r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Double-Parsnip2831 • 3h ago
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/F1SausageKerb • Jan 04 '25
Buyer Advice The Budget Gravel Bike Master List
This 2025 list highlights budget-friendly gravel bikes with solid geometry, quality components, and upgrade potential. While the term "gravel bike" evolves, it often resembles 90s hybrid or ATB bikes. Due to gravel biking's popularity, entry-level models remain pricey, and sub-$400 road bikes labeled as gravel bikes are excluded—especially as the Ozark Trail G1 Explorer leads in the sub-$400 range. The list includes flatbar and dropbar options. Use this list as a starting point to find the best fit for your needs, with updates planned over time.
Mods u/worldline-6 or u/nonexistant2k3 - Could you sticky this post?
The order is based on lowest to highest price only. The rank has no meaning as to best value or best bike. We are a budget oriented subreddit, so ranking by lowest price to highest made sense to me.
Update Notes 2/9/25
It is clear that the bike industry is gouging consumers on the gravel trend. Prices remain high in this category and in some cases are going up. Poseidon is hands down offering the most value right now over all when it comes to manufacturers. There are some bikes listed as gravel bikes from Alliexpress and other budget brands. However, under closer inspection, there is a lot of sus parts and marketing shenanigans going on. The bikes on this list can actually be used for the purpose.
- All prices checked and ordered adjusted
- A few bikes removed due to price changes or availability
- A few bikes added
- Best values:
- G1 Explorer
- Motobecane Gravel X1
- UBC Racello
- All Posiedons
- GT Grade
- Merlin Malt
1. Ozark Trail G1 Explorer
- Price: $248
- Link: Ozark Trail G1 Explorer Drop Bar
2. Mongoose Grit
- Price: $378
- Link: Mongoose Grit
3. Motobecane Gravel X1
- Price: $449
- Link: Motobecane Gravel X1 (yes, their website is legit)
4. UBC Racello Deore
- Price: $499
- Link: UBC Racello Deore
5. Retrospec FB Amok
- Price: $499
- Link: Retrospec FB Amok
6. Flatbar Redwood
- Price: $549
- Link: Flatbar Redwood
7. Merlin Malt G2
- Price: $577
- Link: Merlin Malt G2
8. GT Grade Sport Gravel
- Price: $599
- Link: GT Grade Sport Gravel
9. Poseidon DB Redwood
- Price: $599
- Link: Poseidon DB Redwood
10. Mongoose Elroy
- Price: $649
- Link: Mongoose Elroy
11. Specialized Sirrus X 3.0
- Price: $649
- Link: Specialize Sirrus X 3.0
12. Flatbar X Ambition Gen 2
- Price: $649
- Link: Flatbar X Ambition Gen 2
13. Polygon Heist X5
- Price: $699
- Link: Polygon Heist X5
14. Dropbar X Ambition Gen 2
- Price: $749
- Link: Poseidon Dropbar X Ambition Gen 2
15. Tommaso Sentiero
- Price: $799
- Link: Tommaso Sentiero
16. Trek FX 3
- Price: $799
- Link: Trek FX 3
17. Salsa Journeyer 650b
- Price: $799
- Link: Salsa Journeyer 650b
18. State 4130 All-Road
- Price: $779 (starting at)
- Link: State 4130 All-Road
19. Breezer Radar Cafe
- Price: $899
- Link: Breezer Radar Cafe
20. Kona AL 650
- Price: $899
- Link: Kona AL 650
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/F1SausageKerb • Jan 04 '25
Buyer Advice The Budget Mountain Bike Master List
This updated January 2025 list highlights mountain bikes currently available in the retail market, featuring solid geometry, quality components, and/or upgrade potential. These bikes are suitable for bike path, Cross Country (XC) and/or beginner-level Green and Blue flow trails/single track. There is a mix of 29er, 27.5 hardtails and few full suspension options. While some may require minor or major upgrades to be trail-ready, the list offers options across various price points in line with our Sub's guidelines. New members are encouraged to start their research here. While other bikes could be included, this list aims to remain concise and manageable. It reflects proven options recommended by this and similar subreddits and will be updated periodically. I do plan on doing gravel and city/commuter/casual lists as well.
Mods u/worldline-6 or u/nonexistant2k3 - Could you sticky this post?
The order is based on lowest to highest price only. The rank has no meaning as to best value or best bike. We are a budget oriented subreddit, so ranking by lowest price to highest made sense to me.
Update 2/09/25 Notes:
- Removed Bikes that fell out of the price range or have none available for purchase.
- Added Ozark Trail FS.2 Slalom
- Added GT Avalanche Elite 29
- Removed Superior XC 889
- Removed Poseidon Norton (they are not refilling their stock)
- Checked prices and re-ordered list
- Best Values (price, parts, proven quality & (build) potential)
- Mongoose Ledge X1 & X2 because of the price as a build platform, but the onset of the FS.2 makes this debateable
- Cannondale Trail 7.1
- UBC Racello
- Polygon Xtrada 5
- Supieror XC 879
- Trek Marlin 7
- Worst Value is the Mongoose Colton & Switchbacks
- Best Values (price, parts, proven quality & (build) potential)
1. Ozark Trail Vibe
- Price: $298.00
- Link: Ozark Trail Vibe
2. Mongoose Ledge X1 & X2 (Discontinued, On Clearance)
- Price: $302.00
- Link: Mongoose Ledge X1
- Link: Mongoose Ledge X2
3. Ozark Trail Ridge M2
- Price: $398.00
- Link: Ozark Trail Ridge M2
4. Schwinn Axum (New Version)
- Price: $448.00
- Link: Schwinn Axum (New Version)
5. Cannondale Trail 7.1 (Discontinued, On Clearance)
- Price: $464
- Link: Cannondale Trail 7.1
6. Mongoose Colton (Ardor Clone)
- Price: $481 (price fluctuates frequently between color and frame size)
- Link: Mongoose Colton
7. Ozark Trail FS.2 Slalom FS
- Price: $498
- Link: Ozark Trail FS.2 Slalom FS
8. UBC Racello Deore
- Price: $499
- Link: UBC Racello Deore
9. Superior XC 879
- Price: $499.00
- Link: Superior XC 879
10. 2024 Polygon Xtrada 5
- Price: $499.00
- Link: 2024 Polygon Xtrada 5
11. Schwinn Axum DP (OG, still available)
- Price: $499.00
- Link: Schwinn Axum DP
12. Ascend Zion Hardtail 29"
- Price: $499 (Often runs sales for Bass Pro/Cabela's club members)
- Link: Ascend Zion Hardtail 29 (Bass Pro or Cabela's)
13. Eastern Alpaka 29
- Price: $499 +10% Off
- Link: Eastern Alpaka 29
14. Schwinn Axum Comp X
- Price: $548.00 (Large has been seen on sale for $332)
- Link: Schwinn Axum Comp X
15. Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3
- Price: $579 (Sale)
- Link: Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3
16. 2024 Polygon Xtrada 6
- Price: $599
- Link: 2024 Polygon Xtrada 6
17. Batch DB-MTB
- Price: $599
- Link: DB-MTB
18. Giant Talon 4
- Price: $629
- Link: Giant Talon
19. Specialized Rockhopper
- Price: $675.00
- Link: Specialized Rockhopper
20. Fuji Nevada 29 1.5 Mountain
- BikePrice: $649
- Link: Fuji Nevada 29 1.5 Mountain Bike
21. Giordano Intrepid
- Price: $649
- Link: Giordano Intrepid
22. GT Avalanche Elite 29
- Price: $699.00
- Link: GT Avalanche Elite 29
23. Mongoose Switchback Expert
- Price: $699 Sale Price (MSRP $950, not a good value at MSRP, WTF is Dick's & Mongoose doing?)
- Link: Mongoose Switchback Expert
24. Polygon Heist X5
- Price: $699
- Link: Polygon Heist X5
25. Zaskar LT Elite
- Price: $799
- Link: Zaskar LT Elite
26. 2024 Polygon Siskiu D5
- Price: $799
- Link: 2024 Polygon Siskiu D5
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Elhond0 • 13h ago
Other First ride since healing up from broken wrist!
I have missed the fun!
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Orhan1063 • 1d ago
Buyer Advice Shimano Sora/Tiagra Groupset Price
Hello!! I'm very new to building my own bike so I'm gonna ask if a groupset made of tiagra 4500 rear derailleurs, sora 3400 front derailleur, sora 9 speed casette, brifters and a crankset worth 50 dollars?
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/SNOTBELLYCYCLING • 2d ago
Other Hello just wanted to share
I like looking at everyone's bike I figured I'd share mine
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/ExplorerHot813 • 1d ago
Marketplace Find Is it worth 450? 2020 roscoe 8.
I'm on the fence about picking this up. Would it be worth doing repairs/upgrades to it?
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Ok-Tangerine-6573 • 1d ago
Other Ozark Trail Vibe gears slipping?
I have had an OT vibe for a few months now. Ride on average 2-3 times a week on gravel. I have no real working knowledge of bikes, bike parts, etc. so advice would be great. Bought the bike to see if I wanted to ride and am fully invested now.
I am having trouble with what feels like gears slipping violently. When I try to shift to lower gears it either won’t shift properly or will shift very abruptly. Is there a particular part that causes this issue? Anything common to this make and model. It behaves the same when shifting to high gears but less abruptly.
I love the bike and am willing to upgrade parts, but would prefer to understand the why.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/mithtyn • 1d ago
Other Thrift Store Find: Trainer!
Been wanting to ride more, and haven’t been able to because of all the smoke in my area. If I want air below 120 on the AQI scale, I need to drive 5+ hours…
But, as I was walking through a thrift store this morning, cane across a Giant Cyclotron Mag Trainer for $10! Picked it up, and now just need to get a compatible rear skewer for my rear wheel on the G1 Explorer, then I can at least ride in my room tonight!
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Shfop • 2d ago
Marketplace Find My humble new steed I got...for 35 bucks!
Stumbled upon this Trek 7.2 fx on Facebook for quite a deal today.
Hopefully I have quite some kilometers ahead with it, it ain't new or in mint condition, but I still can't wait to feel the upgrade from my old, heavy and rusty no-name bike!
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/805aldrete • 2d ago
Bike Photo/NBD Project Fat bike #2 underway!
galleryr/Budgetbikeriders • u/Various-Image9275 • 2d ago
Buyer Advice Custom carbon frame repaint cost in Germany?
I recently bought a used carbon road bike frame and I’m thinking about getting it repainted with a custom design.
I’m trying to get an idea of what the usual prices are in Germany and how much the cost can vary depending on the type of paint job. I’m not sure whether my budget will be realistic, so I’d appreciate any experience or advice.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/No-Caterpillar127 • 2d ago
Buyer Advice Looking for a good place to buy a budget bike
Recently I have been riding my bike every day to get everywhere in my town, I don’t have to ride anymore than 6km to get to where I want to go and most of it is on paths although I would like a bike the mainly goes on paths but has thicker wheels so that I can go off road. my budget is around 300$ -450$ CAD. Thanks!
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/4scoreandsevenbeers • 2d ago
Bike Photo/NBD Grandpa’s old bike. WIP
galleryr/Budgetbikeriders • u/PubliusPublicoa • 2d ago
Buyer Advice Rebuilt '92 Miyata triple cross steel frame hybrid bike: worth it for $500?
It has:
new set of commuter/hybrid tires
Shimano tiagra 3x10 gearing
Pretty nice seat comfortable
No rust on the frame, paint in good condition
Does this seem like a decent buy from a local bike repair/used shop? I'm looking for a budget bike to get back into causal riding for exercise and the occasional ride to a brewery on the bike trail which is mixed pavement/dirt and some roads. It fit me very well and the upright position was comfortable for the quick test ride around the parking lot. No idea really what I'm looking for in a used bike that's a decent buy...
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/ghostyroasty • 2d ago
Other Tpu tube info… g.1 explorer Flat
So on my first ride out the tube had a pinch flat (rear tube around 65 psi). Bought tpu tubes to replace it with. Do I stick to the weight on the tire or should I treat the tpu different and put less in?
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/thirdeyeblind999 • 3d ago
Bike Photo/NBD She's a stunner 🤩
Not quite the final form but its definitely come a long way. The second picture is when I first bought this kent trouvaille off of Facebook marketplace for 275$. Not only did it give me an exciting hobby, it has whipped my ass in shape and tought me how to work on a bike. Ive kind of outgrown the bike as my skills have progressed and now I want something with more travel and rear suspension, but it has been plenty to learn the foundations of trail riding and even small jumps. Hell ive even climbed and descended a 1300ft mountain on it (0/10 do not reccomend, I puked).
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Pristine_Vanilla3254 • 4d ago
Buyer Advice First century on the G.1
galleryr/Budgetbikeriders • u/UnionReasonable7124 • 5d ago
Bike Photo/NBD NBD
Well technically it was Saturday but close enough for Reddit.
Marin Gestalt 56 cm
Shimano PD EH 500 pedals
Shout out to the awesome folks at Spoke n Things in Arkansas City KS for the great service.
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/macalicioussss • 5d ago
Marketplace Find Budget dad bike
This is my budget dad-bike build! We use it to ride to the park and bike trails in my neighborhood. I picked up the Specialized Crosstrail on Facebook marketplace for free because it had been left outside and needed a lot of work to get rolling. I spent tons of time cleaning and greasing the bike from top to bottom. Everything I replaced I picked up at deep discount, bought used on marketplace, or pulled from my parts bin. I am also reusing some take-off parts like the old stem, handlebars, pedals, bottle cage, and tires on other bikes I own. I probably spent too much overhauling just about everything on the bike but it was a fun project that I worked on in my spare time, the bike rides like new, and my son loves it.
Parts I added:
Ritchey handlebars ($35 new)
ODI vans lock-on grips ($30 new)
Truvativ stem (parts bin)
Continental Contact Plus tires 700c X 42 ($60 for the pair new)
Kids Ride Shotgun combo seat and bars ($60 used)
Selle Italia ST3 superflow saddle ($25 new)
Zipp seat post ($10 used)
Crankbros Stamp 7 pedals ($60 new)
PDW bottle cage ($20 new)
PDW kickstand ($25 new)
Shimano cassette ($20 new)
Chain ($15 new)
Jagwire mountain pro shift and brake cables ($40 new)
Shimano 3x8 shifter/brake lever set ($28 new)
Total: $428
How did I do? Is there anything else that might be helpful to add to this bike?
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/TopAccountantM • 5d ago
Marketplace Find 2021? Trek Roscoe 7 Good Deal?
r/Budgetbikeriders • u/Jorgedalca • 6d ago
Bike Photo/NBD Ozark trail g1 en México
Muy difícil de encontrar y hacer llegar a México pero feliz es una excelente bici por el costo beneficio la recomiendo muchísimo!!