The 10 Best Mountain Bikes Under $3000 of 2023

Santa Cruz Tallboy A D

A budget bike that blows away many bikes that have another digit on their price tags, the Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy A D Complete Mountain Bike takes a proven trail killer and makes it as accessible as possible. There's no electronic shifting or marginally better carbon parts here, Santa Cruz left the more expensive stuff in the corner and made a bike that'll go all in - right dang now. Hemming and hawing over high-end parts and supercomposite construction can be exhausting. Grab one of these and use your energy on the trails!

Marin Wildcat Trail 3 WFG - Women's

When you're ready to take the next step in your mountain biking career, look to the Marin Wildcat Trail 3 WFG Complete Mountain Bike to get you there. This capable hardtail provides some notable upgrades over the Wildcat 1 to get the job done on challenging trails without breaking the bank - things like Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and the smooth riding SR Suntour XCM HLO fork. Engineered with Marin's tough Series 2 Aluminum frame and Women's Fit Geometry, the Wildcat Trail 3 delivers boatloads of confidence on every ride.

Norco Fluid FS 3

The Norco Fluid FS 3 Complete Mountain Bike is the set and forget trail bike that punches way above its price tag. Way way way above. A quick ripper that has enough travel to absorb some large hits, this is an aluminum workhorse that just doesn't quit: a couple years down the road you'll marvel at the thought of ever spending five digits on a pedal bike! Whether you're heading out on a quick lunchtime rip, a backcountry epic, or something in between, 130/140mm is the sweet spot that can handle most everything you'll encounter. The Fluid is definitely leading the way when it comes to reasonably priced (and capable) trail bikes.

Marin Wildcat Trail 2 - Women's

When you're ready to hit the trails, look to the Marin Wildcat Trail 2 Complete Mountain Bike to get you there in style. This capable hardtail provides delivers boatloads of confidence on chunky trails, with a plush 100mm Suntour fork to smooth things out and Marin's Women’s Fit Geometry for maximum comfort on every ride.

Scott Scale 970

Good luck finding more bike for the money! The Scott Scale 970 Complete Mountain Bike isn't overly dramatic or fancy, unless you count the remote fork lockout lever mounted on the handlebar or the SRAM 1x12speed drivetrain. Actually, this is kind of fancy for a bike that costs less than your neighbor's fork.

Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.