The best mountain bikes under £500

If you fancy yourself as a thrill-seeker, the chances are you’re no stranger to a mountain bike.

Whether you’re just starting out or you're an experienced rider looking for an upgrade but don’t have thousands of pounds to spend—we’ve got you covered.

We’ve gathered the best mountain bikes under £500, with some of the best reviews, so you can grab yourself a real bargain.

Prices are accurate of 25/02/2026

1. Carrera Vengeance Mountain Bike, £375

Key features

• Lightweight, strong, and durable frame
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Memory foam saddle
• Puncture-resistant tyres

The Carrera Vengeance bike has everything you could want from a mountain bike under £500.

As well as looking the part, it’s practical and reliable. Its 16-speed Shimano Altus gearing system makes hill climbing a breeze, while its soft and supportive memory foam saddle will give you added comfort when you’re riding on harsh terrain.

With tough protection added to the tyres, your chances of a puncture with the Carrera Vengeance are minimal. The durable frame also gives you greater control when steering.

The mechanical disc brakes mean stopping in adverse weather conditions is easy, while adjusting the forks to match your suspension with the terrain makes the whole riding experience a joy.

2. Pinnacle Kapur Mountain Bike, £499

Key features

• Shimano Acera 8-speed gearing
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Kenda Kadre tyres
• Suntour XCM suspension fork

If you’re new to mountain biking, the Kapur Pinnacle is a great first bike to buy.

This bike has it all—it’s fitted with Shimano Acera 8-speed gearing for clean shifting, hydraulic disc-brakes for all-weather stopping, and Kenda Kadre tyres for unbeatable grip.

With 760mm wide handlebars, too, you’re in complete control of steering, regardless of the conditions.

Whatever your reason for mountain biking—be it pleasure, fitness, or sheer adventure—the Kapur Pinnacle will suit your needs down to the ground (or terrain).

3. Carrera Vulcan Mountain Bike, £435

Key features

• Suntour XCM forks
• 18-speed Shimano Altus gearing
• 5-in double-walled wheels
• Hydraulic disc-brakes

While the Carrera Vengeance is more suited to beginners, the Carrera Vulcan is a good next step.

As you become more experienced and confident, the option to shift through a larger variety of gears means there’s plenty of life and potential in the Vulcan. Plus, thanks to the addition of hydraulic brakes, you’ll have everything you need to deal with the unknown.

Strength isn’t compromised with a lightweight frame, either, and the signature Carrera memory foam saddle means you’ll be comfortable no matter what lies ahead on the hills.

4. Specialized Rockhopper 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike, £425

Key features

• Made from Premium A1 aluminium
• Radius CX-7 disc brakes
• 16 Shimano gears

The Specialized Rockhopper offers great performance for great value, earning it its spot on our list of the best mountain bikes under £500.

A premium A1 aluminium frame with butted tubes means weight stays low while strength remains high, so you never have to compromise.

Each Rockhopper frame size is also paired with optimal wheel size, meaning it’s a suitable ride for all shapes, sizes, and terrains.

If you’re looking for a quality first MTB under £500, look no further and become a ‘Rockhopper’ today.

5. Apollo Gradient Mountain Bike, £290

Key features:

• Full suspension aluminium frame for added comfort and control on rough terrain
• 27.5” wheels with all‑terrain tyres for stability and confident handling off-road
• 21‑speed Shimano Tourney REVOSHIFT gears for smooth shifting across hills and flats

The Apollo Gradient Mountain Bike is a great choice for riders new to mountain biking or those looking for a comfortable bike for casual off‑road adventures. It has a lightweight alloy frame and full suspension setup to help smooth out uneven trails, towpaths and forest tracks, making it easier to ride for longer, with less fatigue.

6. GT Aggressor Expert Mountain Bike, RRP £479.99

Key features:

• Off-road friendly geometry
• Lightweight alloy frame
• SR Suntour XCM Fork absorb shock and suspension
• Shimano Acera 24-speed drivetrain

Versatile and reliable are just two of the words you could use to describe the GT Aggressor Expert.
With off-road friendly geometry and an aluminium frame that’s light but snappy, it’s perfect for both the streets and the wilderness.

The added fork absorb shock and suspension system, coupled with the Shimano Acera 24-speed drivetrain, will make you as ready for the mountains as the local park.

You can cruise through a wide range of gear options and enjoy powerful, controlled stopping with minimal effort, courtesy of the Tektro M275 hydraulic disc brakes. It’s undoubtedly one of the best mountain bikes under £500.

7. Boss Stealth Women's Mountain Bike -£290

Key features:

•  Full suspension frame to smooth out bumps and improve comfort on uneven terrain
• 21‑speed Shimano gearing for versatile performance on hills, trails and flatter routes 
• Mechanical disc brakes for reliable braking in wet and dry conditions
• 26” wheels with wide off‑road tyres offering strong grip and stability on loose surfaces

The Boss Stealth Women’s Mountain Bike is built for riders who want a bold, capable bike for casual trail riding and everyday off‑road adventures. Its full suspension setup helps absorb shocks from rough ground, while wide mountain bike tyres deliver dependable grip on gravel, dirt paths and woodland trails.

8. Carrera Hellcat Women's Mountain Bike, Cosmetic Defect - £410

Key features:

• Lightweight aluminium hardtail frame designed for efficient off‑road riding
• Suntour XCM front suspension fork with 100mm travel to absorb trail bumps and improve control
• 29” wheels for fast rolling speed, stability and smoother performance on rough ground
• Shimano Altus 2x8‑speed drivetrain offering a wide, reliable gear range for mixed terrain

The Carrera Hellcat Women’s Mountain Bike is a capable hardtail designed for riders who want confident performance on trails, paths and light off-road terrain. Rolling on large 29” wheels and equipped with a 100mm Suntour suspension fork, it delivers a smooth, stable ride that handles roots, rocks and uneven ground with ease.

Specialist mountain bike insurance through Cycleplan

Whether you currently own a mountain bike or are in the market for one, you may want to protect it with specialist mountain bike insurance before you get out and test the terrain.

Get an instant online quote today.