Spending up to £1000 on a mountain bike is a serious investment for anyone. With so many bikes on the market it is incredibly hard for anyone buying to even figure out what is available. With increased government spending on cycling there has never been a better time to get into cycling. Making buying a bike more affordable we recommend people consider the cycle to work scheme with £1000 on offer. We have had a spike in enquiries lately from people asking for help on what are the best mountain bikes to buy. To help we have worked with suppliers to bring you a comprehensive line up of mountain bikes we would recommend with specification information and why you should buy. Use our Top 15 mountain bikes under £1000 to help you find the best bike deal for you.
List of the Top 15 Mountain Bikes Under £1000:
- Ragley Marley 2.0 – £999
- Calibre Line 29 – £905
- Vitus Sentier – £764.99
- Boardman MHT 8.9 – £1000
- GT Zaskar LT AL Elite – £999.99
- Voodoo Bizango Carbon – £1000.00
- Cube Reaction TM – £999
- Merida Big Nine 400 – £900
- Commencal Meta HT AM Origin – £949.99
- NS Bikes Eccentric Lite 2 – £854.99
- Kona Blast– £949
- Specialized Rockhopper Expert – £850
- Ghost Kato 5.9 – £849
- Cannondale Cujo 2 – £949.99
- Scott Aspect 910 – £898.99
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- Calibre Line 29 Mountain Bike
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- Vitus Sentier VR+ mountain bike under £1000
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- Boardman MHT 8.9 mountain bike for £1000
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- Ragley Marley 2.0 mountain bike
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- GT Zaskar LT AL Elite for £999
Ragley Marley 2.0 - £999.99
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 27.5 inch
Frame – 6061 Alloy
Drivetrain – Suntour Zeron / Shimano Deore
Ragley is a UK bike firm set up in 2008 with a mission to keep their designs simple using quality components. Their bike range is mainly mountain bikes with some recent gravel and adventure bikes added. A commitment to mountain bikes for over a decade means they know how to build a good £1000 mountain bike.
The Ragley Marley 2.0 is at the lower end of their range but means you are benefitting from the top end bikes in the range. The frame is an all alloy affair with modern geometry. The bike comes packed with a quality set of components mainly raided from the Shimano parts bin.
Ragley are a more established brand than you might realise and all bikes come with a 5 year warranty for further assurance. Overall a light, well specced mountain bike that won’t disappoint. An excellent start for our list of the Top 15 mountain bikes under £1000.
Forks – RockShox Recon RL
Cranks -Suntour Zeron, 32T
Cassette – Sunrace CSMS2 10 Speed 11-46t
Brakes – Shimano MT400 Hydraulic Disc
Wheels – WTB Serra 32h Boost
Tyres – Maxxis Minion
Weight – 13.2kg
Latest Deals on the Ragley Marley 2.0
Buy the Ragley Marley 2.0 for £999.99 from Chain Reaction Cycles.
Boardman MHT 8.9 - £1000
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 29 inch
Frame – Hydroformed and butted 6061 aluminium
Drivetrain – SRAM SX
Boardman bikes was founded by the legendary cyclist Chris Boardman. Who is indeed still the Chairman and driving force behind the business. The business was founded in 2007 and has evolved to produce a range of first class bikes across a range of bike types. The bikes are all available direct or through the Halfords chain. The brand identity has struggled but the types have been successfully in competition for many years. Within Trivelo two Directors own a Boardman mountain bike ourselves which is an endorsement in itself.
The Boardman MHT 8.9 is a rework of the previous version with minor tweaks and styling updates. It is one of the lightest bikes in the line up which translates to speed. Component wise it relies on the SRAM groupset that is hugely dependable and well placed here including an increased sized 50t ring cassette. Running on 29inch wheels in-house built from Boardman themselves. Design is a bit of a marmite affair with plain frame design and tan sidewall tyres. Personally it isn’t to my taste but that shouldn’t put you off considering it.
Forks – RockShox Reba RL
Cranks -SRAM SX Eagle Powerspline, 32t
Cassette – SRAM CS-PG1210 11-50T
Brakes – SRAM Level T
Wheels – Boardman MTR 29″ Boost
Tyres – Vittoria Barzo TLR Graphene 2.0 2.25”
Weight – 13.2kg
Latest Deals on the Boardman MHT 8.9
Calibre Line 29 - £950
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 29 inch
Frame – 6061 hydroformed alloy, tapered headtube
Drivetrain – SRAM NX 11
Calibre Bikes are the bike division of Go Outdoors set up in 2016 to manufacture their own brand of bikes to be distributed through their stores. While the brand has little pedigree the bikes have since launch won numerous awards.
The Calibre Line 29 as the name would suggest is a 29 inch hardtail mountain bike. It is the top of the range hardtail before a strong line up of full suspension mountain bikes. The drivetrain is the SRAM NX 11 speed which is well specced at this price point. Weighing in at 14kg this is one of the heavier bikes in this round up of our Top 15 mountain bikes under £1000.
Forks – Rock Shox Recon RL Boost
Cranks -Samox 2pc Alloy
Cassette – Sunrace 11 speed
Brakes – SRAM Guide T
Wheels – Calibre 29″ alloy disc rims
Tyres – WTB Trailboss G2
Weight – 14kg
Latest Deals on the Calibre Line 29
Vitus Sentier - £764.99
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 27.5 inch
Frame – 6061 Alloy, Boost spacing
Drivetrain – SR Suntour Zeron / Shimano Deore
You may not be familiar with the Vitus brand but they have been around cycling since the 70’s. They supply a full range of bikes including full suspension mountain bikes, hardtails, road bikes, e-bikes and time trial bikes.
The Vitus Sentier is a mid range hardtail from Vitus. Constructed using familiar 6061 aluminium and using a combination of suppliers including Shimano and Sunrace it is well specced if not spectacular. With a rear cassette covering a 46t cog should be plenty for all but the steepest inclines. With a grey on grey finish it is unlikely to offend many but equally won’t be standing out from the crowd.
With a current 10% discount on Vitus bikes with Wiggle at the moment this is cheapest mountain bike in our line up.
Forks – X-Fusion RC32, 130mm, Boost
Cranks – SR Suntour Zeron, 32T
Cassette – Sunrace CSMS2, 11-46T
Brakes – Tektro M290 brakes
Wheels – Vitus
Tyres – Schwalbe Magic Mary Evo
Weight – 13.61kg
Latest Deals on the Vitus Sentier
Buy the Vitus Sentier for £764.99 from Wiggle with a current 10% discount.
GT Zaskar LT AL Elite - £949.99
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 29 inch
Frame – 6061 Alloy,
Drivetrain – SR Suntour Zeron / Shimano Deore
Borne in Southern California in the seventies GT bicycles are a well known supplier of quality bikes. For those of us old enough to remember the early BMX bikes were the envy of the street and the foundations of a legacy in cycling. Nowadays they still make top end BMW bikes with over 30 in the range but have expanded to offer a full suite of bikes including a gorgeous range of mountain bikes.
The GT Zaskar LT AL Elite is in the top half of their hardtail mountain bike range. The latest version (labelled their 2021 model already) features the trade mark triple triangle frame using 6061 aluminium. Components come from the SR Suntour and Shimanu Deore stable. This is the newest bike in our line up only launched in March 2020. Initial reviews of the bike are very strong and it is a strong contender in this line up. Design of the bike has matured well with age and this latest version is a real looker. One for the short list for sure.
Forks – SR Suntour Zeron 35
Cranks – SRAM SX Eagle Power Spline, 30t
Cassette – SRAM SX Eagle, 11-50T, 12-speed
Brakes – Tektro M290 brakes
Wheels – WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0
Tyres – Schwalbe Nobby Nic
Weight – n/a
Latest Deals on the GT Zaskar LT AL Elite
Buy the GT Zaskar LT AL Elite for £949.99 from Wiggle
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- Merida Big Nine 500
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- Cube Reaction TM
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- voodoo bizango carbon hardtail mountain bike
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- NS Bikes Eccentric Lite 2
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- Commencal Meta HT AM Origin
Voodoo Bizango Carbon - £950
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 29 inch
Frame – 2020 Voodoo Black magic carbon
Drivetrain – SRAM SX
Voodoo Cycles was formed in 1994 and largely remained under the radar until in recent times it began more mainstream distribution. Most notably a hook up with Halfords that has helped increase reach but to be clear is an independent manufacturer and not a Halfords brand. With a purist mountain bike focus they have learned how to make a quality mountain bike for under £1000.
As the name would suggest this is one of a handful of carbon fibre frames in our round-up of the Top 15 mountain bikes for under £1000. This plus a stellar component set means this is one of the lightest bike in our line up crucial if you like the ascent as much as the descent. With an SRAM / Shimano blend of parts including a 50T max rear cassette this is a durable climber and competent downhill bike.
Forks – RockShox Judy Silver 29″ Boost
Cranks – SRAM SX Eagle Boost 148mm, Powerspline, 32T
Cassette – SRAM SX Eagle 11-50T
Brakes – Shimano MT400 Hydraulic Disc
Wheels – Voodoo MTB, Double wall alloy
Tyres – Maxxis Ardent
Weight – 12.8kg
Latest Deals on the Voodoo Bizango Carbon
Buy the Voodoo Bizango Carbon for £1000 from Halfords
Cube Reaction TM - £999
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 27.5 inch
Frame – Aluminium Lite
Drivetrain – SRAM SX
Cube cycles were formed in 1993 in Germany and in truth the brand should need little introduction. Nowadays they are a global behemoth of cycling with killer bikes in every category. With a very mature distribution and support model buying a Cube is a very confident decision.
The Cube Reaction TM is on the heavier end of the scales in our line up of bikes in part owing to a heavy wheel and tyre set. Dripping with SRAM SX and a conventional frame geometry the Cube should be robust enough to ride through walls. Plenty of quality throughout with Magura brakes included as a useful alternative to more common place Shimano brakes. Little likely to cause problems here and a bike that will serve you well.
Forks – X-Fusion RC32
Cranks – SRAM X1 1000 Eagle DUB 30T
Cassette – SRAM PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50T
Brakes – Magura MT Thirty
Wheels – Rodi TRYP 35
Tyres – Kenda El Capo, 2.6″
Weight – 13.9kg
Latest Deals on the Cube Reaction TM
Buy the Cube Reaction TM mountain bike for £999 from Wiggle – contact us for latest deals
Merida Big Nine 400 - £900
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 29 inch
Frame – 6061 series double butted
Drivetrain – SRAM
Merida have been manufacturing bikes for over 45 years and a German based firm with all bikes hand made overseas in Taiwan. Merida produces a range of bikes including road, triathlon, gravel, cyclocross and kids bikes. The bulk of their range though sits in the mountain bike category where they have a number of great bikes. The Big Nine 400 sits in the middle of their hardtail mountain bike range.
This Merida Big Nine 400 is well placed in our line up winning multiple awards since launch. A solid bike with quality components throughout there is little to complain about. It isn’t the lightest and the Suntour forks add to weight where you might want to consider future possible upgrades. Mainly SRAM components through the drivetrain all combines to a lot of bike for £900.
Forks – Suntour XCR32 RL-R
Cranks – Sram X1 1000
Cassette – SRAM PG-1210 Eagle
Brakes – Shimano MT-200
Wheels – Merida Comp
Tyres – Maxxis Ikon
Weight – 14.1g
Latest Deals on the Merida Big Nine 400
Buy the Merida Big Nine 400 from Tredz for £900 – contact us for the latest deals available with Tredz
Commencal Meta HT AM Origin - £949.99
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 27.5 inch
Frame – Alloy 6061 triple butted
Drivetrain – SRAM
Commencal as the name suggests are a French bike manufacturer set up in 1999. Distributed in the UK now through independent retailers and a major deal with Wiggle they are becoming increasingly popular globally. With a focus on mountain bikes the Meta HT AM model sits in their Endurance bike range in between their trail and downhill specialist bikes.
The Commencal Meta HT AM is a great choice all rounder with quality RockShox Recon 150mm travel forks and SRAM drivetrain providing a reliable platform. With a 36 tooth rear cassette maximum this bike is intended for all round use so don’t go pointing it at a mountain and expect to keep pace with some of the others here unless your legs are the size of Chris Hoy. Finished in matte white a good looking bike that will serve you well.
Forks – RockShox Recon RL
Cranks – SRAM NX, 30T
Cassette – SRAM PG-1020 11-36T
Brakes – Shimano MT-200
Wheels – WTB STB i23
Tyres – Vee Flowsnap 2.6″
Weight – 13.6kg
Latest Deals on the Commencal Meta HT AM Origin
Buy the Commencal Meta HT AM Origin for £949.99 from Wiggle
NS Bikes Eccentric Lite 2 - £854.99
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 29 inch
Frame – AL6061-T6 custom formed and butted tubes
Drivetrain – Sunrace
NS Bikes (formerly Northshore) is a European based brand founded in 2000 by a downhill mountain bike champion so someone who knows what makes a good bike. With a range of over 40 mountain bikes the Eccentric is smack in the middle of their products range. One of the lowest priced bikes in our list coming in just over £850 and some discounts potentially available.
With a history of downhill specialist bikes the Eccentric Lite 2 model is very much pitched as a trail bike but very capable over a range of surfaces. With various models in the Eccentric frame style the Lite is more of an all-rounder and brings the frame to a more competitive price point coming in under the £1000 tag. With 29inch wheels this will comfortably cover ground using a solid set of components.
Forks – Suntour XCM32 LOR DS
Cranks – Sunrace FCM80T 30t
Cassette – Sunrace CSMS2 TAY 10spd 11-42t
Brakes – Shimano hydraulic BL-MT200
Wheels – Octane One Solar 29
Tyres – WTB Trail Boss 2 29×2.4
Weight – 14.7kg
Latest Deals on NS Bikes Eccentric Lite 2
Buy the NS Bikes Eccentric Lite 2 for £854.99 from Wiggle
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- Scott Aspect 910 mountain bike
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- Cannondale Cujo 2 hardtail mountain bike
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- Specialized Rockhopper Expert bike
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- Kona Blast Hardtail mountain bike
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- Ghost Kato 5.9 Mountain Bike
Kona Blast - £949
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 27.5 inch
Frame – 6061 aluminium butted
Drivetrain – Shimano
Kona has been an established presence in the cycling world since it was established in 1988. Kona have a full breadth of bikes including a new range of electric bikes. Mountain bikes have been their priority since the nineties including a team competing on their bikes.
The Blast is towards the top end of the Kona hardtail range. Very well specced dripping in Shimano Deore components and a quality set of forks from RockShox. Riding on a set of 27.5″ wheels so agile on the descents bucking the trend of moving up to 29″ wheels. Kona are often available with some discounts and we will work to find best deals on the Kona.
Forks – RockShox 30 Silver TK
Cranks – FSA Alpha Drive 1x 28T
Cassette – Shimano Deore 10 speed 11-42T
Brakes – Shimano hydraulic
Wheels – WTB ST i27 TCS 2.0
Tyres – WTB Trail Boss 27.5 x2.25
Weight – 14kg
Latest Deals on Kona Blast
Buy the Kona Blast for £950 from Chain Reaction Cycles
Specialized Rockhopper Expert - £850
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 29 inch
Frame – A1 SL Aluminium frame
Drivetrain – Shimano
No list of mountain bikes for under £1000 could be complete without a Specialized included. Specialized have been smashing out quality bikes since 1974 and a pioneer in the industry. The Rockhopper itself has been a coveted MTB for 30 years an evolution of the original Stumpjumper model from the seventies.
The latest 2020 Specialized Rockhopper Expert is the leanest bike in our line up with a reported weight of only 11.22kg. Well under many carbon frames at much higher price points and worth consideration if uphill climbing a struggle. Specialized have worked to develop many of their own components where they were not happy with those in market that will contribute to their light weight bikes. With strong residual values and demand this is a great bike in terms of long term value for money taking into account ease of resale.
Forks – SR Suntour XCR 29
Cranks – Stout 1x, forged alloy 30T
Cassette – Shimano, 10-speed, 11-42t
Brakes – Shimano BR-MT200
Wheels – Specialized XC 29
Tyres – Ground Control Sport, 29×2.3″
Weight – 11.22kg
Latest Deals on Specialized Rockhopper Expert
Buy the Specialized Rockhopper Expert for £850 from Leisure Lake Bicycles
Ghost Kato 5.9 - £806.55
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 29 inch
Frame – Kato AL frame
Drivetrain – Shimano Deore
GHOST has been building bikes for over 25 years. A German manufacturer with a foundation in mountain bikes they still focus on this product range. They have since extended out to road bikes and kids bikes but the bulk of their range is still in hard tail and full suspension mountain bikes.
The Ghost Kato 5.9 sits towards the top end of their hardtail range with mountain bikes starting from around £500. The full range extends to an eye watering £6k when you get into the land of electric full suspension bikes. The Ghost Kato 5.9 is a 29er modern interpretation of the mountain bike. It comes with a lightweight aluminium frame and a decent 100mm of travel from the SR Suntour forks, although we would have preferred to see RockShox at this price. With plenty of decent Shimano components including Deore it is otherwise well specced and a strong downhill performer.
Forks – SR Suntour XCR 29
Cranks – Shimano FC-MT500 36-26
Cassette – Shimano CS-HG500-10 11-42t
Brakes – Shimano BR-MT200
Wheels – Rodi Excalibur XC
Tyres – Schwalbe Rapid Rob 29 x 2.10
Weight – 14.3kg
Latest Deals on Ghost Kato 5.9
Buy the Ghost Kato 5.9 for £805 from Wiggle – current 5% discounted price
Cannondale Cujo 2 - £949.99
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 27.5 inch
Frame – Premium SmartForm C2 Alloy frame
Drivetrain – SRAM SX Eagle
Cannondale are a further must have manufacturer in any Top 15 mountain bikes for £1000. I personally own 2 Cannondale bikes and love them. In over 8 years I’ve not had a single issue with either of them and are a brand I believe in. Cannondale are an American firm having been around since the 70’s and been innovating ever since. One of the first manufacturers to introduce carbon fibre and full suspension in mountain bikes.
With mountain bikes up to £10k the Cannondale Cujo 2 is towards the bottom of their mountain bike range but as a result benefit from the more expensive bikes innovation. Riding on monster 2.8inch tyres the Cujo 2 is definitely built for off road. Any road trips you will be struggling at the back of the pack. This is coupled with a 14.7kg weight for the bike near the top end from others in this list. It is the result of a very solid all round performer. The spec is good and there is little to fault on this bike. Buy yourself a piece of cycling heritage.
Forks – RockShox Judy Silver TK 120mm
Cranks – SRAM SX Eagle, 30T
Cassette – SRAM PG-1210, SX Eagle, 11-50, 12-speed
Brakes – Shimano MT200 hydro disc
Wheels – WTB STX i35
Tyres – WTB Ranger Comp, 27.5 x 2.8″
Weight – 14.7kg
Latest deals on the Cannondale Cujo 2
Buy the Cannondale Cujo 2 for £950 Leisure Lake Bikes – contact us for any available discounts
Scott Aspect 910 – £899
Summary
Suspension – Front suspension
Wheel Size – 27.5 inch
Frame – Aspect 900 Alloy Frame
Drivetrain – SRAM SX Eagle
The brand Scott has been around since 1958 starting with their ski solutions. Since the 80’s Scott has been an active innovator in the bicycle industry including within the triathlon world development of the aero bar. They broke the mould in the MTB market developing the first carbon frame as far back as 1995. Buying a Scott MTB is certainly a safe bet.
The Aspect sits under the Sport range of bikes with Scott. A grand title but in reality is the bottom tier of bikes. This is not a reason to ignore the Scott though as all that history and more expensive bike innovation bleeds its way down the range so benefits from this. Also the 910 is near the pinnacle of the Aspect range so still plenty to be excited about. This is a light well specced mountain bike with effective gearing for serious climbing.
Forks – RockShox 30 Silver TK 100mm
Cranks – SRAM X1000 Eagle DUB 30T
Cassette – SRAM CS PG-1210 Eagle / 11-50T
Brakes – Shimano BL-MT201
Wheels – Syncros X-20 Disc
Tyres – Kenda Booster 2.4″
Weight – 13.3kg
Latest deals on the Scott Aspect 910
Hopefully this round up of the Top 15 mountain bikes for under £1000 has helped and you make that crucial decision. We continue to refresh the pages based on new bikes and changes in the market so watch this space if you are still thinking what to buy.
Check out these other articles with our bike buying guides if thinking of alternatives to a mountain bike for your money.
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