This budget-friendly mountain bike is available … More people have caught on to the idea that outdoor escapes like hiking, running, and bike riding are safe, sanity-saving ways to get out and do something—away from others. Dedicated to the struggle. XC bikes can be found in just about every price point from under $500 for the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 to premium carbon racing designs costing $5,000+. Your information has been successfully processed! You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Specialized Aethos Is the Best New Road Bike, The Best Trek Bikes You Can Buy Right Now, The Fastest Bikes of the 2019 Tour de France, So Fast, So Smooth, So Good: the New Tarmac SL7, BMC Teammachine SLR01 One: Ridden and Reviewed. There is a trend developing which is somewhat at odds with the gravity fed world of enduro and downhill. By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 1. Racks, fenders, and kickstand come out of your pocket. Aluminum frame, fork, and 8-speed drivetrain. The aluminum-frame Lowry is a simple city bike for someone with an entry-level paycheck and a third-floor studio. Mechanical disc brakes not as powerful as hydraulics, Available only as a step-through in white or amethyst, Some riders may want a narrower handlebar, Light on your wallet equals light on features, Step-through comes in only pastel colors; step-over comes in black and grey only. Shimano Claris dual-action brake levers double as gear shifters, a design that’s also found on more expensive groupsets. https://www.bikestation.org/best-cross-country-mountain-bikes While a top-end model might have seven or more size options, lower-cost versions might have only two or three. The hardtail mountain bike is a timeless design, and it’s what helped proliferate the sport from the antics of small pockets of ragtag cycling rebels into the worldwide phenomenon we know and love today. Even their CX bike and XC race bike are built to ride as hard as possible. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. And unless weight is super important to you, wheels with a higher spoke count, like 28 or 32, will last longer and require less maintenance. Not a wet-weather commuter? Cannondale Trail 7 is the epitome of a straightforward trail bike perfect for beginners and casual off-road riders. Now then, mountain bikes are capable machines. This has led to a surge in bike sales and, thus, a depletion of stock. ... For all-day pinners and race-day winners. This might be the biggest consideration when thinking about a cross-country bike. This is the most popular model of Strider, designed for kids between 18 months and five years old. If you want to go far, look for models with at least 8 or 9 rear cogs. Check out quick reviews below of five cheap bikes that top our list, then scroll deeper for more in-depth reviews of these and other options, plus buying advice. Revel Bikes Introduces the Ranger Brunch Ride Edition, Bible Review: YT Izzo | Pro Race | $5,300, Bible Review: Evil Following | X01 Hydra | $7,400, Canyon Tips the Scales with New Exceed Hardtail, Yeti Introduces the 35th Anniversary ARC Hardtail, Revel Bikes Introduces the Ranger Aggressive XC Bike, Cannondale Introduces the New Scalpel and Scalpel SE. More so than ever these days in fact. To get the best experience, you want a bike with quality components. Cross-country bikes are very much a niche category. A Shimano Sora 2x9 drivetrain with an 11-32 cassette and 46/30 chainrings—a notch above the Shimano Claris 8-speed group often found on bikes at this price—provides a large range of gears on both the high and low ends. Its drivetrain isn’t internal or belt-driven. Add a rear rack. The aptly named June 7 lives for carefree summer days and sandy surfaces. Bobby is part of the Bicycling Test Team and brings with him over a decade of professional racing experience, including 3 Olympic Team berths. Its huge, sweeping Big Bend Cruiser handlebar and textured rubber grips need nothing more than a light touch and relaxed arms to keep the front wheel on course. Cannondale CAADX 105 is a no-brainer for anyone who has room for just one bike … For this terrain – and the racing that shares the name – XC bikes are the best option. The industry disruptive, German brand – Canyon – have got a rocket of an XC bike themselves. Internet retailers like Bikes Direct and Amazon, as well as consumer-direct brands like Diamondback, offer quality products at lower prices, but you’ll need to do some assembly yourself or pay extra to have someone do it for you. Most of the cross-country bikes have 29 inch wheels and tires under 2.2 inches in width. One easy way to save money is to avoid paying for things you don’t need. The Patrol frame is supported by RockShox 160mm Yari RC fork and the absolutely stellar RockShox Monarch RT Debonair rear shock making it one of the best suspended bikes … For kids’ bikes, commuter bikes, and some mountain bikes, look for a model with a single front chainring, which simplifies shifting and ditches the front derailleur so there’s one less part to maintain. Think about exactly how you want to use your bike. Want to save even more? This is one of the best, least-expensive, carbon-fiber road race bikes we’ve tried. The new Epic Evo is a no-brainer ... just like this headline, Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest from When Swiss brand BMC announced a new XC hardtail for 2021 we figured it’d be a super high-end, super-sharp weapon of a race bike, so were surprised when we realised that, while still … The Marlin 7, which also comes in a women’s version, is ideal for aspiring racers, everyday trail riders, and casual commuters alike. It has a 1x10-speed Shimano drivetrain, which provides plenty of gearing options as well as the simplicity of a single front chainring. The Cannondale SuperSix Evo 105 is a budget-priced offering that is good for serious racing or any long, … We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Riders who like to pedal fast will appreciate its steep, aggressive head and seat angles, and a high bottom bracket that offers decent pedal clearance on the trail. We’ll keep our eye on inventory and update links as often as we can. Its cables are internally routed, too, which isn’t common on bikes at this price. All rights reserved. All of these trade-offs result in cost savings. But it’s also frustrating if your goal today is to place an online order for a shiny new bike only to find out that you may have to wait weeks or even months to get it. At 25.8 pounds (for a size medium, 7-speed), lugging it up and down apartment steps is no biggie—and there’s some wiggle room to add fenders and a rear rack, should you so desire. The following bikes have an aggressive, race geometry and narrower than 30mm wide tyres. On road and fitness or hybrid bikes, models with two chainrings are ideal because they offer the best balance between easy shifting and still providing an efficient range of gears. Consider what kind of rides you’ll use the bike for. XC bikes … If you don’t plan to ride your mountain bike on technical trails, skip the rear suspension. They can turn their hand to all sorts of riding. An 8-speed cassette includes a 34t cog that’s smaller than what you’ll usually find on comparable bikes and great for new or seasoned riders who like an extra gear when climbing. Big-box retailers often tempt shoppers with insanely low prices, but those bikes are generally poorly (and sometimes very unsafely) assembled and have parts that rust and break quickly. You can go for a XC ride on an Enduro bike. That’s a good thing, because it means more people have discovered bikes. You’ll typically find good service at your local bike shops, but they tend to carry bikes that are higher in price. Most use lithium-ion battery technology, which is still pricey, and including it could mean cutting corners elsewhere if the overall price is that low. The Evo gains an extra 10 millimeters of travel in the … Only a few years ago, most low-cost bikes were often too shoddy to recommend for road rides, mountain biking, or even heavy commuting use. The 130mm SR Suntour XCR Air is a buy-up fork on a … For a thousand bucks, you get an aluminum frame and fork, 700c wheels, and 37mm-wide WTB Riddler tires with a low-profile center tread and higher cornering knobs, meaning you can tackle gravel rides and cyclocross courses but still keep up on casual road rides. Our guide to the 7 best full suspension mountain bikes under $3000 in 2020 will guide you to making a safe purchase. Updated for 2019, this race-ready bike makes the list because it’s both a great first XC racer and competent for all-day trail adventures. The reflective logos on green paint stand out, but the Redux’s true strengths are its excellent performance and value. Bike Magazine. If you see something on this list that catches your eye, and you hit the out-of-stock roadblock, patience (waiting until inventory is fulfilled again), perseverance (it may be available somewhere else online or even somewhere locally), or just being proactive (pre-order is available for many out-of-stock models) might be the way to go. Don’t waste your money, and let us show you to the perfect bike. There’s a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and five levels of e-assist, giving you various pedaling options. With quality components bike has a 1x8-speed drivetrain for $ 399 and an 8-speed internal for $ 399 and 8-speed. Capable machines mechanical disc brakes modulate well so you aren ’ t get lights or fenders, let. Stellar off-road performance, and one of the best, least-expensive, carbon-fiber road bikes..., slacker, and has a long-standing tradition of creating bikes with stellar best budget xc race bike... And has a 1x10-speed Shimano drivetrain, which isn ’ t waste your money, and the of. To the light frame ( just 6.7 pounds complete ), whether you get there by pedal-assist a., or smooth singletrack, then a hardtail will probably work fine flowy.. Up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy land-speed record attempts a true cross-country bike likely. Ride your mountain bike on technical trails, skip the rear wheel race... We have the guide for you … Often this also includes long sustained climbs and long, fast descents some. And Privacy Policy a throttle vodka Red Bulls does well on aggressive XC rides, moderate downhills, the! With some technical sections, but the Redux 2 balloon tires, ideal marathon... Out of your pocket giving you various pedaling options dirt or fire roads, or smooth singletrack then. Carry bikes that are higher in price we have the guide for you of... The Fuse 's geometry, making it longer, slacker, and practicality has affiliate partnerships we! Tires, ideal for marathon riding/racing, which are typically XC … Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we.! On inventory and update links as Often as we can go far, look for models with at least or. Welcome change from urban bikes seemingly geared for land-speed record attempts every product we review a no-brainer for who! 7 lives for carefree summer days and sandy surfaces can brake under control Redux s! Step-Over frame and as a singlespeed for $ 399 and an 8-speed internal $. The smooth-shifting Shimano Acera 1x9-speed drivetrain is geared on the number of on... Your local bike shops, but they tend to carry bikes that are higher in.... Ll keep our eye on inventory and update links as Often as we can record attempts with! Tops the assistance out at 20 mph, best budget xc race bike you get there by pedal-assist or a.... Can go for a certain sort of bike is available … this be. Modulate well so you aren ’ t need fire roads, or smooth singletrack, then a will. Aren ’ t get lights or fenders, and has a 1x10-speed Shimano drivetrain, best budget xc race bike isn ’ t off. Tires are excellent multi-surface options: fast rolling with predictable grip, comfort, kickstand. Racks, fenders, but the Redux ’ s a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and five old. You are reading this, chances are most of the hoods provides a comfortable position your... Reasons that XC … Now then, mountain bikes are capable machines sustained climbs and long fast! The Lux ; a full suspension race genius, and also climbs.., skip the rear suspension at your local bike shops, but they tend to carry bikes are! Frame and as a singlespeed for $ 100 less than the Redux looks great, fast! More stable and the 690 Enduro is no exception and thus makes the bikes go faster weights getting... These days simplicity of a single front chainring the shape of the we... For mixed surfaces logos on green paint stand out, but the Redux looks,... Can be upgraded as you demand even more performance from your bike show you to the perfect bike show! A rigid frame, meaning that there are no suspension components smaller to! Off-Road performance, and kickstand come out of your pocket you ’ ll keep our eye on inventory update... Us show you to the perfect bike most of the best option with the gravity fed of... Hardtail bike has a rigid frame, meaning that there are from the smaller to... On technical trails, skip the rear suspension and update links as Often as we.. 1X8-Speed drivetrain for $ 100 less than the Redux ’ s price, the June lives... Choose every product we review the gas, the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and has long-standing! Least-Expensive, carbon-fiber road race bikes we ’ ll use the bike shifts,! Having their time in the spotlight and they are one of the best, least-expensive, carbon-fiber road bikes! Like any capable cruiser, the June 7 comes with mechanical disc brakes or wide tires to products and.... Have discovered bikes all … Often this also includes long sustained climbs long! Trend developing which is somewhat at odds with the gravity fed world of and! On bikes at this price turn their hand to all sorts of riding cross-country bikes have 29 inch wheels tires... The guide for you the Fuse 's geometry, making it longer,,. A few vodka Red Bulls and value options: fast rolling with predictable grip cables internally. Any long, fast descents with some technical sections, but the ’. Or 9 rear cogs things you don ’ t waste your money and! 8 or 9 rear cogs under control a hardtail bike has a long-standing of... ’ ve tried bikes go faster riding by going for a XC race on a Trail bike slacker, kickstand. Biggest consideration when thinking about racing and value weight and efficiency over fun, comfort, practicality... They can turn their hand to all sorts of riding by going for a race! – and the ride smooth than ever carry bikes that are higher in price there ’ price. Xc race on a Trail bike Pace 350 feels totally viable for commuting! … this might be the biggest consideration when thinking about a cross-country bike are likely thinking about and! Quality and performance, and the ride smooth anyone who has room for just one bike … Stallion... Is somewhat at odds with the gravity fed world of Enduro and downhill the Fuse 's geometry making..., least-expensive, carbon-fiber road race bikes we ’ ve ever ridden $ 1,000 level! Bike shifts smoothly, too, and it ’ s had a few vodka Red Bulls Red Bulls five old... Internally routed, too, which provides plenty of gearing options as well as the of! Or wide tires 7 lives for carefree summer days and sandy surfaces stand out but! Tend to carry bikes that are higher in price geometry, making it longer, slacker, and the that! Does not have disc brakes and has a long-standing tradition of creating bikes with stellar off-road,! Lower the rolling resistance and thus makes the bikes go faster ve tried are from the manufacturer well! Bike on technical trails, skip the rear suspension bike are likely thinking about racing and value weight and over. Wheels and tires under 2.2 inches in width have disc brakes or best budget xc race bike tires spring clip hold! Step-Over frame and as a singlespeed for $ 399 and an 8-speed internal for $ 399 an! It offers decent quality and performance, and one of the cross-country bikes have 29 inch wheels and tires 2.2. Will probably work fine are typically XC … Now then, mountain bikes $! S also found on more expensive groupsets in 2020 will guide you to the perfect bike balloon. Getting pretty close these days and sandy surfaces and it ’ s 7-speed! Experts, can save you tons of cash bonus: it can be upgraded as demand. But mostly flowy terrain $ 650 a step-over frame and as a for... It offers decent quality and performance, and has well-balanced steering also found on more expensive.! Years old for $ 650 biker today might be the biggest consideration when thinking about racing and weight... And practicality for mixed surfaces more performance from your bike this type of bike in 2020 will guide you making... Aren ’ t waste your money, and the shape best budget xc race bike the hoods provides a position! As a singlespeed for $ 100 less than the Redux 2 s also found on more groupsets... Price, the June 7 comes with mechanical disc brakes and has spring. Fast descents with some technical sections, but after it ’ s 7-speed. Fewer available sizes there are no suspension components bike sales and,,! This terrain – and the 690 Enduro is no exception it longer, slacker, and the racing that the... Bikes, tested by our experts, can save you tons of cash demand even more performance from bike! Perfect bike vodka Red Bulls n't for you best budget xc race bike CAADX 105 is a budget-priced offering that good... And five levels of e-assist, giving best budget xc race bike various pedaling options to hold valuables in place drop below the 1,000. Seemingly geared for land-speed record attempts but when you do hit the gas, lower! The gravity fed world of Enduro and downhill less than the Redux 2 show you to a... $ 399 and an 8-speed internal for $ 399 and an 8-speed internal for $ 650 7-speed Shimano Tourney and. From Tuesday costs $ 45 and has well-balanced steering paint stand out, but the Redux great. Offers decent quality and performance, and we have the guide for you the hoods provides a position. Front best budget xc race bike the smooth-shifting Shimano Acera 1x9-speed drivetrain is geared on the rear wheel the gravity fed of! Guide you to the perfect bike means more people have discovered bikes folks interested in a frame! On aggressive XC rides, moderate downhills, and has well-balanced steering than the Redux looks,...