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Regardless of whether you are a professional cyclist, a beginner who found a new love for mountain biking, or a fat bike enthusiast, you do not have to burn a hole in your pocket just to obtain a high-performance bike with the right suspensions and gear shifters.
There are certainly some of the mountain bikes under 800 dollars available in the market that will meet your standards.
In this list, you will surely find a mountain bike that will fit your personal preferences and requirements. We included bikes with varied disc brakes, suspension forks, hardtails, as well as those that are upgradeable.
Best Mountain Bike under $800 Comparison in 2021
[amazon bestseller=”Mountain Bike under $800″ items=”10″ template=”table”]Top 10 Mountain Bike Review in 2021
You do not have to shell out plenty of your hard-earned cash for a frame, two wheels, and efficient, high-performing components.
From full-suspension bikes to those with hardtails, here are the mountain bikes under 800 that shred.
Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike
High-performance, race-ready, and lightweight, this is the Diamondback overdrive mountain bike. It features plenty of quality parts that make every detail extraordinary.
From its suspension fork, brakes, and drivetrain, down to its wheels, the bike boasts of unparalleled excellence when it comes to extreme mountain biking.
It is made of a lightweight carbon fiber frame that allows you for faster, more precise navigation and control over the bike.
More light materials are used on the mountain bike to ensure easier breaking when riding through steep slopes and downhill.
RockShox’s Recon Gold RL fork is used on the bike to enhance its lightweight features. It provides 100mm lightweight, air-sprung suspension with lockout control.
This allows you to ride the bike on paved roads enabling you to handle it with greater control.
For easy operation, improved overall control, and crisp gear shifts with 24-speed options, it has a single-ring drivetrain that works together with the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
You can push yourself to your limits until your legs feel sore, but the bike remains vigilant and strong.
Finally, it uses 29-inch wheels that enable you to easily and smoothly roll over obstacles like logs and rocks with great traction while maintaining the bike’s stability as you ride through it. Its wheels also allow for an easy switch to go tubeless to improve your ride quality.
The bike is perfect for those folks that usually head out for regular mountain biking. It is ergonomically designed to allow the rider to drive it across hills and mountain slopes by dampening the shocks and bumps on the road.
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Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Bike
Built for extreme trails and built for adventure seekers, the Schwinn mountain bike boasts features that begin with the most obvious:
its large 29-inch wheels that measure 2.25-inch wide, high-profile alloy rims. Followed by that, are the bike’s gorgeous color-matching end plugs!
The mountain bike is made lightweight with its aluminum framing and efficient components that do not sacrifice performance.
It comes with a powerful suspension fork that can reduce the effects of bumps you may encounter along the way.
It uses a 24-speed Shimano EZ fire trigger shifters that work together with derailleurs for an easy and smooth change of gears in critical situations.
The front and rear wheels are supported by mechanical disc brakes that provide a crisp and conditioned gradually for full-on stops on certain areas of the trail when needed.
With a standover height of 33 inches, the bike should fit individuals who stand at least 5 feet and 9 inches up to 6 feet and 6 inches.
Durable, strong, and high-performance, the Schwinn mountain bike uses alloy cranks for steady gearing. It requires less maintenance with its straightforward features yet intricate parts.
Climb through steep hills and blaze down slopes with style and confidence that your ride will not falter! Enjoy mountain climbing without any hassle commonly experienced due to soft braking and inefficient suspension forks!
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Related Guide: Comfort Bikes for Under $500
Gravity Bullseye Monster Aluminum Fat Bikes
If you are a go-getter who wants more control in loose conditions, fat bikes have got your wishes covered! The aluminum fat bike by Gravity Bullseye Monster presents you with great maneuvering opportunities like no other.
With features that allow you to speed up a high hill and slow down or make full stops at critical areas, you can surely conquer any trail.
Fat tires roll over anything, literally. This kind of bike uses high traction and super-wide 26×4 inches tires that you can use to ride through all types of terrain, especially ones that are bumpy, rocky, and even muddy.
In addition to that, it is designed with SRAM drivetrain components with 16 speed settings. It allows for unparalleled and almost effortless control over the push or pull mechanism to bike along. Included in the groupset are the pedals, cranks, chainrings, cassette, and of course, the derailleur.
All of these work together to enhance your riding experience. Lastly, the best feature is brake power. Braking is improved and made more powerful with the Tektro Disc brakes that control both the front and rear wheels.
Take over any obstacle right in front of you with confidence that your bike will not fail you.
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Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
Double suspensions are for cyclists who are willing to go double the mile! The Schwinn Traxion is a notch higher than most mountain bikes because of its suspensions present in its aluminum frame as well as in the fork that holds the front wheel.
Indeed, this 29-inch wheel mountain bike is like no other with its full suspension! It uses a 24-speed Shimano drivetrain that enables you to enjoy plenty of gear settings suitable for any terrain, whether you are climbing upwards or blazing down a hill. More gears, more power!
The best thing about the drivetrain components is that they are lightweight, which allows for more control over the bike.
For a crisp and efficient stopping when encountering obstacles along the way, the cable-actuated brakes or mechanical disc brakes use a steel cable to move the pistons smoothly.
In addition to all the great features of the bike, the Shimano EZ-fire trigger shifters allow you to shift easily with the use of your thumb without putting much pressure. It works side-by-side with the rear derailleur and alloy-made cranks.
And the 18-inch medium aluminum-framed mountain bike is the best fit for those who stand at least 5 feet and 9 inches tall. Ride the bike through muddy, rocky, and even sandy trails without experiencing the bumpy terrain.
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Diamondback Bicycles Line Hardtail Bike
Easy to manage and definitely the mountain bike meant for beginners, the Diamondback mountain bike showcases features that are almost on par with professional MTBs, except they are straightforward, perfect for moderate terrain, and less extreme trail riding.
The bike is custom-formed with butted tubing and an aluminum hardtail frame that only increases performance but never adds up weight.
And the butted tubing has increased its thickness near the joints for extra strength while maintaining a low weight.
It uses an SR Sun tour XCR travel fork as a suspension for the front wheels for a smooth ride on less risky yet bumpy trails.
In addition to that, it uses a Shimano 1 by 9 single-ring drivetrain with a chain guide that is non-complex yet delivers a hassle-free performance with less maintenance needed.
With its hydraulic brakes, it will surely last you a long mile before it needs some customization. For those looking for bikes with low-slung geometry with basic yet lightweight and high-performing features for trail riding, this Diamondback mountain bike presents a worthy investment for you.
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Mongoose Envoy Cargo Bike
A cargo bike that you can ride through any terrain, flat or bumpy. The Mongoose cargo bike is designed with features that allow you to ride through rocky, sandy, and even muddy trails thanks to its components.
It includes two large cargo bags complete with weather-resistant zippers and large velcro flaps, as well as rear racks so you can put all your camping or hiking gear in one place.
The total cargo capacity of the bike is 130 pounds, with a weight distribution of 20 pounds each rear lower bag and 90 pounds for the rear upper rack. With its front-wheel spring damper, the bike stabilizes as you load the cargo.
Aside from its compartment features, the bike also boasts unparalleled components that are used on actual mountain bikes. It uses Mongoose mechanical disc brakes for the front and rear rotors with Shimano levers.
The wheels have double-wall rims and are made of aluminum to make it extra lightweight.
In addition to that, the entire cargo frame is constructed with Tectonic T1 aluminum.
Finally, the drivetrain and gearset are all Shimano. The trigger shifter enables you to enjoy a wide fear range and smooth shifting from one gear to another to conquer all types of obstacles you encounter along the trail. And it comes with nylon pedals for grip-tight pedaling.
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Raleigh Talus Recreational Bike
For light trail biking, the Raleigh mountain bike presents an ideal ride that delivers unparalleled features. It is meant for riding in less extreme pathways as well as paved roads.
The bike is for beginners as well as those who just wish to bike along terrains other than the city streets.
It is a 26-inch wheel bike with a custom tubed-frame and a low standover height perfect for individuals who stand at least 4 feet and 9 inches up to 5 feet.
Easily get off and hop on the bike without any hassle! In addition, it uses 580mm bars that fit narrow shoulders and smaller hands.
To get on the mechanical and technical side of the bike, it uses Shimano twist shifters that allow you to choose from 21 gears. Indeed, it is for new mountain bike riders who wish to start a hobby and make it a daily activity.
With its Jr PVC grip, a comfortable saddle, and slightly upright riding position geometry, the Raleigh bike makes it extra comfortable to cruise through bumpy terrains! Finally, its 2-inch wide tires handle the dirt, gravel, sand, as well as pavements like a pro.
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Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike
Big and plump, we are talking about how fat the knobby tires are on this Mongoose fat bike! It is perfect for those extreme cyclists that would enjoy cruising any terrain, paved or rocky, with thick wheels.
The bike features plenty of durable and high-performance components for conquering all types of pathways.
Its 4-inch fat tire attached to a supersized beach cruiser frame can virtually roll over on anything. To enhance the riding experience, it uses a 7-speed gear Shimano in the rear derailleur. Indeed, you obtain more power as well as powerful control over the bike.
Since tire weight is critical in handling and acceleration, the bike is created and designed with great consideration of its overall weight. With this, it uses other components that are lightweight yet powerful, sturdy, and offers great control.
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Titan Glacier PRO Bike
For downhill mountain biking as well as trail riding, the Titan Pro mountain bike is the ultimate companion for days when you feel like riding through bumpy and rocky terrain at full speed.
Push yourself to the limit, but never this bike! It is lightweight yet powerful, and it boasts features that make it a one-of-a-kind mountain bike.
To begin with, let’s talk about how lightweight this bike is. It is made of over 50 percent alloy that reduces the overall weight of the old Titan Glacier by 10 pounds. The entire triangle, both wheels, hubs, cranks, and handlebars, are all made from alloys.
This 19-inch frame mountain bike is designed for both men and women. With its adjustable seat post, you can adapt the height of the saddle according to your leg capacity and reach. It also has a quick locking release, which stabilizes the seat post after adjustment.
Moreover, to enhance your riding experience as well as stopping power for downhill mountain biking, the caliper used is upgraded with a better version as well as rear V-brakes.
It uses a Zoom front shock that dampens the bump effects of rocky terrain. For more customizability, the front wheels are mounted through an upgraded quick release.
Finally, the package arrives at least 85 percent pre-assembled. A light assembly is necessary to install the front wheel, handlebars, seat post, pedals, and brake adjustment.
Nevertheless, the instruction manual should assist you in putting the bike together and be able to ride it as soon as you take it out of the box.
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Diamondback Bicycles Hook Hardtail Bike
If you are looking for a low and maneuverable mountain bike with long front and short back frame design, the Diamond Hook mountain bike is the perfect fit for you! Its 27.5-inch wheel allows for great control of any kind of terrain.
Go down the steepest descents and climb up a high hill, the bike will surely take you to places and roll over almost any obstacle.
To start with the technical side of the bike, it uses an SR Suntour suspension fork that can soak up the bumps along the road. It works side-by-side with the SRAM 1×8-speed drivetrain groupset that should allow you to ride with great speed down and up the hill.
And its cranks are made of an aluminum arm with steel chainring that ensures durability and stability no matter the loose condition of the pathway. For its brakes, achieve a safe, full-on stop with its Tektro Aries mechanical disc.
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Features to Look for Before Buying Mountain Bike
After you go through the list of the top-rated mountain bikes for 800 dollars, it would be helpful to look at the following features to narrow down your choices effectively.
Wheel and Tire Size
Regardless of whether you are a beginner or professional cyclist, 27.5-inch wheels are the most common among wheel sizes. There is a middle ground between the standard 26-inch and 29-inch wheels.
A 27.5-inch wheel rolls over terrain as efficiently as the other two wheels and can be found on both full suspensions as well as hardtail rigs.
For shorter legs, 24-inch wheels present an ideal size. They are typically used with kids’ mountain bikes. On a final note, keep in mind that the larger the tire, the more it can easily conquer a terrain filled with obstacles.
Suspension Types
Apart from the wheel diameter, the suspension type is another key attribute that determines the type of terrain or a land a bike can handle. With that in mind, here are three of the most commonly used bike suspension types.
Rigid
While “rigid” mountain bikes do not really feature a suspension, their wide tires, as well as low tire pressure, allow the absorption of bumps found on the trail.
Hardtail
Bikes with hardtail rigs consist of a suspension fork located in the front to absorb impact through the front wheel. As the name suggests, there is an absence of suspension in the rear wheel. It allows for a direct transfer of power between the pedal stroke and the rear tire.
Full-Suspension
Popularly called FS or full-sus, you will find suspension in the front fork and rear wheels of a bike. It absorbs the impacts of the trail and increases traction for efficient mountain climbing.
Frame Materials
The bike frame greatly affects the vehicle’s overall weight, strength, longevity, quality of ride, and finally, the price. There are 4 materials used that offer their unique advantages on a bike’s performance: aluminum alloy, steel, titanium, and carbon fiber.
Aluminum Alloy
The most commonly used material for mountain bike frames. And the lighter the aluminum frame, the more expensive the bike.
Steel
Relatively heavy yet inexpensive and enables riders to have a smooth ride. Bikes with steel frames are tougher than other bikes.
Titanium
Most high-end mountain bikes are made of titanium. These bikes are more expensive, yet they offer a light and strong ride.
Carbon Fiber
Mostly seen on cross-country bikes, fat bikes, high-end trails, and all-mountain bikes. Carbon fiber frames are strong and lightweight. They are less expensive than most titanium frames.
Gears and Breaks
Consider your fitness level as well as the terrain you will often be riding. The steeper the hills, the more gears your bike should have.
For professional cyclists biking on flatter terrain, fewer and lower gears are needed. Take note, the fewer the gear, the lighter the bike.
On the other hand, rim brakes have been replaced with disc brakes on all bikes except basic or entry-level mountain bikes.
Disc brakes come in two versions: hydraulic and cable-activated. Between the two, hydraulic disc brakes are recommended for stronger braking with lesser efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the mountain bikes:
Mountain bikes with full suspension obviously have a clear advantage when going downhill because of shock-absorbent capabilities. Yet to answer the question, yes, you can.
How? Well, your legs are the “suspension”. The results are both good and bad. It is bad because you get tired faster. On the other hand, it is good because you become a better overall rider. 
The truth is, it depends. And the only time one is better than the other will be due to the rider’s purpose and personal preference.
If you want to ride on technical trails with varying and extreme downhill slopes, it is best to obtain a mountain bike that has full suspension.
Otherwise, if you’re gonna spend most of your time on smoother trails, best to get ones that have a hardtail.
Yes, it is only if you have a lockout. Mountain bikes are designed with suspension that is meant to absorb impact from rocky terrain that makes them amazing for off-road biking.
The absence of a lockout should increase air pressure on your suspension, which stiffens bike performance on paved roads.
A hybrid bike is a cross between mountain and touring bikes. To determine which is better between the two highly depends on your usage.
If you are a cyclist that trails along rocky and muddy trails, a mountain bike should fit your activities. Otherwise, use a hybrid bike for regular commuting and leisure biking.
The standard for mountain bikes is 26-inch wheels, 29-inch wheels can move you a lot faster. For the most part, you can go for 27.5-inch wheels, especially if you are a bit shorter than 6 feet.
Wrapping up!
If you are hesitant to start a passive interest in off-road cycling because you are unsure of what type of bike to get, take this review of the mountain bikes into consideration.
Take note, you do not have to spend more than a thousand dollars on a bike to start developing your cycling skills. Find the right bike size with components tailored to fit the kind of terrain you wish to trail and have the best riding experience!