.
Pro Tips
To get the best out of Kent KZ2600, you’ve assembled and set it properly with all the right settings. It indeed would be a wise decision to get it set by a bike expert.
Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Northwoods Mountain bike is one of the most affordable, light weight and sturdy pre-teen bike that I would ever get my hands on.
Though general consensus happens to vary in regard to this bike, I found this one to be better than many other higher priced models.
However I did found it to perform better on some tracks than other surface (more on that in a minute).
Just to clarify this is one of the best bikes that you can have as a gift for your teen son.
Features
Northwoods is powered by a lightweight aluminum frame which increases its durability as well as manoeuvrability.It also boasts of knobby grip tires which are large enough to provide the surface area for better gripping and control.The 21-speed twist shifters allow you to ride pretty fast while still providing you with comfort and control.The bike also has front and rear shock absorbers which make sure that your back stays in place and you can ride with ease across all terrain types.
Performance
The bike is most suitable for young boys and works well with most body types. However if you’re more than 6 feet tall then, I would suggest to look for some other bike.Beside an excellent bike, it works just fine on any road surface.
Pros
- If you’re hiking junkie like me, then this one is for you. It’s absolutely light weight and very easy to carry and move across various trail. Trust me this would make your life lot easier.
- Front and Rear shock absorber makes riding this bike lot easier and enjoyable.
- Unlike many other bikes, this bike comes with partly assembled. You can hit up the road quickly
Cons
- Though this bike is advertised as 25 lbs but I think it weigh little more. Not a deal breaker and is fairly light weight as compared to other bikes.
- One more annoying thing with the bike is that the rear gears oscillate when riding with the speed.
Recommendation
If you’re average built and under 6 feet height then, this bike is the best one you could have. It’s quite affordable and will get you going within a flick of time.
Pro Tips
I’m self-professed bike guy. So, I find my way around with bikes and can easily assemble one. If you’re like me then bingo! Otherwise get it assembled and serviced in a bike shop. The gears becomes clunky after some time so don’t forget to get it serviced on regular interval of time.
2017 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain bike
Gravity FSX is the perfect mountain bike which you can use for fun riding as well as some adventure riding across the trail. If you’re looking for some aggressive riding across all trails then probably this bike is not for you. (More onto it later).
Shortcomings aside this is a great well-built bike which can be used as multipurpose bike. The bike is well suited for all body types from 5 feet 8 inch to 6 feet above.
Features
The Bike boasts of lots features which I’m quite sure that will make your riding experience wonderful. Gravity FSX boasts of Front and Rear disc brake which enable you to stop your bike within few seconds of time with high degree of accuracy. The mechanical brake prevents your bike from skidding while going down the trail. The Dual suspension feature provides great shock absorbing capacity for bike riders and this makes it an all body type bike. The Bike is made up of aluminium frame which makes it extremely light weight and a delight to ride. Gravity FSX has 26” wheels which make it great for gripping the rugged surface. Though I would like to have bigger treads for it. The 24 speed gear shift also enables to control your speed easily across a wide range of terrain.
Performance
The Gravity FSX did perform exceedingly well on road surface making the ride very smooth. I took the bike around my campus around and I found it a pure joy. I tested the bike in my nearby park across the down trail with the brake and suspension working great to provide the required balance and stability.
Pros
The light weight framework make cross transportation easy peasy. Every time I do a cross country ride with this bike I feel the need to tighten some gears and nuts and having a lightweight bike makes it very easy.Super manual brake system makes riding this bike very safe.
- The bike is very sturdy and well built.
Cons
- The rear suspension is not very good and I feel problem when pedalling or standing up with this bike.
- The gears need little bit of tightening every time I do some some heavy riding with it.
- You may need to upgrade with some better wheel if you plan to go pro with your bike riding journey.
Recommendation
So, if you want a bike which is pretty much bang for the bucks and would be a great companion for your ride across the valley then shoot for it. You’ll probably never regret buying it.
Pro Tips
- The Gravity FSX comes with a very basic tyre. It would be better if you find some tyre with larger tread depth.
- The bike that you’ll get will be unassembled. You’ve to take it to a bike shop to get it fitted propely.
Merax Finiss 26″ Aluminum 21 Speed Mountain Bike
Merax Finiss is again a good value bike which you can have in your biking arsenal. One way Merax differs than its competitor is that they ship assembled bike. The bike is assembled more than 85% and you can get running with it very quickly.
Features
Merax Finiss is made of light heated aluminium which increases its durability and strength. This bike comes in an impressive design with different color option and style. You can choose between three color option- Grey and green, white and blue and lastly black and red. The same color style is also reciprocated in the saddle and wheel making it look quite trendy and attractive.
Merax Finnis uses the advanced disc brake system. If you’re very much eager to know how Disc brake system work and why it is better then watch this video
In short it increases the speed and accuracy of the operation.
Merax Finiss supports 80 mm suspension thus providing adequate front and rear shock compression.
Performance
When I took it out for a ride, I found you need to make some fine adjustments to make everything going great. You may need to make some setting adjustment in Disc brake as well as in the front derailleur.
Pros
- The bike is extremely low priced and packs lots of value under this price range.
- Extremely well designed with attractive colors.
- Though you’ve to make some fine adjustment but still it is quite easy to put together.
Cons
- The adjustment and settings error in the disc and front derailleur is not expected from such a brand.
- Handle bars are not of optimum quality and often produces cracking noise every time I’m making any turn.
- The crank shaft bearing did got disintegrated after few months of use.
Recomendation
If you’re loking for a great looking and performance heavy bike which is not going to put an hole in your pocket then, Merax Finiss might be the right choice for you.
Pro Tips
You need to change some disc brake and derailleur settings. I did it by watching you tube videos and reading the instruction manual.
I also found to tighten the screw and nut to make your ride safe and fun.
Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bicycle
I like to ride something that is not only comfortable but also gives a sense of protection. Being a new rider security of yourself is something that you should give lots of attention to.
Features
Schwinn bike is made up of steel frame with big wheels which can cross almost all types of terrain. Schwinn suspension fork helps in increasing the control. MTB riser handlebar aids in a comfortable riding position. This bike is boasted with Sram 7 speed grip shifters with shimano TX-31 rear derailleur for quick change of speed. Schwinn alloy crank offers optimal gearing.
Performance
The Schwinn Men’s High Timber Mountain Bike is not only equipped with a steel frame but also with big wheels to sport a carefree ride. A suspension fork is also there to escalate control, while the handlebars provide you with a relaxed riding position. If you want to ride this bike for a quick race with your friends and family, then it is just a right choice for you as the seven-speed grip shifters with Shimano TX-31 rear derailleur make sure you quickly change the gears to leave behind your oppositions. This men’s mountain bike is equipped with front and rear linear pull brakes that can be made use at any uninvited danger and are sure to pull off the bike at the very moment.
Pros
- The ride is Smooth and comfortable.
- It comes with easy adjustment.
- The look of the bike is sturdy, and one is sure of its durability.
- It is presented with pre-drilled mounts.
Cons
- The structure is a bit too heavy.
- It also requires some major component replacements.
- The seat is not according to my likings.
- No place to carry the water bottle.
- Pedals are made up of plastic.
Recommendations
The High Timber is made as such that it is assured to carry out the passion for adventure in you while offering valued machinery at a reasonable package. It is certain that you are in need to make significant part modifications and substitutions on this bike still, that does not come in the way of the fact that this is a steadfast and superior quality that gives nothing less than an excellent service.
Pro Tips
Altogether, this may be a good idea to try your hands on mountain biking with this bike. As you develop your skill set, you can change over to a more advanced bike. However be sure that bikes with higher price range can offer you a little more assistance than this bike.
Conclusion
Phew this guide became more than words long. Hope it was some of good value to you.
Overall I think Merax Finiss is a great bike to have.