Last modified on September 21st, 2023 at 7:40 pm
10 Best Women’s Mountain Bikes Under $300
Mountain biking isn’t just for the guys. Women are taking the sport by storm and manufacturers have responded. You will be able to find many mountain bike options for women in stores. This goes beyond just having some more feminine colors options, but an overall construction that works to better accommodate the female form.
If you want to take up mountain biking, or just need another bike, you don’t need to break the bank for quality. You can find amazing mountain bikes with all the necessities for under $300. You just need to know where to look.
Buyer’s Guide Table of Contents
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Product |
Summary |
|---|---|
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Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle Womens Road |
Overall Rating – 3.5/5 21 speeds are available and controlled with an index derailleur. You also get Shimono revo grip shifters for greater comfort. |
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Mongoose Status 2.2 Women’s 26″ Wheel Mountain Bike |
Overall Rating – 4/5 The seat and handlebars are placed for better balance and relief, while also having v-brakes in the front and rear of the bike. |
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Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle Womens Road/Mountain 21 Speed Bike 26″ |
Overall Rating – 3.5/5 This bike can be used for women as young as 12 and can be used as a starter bike, or something used for more serious riding. |
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26″ Women’s Kent KZR Mountain Bike |
Overall Rating – 4/5 There are 21 speeds and are changed via a Shimano drivetrain. The front wheels have disk brakes and is very easy to assemble. |
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Vertical Air Blast 26″ Bike |
Overall Rating – 3.5/5 With a padded saddle seat and quick release seat post, it is easy to get comfortable for long rides. |
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26″ Royce Union RTT Womens 21-Speed Mountain Bike |
Overall Rating – 3/5 This is because it is a durable, yet lightweight bike, making it easy to transport around. 21 speeds are controlled with index shifters, making it easy to change speeds, and the bike comes in four different color options. |
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Mantis Orchid 26 Full Suspension Bicycle |
Overall Rating – 3/5 A steel dual suspension frame and steel suspension fork work in tandem for a smooth ride. |
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Schwinn Women’s High Timber Mountain Bicycle |
Overall Rating – 3.5/5 This women’s mountain bike is designed to provide you with the classic Schwinn suspension, making it work for a wide range of terrains. |
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Huffy 26 Inch Women’s Trail Runner Mountain Bike Dual Suspension Frame and Suspension Fork |
Overall Rating – 4/5 . You can switch between 18 speeds with an index derailleur, and the Krayton grips provide you comfort and control. |
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Pacific Women’s Stratus Mountain Bike, Blue, 26-Inch |
Overall Rating – 3/5 While this mountain bike does have significantly less speeds than the other options on this list, the 15 speeds provided still offers you a lot of options. |
Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle Womens Road
Dynacraft will be featured quite a lot on this list because of their quality and affordability. There are linear pull brakes in the front and rear of the bike, along with dual suspension. 21 speeds are available and controlled with an index derailleur. You also get Shimono revo grip shifters for greater comfort.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Design and colors are geared more towards youth |
Mongoose Status 2.2 Women’s 26″ Wheel Mountain Bike
This bike is designed with comfort in mind. The aluminum MTB frame is lightweight and easy to carry as you need to, while still being durable. 21 speeds are controlled with a rear derailleur with Shimano grips. The seat and handlebars are placed for better balance and relief, while also having v-brakes in the front and rear of the bike.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Closer to max price point |
Dynacraft Speed Alpine Eagle Women’s Road/Mountain 21 Speed Bike 26″
Dynacraft is a great option for women who want to buy a bike they can grow into. This bike can be used for women as young as 12 and can be used as a starter bike, or something used for more serious riding. There is no need to buy a new bike as you age, making it easy to get a lot out of your investment.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Can be heavy |
26″ Women’s Kent KZR Mountain Bike
If you are on the shorter side, this mountain bike is a perfect option. It works very well for those 5 feet in height, to around 5’8” comfortably. There are 21 speeds and are changed via a Shimano drivetrain. The front wheels have disk brakes and is very easy to assemble.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Can be heavy |
Vertical Air Blast 26″ Bike
Dynacraft has yet another bike on this list. With a padded saddle seat and quick release seat post, it is easy to get comfortable for long rides. There are 21 speeds shifted by index derailleurs, and front and rear v-brakes provide greater control. There is also full suspension in the frame.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Youthful designs that might not suit everyone |
26″ Royce Union RTT Womens 21-Speed Mountain Bike
Although it’s closer to the $300 limit, this mountain bike is a great option for beginners and experienced riders. This is because it is a durable, yet lightweight bike, making it easy to transport around. 21 speeds are controlled with index shifters, making it easy to change speeds, and the bike comes in four different color options. You also have an assembly video included on the site to take you step by step through the process.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Close to max budget |
Mantis Orchid 26 Full Suspension Bicycle
The Mantis Orchid is another great option for women looking to take on the mountain trails. A steel dual suspension frame and steel suspension fork work in tandem for a smooth ride. Aluminum rims provide durability, while also being lightweight. The 21 speeds included in the bike can be controlled with a rear derailleur, or twist shifters. You also get front and rear v-brakes.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Assembly can be difficult |
Schwinn Women’s High Timber Mountain Bicycle
Schwinn is a major name in bikes for a reason. This women’s mountain bike is designed to provide you with the classic Schwinn suspension, making it work for a wide range of terrains. There are 21 speeds that are controlled with a rear derailleur, and front and rear brakes for greater security. An alloy crank helps create greater control over shifter gears, and alloy rims provide greater durability.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Construction seems to vary from bike to bike |
Huffy 26 Inch Women’s Trail Runner Mountain Bike Dual Suspension Frame and Suspension Fork
Available in two colors, this Huffy mountain bike comes with dual suspension, as well as a suspension fork. You can switch between 18 speeds with an index derailleur, and the Krayton grips provide you comfort and control. There is an ATB saddle seat and a three piece crank for better control for gear changes.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Three less speeds than average |
Pacific Women’s Stratus Mountain Bike, Blue, 26-Inch
While this mountain bike does have significantly less speeds than the other options on this list, the 15 speeds provided still offers you a lot of options. The bike’s frame is low and easy to get on and off, while also being made of a durable steel. You can control the speed with a thumb shifter or rear derailleur, and you get a mountain crank for greater gear range.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Only 15 speeds |
What Can You Get from a Mountain Bike Under $300?
Affordable mountain bikes aren’t just a pipe dream, they are a reality. Thanks to the popularity of bicycling in recent years, more and more companies are manufacturing mountain bikes.
High end mountain bikes can cost as much as $900 or more. While these are top quality bikes that are worth the price, that price tag is not affordable for everyone. Finding a decent mountain bike for women below $300 became a challenge that we had to act on. The product reviews above are a testament to our findings.
Pricey bikes are made with better materials and crafted using higher quality equipment and welding techniques. Let’s be honest here, you will be getting a better bicycle at those high prices. If you want to cycle through rough terrain and down steep and curvy slopes, you should consider a higher quality bike.
Fortunately, there are affordable options that are still more than capable of handling wild trails and bumpy rides. If you’re working on a specific budget, you may check out these other cool bikes for women.
Qualities to Look Out For
There are some great bikes available for women at a cost that won’t rob your purse. Keep an eye out for some of these features when making your choice.
Frame
The frame makes up the bulk of the bicycle, and needs to be made from quality material. Alloy and carbon fiber are the top materials used, and usually come at a higher cost. Aluminum is also great, and lands in the lightweight category along with carbon fiber. Steel frames are typically the most affordable; these frames are durable, but are often quite heavy.
Brakes
V brakes are more common in budget friendly bikes and they are easier to use. You will need to change out the cables and pads, so keep an eye on those.
For a more powerful option, you will need to seek out disc brakes. These are complicated, but deliver when it comes to riding in slick conditions.
Wheel Size
The larger the wheel size, the better you can roll over rough terrain and dominate the trail. Mountain bikes typically have 26”, 27”, or 29” wheels. If you are on the shorter side, don’t let the wheel sizes intimidate you. Most bikes have adjustable seats and handlebars, so you should be able to find the right fit for you.
Suspension
If you want a smooth ride, opt for a full suspension mountain bike. For those hitting harder trails or rough roads, you might do better with the front suspension hardtail mountain bikes.
Gears
Gear numbers can be modified at any time. However, off the shelves, most mountain bikes will range between having a single gear to 30 or more. Traditionally, these bikes come installed with three chainrings.
Benefits of Biking for Women
Statistically, if you see someone riding a bicycle in the US, it will likely be a male. That is not the case in other countries where the stats are more equally split. This sport is incredibly rewarding for men and women, yet the road is unequally shared at this time. Currently, there are about three men bike riders to one female. No matter where you are from, your health can be positively impacted by biking.
Physical Health
Regular exercise is necessary to keep in physical health, and cycling is a perfect way to work cardio into your daily routine. The British Heart Foundation reports that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. Keeping up with physical health and fitness and reduce rates of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
For women, the risk of osteoarthritis is even higher due to genetics, biology, and hormones. Being overweight is an additional risk factor. Maintain your activity levels with a high intensity sport like cycling, you can reduce your risk of osteoarthritis as well.
People who cycle for 30-minutes five days out of the week statistically take less sick leave at work. Boosted immunity can keep you healthy and help you ward off germs.
Social Lives
Many people join cycling groups, either online or in-person. Meeting people on the trails is also common. This can quickly become a very social activity, if that is something you desire. Meeting new people and reducing stress together over a fun activity is a lovely way to bond.
Better Sleep
Getting out on your mountain bike several times a week will help you get a better night’s rest. This can also help you stick to a routine, which will also help improve sleep quality.
Cycling Tips for Women
We want you to have a comfortable ride, and that can be difficult to learn without helpful tips from an experienced source.
Saddle
Our rears are unique to us and most standard saddles are uncomfortable. Take some time and get fitted for a proper saddle at a local shop.
Cycling Clothing
Women need clothes that are breathable and do not chafe. A nice pair of cycling shorts will make a world of a difference – pro tip: don’t wear underwear. The shorts are made to be against your skin.
Rigid shoes made for cycling will help relieve pressure on your legs and hips.
Bars
Make sure that the width of your handle bars is not too wide for you. Men tend to have wider shoulders, so bikes can be ill-fitting for some women.
Bike Fit
Get your bike fitted to ensure that everything from frame to seat post are made to fit your measurements.
Headphones
Listening to music with good cycling headphones can be a great way to keep you motivated and improve your performance while doing the cycling routines.
Conclusion
Affordable bikes are no longer a thing of the past, and the bikes on this list are ideal for women riders. Mountain biking is a wonderful way to make friends, maintain health, and increase confidence. While not all bikes will be a good fit straight from the store, getting a bike properly fitted will erase that issue. A bike that is fitted to your measurements will do wonders maintaining your interest in such a fascinating world of fitness. Blaze through the trails on a new bike that won’t break the budget and get on the road to taking care of your overall health.
