After doing lots of research and reviewing many different hardtail bikes we have come up with a list of the best hardtail mountain bikes under $1,500. There are many benefits of owning a hardtail mountain bike.
If you do a lot of cross country races then the hardtail is much lighter. Compared to a full suspension there are fewer components meaning that it will weigh much less. There is always an option to upgrade to a mountain bike in the future for a certain cost. But in general, a hardtail will be a cheaper option.
Table of Contents
Best hard tail mountain bikes under $1,500
Diamondback Bicycles Hook 27.5 Hardtail Mountain Bike Review
The Diamondback Hook has won our editor’s choice award for best hardtail mountain bike under $1500 and you will really have to look no further in terms of quality and build.
The Hook is made with a hand-built aluminum hardtail frame with a progressive, low-slung geometry for trail riding performance.
Long in the front, short in the back, while being low and maneuverable, the Hook is deft and precise on tight trails yet rock-steady when you are going down the steepest descents.
A 120mm SR Suntour fork soaks up the impact while an SRAM X3 1×8-speed drivetrain keeps you riding nicely up and down the hills, with smooth gear shifting.
With 27.5” wheels for increased maneuverability, the Hook makes a great trail bike. Lastly, the powerful Tetra Aries mechanical disc brakes will bring you to a complete stop, and with positive feedback from customers, it makes this an excellent choice.
| Bike Size Guide | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider Height | 5'4"-5'7" | 5'7"-5'10" | 5'10"-6'1" | 6'1"-6'4" |
| Recommenced Bike Size | Small/16" | Medium/18" | Large/20" | XL Large/22" |
Pros
Large 27.5″ wheels for increased maneuverability
SR Sun tour XCM 120mm travel suspension
SRAM X3 1×8-speed drivetrain shifters
Cons
Not particularly well for climbing with only 8 gears
Diamondback Bicycles LUX -Best womens hardtail mountain bike under 1,500
We have included a hardtail mountain bike for women as well as then men. In our search, we came across a very good hardtail bike for the money.
This bike starts with a 6061-T6 aluminum frame for lightweight and durability, something good for women as they don’t have to ride around a heavy bike.
The women’s-specific frame provides a little extra standover clearance, which makes it easy to challenge yourself on new trails.
Bumpy terrains and uncomfortable rides are a thing of the past. the RockShox 30 Silver 100 travel fork soaks these shocks up and provides a smooth riding experience.
The 27.5-inch wheels coupled together with Schwalbe Rapid Rob tires roll well over obstacles and provides great traction.
Thoughtful women-specific touchpoints – include a Devine Edition women’s saddle, DB Laser 720mm handlebar, and narrower grips add to this amazing hardtail bike a great package to get you shredding.
Pros
Devine Edition women’s saddle
RockShox 30 Silver 100mm travel fork
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm front/160mm rear rotors.
Cons
Does not have a quick lockout for the front shock
BEIOU Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Hardtail
Upon close inspection of this bike and much customer feedback, every component of the bike has the same quality carbon components as other Big bike brands such as Giant/Trek along with added Shimano components.
In basic terms, you get the same exact quality but without the massive brand markup price. BEIOU is sourcing the same components and manufacturing but delivering them at a fraction of the cost you would usually pay.
The Shimano Deore is an absolute joy to ride the hydraulic disc brakes work perfectly. To assemble this bike you simply put on the handlebar, seat, front tire, and you’re done!
If you’re not comfortable putting those 3 things together you can just take it to a bike shop and they can do it for around $60-80 typically. Customer Service is surprisingly responsive users have reported emails being replied to within the hour.
Most biking enthusiasts feel extremely threatened by a bike like this, people who spend 3k-5k on a carbon mountain bike really want to feel that there’s some kind of hidden quality or superiority behind the cost and honestly, there’s not.
Don’t get me wrong the higher-end bikes are good but we are always happy when we find a bike with expensive components at an affordable price.
BEIOU uses the same quality carbon, the same sourced manufacturing, and the same top-of-the-line Shimano components and delivers all of this for a fraction of the cost through Amazon. be sure to check customer reviews and the latest price on Amazon they sometimes do discounts as well.
Pros
Quality Shimano components for an affordable price
Very easy to assemble literally about 3 parts to fix
Excellent customer service from BEIOU
Cons
Shipping can take long as it’s shipped from China
BEIOU Bicycles Hardtail Mountain Bike 26 Review
The BEIOU hardtail mountain bike is truly beautiful. with its glossy 3k 26-Inch ultralight carbon fiber MTB frame it will certainly turn a few heads. The bike is also tried by CNAS and MA in terms of the balance of strength and lightweight.
The Shimano 3×9 Speed drivetrain is a staple of its reliability; SRAM mechanical disc brakes also offer great stopping power. Coupled together with its Ultralight carbon fiber handlebar and seat post makes this a truly gorgeous bike to ride. True to its design with many feather light components make this a great bike if you plan on doing cross country.
Pros
Best looking bike with 3 carbon fiber frame
Comes partially assembled and can be set up in just 10mins
Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm front/160mm rear rotors.
Cons
Does not have a quick lockout for the front shock