As a result, we consider the Procaliber less versatile than the picks above and harder to justify in a one-bike quiver. The Niner Air 9 also includes SRAM’s NX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain, which features an 11-50T gear range. Think all aluminum mountain bikes are created equal? It’s true that a hardtail at the same price will be sprightlier and faster on a long climb, but the Hawk Hill doesn’t give up much and is far more planted over rocks and roots. And as an indication of its more serious intentions, you get Maxxis’s all-mountain-ready and very desirable tire combo of a Minion DHF (front) and DHR II (rear). At just under $2,000, the Salsa Timberjack XT is the most expensive hardtail to make our list, but it packs a serious punch. First there was the 29er, then came the 27.5, and now we have the 27.5 Plus. Category: Trail/XCSuspension: 120mm or 140mm (front) Tires: 27.5 x 2.8 in.Gears: 1 x 12What we like: REI’s excellent warranty and upgraded components like the NX drivetrain. That allows manufacturers to price them lower than conventional mountain bikes, and there’s a wide range of budget-friendly options available. It’s also possible to set up a standard rim tubeless, but the process can be a little arduous the first few times. Carbon bikes are almost always lighter than their aluminum frame counterparts, sometimes shaving up to two pounds. REI’s in-house brand of bikes isn’t always at the forefront of modern design, but they consistently offer a lot of bang for your buck. The Salsa Mukluk’s geometry is designed to place your weight over the back wheel in order to minimize spinouts when you’re accelerating or climbing. However, with so many brands to choose from, it can... Not everyone needs a high-end mountain bike that breaks the bank. These higher-end components are typically smoother-operating and longer-lasting. In sum, if you can do without a rear shock, you’ll be getting more bike for your money.Wet-Weather Maintenance As a result, you’ll see notable component upgrades on hardtails—particularly shifters, brakes, and the front suspension fork. For $1,599, you get a trail-worthy fat bike that’s ready to tackle snow, sand, or mud. Choosing a hardtail in the same price range as the Marin, like Co-op Cycles’ DRT 2.2 ($1,799), gets you upgraded shifters as well as nicer brakes. The electric mountain bike or e-mountain bike has gained a lot of followers around the world. However, expect to see high-grade alloys, as with the Specialized Chisel Expert, and advanced frame construction, as with the Trek Pro Calibre 6, that is designed to reduce frame weight and improve compliance. Internal cable routing keeps everything neat and out of the way, making the Orbea Laufey H30 a very neat bike. The first two refer simply to wheel diameter, while the final one tacks on an indicator of tire width. Will someone be home to receive the delivery of your expensive new ride? The Caliber also features a convenient remote lockout feature for the front fork, allowing you to lock out the fork from the handlebars when climbing. Fortunately for those of us not ready to spend so much on something without a motor, there are plenty of great bikes for under or around $2,000. You’ll hear the term “rollover” used a lot in describing a 29er, and it’s a fair point. All of them have been chosen for the very best value, so most of them are very close to $2,000. The first thing you’ll notice about the Marin Pine Mountain 2 is its wheels. The options you have in mountain bikes begin to expand at the $2,000 price point. These bikes are typically more expensive due to the inclusion of a second suspension system in the rear that absorbs shocks for more technical terrain, jumps, and drops. Category: XC/trailSuspension: 120mm (front)Tires: 27.5 x 2.8 in.Gears: 1 x 10What we like: Great price.What we don’t: Not as versatile as the Cannondale Cujo 2 above. Specialized wants you to think again. The Timberjack is part of Minnesota-based, Salsa line of hardtail mountain bikes. Let’s take a deeper look into each one of the items above. What keeps the Slamr from taking our top spot? Rotor sizes are also generally larger on these bikes, making for stronger and more responsive brakes. The Timberjack’s quality components and comfortable riding position are great for trail use and let you get a little rowdy, but all-mountain riders will be left wanting. There’s no denying the fact that consumer-direct companies sell their bikes at enticing prices, but is it too good to be true? Category: XCSuspension: 100mm (front)Tires: 29 x 2.2 in. But with a $900 difference in price and fairly similar on-trail performance (the Hightower is slightly more capable and refined), the Commencal makes a very strong case for itself. We think the aluminum frame is more than sufficient for most recreational riders, but those looking for a racing machine should check out Salsa’s carbon fiber Beargrease models. Many folks will pick up a hardtail as a wet-weather or winter rig, as the rear linkage of a full-suspension bike is just one more thing to take care of. And with nationwide access to REI stores and bike shops, it also comes with an extra degree of security in case of any issues.See the Co-op Cycles DRT 2.2. And combined with its large 29-inch wheels, the bike prefers a slow and steady clip while climbing and doesn’t spring forward as eagerly as a lighter and nimbler alternative when you put the power down. Some cross over like Ghost’s Slamr, but you’ll need to stretch the budget slightly to the $2,100 Giant’s Trance 3 (140mm rear and 150mm front) to get a proper build. That’s something to have in mind for a future upgrade, but otherwise the Hawk Hill is ready to roll out of the box and our favorite budget full-suspension rig for 2020.See the Marin Hawk Hill 2. The 130-millimeter hardtail design just can’t keep up on downhill sections with the Marin above, no matter how hard you try. (rear)Gears: 1 x 12What we like: Fun on the descents (for a hardtail).What we don’t: Not a great value. TheGeekyCyclist.com is participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Their mid-range model, the “2,” nails all the right features with a sturdy and high-quality aluminum frame, modern geometry that’s slack enough for capable descending but comfortable on the climbs, and a 12-speed SRAM SX drivetrain with a wide range. Mountain bike riding is a popular sport nowadays, and everyone knows that there a few things that can raise your adrenaline like racing. 27.5 (or 650b) And carbon fiber is actually known to be stiffer than aluminum, which is a boon for efficiently transferring power. Fat bikes use those huge tires to soak up bumps and many don’t come with mechanical suspension. You also don’t get a dropper post with this entry-level model (the upgraded $2,599 “Ride” version has one). The best 5 mountain bikes under $2000. You’ll still find mostly aluminum alloy at this price point. But where it sets itself apart is value: similarly equipped models like the Salsa Mukluk ($1,999) and Trek Farley 5 ($1,780) come in well over the Kona’s price tag. Read More : The 8 Best Mountain Bike Tires. You can even find a few low-end downhill bikes which feature high-end suspension designs in order to facilitate the impact of high jumps and steep drops cyclists typically encounter on downhill courses. Mountain biking can be a very expensive sport: there are hundreds of excellent bikes available for $4,000 to $6,000, and those aren’t even at the highest end of the price spectrum. Category: Trail/XCSuspension: 120mm (front)Tires: 29 x 2.3 in. This means this bike offers more give over bumps and off drops. It offers great rollover with the big tires and wheels, has a strong frame and isn’t noodly in the rough stuff with front and rear thru-axles, and is backed by Specialized’s excellent lifetime frame warranty. Additionally, the Cujo’s RockShox Recon air fork offers much greater customization than the Roscoe’s SR Suntour. That all adds up to a faster bike. If you’re looking for a hardtail to ride aggressively downhill, this isn’t the one. As with many bikes at this price point, Trek incorporates SRAM’s NX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain into the Caliber 6 along with high-performance Shimano hydraulic brakes and their proprietary Bontrager mountain bike saddle. The Cujo 1’s frame features Cannondale’s highly regarded SmartForm C2 alloy. But there’s also a veritable plethora to choose from. What features can I expect in a mountain bike under $2,000? Obviously with more rubber comes more weight, and mid-range bikes that are already a little heavy can feel even more ponderous with plus tires. On the trail, you need crisp changes to react to rapid ascents and descents, and swapping from the big to small chain ring in the front is a real time killer—not to mention it means excess weight and complexity. One of the most notable features of the Niner Air 9, is its hydroformed aluminum frame, which looks noticeably thinner than other aluminum frames. And finally, there’s something to be said for supporting your local bike shop. This in-person service does not come cheap, ranging from $75-$150, but knowing your bike was properly and professionally assembled will ease your mind when bombing down sketchy singletrack. Read More : The 7 Best Mountain Bike Upgrades. They’re also commonly very expensive, and no true all-mountain design made our list for 2020. The Timberjack is the only bike here to feature Shimano’s new XT 12-speed drivetrain, which offers an upgrade in refinement and shifting speed compared to the SRAM SX set-up you typically find for the price. This bike has a strong racing lineage and packs fun tech like the brand’s IsoSpeed rear decoupler. It’s important to check the drivetrain for wear: specifically, are the chainring teeth shaped like shark fins (as opposed to triangles), or missing altogether? Outfitted with a 120-millimeter entry-level Suntour fork and shock along with Maxxis tires, the Stance is smooth on the trail. Taking the all-mountain design one step further is the enduro bike, which includes slightly more travel and slacker angles to increase downhill prowess. This is where the 27.5” wheels win out. Category: Fat bikeSuspension: NoneTires: 26 x 4.8 in.Gears: 1 x 12What we like: Good mix of components and price.What we don't: Slow and heavy for regular singletrack use. Niner also incorporates SDG’s unique seat post technology with the Tellis Dropper, which allows the seat to be raised or lowered on the fly from the handlebars to facilitate a better position when climbing. It also adds versatility, making it not only a great trail rider, but also an excellent option for bike packing. And since 29ers are bigger, they also way more, which is negative on climbs. Hard to argue with the Canyon … I spent a week riding Canyon’s Spectral trail bike in Sweden in 2015, … © 2020 The Geeky Cyclist, All rights reserved. Downhill and park bikes have one thing in mind: descending. While nothing beats seeing a bike in person, there are many sizing tools available online to meet most riders’ needs. If we are to nitpick, we’d like to see stronger brakes to match the otherwise impressive capabilities of the bike. What we don’t: Pricey and it still can’t match the Marin above in descending prowess. If shaving weight is one of your top priorities and you’re trying to stick to a budget, a hardtail is your best choice. Carbon fiber bikes are not new to the world of cycling, but they are certainly popular and often the center of attention on group rides. Most of the bikes are specced with SRAM’s mid-tier groupset such as the NX or SX Eagle. What you get with their top-end version is a nice collection of reliable components: the NX drivetrain is a step up from the SX builds that are common at this price, the brakes are mid-range hydraulic units from Shimano, and thru-axles are included for increased stiffness. Features and Components In comparison, Cannondale’s Cujo 2 above boasts an upgraded drivetrain and a dropper seat post, both adding significant amounts of versatility. Also expect weight decreases from the use of lighter weight components and wheelsets. Do you know which size you need or geometry that feels most comfortable? As such, total weight for bikes in the $2,000 class will generally range between 12 and 14 kg. With a total weight under 12 kg, it’s hard to argue with them. For most casual riders, it’s less of an issue, but if your trails involve extended climbs up fire roads or single track, the excess weight can be a factor. If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere like Whistler (where lifts can take you to the top), then a downhill bike makes sense. It means you can swap out the bike’s stock 27.5″ wheels with massive 2.8″ Maxxis Rekon tires for 29ers and even change your drivetrain to a single speed. If you’d like to take it one step further, dive into the geometry chart, which shows frame dimensions for each size and can help you fine-tune your search. Sneaking just under $2,000, it’s a great starter XC race bike or a nice option for longer, less demanding trail days. The majority of mountain bikes at $2,000 price point are hardtails where there is only a front suspension. How many miles does the chain have on it? If so, then those need to be replaced. As such, you’ll likely go over the $2,000 threshold before you hit the trail. It’s so easy to spend a fortune on a mountain bike when browsing you kind of just get a bit lost in all of the options the cycling world has to offer- I know I do. If we had $4,000 to spend on a trail bike, here are the mountain bikes that would make our short list: Canyon Spectral CF 8.0. There’s nothing breakthrough in the design of the Chameleon—and the derailleur and shifter are a slight step down for what you’d expect for the price—but it’s a proven build that’s good, honest fun. Finally, their lack of welds and smooth shapes give these bikes a premium, sleek look. Couple that with an aggressively-angled head tube and 140 mm of travel on the front fork and you have a bike ready for some tough descents. It also has nice features like flat mount brakes and internal cable routing. They’ve been building and designing top-notch mountain bikes since 1993, and their Slamr 29 is one of the most impressive dual-suspension bikes you can find at the $2,000 price point. And for those sticking to a stricter budget, see our article on the best mountain bikes under $1,000. And if that isn’t enough for you, Competitive Cyclist has a comprehensive fit calculator which should more than satisfy the most discerning riders. There’s a reason Santa Cruz has named this bike the Chameleon. An upgrade here includes wheelsets that are tubeless compatible. Another factor to consider is long-term maintenance. At $1,850, the Hawk Hill 2 adds up to a fantastic value. on smaller frames)Gears: 1 x 12What we like: Fast and efficient for long pedals; IsoSpeed functions as a minimalist rear suspension.What we don’t: It’s most comfortable on pretty tame terrain. You have full right to get a full-suspension option with some additional features in your mountain bikes within $2000, like improved frame geometry and adequate bike … Category: Trail/all-mountainSuspension: 130mm (front) 120mm (rear)Tires: 27.5 x 2.35 in.Gears: 1 x 12What we like: Fantastic price for a well-made, fun, and capable bike.What we don’t: You may want to upgrade the brakes. But for those that prioritize downhill performance, the Meta TR should be on your short list. Luckily, a very capable and more fun bike can be had for under $2,000. And while its geometry could be seen by some as a bit dated and won’t feel super confident on steep descents, the cushioned ride is a nice consolation on more mellow terrain. Kona may be better known for their lineup of mountain bikes, but the Wo is a serious contender in the world of fat bikes. Downhill/Park Prepare to get a lot less bike for your money should you go this route. Fat bikes can also be ridden on dirt trails, but because of their large and heavy tires, they will feel slow and quite sluggish when compared to standard mountain bikes. So what’s all the hoopla about? Just remember to use tire sealants for the tubeless setup! The seat post is a nice upgrade as well with a TranzX dropper seat. Just look at its geometry. The benefits of a wider tire include increased stability, greater trail comfort, and traction. The larger wheels have a more favorable angle of attack and aren’t as affected by rocks and roots as a smaller wheel, which in turn lends to a more solid platform. Carbon frames are also said to be more susceptible to impending rock strikes and hits, something that aluminum can shrug off in most cases. The best mountain bikes you can buy for under £500; 6 of the best cross-country bikes for 2020; The most exciting downhill bikes of 2021; 10 of the best women’s mountain bikes, whatever … There are a few bikes under $2,000 still made with a front derailleur, but it’s notable than none made our list for 2020. We may receive commissions when you buy through links on our site. Here, bikes like the Cannondale Cujo or the Santa Cruz Chameleon really come in handy—these capable hardtails are able to keep a similar pace with full-suspension models on many smoother trails, are a riot to ride, and a breeze to maintain. But done right, as is the case with the hardtail Cannondale Cujo 2 and Co-op Cycles DRT 2.2, the 2.8-inch wide tires do wonders for grip with few negatives. What’s the difference, and which one best suits your needs? Its drivetrain is a SRAM 1×12 that goes up to 50T, while brakes are SRAM Level TL hydraulic disc with a Specialized Phenom mountain bike saddle that offers plenty of comfort. 29ers... Connecticut-based Cannondale has always done things a little differently, but their revamped and surprisingly mainstream 2019 Habit seeks to make them a top contender once again. The frame isn’t all to love about this bike. At the other end of the spectrum, you may be required to cut the fork’s steerer tube, install the bottom bracket, and route cables through the frame—all of which require special tools and mechanical know-how. And it’s not half bad on the uphill either with a wide gear range (the same SX drivetrain as the Hawk Hill above) and a fairly steep seat tube that puts you in a good climbing position. But before you skip the in-store experience, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. Who should opt for the Santa Cruz Chameleon? We’re less excited about the lack of a dropper post, which is a worthy upgrade that will tack on about $200 to your investment. Back to Our Mountain Bike Comparison Table. Its focus on carrying gear is evident by the mounting eyelets that riddle the entire frame. Expect to find components from SRAM as they dominate the mountain bike market. They’re just like a traditional mountain bike … Should descending rough trails at speed be in your future, we think the Marin above or Ghost below are better long-term investments. Overall, we’ve found the brand doesn’t stand out among high-end options, but it excels in the mid-range with bikes like the Slamr 2.9. The use of lighter weight aluminum alloys and, in some cases, carbon helps to drop the overall weight of the bike. Tire sizes at the $2,000 price point ranges from 2.2″ up to 2.6″ wide and usually include tread patterns designed for more intense off-road riding. Further, Salsa has packed it with quality parts like a RockShox Sektor air fork and Shimano MT501 brakes—both noticeable improvements from the components on the Marin above—and burly 29 x 2.6-inch tires that are a nice pairing for aggressive riding and technical trails. Plus, there’s a good chance you won’t be able give the bike a test ride prior to purchasing. With its... For many mountain bikers, understanding the background, history, and ethos of a company has a major impact on the purchase of a new rig. Another way to trim weight from your bike is transitioning to a tubeless set-up. Coming in at $1,020, the Trek Roscoe is the most affordable bike here and has almost everything an aspiring rider needs. For more background information, check out our comparison table and buying advice found below the picks. 5 Things to Expect in A Mountain Bike Under $2,000. While the Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain can’t match the gear range of the Cujo 2’s 12-speed above, it’s perfectly reasonable for all but the steepest of trails. The addition of an entirely new component and the different type of performance does make it harder to know exactly what you should look for in a full-suspension bike. We recommend calling ahead of time and asking if a bike technician can take a few minutes to go over the bike. Tack on quality suspension components from RockShox, and you have a bike that’s ready to rip straight out of the box. All in all, if you prioritize quality components over a light frame and want to keep your price point under $2000, then we think aluminum is the way to go. 4 Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $2000 (Updated 2020) Disclosure Coast In Bikes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising … In addition to its innovative design, the GT Sensor 29 also comes with a dropper seat post, tubeless-ready rims, hydraulic disc brakes, and a SRAM EX Eagle 1×12-speed drivetrain. Expect to find rotor sizes of at least 160 mm in the back and 180 mm in the front. Further, the quick-release axles are a notable compromise and negatively impact rigidity and all-around capabilities in the rough stuff. Both have 29 x 2.6-inch tires with pretty aggressive treads and sturdy frames, although the Fuse has a bit of a slacker head tube angle. All-mountain bikes up the ante and are designed to tackle steep descents and technical trails. 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