Best Mountain Bikes Under 2000 [£2000 Buyers Guide] - Top 4 (December 2023)

The Best Mountain Bike Frames

You can't overlook the frame element on a mountain bike under £2000. The weight and usability of the MTB very much depend on this. Most of the best entry products are made of aluminium, which is a versatile framing material and comfortable to ride with. In mid-range mountain bike, you may get a mixture of carbon and aluminium. Often the best bikes have carbon with lower components, which is next to an alloy bike. You can go for an alloy bike with mid-range and upgrade the components later. The carbon frame bikes are lighter than the aluminium and tend to be stiffer earlier.

A few years back, carbon bikes had a reputation for being fragile, but the best modern carbon mountain bikes are much stronger and durable. When it comes to looking for the right speed bike, you have a few to choose from. Most standard mountain bikes come in 21-speed, 24-speed and 27-speed. We'd definitely recommend getting a mountain bike with hydraulic disc brakes as v-type brakes aren't so good in wet or muddy conditions.

What Type Of Mountain Bike Should You Get?

Using a mountain bike for city rides and occasional off-roading is a common choice for users. For this kind of use, having dual suspension with dual disc brakes are not a necessity. At the same time is someone is purchasing a mountain bike for serious off-roading activities having the features mentioned here becomes a necessity. This can mean a more expensive bike and will be purely down to your price point.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes Under £2000

If you prefer biking on smoother trails, or enjoy taking on large hills to push your cardiovascular endurance. You’ll want to invest in a hardtail mountain bike. These single suspension bikes don’t have the shock absorption of full suspension bikes, but they’re the perfect fit for mountain biking on flatter terrain or shifting up steep slopes.

Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under £2000

Full suspension mountain bikes are must-haves for tackling tough trails, jumps, and obstacles that a hardtail can’t handle. They tend to be pricier than single suspension bikes, but having the full-suspension traction and stability for fearless, affordable mountain biking is a must if you're serious about your off-road adventures.

We actually have a buyers guide dedicated to full suspension bikes at this price range. Check it out - Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under 2000.

Mountain Bikes: Why Are They So Expensive?

Mountain bikes are expensive because they require a complicated suspension and braking systems that need to function at low weights. In addition, the frames need to be strong enough to withstand the stress of off-road riding.

Mountain bikes with higher quality components will quickly hit the $3,000 range, and top-end builds push $8,000 or more. If you're looking for a budget mountain bike, you're going to have a hard time finding one.

Mountain biking requires a unique set of skills and equipment, so it's important to make sure you're purchasing the right bike for your needs. A good mountain bike can last for many years if it's properly taken care of, but it's important to remember that you get what you pay for.

Mountain bikes are expensive because they're designed to go off road. If you want a bike that can handle everything from technical climbs to downhill descents, you're going to have to pay for it. There are lots of affordable options out there if you know where to look, but most people don't need all those features on their mountain bike.

How to Choose a Mountain Bike

Material

When purchasing a mountain bike, you need to consider the material of the frame. The three most common materials are aluminum, carbon fiber and steel.

Aluminum is lightweight and strong. It is also a durable option, but may be more expensive than other materials.

Carbon fiber bikes are both lightweight and durable, but they come with a higher price tag than aluminum models. They are also easy to carry on your shoulders and absorb shock better than their aluminum counterparts.

Steel is a durable material that is heavier than aluminum but has greater stability and strength over time. If you're looking for a mountain bike that will last for years, then steel may be the best option for you.

Weight

Weight is an unfortunate part of the cost/value equation. Hardtails are your best bet for shaving pounds off a bike without sacrificing quality or performance. Mountain bikes with a budget to spare will typically have better components. Tubeless setups reduce rotational weight and cost less, while increasing traction and comfort. Mountain bikes with a limited budget might be better off getting one without pricey components such as rear shocks or suspension linkages. Tubeless-ready tires may be included as an option on some mountain bikes. Mountain bike rims are made to hold air, so it is possible to set up a standard rim tubeless

Wheel Size

When selecting a mountain bike, it is important to consider the size of the wheels. Larger wheels are easier to ride and provide more stability than smaller ones. Most mountain bikes have 27.5" or 29" wheels, with 29" being the most common size. A 29-inch wheel will allow for better speed and efficiency on flat ground as well as in the dirt, making it a good choice for high-performance riders.

Style

When it comes to mountain bikes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Different riders will prefer different styles of bike, depending on the type of riding they plan to do. There are four basic categories of mountain biking:

Cross country (XC) - This style is for riders who want to cover a lot of ground quickly and efficiently. XC bikes are lightweight and have minimal suspension, making them ideal for climbing hills and racing.

Trail - These bikes are designed for all-around riding, with a bit more suspension than XC models to handle rougher terrain. They're perfect for riders who want a versatile bike that can be used on trails, roads, and even light downhill rides.

All-mountain - All-mountain bikes are great for people who aren't sure what kind of riding they will be doing. These models feature a tougher frame and broader wheels to accommodate all kinds of terrain.

Downhill - Downhill mountain biking is extreme! These bikes are designed for steep descents and tackling the most challenging trails possible. They have lots of suspension to keep you stable at high speeds, as well as powerful brakes to slow you down when necessary

Suspension

There are two types of mountain bike suspension: hardtail and full suspension. Hardtails provide no shock absorption, while full suspension bikes offer more of a cushioning effect. The final element of choosing a mountain bike is the type of suspension.

When considering whether to choose a hardtail or full suspension mountain bike, think about the terrain you will be riding on. Hardtails are a good choice if you want to avoid shock absorption while going uphill. There is more energy lost due to shock absorption with full suspension, so those bikes are best for downhill and flat, rough terrain.

Mountain Bike Buying Advice

Mountain Bike Categories

When it comes to mountain bikes, there are three categories to choose from: Cross-Country (XC), Trail, and Downhill.

Cross-Country (XC) mountain bikes are made for mellow terrain. These bikes are designed to be light and efficient, with short suspension and steep head tube angles. XC bikes typically lack rear suspension, have skinny tyres, and are meant for fast rolling singletrack or fireroads.

A trail bike is an excellent choice for riders who want a versatile, efficient bike that can handle both XC racing and hard-packed descents. A lightweight hardtail is the best match for XC rides.

Suspension travel is increased for a bump up in performance. Mountain bike suspension designs are suited for most riders; however some riders may prefer different setups depending on their riding style or terrain preferences. Some of our top picks include the Marin Rift Zone 27.5, Salsa Timberjack, and Commencal Meta HT AM Ride .

Mountain bikes prioritize traction and control over all else when hitting trails - this is why they often have more durable frames than cross country oriented bicycles do. Downhill bikes are the slackest of the bunch, with little gearing and a heavy weight to make them slow going uphill. They are built for speed and descending prowess, making them the choice for riders who want to bomb hills and take on technical terrain.

Fat bikes are ideal for snow, sand, or anything else a regular mountain bike cannot handle. Fat bikes have very wide tyres and are able to float over terrain that would otherwise stop traditional mountain bikes. Fat bikes typically have 3-inch wide tyres - this width is key in giving these bikes their amazing traction capabilities. Fat bikes are typically considered a play toy for riding on soft terrain like snow and sand; however, they can be ridden on dirt trails as well. Due to their larger and heavier tyres though, fat bikes will feel slower than standard mountain bikes when ridden on hard pack surfaces

Full Suspension vs. Hardtail

When it comes to mountain biking, there are two main types of bikes: hardtails and full-suspension. A hardtail has a frame with no suspension fork, while a full-suspension bike has a frame and front suspension fork.

Which one you choose depends on the type of riding you plan to do. A lightweight hardtail can be more fun and flickable than a heavy bike with rear suspension. If you're going to be doing a lot of technical or rugged terrain, then you'll need the extra stability that a full-suspension bike provides.

Because of the cost and complexity associated with suspension design, you will see upgrades across many components on a hardtail mountain bike. For this reason, it's important to consider long-term maintenance when buying a new mountain bike because it will last longer than others with cheaper components. Hardtails are typically used as a wet-weather or winter bike.

On the other hand, full-suspension bikes require more upkeep than hardtails since there are more parts that can go wrong. They're also heavier and more expensive than their counterparts, but they're better suited for harsher terrain

Wheel Size: 29er vs. 27.5-inch

When it comes to mountain bike wheel sizes, there are three main types: 26 inch, 27.5 inch and 29 inch. Here is a brief overview of the pros and cons of each size:

29er wheels can be heavier than smaller wheels. This extra weight makes them less agile on tight and twisty trails, but they are more stable and less affected by rocks.

The larger wheel base of a 29er also means they are not as good at climbing as a 27 inch wheel set would be, due to increased drag. However, their greater speed and stability on descents make them better for downhill riding.

A 27.5-inch wheel handles trails and turns more confidently than a 29er does; it strikes the perfect balance between agility and stability.

The wheel diameter refers to whether the tyre size is 29 or 27.5 inches in diameter (27.5+). Some riders feel that this offers the best combination of handling, speed and durability when riding over different types of terrain - although fat bikes have tyres up to 4 inches wide, which gives you unparalleled floatation across soft surfaces like snow or sand .

Drivetrain and Gears

The range of the gears on a 1x11 or 1x12 can be managed well enough to handle mountain biking's ups and downs. For example, a Shimano SLX M7000 11-speed cassette has an 11-40 tooth range which should cover most terrain. Mountain bike features SRAM's or Shimano's entry-level 12-speed drivetrain. This will give you plenty of gears for most situations, but it might not be suitable if you're looking to race downhill.

Mountain bike models are available under £2000 and include front derailleurs, but don't quote the specific model. The Giant Trance 2 is one such option that comes with a Fox 34 Rhythm fork, Shimano Deore brakeset and XT rear derailleur. More expensive mountain bikes often come with better components, such as Shimano's XTR Di2 drivetrain, which is considered the best in the business. However, these bikes typically cost over £4,000.

Mountain bike drivetrains are becoming more affordable; for instance, SRAM's NX Eagle 12-speed groupset is now available for just £325. This means that even budget mountain bikers can enjoy the benefits of a 12-speed drivetrain.

Mountain bikes with a 12-speed drivetrain are starting to trickle into the under £2,000 category. The Diamondback Atroz Comp is one such example, which comes with Shimano's SLX M7000 11-speed drivetrain and a dropper post.

Weight

Mountain bike weight is one of the biggest areas of sacrifice in a low-priced mountain bike. A lighter frame will make it up hills easier, and hardtails are an option if you want to keep your budget while still getting all the performance benefits you expect from a modern mountain bike.

If you're trying to save weight and get more out of your pounds, hardtails are the way to go for most riders under £2,000. Mountain bikes are less expensive to build because they don't need as much suspension. You can reduce weight by switching your bike to a tubeless setup and running at lower pressure, which increases traction and comfort without fear of flats. Mountain bikes typically have a tubeless-ready tyre - this means that there's no tube inside the tyre so when you get a puncture, air doesn't escape like it does with traditional tyres meaning that you can ride home without having to repair/replace the tube or tyre!

Mountain bike rims may be compatible with a standard tubless rim, or the process to set up a standard tubless rim can be difficult first time around - but it's definitely worth doing if saving weight is important to you!

Carbon Fiber Frames: Are They Worth It?

There are pros and cons to carbon fiber frames when it comes to mountain biking. Carbon fiber is stiffer than aluminium, making it ideal for efficient power transfer. This means that you will be able to pedal faster and climb hills more easily.

Carbon fiber bikes are often lighter than their aluminium counterparts, which makes them easier to handle. However, carbon fiber is not a new idea in the world of cycling, but they're still very popular to this day. One downside of carbon fiber frames is that they can be pricey. They also tend to be more prone to rock strikes because they are not welded, which makes them susceptible to impact damage. Another downside is that carbon frames cannot be recycled – once they reach the end of their life cycle, they must be discarded.

When it comes down to it, buying a bike with an alloy frame is better than buying one that's made of steel; however, the components on an alloy frame bike will typically be more expensive than those on a steel frame bike. In terms of cost effectiveness, carbon fiber bikes tend to beat out aluminium bikes – although they may have less features overall

Consumer-Direct Bikes

Consumers today have more choices than ever when it comes to buying mountain bikes. Thanks to the internet, they can now buy direct from brands that offer better deals than traditional bike companies.

For example, Canyon, YT, and Commencal use aluminium frames, 29-inch wheels, and mid-tier drivetrain components in their bikes. This makes them a great option for riders who want a more refined ride without spending too much money.

However, consumer-direct companies are not without their drawbacks. There is no way of knowing how a bike will actually perform until you buy it and take it for a test ride. So if you're having trouble deciding which bike to buy, be sure to test out as many as possible before making your decision.

If you do decide to go with a consumer-direct brand, be sure to support your local bike shop by buying accessories or parts from them. They'll appreciate your business and may have something that interests you even if the consumer-direct company doesn't carry that particular model

Should I Buy a Used Bike?

The main appeal of buying a used bike is saving money. When you buy a pre-owned bike, you can often get more value for your money than buying new. However, there are risks associated with buying used.

One of the biggest dangers is that you might not be able to tell how well the bike has been taken care of. If there are any broken teeth on the drivetrain, for example, it could lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Another thing to consider is that most second hand bikes come without any warranty. So if something goes wrong after purchase, you're out of luck. All in all, buying used can be a great way to save money on a quality bike - but just be aware of the potential risks involved first.

What frame size should I get for a mountain bike?

When purchasing a mountain bike, the frame size is an important consideration. You want to make sure that the frame is the correct size for your body. If it's too small or too large, you will not be able to enjoy riding your new mountain bike.

Mountain bikes come in a variety of materials, with expensive carbon being the lightest option. The frame material is usually made from aluminium for entry-level mountain bike frames and carbon for mid-range models.

You can upgrade components on an alloy or carbon bike later to increase performance and durability of your purchase. Carbon bikes are now stronger and more durable than ever before.

Mountain bike with hydraulic disc brakes is the best option for wet or muddy conditions

Can you ride a mountain bike on the road?

Mountain bikes can be ridden on the road, but they will wear tyres out faster and it will not maintain speed as well. Additionally, mountain bike geometry is designed to make descending and cornering easier, so riding on the road can be more difficult.

If you are looking for a bike that can handle both commuting and trail riding, consider a full-suspension XC bike. These bikes tend to have a lot less travel than downhill full suspension bike models, but they are still capable of tackling moderate trails.