Use my current location Our Top 5 Hardtail Mountain Bikes Under $1500
Whether using it for your daily commute or testing yourself on some trails, riding a mountain bike offers a thrilling mix of exercise and adrenaline. 99 Bikes has a huge range of models to suit riders at any level, from novices to experts!
We get it, choosing a bike can be overwhelming. So to help you find the perfect one for you, here are five of our best hardtail mountain bikes under $1500.
To make this selection fair, we selected bikes with a single chainset and only one derailleur at the front. This offers a wider spread of gears making your bike versatile for all types of riding. These systems are super easy to use because they’ve only got one shifter, and require less maintenance than the more complex alternatives.
Another thing these bikes have in common is hydraulic disk brakes, which are the best option for consistent and reliable stopping power. These brakes offer the best power and the pads will even self adjust to compensate for wear, meaning you can ride for longer and have more braking confidence in all conditions.
Budget Friendly
Pedal Phoenix 3 Hardtail - $699 Club Price*
The Phoenix is an affordable entry point to the hardtail category, offering modern upright geometry which helps create a comfortable ride. Designed for light off roading, this is an excellent choice for your easy local trails or commute to school or work.
The Shimano Acera gears with trigger shifters are easy to use and help you build confidence on a bike. Pedal bikes offer a lifetime warranty on the frame and two years on the parts.
Great Price, Nice Spec
Merida Big Nine 200 - $998 Club Price*
Designed in Germany, Merida is known for creating quality bikes, offering a massive range of mountain bikes, from entry level to cutting edge dual suspensions.
The Big Nine 200 is an affordable hardtail mountain bike offering a lightweight feel and some features usually only found on more expensive bikes, like adjustable air suspension with lock out. The Shimano Deore drivetrain 1x10 gears provide plenty of room to tackle steep climbs. The bike also looks super stylish with its silver and black design.
Value For Money
Norco Storm 1 29 Inch - $1038 Club Price*
Norco is one of the most popular mountain bike brands in the world and their quality is top notch. The Norco Storm 1 is one of our top selling bikes and it’s easy to see why. The bike has a progressive geometry, giving the rider a more responsive and quick ride. The drive train is the Deore 1x11 with a Suntour suspension fork.
This bike’s main drawcard is the addition of the TranzX Dropper Post, which allows the rider to go up or down depending on the terrain. Few hardtail mountain bikes under $1500 feature a dropper post, which makes this Norco hard to beat.
For The Trailblazers
Cube Attention SLX - $ 1395 Club Price*
The sleek looks of the Cube Attention SLX hardtail mountain bike are thanks to its smooth welded head tube and seat tube junctions. The German brand updated its geometry in 2023 to include a lower top tube to improve handling and room for wider tyres.
Taller riders will feel very comfortable with this bike with the possibility for a dropper post upgrade. The drivetrain is the reliable Shimano XT with 1x12 gears, with an 11 - 51T cassette offering exceptional range. It also has the famous RockShox Air Fork with 100mm adjustable travel and internal cable routing.
This bike is the epitome of versatility as it can be used for hitting the trails or bike packing with its different mounting points. The Cube is super capable and can tackle a variety of terrain, no matter your preferred style of riding.
Hardcore Rider
Silverback Slade Expert - $1464 Club Price*
Silverback is another quality German brand we stock at 99 Bikes and they have been creating mountain bikes for years with great variety, targeting different styles and budgets while maintaining quality and precision.
The Slade Expert offers a Silverback’s unique Position of Power (POP) Geometry which improves climbing efficiency and rider position. This bike is suited for a more radical rider who is looking for their next upgrade or to take on more challenging trails.
The combination of the RockShox Judy 130mm Fork, Shimano Deore 1x12 gears and hydraulic brakes creates an extremely good bike for the price that can take you to the most challenging trails.
Don't Forget The After Sales Support
The availability of local support and service from a retailer with trained workshops that can support is critical to the enjoyment of your new bike. 99 Bikes also offers its Club Members the Perfect Ride Guarantee, as well as other benefits, which will give you absolute confidence in your purchase.
Don’t be swayed by if you don’t like the original grips, saddle, pedals or anything else that comes with your bike as 99 Bikes stores offer a huge range of replacements and upgrades with expert advice on ways to enhance your riding experience.
Don’t forget that when buying your new mountain bike, there’s more to consider than just the two wheels you’ll be riding on. You should also think about protective gear like helmets, gloves and shoes. Many mountain bike riders also enjoy specific clothing and backpacks to enhance comfort. And if you’re worried about future maintenance, ask about our service plans.
All that’s left now is for you to get out there and ride!
*Prices showed in this blog reflects 18th of April 2024. Prices can change without notice.
