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 perhaps an experienced rider looking for an upgrade but don’t have thousands of pounds to spend—we’ve got you covered.
We’ve sourced the best mountain bikes under £500, so you can grab yourself a real bargain.
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.
Rider review
“I haven’t had any problems with this bike at all. The gears are smooth, the brakes are really keen, and the saddle is bearable.”
2. Raleigh Talus 2 Mountain Bike, £400
Key features
- 100mm travel suspension fork
- Progressive wheel sizing
- 21 gears
- 25in wide, grippy tyres
Whatever your reason for getting a mountain bike, the Talus 2 is sure to tick all your boxes.
It’s just as at home on the morning commute as it is on gravelly mountain terrain—it’s surely one of the best mountain bikes under £500 in terms of versatility.
It also boasts progressive wheel sizing—as the frames get bigger, so do the wheels and vice versa. This flexible feature makes the Talus suited to riders of all shapes and sizes.
You needn’t worry about pedalling, either. With an impressive 21 gears at your fingertips, you’re bound to find one to fit your groove.
Rider review
“As this was my first mountain bike, I was a bit unsure, and I didn’t want to spend too much. I usually get road bikes, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good this bike is. It’s fast and comfortable.”
Related: 9 safety tips for mountain biking
3. Pinnacle Kapur Mountain Bike, £400
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).
Rider review
“I love this bike. The hydraulic brakes are so good—you usually get these on more expensive bikes, but they come as standard on this one.”
4. Carrera Vulcan Mountain Bike, £420
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.
Rider review
“This is one of the best bikes I’ve ever owned. The suspension has a lot of movement for springs, and the brakes are great and efficient.”
5. Specialized Rockhopper 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike, £495
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.
Rider review
“This is a really great bike. I bought one for my son, but after having a go myself, I’m now saving up for my own.”
Related: Best mountain bike drivetrains and groupsets
6. GT Avalanche Sport Hardtail Mountain Bike, £479.99
Key features
- Aluminium triple triangle frame
- Floating seat stays
- Blended wheel size to accommodate a wide range of riders
The GT Avalanche Sport is ideal for either aspiring mountain bikers or those looking for a proper off-road upgrade.
Built around a 6061 aluminium triple triangle frame with floating seat stays providing optimum comfort, this stylish mountain bike will help you tackle the toughest of terrains.
Boasting a Suntour suspension fork, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and 9-speed Shimano gears, it has everything you need for the complete off-road experience. It’s hands down one of the best budget mountain bikes in the UK.
Rider review
“It isn’t the lightest bike in the world, that’s for sure, but it’s definitely a great one on the trails.”
7. GT Aggressor Expert Mountain Bike, £455.99
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.
Rider review
“I bought this bike for my 11-year-old. I didn’t want to pay loads, but I have to say, for the price, this is a great bike. It’s not super light, but neither is it like a lump of lead.”
8. Cannondale Trail 8 Mountain Bike, £425
Key features
- Light and durable SmartForm C3 alloy frame
- 7-speed drivetrain
- SAVE Micro-suspension
Built with stability front of mind, the Cannondale Trail 8 will raise your game and spark a new, deeper passion for mountain biking.
The light and durable C3 alloy frame will make your ride feel nimble, flexible, and comfortable.
You’ll notice that the headtube has also been slackened, making the general handling much more stable and allowing for more confident descents. It’s one of the best mountain bikes under £500 considering its build quality.
The addition of mechanical disc brakes also means you can travel at the highest speeds possible, safe in the knowledge that your stopping power is second to none, no matter the conditions.
Rider review
“I’ve clocked more than 250 miles so far, and it hasn’t missed a beat.”
Related: The 11 best Lake District mountain bike routes
9. Cube Aim 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike, £499.99
Key features
- Quick-shifting Shimano Tourney 3x8-speed drivetrain
- Cube GE803 rims and Impac Smartpac tyres
- Aluminium Lite frame with enduro-inspired geometry
Engineered for control and composure, the Cube Aim Hardtail is designed for all seasons and terrains.
Suited to fast trail riding, steep climbs and intricate routes, this mountain bike is the ideal choice for an adventure.
Neat internal cable routing ensures gives this bike a slick appearance, while the Cube GE803 rims coupled with Cube Impac Smartpac tyres allow for a quick and reliable high traction rolling performance everywhere you go.
Rider review
“The bike frame welding is clean, and the paint quality is spot on. My 9-year-old son can manage the bike, too, thanks to the very adjustable seat. Great bike.”
10. Lapierre Edge 2.7 Mountain Bike, £499
Key features
- Edge Suprême 4 alloy frame with internal cable routing
- Available in 27.5in or 29in wheel size
- SR Suntour XCE28 27.5″ 100mm Travel
Lapierre was founded in 1946, and its core philosophy is that cycling and mountain biking is for everyone—not just the professional elite. That’s what led them to produce one of the best mountain bikes under £500.
This ethos is epitomised by the Edge 2.7, a bike that’s ideal if you want to start out on the trails but not break the bank.
The bike is available in numerous wheel sizes, so it's easily adaptable to any track or terrain, while internal cable routing allows for a nice, clean look, too.
For under £500, the Edge 2.7 will allow you to discover the sheer joy and excitement in the sport, give you the confidence to descend the hills at speed and tackle tough terrains with ease.
Rider review
"This is a very capable bike which handles well both for climbing and descending."
11. Forme Stanage 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike, £374.99
Key features
- Tektro mechanical disc brakes
- Shimano 21-speed gearing
- Front suspension
The Forme Stanage 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike offers the best of both worlds when it comes to mixing adventure with the everyday.
While the Shimano 21-speed gears mean you’re well-equipped for navigating tough hilly ground, the extra-grippy tyres also make this a solid choice for a stable daily run-around.
For added comfort, this bike comes fitted with SR Suntour suspension forks.
The light aluminium frame always keeps you in complete command, too—wherever you choose to ride.
Rider review
“You’d be hard pushed to find better value than the Forme Stanage. It has a real ruggedness you’d expect from a mountain bike.”
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.
Mountain bike insurance is designed to protect both you and your bike. Whether you require Personal Accident Cover to protect yourself from injury or Theft and Accidental Damage Cover for your bike, we’ve got you covered.
You can also opt to include Public Liability to cover your legal fees if you injure somebody else or damage property while out on the trails.
Click here to learn more about how we can help, or get an instant online quote today.
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