7+ Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes That You Should Never Miss!

1. SAVADECK DECK300 Bike - Best Overall

What's more, other parts are aerodynamically contoured to provide the most comfortable riding experience. The hydraulic fork with the hardtail MTB and SR Suntour fork ensure the bike's comfortability. Simply put, such a suspension system allows smooth rides on any terrain.

Excitingly enough, there are up to 30 speeds - completely surpasses other affordable mountain bikes. We guarantee you will get the best shifters on the market to adjust the speed at hand.

Wheels, rims, and other features are also reliable to conquer all the mountain trails.

Just a small note before you buy this bike, it does not come pre-assembled. Thus, make sure you or someone you know can help with the assembling.

2. Huffy 26 Inch Women's Trail Bike - Best Budget

Another feature we love, the bike is almost pre-assembled out of the box. In several minutes, riders can set it up for the first ride on whatever terrains. This bike is extra responsive and less shock absorption so that you will stay comfortable for an extended ride.

3. Huffy Summit Ridge Hardtail Mountain Bike - Bestseller

The bike is also made with many ease-of-use features. For instance, there is a Shimano rear derailleur in combination with the twist shifter; you can expect this bike to be speedy on all types of roads. Even better, there are 21 speeds available to choose from based on the terrains and types of roads, or sometimes for pure acceleration. The hand brakes also deliver a consistent stopping when needed.

More importantly, the components of the Huffy Summit Ridge are improved to be more durable. Not only is there a sturdy steel frame, but wheels and hardtail frames are also made of aluminum, plus the reliable Knobby tires of 26 x 1.95 inches.

Overall, this mountain bike offers excellent durability and smooth-riding experiences at a very reasonable price.

4. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike - Best for Juniors

In specific, the High Timber Mountain Bike features a steel frame with the hardtail front suspension fork patented by Schwinn. As a result, it can last with the youth for years to come. Such a sturdy construction ensures that the bike will fully respond to any terrains from the pavement to mountain trails.

The safety feature is a no-brainer. The youth can take over the bike using 7-Shimano-speed twist shifters. At the same time, the front and alloy liners are in place to pull brakes precisely. This feature is essential when the youth rides on a rainy day or on a narrow incline trail.

The bike would be even more helpful if the seat can be larger and have more cushion. Truly, we had expected something more comfortable at the price range.

5. Schwinn Bonafide Mountain Bike - Best for Men

Additionally,  the detailed components like the alloy cranks or dual-wall edges are strong and long-lasting. At that point, the bike is heavy-duty enough for big men to ride smoothly.

We adore the brakes of this Bonafide Mountain Bike. Both the front and rear brakes are crisp on riding paths, while the wide hill tires add extra safety while riding on rough roads.

So far, so good - except for the fact that the seat is hard and the bike handles are rather numb. You might consider upgrading those parts or be prepared to experience a little discomfort if you ride for hours.

6. Royce union RHT lightweight aluminum mountain bike - Best Weighted

Apart from the weight, the Royce Union RHT Lightweight comes with helpful features that you can also find in more expensive professional trail bikes.

For example, a 100-mm Suntour XCT suspension fork will improve the control by keeping the front wheel planted and absorptive to bumps and thumps. Also, the drivetrain system has the SLX 2x11 shifter with 22 speeds, 11x42 cassette, and alloy 3-piece crank.

We, however, want to complain about the build of this bike. Some components are bent under continuous riding.

7. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike - Best Stable

The steel frame is also worth mentioning since it is incredibly durable and lightweight. Try riding on a pounding mountain trail or off-road and you will be impressed by how stable and fast the bike is. Because there is no suspension system in this bike, a geometric frame is very important for safety purposes.

The frame is lightweight. However, the big flat wheels make it heavy and inconvenient when you want to maneuver the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike. Moreover, the noisy brakes can cause a little disturbance.

Hardtail mountain bike is known as one of the best ways for beginners to step in the journey of riding off-road, however, they also bring great fun to any rider. Our hardtail mountain bike nowadays uses one suspension fork in the front in order to offer cushioning from the bumps, at the same time, to improve handling and grip.

Because hardtails do not have any of the rear suspension which makes it generally cheaper and simpler for you to maintain, also, our bikes are much lighter than other complex full suspension bikes from other manufacturers. This would mean they’re a perfect choice for most of the beginners.

Hardtails, in addition, can have another bonus point in term of pedaling. The full suspension bikes are able to move up or down when you ride, which is known as the ‘pedal bob’ causing you to wastes energy. Rigid rear at the end of the hardtail will change your effort into motion to move forward.

So what is the most suitable hardtail mountain bike for beginners like you? Our guide may help you to pick the most impressive style of hardtail according to your needs.

The hardtail mountain bikes can be seen in two classification

1.  Trail bikes

Here are the hardtail mountain bikes which are decided to consign much more elongated round position with the suspension forks, furthermore, headtubes located in precipitous intersections at the vertical. Our bikes are the most modern hardtail mountain bikes since they can offer slacken angles.

2. Cross-country bikes

Similar to the mentioned trail bikes, cross-country bikes are very efficient in trails, besides, they can ensure the last rendition edge. Cross-country bikes feature in its coherence. Whether it is the full suspension or the hardtail, about 100 mm of traveling and extremely light frames offer expeditious speed when sustaining adhesion and control on tough terrain.

This type of mountain bikes can disembark in a spectrum of stratum according to the gearing, drivetrain, brakes, forks, frame material with other physiognomy which makes them the most modern bikes.

How to Choose The Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes?

Firstly, understand the terrains you ride on.

This will help decide what type of tires and the suspension you want to invest in. Believe us; those factors can add significance to the overall price.

For example, Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tires are ideal for rough, rooted, and rocky terrain. Meanwhile, the combo of hardtail suspension and narrower tires makes it easier to navigate sticky trails.

At the same time, if you decide to ride on roads with bumps or inclines, it is better to look for a comfortable seat and bar designs. Otherwise, you might suffer from chronic joint and muscle pain.

Secondly, check the frame materials.

The frame will decide the weight and durability of the bikes.

Aluminum alloy is the most common when it comes to mountain bike frames because the material offers the best price-quality ratio.  Steel frames are stronger and cheaper, but they are also heavier to ride. Carbon fiber or titanium bikes are ultra-lightweight but expensive at the same time.

Lastly, look into the specifications.

• Wheel sizes: 26-inch wheels are for adults to ride on not-too-distant roads; 27.5-inch wheels are more maneuverable and easily-rolling. Meanwhile, 29-inch wheels are a little slower to speed up but more stable for longer rides.
• Speeds: More speed options are better because you can take higher control of the riding when you are on tough and fluctuating trails.
• Gears and brakes: Coming along with various speeds means the bikes should have reliable gears and braking systems as well. Most of the time, we find the disc brakes are ideal for mountain bikes since they will stop almost instantly when you need them.

An important note of fat bicycles.

Nowadays, fat bicycles have been much more dominant than the hardtail mountain bicycles. In those days, numerous budget-minded cyclists, who just afford to possess and remain one bicycle, are deciding to choose a fat bike.

It is the truth that fat bicycles are much more capable of hard-packed single-track, or dry riding, as well as groomed-snowy-trail riding on cold winter.

Besides, their tires are more forgiving than that of other standard hardtail mountain bicycle, which means that they require less finesse for beginner cyclists to ride much more difficult routes.

In case your living area is usually covered by a thick layer of snow, a fat bicycle is a perfect selection for you

Build a budget.

A super cool modern mountain bicycle is usually at a price of 12000 USD. You need not pay that much in order to get a bicycle, which let you have a fun and safe ride on your route.

• The penny pincher: 500 USD or less

Whilst you may have some certain strict limitations with this range price, a good news for you is that with less than 500 USD, you may find a certain hardtail mountain bicycle. With this class, you may love looking for a suitable entry level of hardtail from a certain brand. You can search for a used mountain bike at mid-level or the previous model of a few years ago.

• The budget-minded: from 500 USD to 1000 USD

With this price range, you can purchase for a quite beautiful hardtail mountain bicycle, maybe even a 29-er, or begin to look at other full entry-level suspension bicycles. Look for used Craigslist deals or rentals in order to get a suitable bike with your money.

• The mid-range: from 1500 USD to 3500 USD

With a few shopping, you can also purchase for a mountain bicycle in this class, which will certainly last for years. Almost local stores have race-ready mountain bikes with this range price. You can even start seeing other carbon fiber bike models.

Get ready to buy

Now that you find a suitable bike for yourself, there is no reason to not bring it to your house. Before purchasing and getting giddy, you just need to do one more research.

• If you buy a new one:

You should ensure to get all the needed warranty, which your bike offers. In case it is a year-hold-over model, just ensure all the warranty begins by the time you buy this bike, instead of letting the store put the bike in inventory.

Besides, you had better ask about the follow-up tune-ups. Almost shops provide the free tune-ups between 30 and 90 days after your purchasing date so that they can help you with the unexpected problem in your break-in process. A few stores even provide the lifetime tune-ups.

• If you buy a used one:

You need to be extremely careful when purchase for a used bike, even you buy it from your friend. Carefully inspects if there were any cracks on the frame or any weather cracks located on the bike’s tires. Ensure all the wheels are acceptable. Carefully check for stretched or frayed cables. Ensure the bike’s suspension is still smooth and does not leak, squeak or creak. Check every suspension, bearings and liftings linkages for unsuitable ones.

It is a good idea, if possible, to get a local shop to look over the used bike that you decided to purchase. A vital thing is that you should not spend all of your money for your bike only to realize that you must pay some hundred dollars just to repair it.

Way to brake appropriately

It seems quite simple to brake: you just need to squeeze the bike’s levers and then, it will slow down. However, knowing how to make a perfect braking will help you feel more secure and comfortable on your bicycle.

How do you brake your bike?

Your braking needs to be controlled and consistent. Almost of the braking power originates from the front brake. However, taking hold of the front brake may end up sending you over your handlebars. On the other hand, you just need to apply your brakes lightly and evenly on both back and front brakes. In order to prevent unexpected skidding, you should avoid fast and sudden squeezes.

During your braking, you had better support yourself by means of dropping the heels down, move the hips back as well as remaining a quite bend in the elbows and knees. This position of your body will help you keep control and prevent yourself from getting onward on your bicycle.

In case your mountain bicycle has the disc brakes, you can keep both of your index finger on your bike’s brake levers as well as put other 3 fingers its handlebar grips. Your braking power, as well as your rising control, will be sufficient by means of this simple way. In case you possess the rim brakes, you can try keeping 2 fingers on your bike’s brake levers because they generally require a lot of force in order to engage your brakes.

When should you brake?

Whenever you approach the turn, you should brake before hitting it, then, let the momentum carry you. This will allow you to pay attention to your own technique through that turn as well as exit it with appropriate speed.

The momentum can be your dear friend whenever getting over obstacles on your route. The beginner riders usually slow down whenever approaching the hindrances. In that case, you just need to keep calm and control your momentum so that you can get through those tricky sections easily.

Wrapping Up

Do not wait any longer! All the best hardtail mountain bikes are at your fingertips, along with a detailed buying guide.

Take a quick look at our reviews to make a wise choice based on your budget and riding demands.

In case you are still unsure what to choose, we recommend the SAVADECK DECK300 Bike, which is built with all quality parts and features. Although it is expensive, we can assure you that the bike will last for years.