Whenever you think of a mountain bike that will traverse through thickets, uphill and downhill perfectly well, then lightweight comes to mind. A bike that will be easy to control and even carry when necessity calls.
An easy way to tell a lightweight mountain bike is the frame material, usually either aluminum or carbon fiber.
Yet, you have to consider more about a mountain bike than just the weight. There’s the frame, brakes, wheels, gear, and size, to mention but the basics. I understand that it is a toll to have to get all these just as you want them, which is why I already made a selection.
7 Best Lightweight Mountain Bike
Considering all the factors of a top-performing mountain bike, I have compiled a list to ease your lightweight mountain bike research. I am dying to show it off to you!
1. Royce Union RHT Lightweight Men’s Mountain Bike
Specifications
- Bike Frame: Aluminium
- Brake style: Dual hydraulic
- Weight: 42 pounds
Our first choice of a lightweight mountain bike is the Royce Union RHT Lightweight Men’s Mountain Bike. Basically, it features a lightweight aluminum frame, which is a hardtail.
Despite the hardtail frame, you will still get a good bounce with the Suntour XCT suspension fork, with 100mm travel. It facilitates the balance of the front wheel on the trail and allows you to stay in position, taking in bumps and obstacles.
Bringing impressive stopping power into the picture is the dual hydraulic brakes, which ensure that you are precise even in an emergency.
Moreover, the drivetrain is a Shimano SLX 2×11 shifter, which couples with the Shimano SLX 11-speed index to give you 22 speeds. Thus, you get a gearing that can take in any riding environment.
The bike further considers your comfort, hence incorporating alloy handlebars that have WTB Trail II grips. Combined with a WTB Volt saddle, you can ride all day with neither seat nor hand sores.
Then there are the wheels and tires, which complete the bike with WTB alloy rims, quick release hubs, and Kenda Small Block 8 tires.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality and excellent gearing
- Optimal stopping power
- Comfortable over a long distance
Cons
- Only in a men’s design
2. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
Specifications
- Bike Frame: Steel
- Brake Style: Linear Pull Handbrakes
- Weight: 41.1 pounds
The best option for a young rider still learning mountain biking, Huffy Hardtail, offers a smooth ride in various tracks. It is ideal for kids between 12 and 19, within the height limit of 58 and 70 inches.
Essentially, the bike frame is durable steel, which perfects your ride regardless of the terrain and condition. It is glossy red, bringing out a cute outlook. With a Kolo 1200 suspension fork, the bike handles bumps and dips smoothly.
Additionally, the bike uses indexed Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur, which combines with a micro-shift twist shifter to bring out 21 speeds suitable for uphill, downhill, and pure acceleration. A removable rear derailleur guard keeps the gear functioning stably.
Bringing in comfort is a slight-rise handlebar, which facilitates upright cycling for minimal back and shoulder strain. The ATB resin pedals on the Kolo crank add a responsive feel, while the Kraton grips bring a comfortable touch.
Then there are the 24×1.95-inch knobby tires, which brace the road with ease. Backed by the linear-pull handbrakes that provide consistent stopping power, nothing will stop the kid from enjoying the new venture.
Pros
- Quality and durable
- Excellent gear options
- Comfortable for a long ride
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Heavier than counterparts that are aluminum or carbon fiber in frame material
3. Sirdar S-900 Mountain Bike
Specifications
- Bike Frame: Aluminum, Carbon Steel
- Brake Style: double disc brakes
- Max Weight: 330lb
- Recommended Height: 5″5′-6″2′
For effortless handling of the downhill and uphill slopes, Sirdar S-700 comes with 27-speed options. It features a finger-type shifter, with 3 front and 9 rear derailleurs, enhancing pedaling ease.
Being aluminum, the bike is lightweight, while the rustproof high carbon steel parts facilitate a consistent rolling momentum. At only 37.47lb, an adult will easily hoist the bike on their shoulder in rough thickets.
The 26-inch tire handles the hilly terrains with excellence, and at the same time, allows you to traverse through towns, wasteland, beach, snow, and trails. They are anti-skid, facilitating grip in slippery trails. Adding the rear and front dual disc brakes, controlling the bike becomes even more comfortable.
Pros
- Impressively lightweight
- Excellent performance on any terrain
- Easy to control
Cons
- Quite tasking to assemble, but luckily, 95% comes assembled
4. Mongoose Impasse Men’s – Full Suspension Lightweight Mountain Bike
Specifications
- Bike Frame: Aluminum
- Brake Type: disc brakes
- Weight: 44lbs
If long-distance mountain biking defines you, then you should consider this Mongoose Impasse Men’s Mountain Bike. With an aluminum full suspension lightweight mountain bike, no obstacle will seem like an obstacle in your way, as you will bounce off. The frame couples with an element suspension fork increasethe bike’s control while keeping it on the track.
Over and above that, the bike comes with 21 speeds rear derailleur, which features SRAM twist shifters. This combination eases the gear changing, keeping your ride easier to manage.
For braking, the bike comes with alloy front and rear disc brakes, which are the best for stopping power. And let’s not forget the alloy wheels and quick-release front, which adds to the ride’s thrill.
Most importantly. The bike uses 29er wheels, which may be slow to start, but the best to keep you going longer.
Pros
- Best for long-distance riding
- Maximum braking power
- Overall lightweight
Cons
- Relatively slow for short distance riding
5. 26″ Royce Union RTT Women’s Mountain Bike
Specifications
- Bike Frame: aluminum
- Brake Type: linear-pull brakes
- Weight: 36 pounds
For a lady’s mountain bike that will allow you to ride in an upright position, the RTT is an excellent choice. The handlebars are slightly high-rise, which facilitates the upright ride and prevent back and shoulder pains.
On top of that, the bike has a padded saddle that features quality stitching at the sides and is adjustable by height and angle. For a proper fit, the quick alloy release comes in handy.
Comfort aside, the bike functioning capability is highly competitive. First off, the lightweight aluminum frame is durable, allowing you to dare any terrain without stress.
With Shimano EZ Fire Plus Trigger and TY 300 rear indexed derailleur, it delivers 21-speed options. With merely your index finger and the thumb, you get smooth gear shifting that is quite simple. Adding this to the Shimano drivetrain, you get an efficient and precise riding experience.
Besides, the bike uses lightweight alloy linear-pull brakes, which work with the alloy rims for sufficient brake pad contact and subsequent high stopping power.
The 17-inch frame takes in a minimum inseam of 31 inches, though you can get a 15-inch option if you have a smaller inseam.
To face the bumps and dips with confidence, the bike features a bold black suspension fork.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Allows upright riding position
- Easy to control
- Maneuvers all trails
Cons
- Only in one blue color
6. Schwinn 27.5″ Lightweight Men’s and Womens Mountain Bike
Specifications
- Bike Frame: aluminum
- Brake Type: mechanical disc
- Weight: 49 Pounds
Sometimes you reach a point where a tough challenge defines your happy day. Then, it is time to own a Schwinn 27.5-inch lightweight women’s mountain bike. Other than incorporating the speed of 26″ tires and the aggression of 29.5″ tires, these tires are 22-inch and knobby for challenging rides.
The frame facilitates the bike’s lightweight nature, being aluminum with hydro-formed tubing. Cooperating with a suspension fork, you are bound to experience an exciting, responsive, and durable ride.
Other than that, the bike uses Shimano EZ Fire Trigger shifters, coupling with Shimano rear derailleur to bring you 21 speeds that have quick shifts.
Featuring front and rear mechanical disc brakes, a crisp any-condition stopping on the trail is on the way. To keep you on the course for longer is a light yet strong high-profile alloy rims, which will never weigh you down despite their high quality.
Pros
- Fast, yet with optimal traction
- Lightweight
- Easy to control
Cons
- Only in one white color
Which Things to Consider When Buying the Best Lightweight Mountain Bike
Frame Material
For lightweight mountain bikes, consider getting aluminum and carbon fiber frame bikes. In rare cases, you can get relatively light steel bikes.
Size
The size of the bike usually depends on the wheel size and the size of the frame. The frame’s size should be compatible with your height, usually indicated in the bike’s chart size.
Wheels and Tires
As for the wheel size, this will depend on what you want to achieve with the bike. If speed, 26 inches will do, while 29.5″ are great options for venturing into harsh conditions and long-distance. To get a moderate portion of each, you can go with a 27.5er wheel size.
The wheels should be strong and quality to withstand the harsh conditions of the trails and hills.
Gender
The bike frames are different for men and women, at least as far as design goes. So, check that the mountain bike you consider is suitable for your gender so that all your needs will be in place. Better still, you will be more comfortable in the gender-specific bike, especially for the women.
Cost
While cost should be the least of your considerations when looking for the ‘best bike,’ it is still considered. Let’s be real: you cannot invest in a bike whose cost you cannot handle, right? Thanks to the brand competition, you can get a quality bike within your pocket budget.
Is a Lighter Mountain Bike Better?
Yes, it is better, given the conditions that a mountain bike has to go through. When riding uphill, it is easier to manage a lightweight mountain bike compared to a heavier one.
When you are in situations that are really muddy or even impossible for a bike to pass through, you will have to carry the bike on your shoulder. Therefore, you will require a bike that you can handle in all these cases.
The lightweight stems from the frame’s material, wheels, and tires that your mountain bike uses.
Why are Mountain Bikes So Expensive?
Mountain bikes are so expensive compared to regular road bikes because of their material and design. While a mountain bike should be sturdy and robust to withstand off-road conditions, it should be lightweight. Thus, most bikes are either carbon fiber or aluminum, which are relatively expensive.
Mountain bikes, in most cases, use suspension frames and forks, which add to their cost. Even when the frame is a hardtail, the suspension is still suspension to absorb the bumps and dips.
Besides, the gears should be more and competitive for a good ride, while the tires are knobby and quality, hence the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good weight for a mountain bike?
A good mountain bike using a carbon fiber frame will weigh around 24 pounds. However, since carbon is too expensive, the average rider goes with aluminum and steel bikes. These will weigh approximately 30 to 40 pounds, which is relatively lightweight.
Is a lighter bike faster?
They are faster, but they are easier to maneuver with and carry on the shoulder when things get tough. This is the reason they are more preferred compared to heavy mountain bikes.
How heavy is too heavy for a mountain bike?
How heavy a mountain bike is will depend on the individual. If your weight is more, you will need a heavier mountain bike than a lighter person. That being the case, you can look for the most lightweight option available for your weight.
Are heavier mountain bikes harder to ride?
Heavier mountain bikes are not hard to ride, but they have several inconveniences that render people consider lighter options. For instance, they are more challenging to control in rougher situations.
Final Verdict
Best lightweight mountain bike? You now have a ready list with you to make your best pick out of. If you are a beginner or never have luck with making a whole-package choice, we further added a buying guide that will take you through the process.
Now that you are well-equipped with this sought-after list, your work getting the mountain bike will be more straightforward.