Mountain biking is picking up, as more people realize the fun it brings. But, if you’re new to mountain biking, then you might not be particularly keen on the idea of spending so much money on your first bike, especially since you’re still starting out and perhaps haven’t even decided if you’re going to commit to the sport long term. That’s why we’ve put together a list to show you the best women’s mountain bike under 300 dollars.
Truth is, there are plenty of cheap mountain bikes out there which are designed specifically for women which means that they are comfortable and high-performance enough to carry you through those first few years of mountain biking.
Best Cheap Women’s Mountain Bike
The key to finding the best budget women’s mountain bike under 300 is to consider a wide range of options and then take your pick from there. For the most part, you must ensure that the bike is the right combination of comfort, durability, and safety.
The good news is that the following bikes totally fit the bill:
1. Mongoose Status 2.2 Women’s Mountain Bicycle
Mongoose is a famous name in the bike manufacturing industry and they’ve once again released what’s considered to be the best cheap women’s mountain bike. It’s notable for its unique aluminum frame which has been fitted with hydroformed tubing and a powerful suspension fork to boot.
It also comes with a 21 speed Shimano rear derailleur as well as 2.125” wide tires with strong alloy rims and reliable V-brakes on the front and rear for your safety and convenience. Shifting between gears is just as effortless even on trails.
The only downside with this bike is the fact that it comes with a small amount of drag which we didn’t expect because it’s not something that you often come across in Mongoose bikes.
2. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
This model comes with an SR Suntour suspension fork to keep you comfortable on the road, a Shimano 7 speed rear derailleur with an alloy crank, and an SRAM grip shifter for smooth riding.
The frame is made from durable yet lightweight aluminum and it comes with reliable disc brakes which are some of the most powerful on the market, while the alloy brakes will bring the bike to a stop within a moment’s notice if you want to.
To make sure that you don’t feel the impact when going through rough terrain, this bike has been fitted with 26-inch alloy wheels which are lightweight allowing the bike to weigh only 48 pounds. As such, it’s also portable and easy to travel with.
3. 27.5″ Royce Union RMT Mountain Bike
Considered to be the best women’s mountain bicycle under 300, this model comes with a star-studded cast of high-quality features and components.
These include a 21-speed Revoshift Shimano drivetrain, a Shimano tourney indexed derailleur, a padded seat, and adjustable angle and height to ensure that you enjoy a comfortable ride regardless of your height. This is in addition to the bike’s 27.5-inch wheels which don’t offer as much resistance as a mountain bike’s tires, while also enabling this bike to perform effortlessly on smooth and gravel roads alike.
The wheels are complemented by machine alloy rims with high-quality brake pads to keep you safe on the road. Then you have the cherry on top Krayton grips and pedals.
How to Pick the Best Women’s Mountain Bike Under 300
What makes for the best mountain bike for beginner females? There are quite a few considerations to make, including keeping in mind the following important features:
Frame
The bike frame is the foremost defining factor of the whole thing, so you want to make sure that it’s made from the best quality materials that are easy to work with.
This includes carbon fiber and alloy which are popular but expensive. Aluminum is in the midrange price-wise and it’s nice and lightweight, just like carbon fiber.
Suspension
Your bike’s shock suspension plays a huge role in how safe and enjoyable it is to ride. A bike with front and back suspension will usually be comfortable to ride even in bumpy conditions because the suspension will absorb all of the shocks for you so you don’t feel a thing.
Pedals
Pedals are what make it possible to ride your bike in the first place, enabling you to move it in your preferred direction. There are four different types of pedals including clipless, toe clip, advanced and basic platform.
The latter two options are often recommended as a safe option for newbie riders while clipless pedals are oriented more towards experienced riders, but they are also very useful in wet conditions.
Brakes
When it comes to brakes, V brakes are the most affordable and easy to use but installing them often means replacing the pads and cables too.
Disc brakes are the most powerful brakes around and are rather complex, but they are incredibly reliable and long-lasting. They will even save you in wet conditions.
Gears
You should be able to modify the brakes on your bike whenever you like. Mountain bikes are available in various gear options from 1 to 30, while the average mountain bike will often come with three chainrings.
Wheels
If your plan is to take your bike everywhere and be able to go through rough and difficult terrain then you’ll want large wheels. Most mountain bikes come with wheels that measure 26”, 27”, or 29”.
So long as your bike comes with adjustable handlebars and seats, it doesn’t matter how large the wheels are, you won’t feel uncomfortable because of your height or lack thereof.
Rims
The rims are located underneath the tires and because they are usually thick, they require close attention to detail to make sure that you pick the correct thickness level.
On average most rims measure between 26mm to 30mm. going below this measurement range can lower your bike’s ability to handle difficult terrain while wide rims offer far better traction overall.
Tires
When it comes to tires, you get to choose between mid-fat, wide, and plus-size categories. They range between 2.3-2.6 inches and 2.8-3 inches in measurements. Tires determine the bike’s ability to hold its own when going up or downhill or when facing friction.
Chainring
If you plan on finding a good women’s mountain bike under 300 then you should also consider its chainring situation.
There are usually a couple of chain wheels on the front gear but it is not as commonly used as the rear gear. The rear derailleur is usually larger but both work together to shift the chain from wheel to wheel.
Best Mountain Bike Brands for Women Under $300
The following three brands are where you should look when searching for the best women’s mountain bike under 300:
Mongoose
Mongoose was founded in 1974 by bike enthusiast Skip Hess with the Moto One Mag.
This was a unique and stronger wheel than traditional mag wheels making for some of the best BMX bikes on the market, which is what Mongoose went on to be known for.
However, they’ve since manufactured one of the best full suspension mountain bike frames around so it’s safe to say that theirs is a special touch.
Huffy
Huffy was founded in the year 1887 in Ohio and the brand has always been known for making the best entry-level bikes.
It still maintains that reputation today, despite having manufactured quite a few high-end bikes successfully as well.
Schwinn
Schwinn is another famous bike manufacturer whose heritage goes back to 1895 Chicago where the company was founded by a German immigrant named Ignaz Schwinn.
This brand became famous for its Klunkers, the nickname given to Schwinn bikes which are known to be made from the best components available. It’s probably why Schwinn bikes are some of the best-selling ever.
Conclusion
Now that you know what the best women’s mountain bike under 300 is, go out there and cop yourself with a new bike. If you’d like one more recommendation, we’d be happy to recommend the Mongoose Status 2.2 Women’s Mountain Bike.
Not only is it made by one of the best manufacturers in the business, but this bike stands out because of its lightweight yet durable aluminum frame, front and rear brakes, a raised handlebar, and of course, the 21-speed shifters.