Best mountain bikes under $1,000 in Australia

Our picks

1. 
   Best overall

   Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3

   $999.99 at Trek Australia

   Shimano CUES 1x9 with an 11 to 46 cassette, Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes, a fork with hydraulic lockout and a 66.5 degree head angle, the slackest in this price group. Seven sizes from XS to XXL, plus rack and kickstand mounts if it doubles as a commuter.

   Keep in mind: Claimed weight is 15.1 kg and there is no dropper post.

   Aluminium · 1x9 · 100 mm · 29x2.40 · lowest gear 0.70 · 15.1 kg

2. 
   Lightest claimed weight

   Specialized Rockhopper Sport

   $950 at Specialized Australia

   A claimed 14 kg, a 1x9 drivetrain, Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes and seven sizes from XXS to XXL, with 27.5 inch wheels on the smallest sizes.

   Keep in mind: A 68.5 degree head angle makes it quicker steering but less settled on steep descents than the Marlin.

   Aluminium · 1x9 · 100 mm · 29x2.35 · 14 kg

3. 
   Most trail-capable

   Marin Bobcat Trail 4

   $939.99 at BikesOnline

   120 mm of fork travel, a 1x10 drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic brakes, 2.4 inch tyres and a 66.5 degree head angle.

   Keep in mind: Only three sizes, M to XL, so shorter riders should look at the Marlin or Rockhopper.

   Aluminium · 1x10 · 120 mm · 27.5/29x2.4

4. 
   Best value under $700

   Merida Big Seven 20

   $699 RRP

   A 120 mm fork, a 1x8 drivetrain, Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes, 27.5 x 2.4 inch tyres and a 67 degree head angle, in six sizes from XS to XXL.

   Keep in mind: 8-speed gearing has bigger jumps between gears than the 9 and 10-speed bikes above.

   1x8 · 120 mm · 27.5x2.4 · lowest gear 0.71 · 14.5 kg

5. 
   Cheapest with hydraulic brakes

   Reid MTB Elite

   $549.99 at Reid Cycles

   Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, a 100 mm fork and a 1x8 drivetrain with an 11 to 40 cassette at the lowest price in this list.

   Keep in mind: 27.5 inch wheels and a steeper 69 degree head angle: better on smooth trails than rough ones.

   Aluminium · 8-speed · 100 mm · 27.5x2.35 · lowest gear 0.80

How we chose

• Price shown on BikeFinder of $1,000 or less (a checked Australian retailer price where we have one, otherwise the RRP).
• Hydraulic disc brakes. Mechanical discs and V-brakes are listed in the table but not picked.
• At least 100 mm of fork travel and a 1x or wide-range drivetrain.
• Preference for 29 inch wheels on medium sizes and up, a head angle of about 67 degrees or slacker, and a wide size range.

Prices are the ones shown on each bike page: a checked Australian retailer price where we have one, otherwise the RRP. They change often, so confirm with the seller. Some links to retailers are affiliate links; they do not change our picks.

Brakes matter more than gears

Hydraulic disc brakes give more power with less hand effort and need less adjustment than cable discs or V-brakes. At this price they are the single most important upgrade, especially for lighter riders and on long descents.

The fork is the weak point at this price

Almost every bike under $1,000 uses a coil-sprung fork with basic damping. A lockout is useful on roads and climbs. An air-sprung fork usually arrives around $1,300 to $1,500 (the Marlin 7 is an example in our catalogue).

Wheel size and fit

29 inch wheels roll over roots and rocks more easily and suit most riders from about 165 cm. Smaller sizes often use 27.5 inch wheels so the bike fits properly. Check the size chart on each bike page: a bike that fits is worth more than one extra gear.

Every mountain bike under $1,000 we list (29)

Related

• Best mountain bikes under $2,000
• All mountain bikes
• Bike size guide
• Compare any bikes side by side