Five Best Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under 1000 Reviewed

Are you ready to conquer the trails without breaking the bank? Full suspension mountain bikes have long been the go-to choice for serious riders seeking a blend of comfort, control, and performance.

However, finding a quality full suspension bike on a budget can be challenging. Fear not, as we’ve scoured the market to bring you the best full suspension mountain bikes under $1000.

Whether you're a beginner looking to dive into the world of mountain biking or an experienced rider seeking an affordable upgrade, these bikes offer exceptional value without compromising on features. Get ready to elevate your riding experience with these top picks!

1. Schwinn Protocol Men and Women Mountain Bike

The Schwinn Protocol Mountain Bike is a versatile and reliable option for both men and women, designed to offer a balanced combination of performance, durability, and affordability. Available in 26-inch and 27.5-inch wheel options, this bike is built to handle various terrains with ease, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned riders. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Schwinn Protocol a standout choice in the world of mountain biking.

Design and Frame

The Schwinn Protocol features a lightweight aluminum frame, which is both robust and easy to maneuver. This frame strikes an excellent balance between strength and weight, allowing riders to tackle challenging trails without feeling bogged down. The bike's design is sleek and modern, with clean lines and an attractive finish that appeals to a wide range of riders. The frame geometry is designed to offer a comfortable riding position, reducing strain on the back and shoulders during long rides.

Wheel Options

One of the key highlights of the Schwinn Protocol is the choice between 26-inch and 27.5-inch wheels. The 26-inch wheels provide a nimble and responsive ride, perfect for technical trails and tight turns. On the other hand, the 27.5-inch wheels offer improved stability and better rollover capability, making them ideal for rougher terrains and downhill sections. This flexibility allows riders to choose the wheel size that best suits their riding style and the type of terrain they frequently encounter.

Drivetrain and Gearing

Equipped with a 21-speed drivetrain, the Schwinn Protocol offers a wide range of gears to tackle various inclines and descents. The Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters provide smooth and precise gear changes, ensuring that you can easily adapt to changing trail conditions. The 21-speed setup is particularly beneficial for riders who encounter a mix of steep climbs and fast descents, allowing for a versatile riding experience.

Full Suspension

The full suspension system on the Schwinn Protocol enhances comfort and control, especially on rough and uneven trails. The front suspension fork and rear shock work together to absorb bumps and vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride. This setup not only improves ride quality but also increases traction and stability, allowing riders to maintain control in challenging conditions.

Braking Performance

Mechanical disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels provide reliable stopping power, regardless of weather conditions. These brakes offer better modulation and control compared to traditional rim brakes, making them a great choice for mountain biking. Whether you’re descending a steep hill or navigating a tricky section of the trail, the mechanical disc brakes ensure you can stop quickly and safely.

Pros:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame: Durable and easy to handle.
• Wheel Options: Choose between 26-inch and 27.5-inch wheels for different riding preferences.
• 21-Speed Drivetrain: Versatile gearing for various terrains.
• Full Suspension: Enhanced comfort and control on rough trails.
• Mechanical Disc Brakes: Reliable stopping power in all conditions.

Cons:

• Assembly Required: Some assembly is required, which might be challenging for beginners.
• Weight: Slightly heavier than some higher-end mountain bikes due to the full suspension setup.

Conclusion

The Schwinn Protocol Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for riders seeking a versatile, reliable, and affordable mountain bike. Its lightweight aluminum frame, full suspension system, and mechanical disc brakes make it a formidable contender in its price range. With options for both 26-inch and 27.5-inch wheels and a 21-speed drivetrain, this bike is well-equipped to handle a variety of terrains and riding styles. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or looking for an upgrade, the Schwinn Protocol offers exceptional value and performance, making it a worthy addition to your biking arsenal.

2. Schwinn Traxion Mens and Womens Mountain Bike

The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike is designed to offer a top-tier riding experience for both men and women, combining high-performance features with a stylish design. With its 29-inch wheels, 24-speed shifters, full suspension system, and mechanical disc brakes, this bike is built to handle a variety of terrains with ease. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Schwinn Traxion a standout choice for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Design and Frame

The Schwinn Traxion features a robust yet lightweight aluminum frame that strikes a perfect balance between strength and agility. This frame is designed to withstand the rigors of mountain biking, offering durability without compromising on weight. The bike's aesthetic is eye-catching, with a striking blue and grey color scheme that adds to its appeal. The frame geometry ensures a comfortable riding position, reducing fatigue during long rides and allowing for better control and handling on rough trails.

Wheel Size

One of the most notable features of the Schwinn Traxion is its 29-inch wheels. These larger wheels offer several advantages, including improved stability and better rollover capability. The larger diameter allows the bike to easily traverse obstacles such as rocks and roots, providing a smoother ride on uneven terrain. Additionally, the 29-inch wheels contribute to better momentum, making it easier to maintain speed on flatter sections of the trail.

Drivetrain and Gearing

The Schwinn Traxion comes equipped with a 24-speed drivetrain, offering a wide range of gears to tackle various inclines and descents. The Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters enable quick and precise gear changes, allowing riders to adapt effortlessly to changing trail conditions. This extensive gear range is particularly beneficial for riders who encounter a mix of steep climbs and fast descents, providing versatility and performance.

Full Suspension

The full suspension system on the Schwinn Traxion enhances comfort and control, making it ideal for rough and challenging trails. The front suspension fork and rear shock work in tandem to absorb bumps and vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride. This setup not only improves ride quality but also increases traction and stability, allowing riders to maintain control in difficult conditions.

Braking Performance

The bike is equipped with mechanical disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, providing reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. These brakes offer superior modulation and control compared to traditional rim brakes, making them an excellent choice for mountain biking. Whether you’re descending a steep hill or navigating a tricky section of the trail, the mechanical disc brakes ensure you can stop quickly and safely.

Pros:

• Durable Aluminum Frame: Robust yet lightweight for optimal performance.
• 29-Inch Wheels: Improved stability and smoother ride over rough terrain.
• 24-Speed Drivetrain: Versatile gearing for various trail conditions.
• Full Suspension: Enhanced comfort and control on uneven surfaces.
• Mechanical Disc Brakes: Reliable and consistent stopping power.

Cons:

• Weight: Slightly heavier due to the full suspension setup and larger wheels.
• Assembly Required: Some assembly is needed, which may be challenging for beginners.

Conclusion

The Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike is a fantastic choice for riders seeking a versatile and high-performance mountain bike. Its durable aluminum frame, 29-inch wheels, 24-speed drivetrain, full suspension system, and mechanical disc brakes make it well-equipped to handle a variety of terrains and riding styles. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the Schwinn Traxion offers exceptional value and performance, making it a worthy investment for your mountain biking adventures.

3. Mongoose Status Mens and Womens Mountain Bike

The Mongoose Status Mountain Bike is designed to cater to the adventurous spirit of both men and women, offering a versatile and reliable ride. With options for 26-inch and 27.5-inch wheels, a 21-speed drivetrain, an aluminum frame, and both dual and front suspension systems, this bike promises a well-rounded experience for riders of all levels. Here’s an in-depth review of what makes the Mongoose Status a noteworthy choice for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Design and Frame

The Mongoose Status features a robust aluminum frame that balances strength and weight. The frame’s design is both stylish and functional, with bold graphics that stand out on the trail. Aluminum is a preferred material for mountain bikes because it offers durability without adding excessive weight, making it easier to maneuver the bike on various terrains. The geometry of the frame ensures a comfortable and efficient riding position, reducing fatigue and enhancing control during long rides.

Wheel Options

One of the key highlights of the Mongoose Status is the availability of both 26-inch and 27.5-inch wheel options. The 26-inch wheels provide a nimble and responsive ride, perfect for technical trails and quick maneuvers. Meanwhile, the 27.5-inch wheels offer better stability and improved rollover capabilities, making them ideal for rougher terrains and downhill sections. This flexibility allows riders to choose the wheel size that best suits their riding style and the type of terrain they frequently encounter.

Drivetrain and Gearing

Equipped with a 21-speed drivetrain, the Mongoose Status offers a wide range of gears to handle various inclines and descents. The Shimano rear derailleur and twist shifters enable smooth and precise gear changes, allowing riders to adapt effortlessly to changing trail conditions. This extensive gear range is particularly beneficial for those who encounter a mix of steep climbs and fast descents, providing the versatility needed for different terrains.

Suspension System

The bike features both dual and front suspension options, enhancing comfort and control. The front suspension fork and rear shock work together to absorb bumps and vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride on rough trails. This setup not only improves ride quality but also increases traction and stability, allowing riders to maintain control in challenging conditions.

Braking Performance

The Mongoose Status is equipped with reliable front and rear V-brakes, providing consistent stopping power. While not as advanced as disc brakes, V-brakes are lightweight and offer good performance in various conditions, ensuring safety and control on the trail.

Pros:

• Durable Aluminum Frame: Strong yet lightweight, suitable for various terrains.
• Wheel Options: Choice of 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels for different riding preferences.
• 21-Speed Drivetrain: Versatile gearing for tackling various trail conditions.
• Dual and Front Suspension: Enhanced comfort and control on uneven surfaces.
• Stylish Design: Bold graphics and a sleek frame.

Cons:

• V-Brakes: Not as powerful as disc brakes, but still reliable for most conditions.
• Weight: Slightly heavier than some higher-end models due to the dual suspension setup.

Conclusion

The Mongoose Status Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for riders seeking a versatile and reliable mountain bike. Its durable aluminum frame, choice of wheel sizes, 21-speed drivetrain, and dual suspension system make it well-equipped to handle a variety of terrains and riding styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get into mountain biking or an experienced rider seeking a dependable bike for your adventures, the Mongoose Status offers exceptional value and performance.

4. Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike

The Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike is designed to offer a superior riding experience for both men and women. Featuring an 18-inch aluminum frame, 29-inch wheels, front and rear disc brakes, twist shifters, and a 21-speed rear derailleur, this bike is built to tackle a variety of terrains with ease. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Mongoose Impasse a standout choice in the mountain biking world.

Design and Frame

The Mongoose Impasse boasts an 18-inch aluminum frame that strikes a perfect balance between strength and weight. Aluminum is a popular choice for mountain bike frames due to its durability and lightweight properties, allowing for easy maneuverability without sacrificing robustness. The silver finish adds a sleek and modern look to the bike, making it visually appealing on and off the trails. The frame geometry is designed to provide a comfortable riding position, reducing strain on the back and shoulders during long rides.

Wheel Size

One of the standout features of the Mongoose Impasse is its 29-inch wheels. These larger wheels offer several advantages, including improved stability and better rollover capability. The 29-inch wheels can easily traverse obstacles such as rocks and roots, providing a smoother ride on rough terrain. Additionally, the larger wheels help maintain momentum, making it easier to tackle flat sections and descents with speed and confidence.

Drivetrain and Gearing

The Mongoose Impasse comes equipped with a 21-speed drivetrain, featuring a reliable rear derailleur and twist shifters. This setup offers a wide range of gears to handle various inclines and descents, allowing riders to adapt effortlessly to changing trail conditions. The twist shifters enable quick and precise gear changes, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride regardless of the terrain.

Suspension System

The full suspension system on the Mongoose Impasse enhances both comfort and control. The front suspension fork and rear shock work together to absorb bumps and vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. This setup not only improves ride quality but also increases traction and stability, allowing riders to maintain control in challenging conditions. The full suspension is particularly beneficial for technical trails and rough terrains, providing added confidence and comfort.

Braking Performance

Equipped with front and rear disc brakes, the Mongoose Impasse offers reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. Disc brakes provide better modulation and control compared to traditional rim brakes, making them an excellent choice for mountain biking. Whether you’re descending a steep hill or navigating a tricky section of the trail, the disc brakes ensure you can stop quickly and safely.

Pros:

• Durable Aluminum Frame: Strong yet lightweight, suitable for various terrains.
• 29-Inch Wheels: Improved stability and smoother ride over rough terrain.
• 21-Speed Drivetrain: Versatile gearing for tackling different trail conditions.
• Full Suspension: Enhanced comfort and control on uneven surfaces.
• Disc Brakes: Reliable and consistent stopping power.

Cons:

• Weight: Slightly heavier due to the full suspension setup and larger wheels.
• Assembly Required: Some assembly is needed, which may be challenging for beginners.

Conclusion

The Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for riders seeking a versatile and high-performance mountain bike. Its durable aluminum frame, 29-inch wheels, 21-speed drivetrain, full suspension system, and disc brakes make it well-equipped to handle a variety of terrains and riding styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get into mountain biking or an experienced rider seeking a dependable bike for your adventures, the Mongoose Impasse offers exceptional value and performance.

5. Gravity FSX 24 24 Inch Wheel Mountain Bike Full Dual Suspension 

The Gravity FSX 24 is designed to offer a robust and enjoyable riding experience for young and petite riders. Featuring 24-inch wheels, full dual suspension, and a 7-speed drivetrain, this bike is built to tackle various terrains with ease. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Gravity FSX 24 a noteworthy choice in the realm of youth mountain bikes.

Design and Frame

The Gravity FSX 24 boasts a lightweight yet sturdy aluminum frame that strikes a balance between durability and ease of handling. Aluminum is a preferred material for mountain bike frames due to its ability to withstand rough usage while keeping the bike's weight manageable. The frame's design is both sleek and functional, with a sporty look that appeals to young riders. The geometry of the frame is optimized to provide a comfortable and efficient riding position, reducing fatigue and enhancing control during rides.

Wheel Size

The Gravity FSX 24 features 24-inch wheels, which are ideal for younger riders or those with a smaller stature. These wheels provide a good mix of agility and stability, allowing for confident handling on various terrains. The smaller wheel size makes the bike more responsive, making it easier to navigate tight corners and technical sections. This is particularly beneficial for young riders who are still honing their biking skills.

Drivetrain and Gearing

Equipped with a 7-speed drivetrain, the Gravity FSX 24 offers a range of gears suitable for a variety of inclines and terrains. The Shimano rear derailleur and twist shifters ensure smooth and precise gear changes, allowing riders to adapt effortlessly to changing trail conditions. While the 7-speed setup is less extensive than higher-end models, it provides ample versatility for the target demographic, making it ideal for both leisurely rides and more challenging trails.

Suspension System

The full dual suspension system on the Gravity FSX 24 enhances both comfort and control. The front suspension fork and rear shock work together to absorb bumps and vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. This setup not only improves ride quality but also increases traction and stability, allowing riders to maintain control in challenging conditions. The full suspension is particularly beneficial for young riders, providing added confidence and comfort.

Braking Performance

The bike is equipped with front and rear disc brakes, offering reliable stopping power in various conditions. Disc brakes provide better modulation and control compared to traditional rim brakes, making them a great choice for mountain biking. Whether descending a steep hill or navigating a tricky section of the trail, the disc brakes ensure riders can stop quickly and safely.

Pros:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame: Durable and easy to handle.
• 24-Inch Wheels: Ideal for younger riders or those with a smaller stature.
• 7-Speed Drivetrain: Versatile gearing for various terrains.
• Full Dual Suspension: Enhanced comfort and control on uneven surfaces.
• Disc Brakes: Reliable and consistent stopping power.

Cons:

• Limited Gearing: 7-speed setup may not provide enough range for more advanced riders.
• Assembly Required: Some assembly is needed, which may be challenging for beginners.

Conclusion

The Gravity FSX 24 Mountain Bike is an excellent choice for young or petite riders seeking a versatile and reliable bike. Its lightweight aluminum frame, 24-inch wheels, 7-speed drivetrain, full dual suspension system, and disc brakes make it well-equipped to handle a variety of terrains and riding styles. Whether new to mountain biking or looking for a dependable bike for their adventures, the Gravity FSX 24 offers exceptional value and performance.

What to Consider While Buying a Full Suspension Mountain Bike Under $1000

Purchasing a full suspension mountain bike under $1000 can be a rewarding experience if you know what to look for. While budget constraints might limit some high-end features, it is still possible to find a bike that offers excellent performance, durability, and comfort. Here are the key factors to consider when shopping for a full suspension mountain bike in this price range:

1. Frame Material

The frame is the backbone of your bike, and its material significantly impacts the bike's weight, durability, and performance. Common materials include:

• Aluminum: Most bikes under $1000 will have aluminum frames. Aluminum is strong, relatively light, and cost-effective.
• Steel: Less common in this price range but known for its durability and smooth ride quality. However, it is heavier than aluminum.

2. Suspension Quality

The suspension system is critical for a smooth ride on rough terrains. Look for:

• Travel: This refers to the amount of movement in the suspension. Typically, full suspension bikes in this range have around 100-140mm of travel, which is suitable for cross-country and light trail riding.
• Adjustability: Suspension forks and rear shocks with adjustable settings (like preload and rebound) allow you to fine-tune your ride.

3. Drivetrain

The drivetrain determines how smoothly and efficiently you can shift gears. Key components to consider include:

• Speeds: Look for bikes with a range of gears, such as a 21-speed setup, which is common in this price range.
• Components: Shimano and SRAM are reputable brands. Ensure the bike has a reliable rear derailleur and shifters.

4. Brakes

Brakes are crucial for safety and control. The two main types are:

• Mechanical Disc Brakes: Provide reliable stopping power and are easier to maintain than hydraulic brakes. Most bikes under $1000 will have these.
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Offer superior performance and modulation but are rare in this price range.

5. Wheel Size

Wheel size affects the bike's handling and suitability for different terrains:

• 27.5-inch wheels: Offer a good balance between agility and rollover capability. Suitable for most riders and trail conditions.
• 29-inch wheels: Provide better stability and are ideal for covering more ground and tackling obstacles.

6. Tire Quality

Tires influence grip and comfort. Look for:

• Width: Wider tires (2.2-2.4 inches) offer better traction and stability.
• Tread: Aggressive treads are better for off-road conditions, while smoother treads are suitable for mixed-use.

7. Weight

While full suspension bikes tend to be heavier than hardtails, aim for a bike that is reasonably lightweight to ensure easier handling and improved performance.

8. Comfort and Fit

Ensure the bike fits your body size and riding style. Consider:

• Frame Size: Correct sizing is essential for comfort and control. Refer to the manufacturer’s size chart.
• Adjustable Components: Look for adjustable seat posts and handlebars to fine-tune your riding position.

9. Brand Reputation and Reviews

Stick to reputable brands known for quality and durability. Check online reviews and ratings to see other riders' experiences with the bike you are considering.

10. Warranty and Support

A good warranty and customer support can provide peace of mind. Look for bikes with at least a one-year warranty on the frame and components.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect full suspension mountain bike under $1000 involves balancing several factors, including frame material, suspension quality, drivetrain, brakes, wheel size, and overall comfort. By carefully considering these elements, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a great riding experience without breaking the bank.