Finding the right bike under $2,000 AUD can be a challenge. Many in this price range bikes will look similar, with key differences hidden a little deeper under the surface.
Primarily targeted at first-time mountain bikers, the sub $2,000 AUD category includes an interesting mix of well-known brands and some that aren’t as commonly seen in the local market. To hit such a comparatively low price point, these bikes do often have compromises, so if you see one flashy component that is being put up in lights, take a close look at the rest of the spec sheet.
This also brings up the question of mountain bikes from places like Anaconda and Big W. Avoid these like the plague. While they may have an attractive price tag, the frame and components hanging off of it are not up to the task and they are often assembled by folks who aren’t bike mechanics.
This writer has been running a junior mountain bike program for the past six years, and I have seen many riders start their journey on under-equipped bikes. It can be dangerous to take a bike that is not suited to proper mountain bike trails out riding regularly as wheels, forks and frames can fail in a catastrophic fashion.
Why do I need to spend more money?
The key issues we have come across are commonly the result of cheaper bikes failing. Ultimately, it can cost you a lot more to buy a cheap bike and have to repair it and then inevitably replace it.
We are always impressed by how hard so many junior riders send it, even when they have just started riding. The downside is that they often break bikes and components faster than we might have when we were their age.
The weak points for cheaper bikes usually include non-adjustable coil forks, square taper bottom brackets, and the dreaded triple front chainring. Not only are these components outdated, but they are also not as durable as the newer versions.
What should you look for?
By spending a bit more money, you will be able to get better components that increase the performance and reliability of the bike. Upgrades include 1x drivetrains with a clutched derailleur, more robust boost axles, air suspension, and larger diameter bottom brackets that allow for stronger spindles. Typically in this price range, we would recommend you look at hardtails. With all the extra moving parts, full suspension mountain bikes are typically more expensive than hardtails to begin with, and quite a lot of compromises need to be made to hit such a low price point.
Air suspension is a significant upgrade, especially for riders sized at the extremes of the bell curve, as it allows for the spring rate to be tailored to rider weight by changing the air pressure.
Another critical upgrade to consider is the brakes. Many of the cheaper bikes will have either the old-style v-brakes or under-powered cable-operated disc brakes. Bikes with hydraulic disc brakes have considerably more stopping power and are more reliable across a range of conditions, especially if things get muddy or wet.
Below are our picks for the best bikes under $2,000 AUD. All the bikes below have hydraulic disc brakes, larger diameter bottom brackets, and air suspension. The main differences between each bike come down to their drivetrain and gear range, geometry, and axle and hub configuration. Most have Boost hubs, these have a 15mm front axle that is 110mm wide and a 12mm rear axle that is 148mm wide — this is the standard for higher-end mountain bikes. At this price point, you may still find non-boost or even quick-release style setups. While not necessarily a deal breaker, we would generally try to avoid these hub standards where possible, as they can create a critical weak point.
Best mountain bikes under $2,000 AUD
Polygon Siskiu D6 | $1,999 AUD
The D6 is the only dual suspension bike to come in under the $2000 limit. It comes with an SR Suntour and X-Fusion suspension combo, and you even get a dropper post. It has a full Shimano drivetrain and brake package as well as Shimano hubs, while the D6 does come with a larger boost rear hub the front hub is non-boost. Available in both 27.5 and 29in wheels for the medium size and only 27.5 for the small and 29 for the large and Extra Large. The geometry is modern, with reach on a medium coming to 445mm and a 67° head angle. The frame and suspension platform on the Siskiu are solid, and we reviewed a number of specs of this bike, and it’s always impressed us.
While offering a lot for the money, the Suntour XRC fork proved to be a bit of a letdown when Wil reviewed the bike, make sure you check out his full review. If you can scrounge together an extra $500 AUD, the Sisku D7 upgrades to a RockShox Recon, which is a vast improvement.
Cube Acid | $1,999 AUD
With a RockShox Judy fork and 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, the Cube Acid is a great first bike. Its simple setup and reliable parts make it an easy choice for riders wanting to get started in mountain biking. Available in 27.5in wheels for sizes extra small and small and 29in wheels for sizes medium and above.
The Acid is a solid platform that could be used to build on over time. It does not come with a dropper post, and the wheels are narrow for a modern bike. However, these are upgrades that can easily be done over time and are not needed to be able to enjoy getting out on the trails. The weak link for this bike is the smaller diameter quick-release axles, are prone to bending and are less reliable. They will also limit the choice of replacement wheels if you go down that path.
In Australia, Cube is sold exclusively through 99 Bikes — we’d bet there is one just down the road — meaning you can go in, have a look and even a test ride.
Merida Big Nine Limited | $1,749 AUD
Having previously owned one of these, we can recommend the Big Nine, like the Cube it’s a simple and reliable package. The critical difference between the two is the Merida is only available in 29in wheels, has larger and stronger Boost hub spacing and is running a 1×11 speed Shimano drivetrain compared to the 12-speed system on the Cube.
The frame is based around an XC geometry, the Manitou Markhor fork sees 100mm of travel and even has a remote lockout. The only upgrade we went for with my Big Nine was adding a dropper post, we’ve found that since being on one for years, it is hard to go back to a fixed post.
Silverback Slade MS | $1999
Another dedicated 29er, the Silverback Slade, offers an alternative to the more common brands here in Aus; it comes with similar features but from lesser-known companies. The 11 speed Microshift drivetrain and Tektro brakes are still proven components, and while it has a 130mm Suntour fork like the Polygon, this version has larger diameter stanchions, an upgraded damper and performs significantly better.
While many entry-level hardtails feature an XC race geometry, the Slade is a contemporary trail hardtail designed to offer good versatility and stability for riders getting into mountain biking. Silverback also specs a dropper posts — yewww! Along with Boost hub spacing front and rear, that help make it a worthy contender for your hard-earned money. Plus, look at that razzle dazzle paint job!
We have one of these in for test as we speak — stay tuned for the full review.
Marin Team 1 | $1,999 AUD
Marin Bikes has plenty of heritage behind it and is best known these days for well-thought-out, budget-friendly alloy bikes, and the Team 1 is no exception. With a 120mm RockShox Judy Silver at the front, Marin has built this bike around a trail geometry.
Compared to something like the Cube Acid — which also has a RockShox Judy, albeit in a different trim and travel — the Marin has a slacker head angle and longer reach and wheelbase. This will make the handling a little bit less nervous and allow the bike to be more comfortable in steeper terrain. The Team 1 also sees a 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and Boost hub spacing. While the bike comes with a high post, there is routing through the frame for a dropper post.
Factors to consider when weighing up the Marin against something like the Cube, Merida or Silverback. In Australia, Marin is only sold through Bicycles Online, so you won’t be able to test it out before you buy, and it will arrive on your doorstep in a box. That said, Bicycles Online offers fantastic support and provides detailed assembly instructions.
While we haven’t reviewed the Team 1 yet, we have ridden the Rift Zone, Rift Zone E1 and Alpine Trail, which are a little beyond the $2,000 AUD price range but were impressive nonetheless.
Polygon Xtrada 7 | $1,499 AUD
Coming in at just under $1,500, the Polygon Xtrada 7 offers excellent value for riders looking for an entry-level cross-country hardtail.
Key features include 30mm wide rims, a 12 speed Shimano drivetrain, and modern geometry. It has a 67° head angle and 430mm of reach for a medium. Wheel sizes vary depending on sizing, like the Siskiu, except that the 27.5 is available for only small and medium-sized riders while large and above get 29in wheels only. The wheel size also determines which fork you get, with the 29er sporting the same Suntour XCR fork as the Sisku, while the 27.5 has an RST Aerial-15, both see 120mm of travel and a 15mm thru-axle. If this were our bike we’d looking to add a dropper post straight away and upgrade the fork down the line.
There is room for two bottles inside the frame, and it comes with Shimano hydraulic brakes. Plus, the paint job is top-notch!
Polygon is another brand sold through Bicycles Online so this (and the Sisku D6 at the top) will arrive to your door in a box.
Canyon Grand Canyon 7 | $1,999 AUD
Jumping back up to the high end of our price scale, the Grand Canyon shows what sort of deal you can get from a direct-to-consumer brand like Canyon.
It comes with a 120mm RockShox Just Silver fork, Boost hub spacing, an in-house branded dropper post and cockpit, and a SRAM 12-speed drivetrain. Geometry is modern with a 67.5° head angle and 435mm reach on a medium; sizes small and extra small get 27.5in wheels while medium and above roll on 29in wheels.
Canyon has been in the direct-to-consumer game for a while, and its support for customers is second to none. While the HQ is in Germany, Canyon has a local office here in Melbourne and replacement parts can easily sourced through their Australian office with speedy delivery.
Trek Marlin 7 | $1,899 AUD
The Trek Marlin is a very popular bike in the under $2000 category, lots of these bikes have come through our junior program because it offers an outstanding balance of components and features for the money.
The Marlin comes with a 100mm RockShox Judy Silver fork, dropper post, 12-speed drivetrain, and the slackest head angle so far at 66.5°. Reach is generous at 440mm for a size medium. Sizes extra small and small have 27.5in wheels and a curved top tube to maximise standover height, while the medium and above roll on 29in wheels. It also comes with a TranzX dropper post, ranging from 100mm-130mm of travel depending on the size.
Worth noting here is that the Trek Roscoe, which sits above the Marlin in the model line-up, is priced just above our $2000 cut-off. The Roscoe gets upgraded components and a 140mm travel fork. If the bike will primarily be used as a trail bike and for hitting some local jumps, then we would encourage you to consider the Roscoe. Another reason to opt for the Roscoe over the Marlin is that it comes with smaller diameter axles (front quick release, rear thru-axle) compared to the robust Boost hubs on the Roscoe. But you’ll have to scrounge up a bit of extra cash, with the retail price set at $2,599 AUD.
Norco Fluid HT 1 | $1,999 AUD
Another popular bike that often rolls through the junior program is the Norco Fluid. It’s not just for groms and is designed more for trail riding than cross-country racing.
Like the Trek Marlin, it has a 66.5° head angle and 440mm reach on a size medium. The Canadian brand specs this hardy hardtail with a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, 130mm TranzX dropper post, and X-Fusion RC32 Air fork fork. The key difference between the Fluid and Marlin is in the forks, the Fluid HT gets a 120mm travel fork compared to the Marlin’s 100mm. However, the Marlin gets an entry-level RockShox fork, while the Fluid has an X-Fusion.
Worth considering here is that the RockShox fork can easily be serviced by a range of service centres around Australia, the X-Fusion, on the other hand, might be harder to find someone equipped for the job.
Norco have taken a slightly different approach to sizing, sizes extra small and small come with 27.5in wheels. The medium-sized bike, offers a choice between 27.5in and 29in wheels, and then large and above is only available with 29in wheels.
Merida Big Trail 500 | $1999
The Merida Big Trail is an excellent option for riders wanting a trail-smashing machine but can’t afford a dual-suspension bike.
The Big Trail has true trail bike geometry with a 65.5° head angle, a 140mm RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, 29in wheels across all sizes, an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain, and a home brand dropper post.
It comes with 2.4in tyres front and back on 29mm wide rims which a tubeless ready. While not a light bike, the Big Trail is a capable and durable weapon. These bikes are well built and spec’d, if riders are after something that will shred right out of the box, they should consider the Big Trail.
Giant Fathom 2 | $1899 AUD
Giant’s Fathom ticks a lot of boxes straight out of the box — Boost hub spacing, trail-ready Maxxis tyres mounted to wide tubeless-ready rims, a 130mm fork and matching trail geometry.
Rolling on 29in wheels, the size medium has a 445mm reach on a medium and a slack 66° head angle. Interestingly Giant has opted to spec a 1×10 Shimano drivetrain but have used that money wisely on the 130mm Giant Crest 34 fork.
Not a boinger commonly found on the front of many bikes, we’ve also seen the Crest 34 on the Liv Embolden and were impressed not only with its feel, but also the adjustability on offer.
With room for three bottles on the frame, while the Fathom might be a few gears short, we think this compromise is worth it for the fork and rolling stock.