“Dedicated to all the free spirits who love the outdoors.”

Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports in the country. Its popularity is only predicted to grow given the people’s increased interest in connecting with nature as a way to de-stress from everyday life. Unfortunately, with the continued growth of this sport, the associated cost of these bikes is expected to grow as well.

Indeed, mountain bikes are expensive. They are made of quality materials that are expected to endure the hard rides up mountainous trails. However, it is also true that there are mountain bikes, built by well-known and respected manufacturers, that are actually priced below $500!

Despite being affordable, these bikes are not cheaply-made by some unknown brands. These bikes are made with the highest quality and standards by leading manufacturers in the cycling industry. Affordable at any current budget restrictions, these best mountain bikes under $500 is your invitation to one of the greatest outdoor sports in the world.

Based on numerous factors including hours of research, consumer reviews, and side-by-side comparisons, the Schwinn Bonafied Mountain Bike comes highly recommended. With impeccable styling and design, this bike offers the rider options from cross-country to trail riding.

Here are the other mountain bikes under $500 that we have chosen to review.

When you are stuck in an office from 9-5, life can get boring and monotonous. Take it to the next level by riding this hardtail mountain bike from Schwinn. As a leading manufacturer of a wide range of dependable bicycles for generations, this company takes it to the limit with a new and exciting way to ride the once traditional bike.

Designed for those who love to live life to the fullest, this 24-speed mountain bike will bring you to a world you have never thought existed. It is built for tough terrain, so you can take this wherever you want to. Wide 2.25-inch knobby tires provide the traction needed on unforgiving trails that are waiting for you.

Built for a variety of riders in mind, this mountain bike has a lightweight frame construction and powerful front suspension fork. It will take you from the city to the mountains easily and comfortably, leaving you refreshed body and soul after your ride.

Complete with assembly instructions and a limited lifetime warranty, this bike is ready to hit the trails 24/7. Schwinn definitely knows how to build a bike that will last.

Click the following link for more information on one of the best hardtail mountain bikes under $500:

You cannot build bikes for over 130 years based on guesswork. It takes decades of research, development, and meeting the needs of consumer demands to make a bike company last over a century. Quality bikes make Raleigh one of the most well-known and respected cycling brands worldwide.

A classic example of their high-quality offering is the Tekoa Mountain Bike. Implementing the latest in design, the perfect geometric symmetry of this rugged 29er cross-country bike makes riding this a perfect fit for those who prefer long distance rides.

This rugged mountain bike is versatile in design and usage, capable of taking on rough terrain due to Suntour XCT 29-inch forks with 100mm travel smoothing out large bumps on the road and trail. Its Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes are great at stopping even in any weather condition.

If there is one problem with this $500 mountain bike, it is the assembly. Raleigh has implied that assembly requires only 30 minutes for skilled bike mechanics and 2 hours for those with basic assembly skills. If you’re not an expert, just take this bike to an authorized bike store and pay the fee to have it professionally assembled.

Look at the following link for more information on this well-equipped mountain bike.

Kick it into overdrive with this hardtail 27.5 mountain bike. Designed as a solid starter mountain bike, experienced riders will also enjoy the control and rugged construction of this bike. It is capable of taking on various trails, given its specifications.

It weighs a light 29.4 lbs because of its aluminum frame. It has high-quality components, too, with its SR Suntour XCT fork and cranks. The Shimano front and rear derailleurs and shifters ensure your ride will go comfortably. It has Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes as well that ensures a great stopping power in any terrain.

As a do-it-all cross-country trail bike, getting off the beaten path once in a while opens up additional challenges and new adventures that make this bike two bikes in one. Leaving no room for omissions in quality or riding styles, this hardtail mountain bike is ready to go when you are, cross-country or up the mountain.

Potential purchasers of this bike should take note that this best hardtail mountain bike under $500 is exactly that -- a “hardtail.” With no rear suspension, riding on rough terrain may be difficult for inexperienced riders and may in fact produce your own “hardtail” symptoms. Inexperienced riders are encouraged to become familiar with riding this bike before venturing on to rugged trails.

There is more information on this good-looking mountain bike by clicking the following link:

Fat bikes are the current rage that continues to draw more and more attention. Based on a simple concept of better traction and control on snow and sand, fat bikes offer a distinct advantage when the going gets tough. Virtually unstoppable in any weather conditions, the larger than life appearance of this Gravity Monster Fat Tire Bicycle will definitely hold your attention.

Available according to overall height, from 14-inch to 22-inch, this aluminum frame mountain bike may appear heavy but is surprisingly not heavier than its competition. It weighs between 30-40 lbs, depending on size, and is available in a selection of six colors.

Designed as an all-around mountain bike, it has powerful Tektro disc brakes and an excellent 16-speed SRAM drivetrain. Its super wide tires have good traction as well that you can rely on in any kind of weather.

Worried about losing control of your bike? With this Fat Tire Bicycle from Gravity, you can ride on snow and sand, mud and bogs, and keep control. It is definitely reliable even in rough riding conditions, so you get to go more places than with a bicycle with regular-sized tires.

Honestly, you could spend a great deal more for a high-end “fat” mountain bike but why? This bike is equipped with everything you need to finally get a chance to experience what others have been saying about fat bikes for years. This bike is undoubtedly the best mountain bike that you are ever going to find in its price range.

Click the following link and learn more about this incredible bike from Gravity.

Given its long history of producing high-quality bikes, it’s no surprise that Schwinn has more than one entry in this list of best mountain bikes under $500.

This Schwinn S29 Men's 29-inch Wheel Full Suspension Mountain Bike is the perfect bike to take if you want to go trail riding. It includes some of the latest features found on higher-end mountain bikes without the increase in overall price.

Recommended for riders 14 years and older, this bike is for those who are serious about mountain bike ri