Let’s face it, when buying a new bike price is always a factor. This is even more true for the beginner looking to upgrade from their “starter” bike. The hardcore enthusiast may complain about the never ending cycle of new technologies that seem to come out every other month, but one benefit is this innovation trickles down, meaning beginners get more bang for their buck.
The $1000 price point is key for bike shops, manufacturers, and buyers. Generally at this price you can expect to get an aluminum hardtail, though many manufacturers are using plus size tires to breathe new life into the category. That said, there are only two full suspension bikes listed below.
It’s also important to remember that the used bike market can offer incredible value in the $1000 range as long as you know what to look. If you prefer to buy new, year end model closeouts are another avenue to explore. This period typically runs from September to February, so now is a great time to start shopping. Many bike shops will offer current year models at a significant discount to make room for incoming inventory.
Finally, know that this compilation is not meant to be an exhaustive end all/be all. So, if we missed one of your favorites, let us know in the comments below.
Germany’s Bulls Bikes provides the most affordable bike here, the King Boa 27.5 at $849.
Bulls Bikes King Boa 27.5 ($849)
Bulls Bikes is a German brand that is going direct-to-consumer in the U.S. They have several models of bikes including mountain, road, cross, and e-bikes. For the bargain hunter, Bulls offers the King Boa, an alloy hardtail with 27.5” wheels, SR Suntour XCR 32 RL fork with 100mm of travel, Tektro disc brakes, and a Shimano SLX 3×10 drivetrain. While there are no standout components on this bike, the King Boa is the most affordable bike of the group.
Frame: 7005 double-butted aluminum
Fork: SR Suntour XCR 32 RL 100mm with remote lockout
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/SLX 3×10
Brakes: Tektro Draco 2 hydraulic
Wheel size: 27.5″
Sizing: S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.bullsbikesusa.com.
Haro provides an inexpensive way to sample what the plus size craze is all about. Bonus points for the 1×10 drivetrain and WTB cockpit.
Haro Double Peak Comp Plus ($869)
Haro’s new Double Peak Comp Plus provides an affordable way for the beginner to try out the plus size craze. Rolling on Kenda Havoc 27.5×2.8” tires, the increased traction will be a huge benefit for beginners. Throw in the Shimano 1×10 drivetrain and this bike will provide a solid building block for riders to grow their skills. The HL Vaxa fork is not as sexy as offerings from Fox, RockShox or X-Fusion, but costs have to be cut somewhere.
Frame: 6000 series aluminum
Fork: 2017 HL Vaxa 866 HLO 27.5 Plus fork 120mm travel, hydraulic lockout, Boost compatible
Drivetrain: FSA cranks, Sunrace 11-40T 10-speed cassette, Shimano Deore 1×10
Brakes: Tektro Auriga HD-M285 hydraulic brakes
Wheel size: 27.5″+
Sizing: 14.5”, 16”, 18”, 20”
To learn more, visit www.harobikes.com.
KHS has been building 27.5” wheeled bikes for a long time and this year they provide a 27.5+ bike for men and women.
KHS SixFifty 500+ ($869)
KHS has a lot of experience with 27.5” wheels and their SixFifty line is one of their mainstays. New for 2017 is the 500+ in both men’s and women’s models. The ladies version comes in purple and provides an XS size that is not available for men. This bike is designed for the intermediate rider who wants to roll on 2.8” tires. Bonus points for the inexpensive but functional included pedals.
Frame: 6061 double-butted alloy
Fork: SR Suntour fork
Drivetrain: SRAM X5 rear derailleur and shifters, 2×9
Brakes: Shimano BR-M315 hydraulic disc brakes
Wheel size: 27.5+
Colors: Men’s – Black, Women’s – Purple
Sizing: Men (S/15, M/17, L/19, XL/21) – Women (XS/13, S/15)
To learn more, visit www.khsbicycles.com.
New for 2017, the Fuji Outland 29 1.5 is a lot of mountain bike for the price. Highlights include the SR Suntour fork and Manitou rear shock.
Fuji Outland 29 1.5 ($949)
That Fuji has produced a full suspension bike for under $1000 is amazing. The Outland 29 1.5 has 120mm of rear travel and rolls on 29” wheels. It is targeted at the beginner XC/trail rider and uses a simple, but effective single pivot design. Although it doesn’t come with a dropper post, it does have routing options for a dropper. The A2-SL double-butted frame should withstand most of the abuse that its rider can dish out. SR Suntour fork and Manitou rear shock are solid values at this price. The mechanical disc brakes and 3×8 drivetrain aren’t cutting edge, but can be upgraded down the road.
Frame: A2-SL double butted alloy, 120mm rear travel
Fork: SR Suntour SF15-XCR-LO-R-29 w/ hydraulic lockout, tapered alloy steerer, 15mm thru axle, 120mm travel
Rear Shock: Manitou Radium Comp
Drivetrain: Shimano Altus/Acera 3×8
Brakes: Tektro M280 mechanical disc
Wheel size: 29″
Sizing: S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.fujibikes.com.
Norco provides an XC race-ready bike for the beginner in either 27.5 or 29er.
Norco Charger 7.2 27.5 / Charger 9.2 29 ($949)
For the sub-$1000 buyer, Norco has two versions of their Charger. Both retail for $949 and you can choose between 27.5 and 29er wheels. Both are cross country oriented bikes with aluminum frames, RockShox Recon Silver fork, SRAM 1×10 drivetrain, and Shimano disc brakes. Bonus points for the included Wellgo alloy pedals. If you’re a beginner with an itch towards trying a XC race, the Norco Charger is a solid choice.
Frame: double-butted alloy
Fork: Rock Shox Recon Silver Solo Air RL fork, 100mm
Drivetrain: SRAM GX 1×10
Brakes: Shimano Acera M425 hydraulic disc brakes
Wheel size: 29 or 27.5
Sizing: S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.norco.com.
Marin offers their alloy hardtail in two wheels sizes, but give it a more trail-oriented geometry and purpose.
Marin Bobcat Trail 5 29 / Bobcat Trail 5 27.5 ($989)
Like Norco, Marin offers their budget bike in both 27.5 or 29er wheel sizes. The Bobcat Trail 5 was redesigned for 2017 with a bit more of a trail rider focus than XC racer. This means that the geometry features a low bottom bracket, slack head angle, and longer reach. The Marin also feature better brakes than the Norco. And if you are looking for a plus hardtail option, check out the Pine Mountain.
Frame: 6061 double-butted aluminum
Fork: RockShox Recon Silver 100mm (80mm on size S)
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 1×10
Brakes: Shimano M365 hydraulic
Wheel size: 27.5 or 29
Sizing: 29 (S, M, L, XL, XXL), 27.5 (XS, S, M)
To learn more, visit www.marinbikes.com.
Continue to page 2 for more of the best mountain bikes for around $1000 »