Whether it’s for a young teenager looking for their first proper bike, a bike to ride with the kids or simply best road bike brands something to trial the sport with, in this article, we’ve shortlisted our picks of the best budget mountain bike models to consider. Despite the name, mountain bikes of this price point aren’t genuinely built for riding rough off-road trails; instead, they offer a versatile bike for getting around that’s capable of tackling smoother, well-maintained trails.
The frames of all the selected bikes are made from aluminium and can host pannier racks, kickstands, and other popular accessories. Expect a hardtail mountain bike with a rigid rear triangle and suspension in the front forks with limited travel (the amount of movement in the suspension). This travel provides a comfortable ride and will vary from between 60mm and 100mm on most models at this price.
A few bikes on this list also feature the option to close off the suspension for use on smooth roads; this is known as a lock-out. Most, however, will only offer preload adjustment, which allows a small amount of control over how firm the suspension spring is.
The braking system will be either rim or disc brake, the latter the preferred option as it typically performs better in the wet. However, at this price point, bikes with rim brakes will normally be lighter. Both braking systems are likely to be operated by mechanical cables, although a few offer hydraulic systems (sealed fluid replaces cables).
Tourney and Altus are the introductory groupsets from Shimano and are commonly found on kids mountain bikes and mountain bikes under AU$600. Designed for recreational riding, rough and muddy off-road riding is beyond these value-orientated options’ design criteria. From our experience testing bikes of this category, you want to look for bikes with an aluminium handlebar, and it also pays to look for wheels that feature “Double Wall” rims to ensure they stay straight. All bikes selected here tick all these boxes.
So without further ado, here are our picks (in no particular order) of the best budget mountain bikes costing under AU$600.
Giant ATX 2
Giant, the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, certainly knows a thing or two about quality aluminium frame construction. Rolling on 27.5in wheels, the ATX 2 offers a proven frame matched with a rudimentary but confidence-inspiring SR Suntour M3030 fork with 75mm of travel. Complete with a 21-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain, the ATX offers a respectable range of gears for fast on-road speeds and tackling steep inclines.
Alloy v-brakes are a bit old school compared to other options on this list but should be effective in keeping a check on speed. Rolling stock comes courtesy of Giant in the form of its double-walled alloy rims with proprietary Giant Off-Road 2.1” tyres providing the grip.
RRP: AUD$549
Trek Marlin 4
Offering confidently large 29in wheels in all but the smallest frame sizes, the Marlin 4 borrows several design characteristics from Trek’s proven performance mountain bikes to make it steer with class. A full Shimano 21-speed drivetrain offers a gearing range more suited to off-road and path riding.
There’s a short travel 75mm SR Suntour fork featured upfront, whilst stopping power comes courtesy of Tektro. Subsidiary brand Bontrager provides the double-walled alloy wheelset, and the build is finished with capable 2.2in wide Bontrager XR2 rubber.
RRP: AUD$599
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