Riding a full suspension mountain bike is super fun, and adventurous, and it looks super cool. Maybe you wanna get on some challenging gnarly trails to jump up and down or you just simply want a cool-looking bike on a budget for friendly neighborhood rides.
Well, I’ve got you covered for both.
There’s a small problem with finding a decent and somewhat professional Full Sus MTB under 1000 dollars. Because the decent ones start around double the price (2000 dollars).
I’ve listed out two types of Full suspension mountain bikes under $1000. The first 3 of them are professional, high quality, and proper full sus MTB that can take on challenging trails, and are well suited for beginners. The next 4 are actually for casual riders who want to look cool and have some adventures in the neighborhood.
A good full-suspension bike can take your cycling experience to a whole new level, and you’d soon be doing things you could only imagine before.
Note: you could even consider getting a second hand full sus MTB if you need a pro bike under the $1000 budget. Check my list of best Full SUS MTB under 2000 for that.
7 Best Professional & Casual Full Suspension Mountain Bikes Under $1000
- – [Pro] – DIAMONDBACK ATROZ (not easily available)
- – [Pro] – 2022 Polygon Siskiu D5 Dual Suspension Mountain Bike (not easily available)
- – [Pro] – 2022 Polygon Siskiu D24 – Dual Suspension Kids Bike (not easily available)
- – [Casual] – Schwinn Traxion Mountain Bike
- – [Casual] – Mongoose Impasse
- – [Casual] – Mongoose Maxim Girls Mountain Bike
- – [Casual] – Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike
All About Full Sus MTB – Hardtail Vs Full Suspension MTB!
1 – What is a full suspension mountain bike?
Mountain bikes are built are for off-roading. A full suspension mountain bike is a type of MTB that has suspension on both front and back. Dual shock absorbers make it possible to ride these bikes on extreme trails and surfaces. Full suspension bikes are comparatively more expensive since it costs more to attach front and rear suspension on the same bike.
Note – full suspension mountain bikes are also called dual suspension or all mountain bikes.
2 – Full suspension mountain bike advantages and disadvantages
A good full-suspension bike will give you more confidence and better handling while riding on challenging terrain. Dual suspension, stronger built, wider tires, and other components make sure that you can ride through gnarly trails with ease without breaking your bones or bike. They are super comfortable and cool to ride.
However, with sophisticated parts and technology, comes a hefty price tag and more effort in day-to-day maintenance.
3 – Hardtail vs full suspension – Basic differences
The first main difference is that the full suspension has got two suspensions, one in the front and one in the back, while the hardtail has only one suspension, and that is in the front.
The full suspension has a more complex body, they are more expensive, have better handling and speed on challenging trails. Also, full suspension MTB needs more maintenance since there are more things to fiddle with.
Hardtail bikes are easier to maintain and perform excellently on trails that are comparatively less challenging. Also, they are less expensive and require less maintenance.
4 – Which one should you get?
Well, it mainly depends on two main things. Where do you ride and what budget do you have? If you ride on terrains that are rocky, gnarly, and more challenging, a full-suspension bike will give you more support and confidence to go faster and handle better. Overall the experience will be much better and more fun. However, if the trail is comparatively less challenging and not so bumpy, you will have a fun time as you’ll get more feedback from your hardtail mountain bike.
And the budget part is definitely self-explanatory. But note that, both of these bikes are really great and fun to ride once you know how and where to utilize them. Hardtails are for everyone, whereas full sus MTBs are mainly for pro riders. But anyone who wants a cool ride can have one if they have the budget for it.
Buying guide [Things to Consider]: Choose the best full suspension mountain bike under 1000 dollars for you.
1 – Where and how you will ride
The first few things to consider are where you will ride, how often you will ride, and how challenging your terrain will be.
One thing that is clear for everyone who is reading this article is that full suspension bikes are meant for extreme riding. These bikes are equipped to absorb high intensive shocks as you ride through rugged and challenging terrains
There are chances that you might not even need a full suspension mountain bike. A hardtail might be perfectly suitable if you are looking to ride on trails that are mostly smooth and not so rough surfaces. You need to understand what you are getting into since full suspension bikes are naturally more expensive and need more maintenance.
2 – Budget is important
This is going to be a pretty big issue. A lot of people won’t be able to extend their budget beyond 1000 dollars for the time being but they still would want to own a full sus bike. As long as you keep your expectations in check, you will not be disappointed as we are here to help you to figure out that part.
Understanding your budget will help you look specifically without drooling over things you currently can’t afford or don’t need. A decent Full sus MTB is going to cost you at least 2000 dollars. Well, there are some great budget options that I have suggested in this article. A good option would be to go for second-hand ones.
3 – Understand the Build quality
Build quality is very important as you are supposed to do off-roading with your bike.
Steel-made bikes are very strong and on the cheaper side, but they tend to be comparatively heavier. You’d want your bike to be as light as possible since climbing up with your bike requires a lot of effort, and that extra weight from the bike is not going to help your feat.
Aluminum bikes are strong, lightweight, and widely available. Although they are comparatively more expensive than steel frame bikes, they are quite affordable and offer the most value-for-money purchase.
Titanium and carbon fiber bike frames are extremely durable and lightweight, but they are extremely expensive as well. Having an expensive frame is not mandatory for a regular joe. But if you have no issue with the budget and you are fairly experienced, then why not?
4 – Different Brakes – hydraulic vs mechanic
Brakes are very important to control your bike and feel confident. Having disk brakes with an MTB is standard nowadays but you should know that there are differences in disk brakes as well. One is a mechanical disk brake and the other is a hydraulic disk brake.
Hydraulic disk brakes are more responsive, agile, faster, and adjust automatically with the disks as they wear off with time. On the other hand, mechanical disk brakes are on the less expensive side and they require manual adjustment as the disks wear off with time.
5 – Getting the right fit
Time and time again we have put emphasis on getting the right fit. It makes all the difference in the world. If the bike fits you right, you are going to enjoy the ride more, it’s as simple as that.
Usually, mountain bikes come in 3 different sizes (S, M, L), but you can also micro adjust them as you adjust the handlebar, suspension, and seat height according to your preference. Be sure to check out the sizing guide before you purchase your full suspension mountain bike.
6 – Adjustable features are important
A quality bike will always give you adjustable features. Full suspension mountain bikes are meant to be adjusted according to your riding style and weight. Generally, you will be provided with the manual to do those on your own with basic tools.
Apart from having seat height, handlebar height, and suspension adjustment, try to look for lockable back suspension in some cases. If you plan to ride your bike like a hardtail or on road, having a lockable back suspension is a great option. It makes your bike identical to a hardtail.
7 – Know your Suspension Travel
Those who are new might not have much idea about “travel”, but it’s pretty straightforward. Suspension travel refers to the distance your suspension will compress up the more travel it has the more shock it can absorb.
However, getting the one with the highest travel won’t be the solution. You are most probably gonna need a medium travel bike that has 4 to 6 inches of travel distance. Medium travel is quite ideal for all mountain riding (full suspension riding).
Long travel bikes are usually used for downhill and freeride, whereas short travel bikes are great for cross-country riding.
Reviews Of Full Sus MTB Under $1000
Product Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum Alloy
- Derailleur: 21 Speed Shimano
- Frame: 16/18/20
- Wheels: 27.5”
- Brakes: Mechanical Disk
- Weight: 32 lbs
Product Rating:
Diamondback Atroz 1- Best Full Suspension Mountain Under 1000 dollars
The Atroz series from diamondback totally changed the game for full suspension bikers. This bike was designed to perform and satisfy riders without any compromises. Usually, budget bikes lack few features here and there and they also seem to compromise with quality, but the Diamondback Atroz1 is an exception here.
This is a solid choice for beginner or entry level rider who wants to taste full suspension riding. The interesting part is, that a beginner can continue to ride this bike as he gains experience with a few upgrades here and there. You can say that this thing is future proof.
The packs a solid performance and you can expect it to be with you for a lot of challenging trails without failing.
18 speed quality Shimano Derailleur makes sure that you can tackle any terrain with speed and proper control. Besides that, the tires are great for grip and the reviews are amazing.
The front suspension has 120mm travel and the rear suspension has 100mm travel. This is pretty much plenty for cross country and average challenging trails.
During our testing period, we rode this bike for quite a while and tested with occasional jumps and hard braking as well. Nothing bothered us too much to put forward any complaints considering the price we are paying for this bike.
Anyone who wants a quality, solid build, full suspension mountain bike would love this one. Three available sizes can fit riders from 5’4” to 6’2” easily. If you ask what is the best entry-level full suspension mountain bike, this Diamondback Atroz 1 is the answer.
Why We Like It
- Superb built quality
- Upgradable and future safe
- Stainless steel spokes
- Different available sizes
Keep Note
- Hydraulic disk brakes would have been better
Product Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum Alloy
- Derailleur: Shimano Alivio/Altus 2×9-Speed
- Frame: S,M,L
- Wheels: 27.5” x 2.23
- Brakes: SHIMANO MT200 Hydraulic Disk
- Weight: 36.82 lbs (27.5″ M)
Product Rating:
The Polygon Siskiu D5 is a great mountain bike for those looking for a durable and affordable option. It features a full-suspension frame with 120mm of travel, making it great for tackling rough terrain. The suspension is well-tuned and provides ample traction and comfort. The bike also comes equipped with a Shimano Deore drivetrain, providing plenty of gears for climbing and descending. The bike rolls on 27.5-inch wheels, and it’s available in sizes S, M, and L.
Additionally, the Siskiu D5 features hydraulic disc brakes, offering great stopping power in all conditions. The 18 speed drivetrain is a great option for those who want a wide range of gears without breaking the bank.
The only downside of the Siskiu D5 is that it doesn’t come with a dropper post, but that’s an easy upgrade. Overall, the Polygon Siskiu D5 is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly full-suspension mountain bike.
Why We Like It
- Superb built quality
- Hydraulic disk brakes
- Great design
- Different available sizes
Keep Note
- No rebound adjustment on shock
Product Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum Alloy
- Derailleur: Microshift Acolyte CS-H083, 8-speed, 12-42T
- Frame: ALX XC Trail Kids 6061
- Wheels: 24” x 2.4
- Brakes: Tektro Mechanical Disc
- Weight: 30.4 lbs
Product Rating:
The 2022 Polygon Siskiu D24 is a dual suspension kids bike that is perfect for those who are looking for a bike that can handle all kinds of terrain. The bike comes with 24-inch wheels and a 120mm travel suspension fork that can handle bumps and obstacles with ease; the wide tires play a great role in this. The bike also has a 8 speed drivetrain that is perfect for those who want a bike that is easy to ride and maintain. The bike is also equipped with disc brakes that provide plenty of stopping power. Overall, the Polygon Siskiu D24 is a great option for those who are looking for a bike that can handle all kinds of terrain.
Why We Like It
- Great design
- High performance
- Perfect for beginners
- Wider tire for better comfort and stability
Keep Note
- Comparatively pricier
Product Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum
- Derailleur: 24 Speed Shimano
- Frame: 24
- Wheels: 29”
- Brakes: Mechanical Disk
- Weight: 37 lbs
Product Rating:
Schwinn Traxion – Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike Under 500 Dollars
Schwinn is a name that most of you are familiar with. It definitely has the power to make some of you a bit nostalgic. Before I get into anything about the specifications, gotta mention how sharp this bike looks. Well, the neon overlay might not be everyone’s cup of tea, that I understand, other than that – the design is remarkable on this one. 10/10 to Schwinn for this bike design.
Not everyone wants a hardcore full suspension mountain bike. For some, it’s just fine to have the features of an all-mountain bike. This bike is particularly targeted at those kinds of customers. If you want to ride your bike regularly as an everyday bike and then wanna take it to a bit of adventurous riding on the weekend, then this is for you. Some people find it comfortable to have the dual suspension setup for everyday rides.
With this bike, you’ll get almost all the basic features you need. Since the wheel size is quite big, it might not be the most comfortable option for the shorter riders out there. The build quality is pretty solid and everything works just fine, but Schwinn could have definitely put a better suspension in the front. However, with time, you could make some upgrades to squeeze out more performance from this bike.
One more feature that is worth mentioning and you might find useful is the quick release wheels. Both the wheels, front and back, have a quick-release option.
Those who want a good looking branded bike that has all the features of an all-mountain bike at an affordable price will love this bike.
Why We Like It
- Great design
- 24 speed Shimano Derailleur
- Quick release both wheels
- Bigger 29” tires
Keep Note
- Front suspension is not that good
- Not for hardcore off road
Product Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum
- Derailleur: 21 Speed Shimano
- Frame: 18″
- Wheels: 29”
- Brakes: Mechanical Disk
- Weight: 44 lbs
Product Rating:
Mongoose Impasse – Best Budget Dual Suspension Mountain Bike for the money
This is a bike designed for light to moderate off-roading. You simply can’t compare it to high end full sus MTB and complain about everything this bike has to offer. The bike is targeted for those who are new and would do occasional off-road riding.
For the price, the value delivered is quite great. And that is the reason it got a spot on our list. As long as you keep your expectation proportional to the money you pay, you will be pretty happy to get your hands on the Mongoose Impasse.
It has every bit of spec that you would want. Maybe they are not the highest quality, but the features are there and you certainly can expect a decent performance from them.
21-speed Shimano derailleur is pretty good for customization of your riding on different terrain.
However, the bike is comparatively heavy, which might be an issue for some. And with a bigger tire size, a slightly taller rider would find it more comfortable to ride. On road, on less challenging trails, and for day to day riding, you definitely can extract solid decent performance from the Mongoose Impasse.
Anyone who wants an affordable entry-level full suspension mountain bike would love this one. The disk brakes and dual suspension works pretty well to give you confidence, control, and comfort while offroad riding
Why We Like It
- Affordable
- Disk brakes
- Quick release front wheel
- Bigger 29” tires
Keep Note
- On the heavier side
- Cheaper materials used
Product Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum
- Derailleur: 21 Speed
- Frame: 14.5″
- Wheels: 24”
- Brakes: V brakes
- Weight: N/A
Product Rating:
The Mongoose Maxim full suspension mountain bike is a great choice for girls out there who want to look cook as they ride their MTB. Any riders from 4”8 and above would be comfortable riding this comfortable bike. The front and rear suspension give it a unique look and help for a comfortable experience.
It has 24” wheels and a 21 speed derailleur with a twist shifter setup on the handle bars. The aluminum frame is quite strong and durable. However, I wish it had disk brakes instead of regular V brakes. For the price, it would have been a better choice. For young riders and girls, it would be an ideal and comfortable bike to cruise around the block easily.
Why We Like It
- Affordable
- Great design
- Quick release front wheel
- Bigger 29” tires
Keep Note
- Comparatively pricier compared to the features
Product Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum
- Derailleur: 21 Speed
- Frame: Xs (15”) /S (17”) /M (19”)/ L(21”)
- Wheels: 26”
- Brakes: Disk brakes
- Weight: 35 lbs
Product Rating:
For the budget, it’s quite popular but it’s really simple when it comes to design. They didn’t do much to add in details or something unique. It’s stratighforward and maybe a lot of people like their bikes like that.
The basics are right in this bike, it has a dual suspension and 24 speed drivetrain along with trigger shifters on the handlebar; it’s either from Shimano or Microshift. Also, you’ll get 160m rotors for a solid mechanical disk brake setup. Overall, it’s a decent bike for those who want a simple looking bike that has all the right features which allows you to be comfortable to ride around the block.
Why We Like It
- Affordable
- Simple design
- 24 speed shimano derailleur
- Disk brakes
Keep Note
- Not for extreme offroading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my mountain bike more comfortable?
There are a few simple steps you can follow to make your mountain biking experience more comfortable.
First – make sure the bike you choose is the right fit. It makes all the difference.
Second – make sure you have got the right saddle. Try out different ones, and choose the one that makes you feel the best. In the long run, this is an worthy investment.
Third – tweak your suspension following the manual. Usually ,the suspension fork should be adjusted according to the rider’s weight and style of riding.
Fourth – make sure you are wearing proper riding gears, including gloves and comfortable handlebar grip.
What does suspension travel mean? (What is suspension travel)
Suspension travel refers to the distance that a suspension fork will compress up to. To absorb shock, the suspension fork compresses itself. The more travel a suspension fork has, the higher it can absorb a shock.
Some bikes will even allow you to lock the suspensions to make them more agile on road. Besides that, full suspension bikes come in short travel, medium, travel, ling travel, and 29ers option.
Are full suspension bikes good on road?
Yes, they are definitely good on road. Unless you are a professional, you wouldn’t notice that much of a difference or the differences wouldn’t matter to you. In fact, the bumps and uneven roads will be more comfortable for you on a full suspension bike. Beside all that, some full suspension bike offers you to lock the back suspension to make it a functional hardtail bike.
Why are full suspension bikes so expensive?
Full suspension bikes have more complex mechanism and more parts in a body. Basically ,they are putting two frames together with a suspension. The extra hardware and complex build make up for the expensive price.
Are full suspension bikes worth it?
In short, it depends on the rider. If you are someone who is dedicated to riding on challenging trails and you have good experience in riding, then you can definitely go for it. Dual suspension mountain bikes are on the expensive side hence it wouldn’t be worth it for a total beginner. A hardtail is a much more suitable option.
Summing it up: Conclusion
Getting into a full suspension bike is not quite easy on your pocket, but once you manage that and you start riding, everything changes. It’s good for your heart, health, mind, and so much more.
Overcoming challenges, taking things to next level, and enjoying nature, and community – all come down to the same place with mountain bike riding.
If you have come this far reading this article – take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and go for the mountain bike that you loved to bring out the adventure in you. We have tried our best to guide and suggest you the best full suspension mountain bikes under 1000 dollars, and now it’s your time to make an informed decision.
We have tried to keep the bike choices to a minimum and those that are currently available, otherwise, anyone could get confused with too many choices in front of them.
Keep riding.
