Best Mountain Bike under 1000 2012

What type of mountain bike you choose depends completely on the situation you are in or plan on putting yourself in.  Are you planning on going through super rough terrain or is this just for a personal hobby through smooth trail courses.

For serious racers, do you want a hardtail mountain bike or one with full suspension? Casual bikers are usually most comfortable with full suspension bikes; however, sometimes these can be too expensive.  Hardtail mountain bikes are often the best for easy riding or competitive up and down trail racing.

Because of the unlimited things that you can do with your mountain bike, there are literally unlimited choices and styles that would be best for the particular biking that you do. Knowing this, I've put together a list of some of the best tested, best reviewed, and best selling mountain bikes under $1000.

I've tried to incorporate a pretty wide price range here of anything from $400-$700. While some of the more expensive mountain bikes have more specs and options I tried to put together this list based on bang for your buck. In other words, for the price range that they are in , these are the bikes that I like the best.

Diamondback Overdrive 29'er Mountain Bike (29-Inch Wheels), Cream, Small/16-Inch

In the $400 price range I recommend the Diamondback Overdrive Mountain bikes. This featured one has 29 inch wheels. It is a hardtail mountain bike. Although full suspension in general is more comfortable a great hardtail mountain bike is perfect for riding on smoother trails, around the neighborhood, going to class, or dirt jumping.

Other reviewers say that considering the price tag the aluminum frame and components that come with this bike are incredible.

*Other Featured Bikes - For this price range I really feel like Diamondback and Schwinn mountain bikes have a competitive advantage. Make sure to read up on each product as a review on each individual bike goes beyond the scope of this article. Each link listed takes you to the amazon product page where you can look at all the specifications you'll need for making the right choice.

*If you have the money check out Diamondback's other great Mountain bike in the $500-$1000 price range, the Diamondback Response Comp Mountain Bike.  This great hardtail bike is perfect for experienced bikers.  Comes with an improved rock shox tora fork, SRAm crankset, sealed cartridge bearings, power spline bottom bracket, nine-speed SRAM shifters and derailleurs, and super reliable avid mechanical disc brakes.

Schwinn Rocket Comp Adult Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike (18-Inch Frame)

If you are looking for a Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike, then check out the Schwinn Rocket Comp. You'll be surprised how well the frame and rear shock absorb jolts from any rough terrain you come across. 

I hope you've enjoyed my hub on the best mountain bikes under $1000.  If you have, then please leave a comment below.  While I know there are many other good bikes, these are the ones I've chosen to feature for now.  If you'd like another bike featured on this page, then please leave a comment with the model number and I'll try to include it.