If this is your first time purchasing your mountain bike, you may be overwhelmed by the different and endless choices the market offers. There are different brands and builds from the bike frames, tires, suspension types, gears, and other components that may confuse beginners. 

Moreover, there is a vast price range for mountain bikes. Don’t rush into buying the most expensive bike you see, thinking it will give you the most enjoyable experience. In this blog post, we'll look into some considerations when purchasing a mountain bike that won't burn a hole in your pockets. We’ll look at some of the essential bike components and see if they are a perfect fit for your biking needs and budget. 

Things to Consider for Your Perfect Mountain Bike 

Flashy men’s mountain bikes are for sale all over the market, and it is very tempting to get the ones that look cool and promise high-level performance. However, if you're a beginner, you may want to hold off getting a professional-level bike because it will only give you a hard time developing your skills. 

Here are some helpful considerations you should take note of to help you with your bike purchase. 

Different types of mountain bike 

There are several mountain bike types up for consideration. Here are just some of the most popular ones to help beginners pick the best one based on their needs. 

• Hardtail MTBs are popular for beginners. It has a front suspension fork that allows a smooth ride on rugged trails and is easy to control. 
• Professional riders commonly use full suspension MTBs. These have front and rear suspension and can take the most challenging roads and trails. 
• Rigid mountain bikes have no suspension system nor can be customized to add them. Therefore, this bike is best for casual riding on smooth, flat pavements. 
• Cross Country MTBs are a good idea if you like riding with speed. These bikes are designed to gain speed faster than any other type over terrain. 
• The fat tire mountain bike's main difference from other bikes is spotted on the wheels. These fat tire bikes have thicker and heavier wheels than your average mountain bike, and it's best for soft grounds like sandy ridges and snowy terrains. 

Bike frame materials 

A portion of the bike’s total price comes from the material of its frame. There are several appropriate bike frame materials available, depending on the rider they prefer. Here are some considerations for bike frames you may want to look into. 

• Aluminum bike frames are the most common material when you want a budget-friendly bike. This material costs less than other frames and boasts an impressive strength-to-weight ratio. It's also corrosion-resistant, which makes this bike frame easy to maintain. 
• Steel bike frames are far less popular because of their significant weight, but their exceptional durability makes up for it. Steel frames are known for their long lifespan. However, remember to clean steel bikes properly to avoid rusting and weakening of the frame. 
• Titanium bike frames are not common in the bike market. Most bikes with titanium frames are custom-made. Titanium is somewhat similar to steel in terms of properties but is lighter and has better resistance to rust and corrosion. 
• High-carbon frames are the top choice for professional riders. This is the lightest among the bike frames and has extreme durability. Furthermore, carbon steel absorbs vibration from your rides, so this frame can give you the most comfortable ride. 

Bike’s wheel size 

A men’s 26-inch mountain bike is a default for most mountain bikes for sale. This is because this wheel size suits riders of various heights and can carry significant weight. But there are also other wheel sizes the other rides may prefer. For example, there are 24-inch bike wheels which are perfect for smaller riders. 

The 27.5- and 29-inch wheels are bigger and best for taller riders. Bigger wheels also can run over and clear obstacles in your path, making this the perfect choice for mountain and forest trails. Of course, bigger wheels also mean expensive prices, but you can mix and match bike components to fit your budget. 

Another thing to consider is getting tube tires and tubeless tires. Tubeless tires are less prone to flats, can withstand small punctures, and have a liquid sealant that repairs small holes while you continue riding. Tubed tires are still reliable, and they are the more economical choice. 

Additional bike components 

You'll want to include some bike components or upgrade to your ride. However, remember that expensive ones are not always the best. There are biking peripherals that will fit your budget and your needs as well. Here are some considerations when looking into additional bike components. 

• Bike saddle. Saddles are a replaceable bike part—you can find them in most bike shops and customize them based on your needs. There are cushioned saddles and others made from hard plastic. Prices may depend on the material and build you choose. 
• Brakes. Most bikes have default caliper brakes. You upgrade your brakes to mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power, especially in wet conditions. It's not a big expense and adds extra safety for your riding. 
• Bike pedals. It’s common for a newly purchased bike to have plastic pedals. But they easily crack, and replacing them too often will cost you more long-term. Hard plastics and resin materials are affordable and durable replacements. You can also explore metal pedals for advanced riding. 

The Best Budget Men’s Mountain Bike You Should Check Out 

Don't close the deal yet on the cheapest mountain bike you'll find in the marketplace. Quality doesn’t have to be compromised just for a low cost. We've picked out some of the best bikes under $1000 that will give excellent performance for well-spent money. 

1. GIANT Contender 3 - $680 
2. TREK Marlin 6 - $670 
3. Cannondale Trail 6 - $850 
4. Specialized Rockhopper - $810 
5. Polygon Xtrada 6 - $850 

There are several worthy options for budget-friendly mountain bikes across several brands. Getting a cheap bike doesn't mean settling for lower-quality bikes. Choosing the right build and materials for your biking needs will elevate your biking experience even on a budget. 

If you are looking for more in-depth reviews of 26-inch men's mountain bikes, electric bikes, biking accessories, and safety gears, don't forget to browse our blogs!