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Top 5 Best, Affordable Bikepacking Mountain Bikes For A Hike In 2023!

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Prefer hiking by biking? You’re not the only one. There’s just something different about enjoying the outdoors with a little bit of wind in your face, isn’t it?

Check out all of these awesome backpacking bikes that I’ve reviewed especially for all of you, my fellow bikepacking aficionados!

Best Bikepacking Mountain Bikes Reviewed

1. Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike with 27.5″ Wheels, 18″/Medium, Red″

Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike with 27.5" Wheels, 18"/Medium, Red
  • Aluminum alloy hard tail frame is tried and true
  • Custom formed and butted tubing for great balance...
  • Suspension fork provides added control and comfort...
  • Shimano drivetrain is a staple of reliability
  • Mechanical disc brakes offer great stopping power

The Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike is a good entry level bike, that not only gives you a quality, but also a safe biking experience. Very few bikes available on today’s market are able to offer all the features this bike has. Not at this relatively low price point, anyway. Let’s have a look at this bike’s exceptional features.

Strong, Durable Aluminum Frame

For starters, the bike has a well designed aluminum frame, which has lots of advantages. First off, the aluminum frame gives the bike outstanding strength and resilience. Many long distance bike riders are going to love it because of this. The aluminum frame is also affordable, readily available, and most importantly… it has already stood the test of time. In addition, aluminum is one of the lightest materials available for bike frames. This makes the bike one of the best cross country mountain bikes.

Hydraulic Disk

In recent years, hydraulic brakes have been on the rise. This is mostly due to the benefits they have to offer. Hydraulic brakes have made many manufacturers drop rim brakes and linear pull breaks entirely. They’d rather install hydraulic brakes, because they are so much more efficient. Unlike rim brakes, that used to fail in muddy conditions, hydraulic disk brakes are effective for one simple reason: they are not dependent on weather conditions. The disk brakes installed on this bike, give you great control of the bike. This ensures not only your safety, but also that of other road users.

27.5-Inch Wheels

The Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike is fitted with huge 27.5-inch wheels. Over recent years, these have become famous because of their increased grip force and enhanced momentum. These huge wheels will absorb shocks from different surfaces, making your bikepacking bike experience very comfortable. Besides, the large wheels give you greater control over your bike, especially when you are riding fast. Unlike many other bikes that have large wheels, this bike is still lightweight. This makes it easy control. You also do not have to physically exhaust yourself in order to propel the bike forward. Riding this bike is an easy and enjoyable experience.

24-Speed Gearshifts

Another great feature that comes with this mountain bike is the 24-speed gear shifts. The bike is fitted with 24-speed shifters, developed by Shimano. The variety of speed options comes in handy. The more sporty you intend to utilize this bike, the more you will welcome its 24 speeds. The gears shift smoothly, which improves the overall performance of the bike. It really complements the gigantic wheel size very well. When you combine the large wheels together with the 24-speed gearshift in the most tactical way (and this will come with experience), you will find that the bike delivers outstanding performance. You can feel proud riding this baby for sure.

Comes Assembled

Unlike other bikes that you need to assemble, this ‘ready ride’ by Diamondback is hand built and shipped when assembled. You do not have the usual hassles of a DIY assembly process, that can take you hours if you’re not used to having to assemble your own stuff. In addition, a bike that has already been assembled, will save you a few bucks. The saved money could then, optionally, be used to pay a bike expert to finetune it for you. With this bike, you will spend less time assembling the new bike an spend more riding it. This readyride bikepacking bike is hand built and shipped straight to you. The brakes are dialed and derailleur adjusted, all you need to do is to pump the tires and you are ready to go.

Different Sizes

This Diamondback is offered in various sizes, because one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to mountain bikes for bikepacking. You can easily choose whichever size is good for you. Choosing the bike that best fits your own frame, is important. You will have a much easier time on a bike that matches your size. Get one that is too small, and you will be pedalling much harder than you need to. Get one that is too large, and you won’t be able to reach the pedals in the first place. Getting the best size match is important, because it will allow you to ride longer distances without becoming prematurely exhausted.

Front Suspension

The bike also comes with an impressive front suspension, that makes it easy to ride on rough surfaces that have all sorts of obstacles. The front suspension is ideal, especially when going downhill in an area with many protruding things, such as rocks, tree roots and whatnot. The suspension fork will absorb all the shocks you might get from the area you are traversing, creating a much more comfortable bike ride for you.

  • Pros
  • High quality 27.5-inch wheels
  • High quality tires with great traction
  • Good disc brakes
  • Front suspension
  • Presto valves
  • Cons
  • It is relatively high, inconveniencing shorter people
  • Does not have rear suspension forks

Conclusion

Looking at the features that the Diamondback Bicycles Overdrive Hardtail Mountain Bike has to offer, it is evident that this bicycle is one of the best bikepacking mountain bikes on the market today. And it is offered at an extremely affordable price, too. I would recommend this cheap hardtail bike to anybody who is looking for a durable, fast and cheap bikepacking bike, which also happens to be extremely user friendly.

2. Diamondback Bicycles Cobra Youth Mountain Bike

Sale
Diamondback Bicycles Cobra 24 Youth 24" Wheel Mountain Bike, Blue
  • Shimano Tourney 3x7 speed drivetrain has 21...
  • Hl Zoom 40mm travel fork soaks up rocks and roots...
  • Linear pull brakes have adjustable-reach levers to...
  • 24" model fits riders 53”-62” tall, aged...

If you are looking for a simple, highly functional, long-lasting and sturdy mountain bike for backpacking, then the Diamondback Hook is a perfect choice. It’s responsive, light and efficient. It can comfortably endure rocks, roots, and bumps while giving you a comfortable riding experience. Its climbing efficiency, combined with an aggressive and slack geometry, makes it one of the best mountain bikes for beginners. Its frame is light yet sturdy. If you are not convinced yet, here are some additional features of this mountain bike.

Sturdy Aluminum Frame

From steep descents to rocky terrains, you will come across a wide range of conditions when backpacking with your bike. Therefore, it needs to be adequately equipped, to handle all these conditions, while giving you a safe riding experience. Luckily, this mountain bike for beginners is equipped with a sturdy, durable and reliable frame. And despite its superior sturdiness, this frame doesn’t add any noticeable weight to your bike. With this bike, you can tackle any terrain or condition with confidence. The frame also features integrated disc brake tabs that supply additional stability, thus making it an excellent mountain bike for backpacking.

Suspension Fork

As noted above, the Diamondback Hook is one of the best mountain bikes for entry-level riders. However, you can also use it for park and trail experience. Whether you are riding in the park, within your neighborhood or in the wilderness, you are likely to encounter bumps, obstacles, rough terrain and other challenging conditions. And this is where a bike’s suspension comes in. Being a hardtail bicycle, the Diamondback Hook features a front suspension mechanism. This suspension mechanism can handle a wide range of conditions while sucking surface imperfections with utmost ease. In fact, you will always feel as if you are riding on smooth pavement, thanks to its ability to absorb rough patches and bumps.

Gearing and Drivetrain

When it comes to cruising in the mountains, you need to have different gear options, so that you can comfortably tackle the ascents or descents. Most of the traditional mountain bikes only came with a single gear. However, Diamondback has taken a different approach and equipped this bike with an 8-speed drivetrain. With so many gear choices, you will find it incredibly easy to maintain your speed regardless of the terrain you encounter. Also, shifting from one gear to the other is smooth and effortless with this gear system.

Reliable Disc Brakes

If the ride is enjoyable, you might find yourself increasing the speed gradually. Combined with a great suspension system, smooth shifters, as well as a wide range of gear choices, you’ll eventually find yourself moving at amazing speeds. And this is where a powerful braking system comes in. Disc brakes play a vital role when it comes to a bike’s braking system. To ensure you have maximum stopping power, the Hook features Tekto Aires mechanical disc brakes, combined with 160mm rotors, both at the front and at the rear. Tekto is a renowned company in the mountain bike industry, and with this combination, you will enjoy a smooth but efficient braking system.

24-Inch Wheelset

Traversing a diverse range of trails and terrains calls for an effective, stable and reliable wheelset. The wheelset features spokes, a rim, and a wheel. All these components work together to determine the riding stability and the roll-over speed. A bike with narrow wheels has less stability and traction, compared to one with wide wheels. The Diamondback Hook comes with a 24 -inch wheelset, which delivers an incredible roll-over speed, stability as well as traction in different conditions and terrains. This mountain bike for road riding also comes with a comfortable saddle. Also, you can easily adjust the saddle height, depending on your needs and preferences.

Verdict

The Diamondback Hook mountain bike is designed for both beginner and professional riders. Whether you are riding it casually in the streets or mountain biking, this bike will always deliver a comfortable riding experience. With its sturdy construction, a lightweight frame, smooth suspension, and durable components, you are assured of getting value for your money, if you purchase this bike.

  • Pros
  • Stylish and attractive design
  • Lightweight and sturdy frame
  • Smooth and comfortable ride
  • Easy to assemble
  • Cons
  • Lacks a water bottle cage

3. Huffy Hardtail, 24 Inch, 21 Speed

Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike, Stone Mountain 26 inch, 21-Speed, Lightweight, Dark Blue
  • Assembly tutorial video located beside the images;...
  • An exclusive: Ideal for ages 13 and up and a...
  • The indexed Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur combines...
  • 26" X 1.95" knobby tires tear into dirt bike paths...
  • Slight-rise handlebar enables upright riding to...

If you are planning to explore the mountains, hills, and forest parks on two wheels, you will need the best backpacking bike for the job. The right bike should deliver a smooth and comfortable ride so that you can have an enjoyable trip. Also, your bike should be powerful enough, to handle a wide range of terrains and conditions, whether they are steep declines or tough slopes. If you are looking for a backpacking bike that comes with all these features and requirements, then you should check out the Huffy Hardtail. Its key features include:

Efficient Drivetrain

This backpacking bike for travel comes with a Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur, which works together with the micro-shift twist shifter, delivering up to 21 different speeds. With such a wide array of speed options, you can tackle almost all terrains and conditions, whether it’s a demanding mountain climb or a steep descent.

Reliable Stopping Power

This Huffy Hardtail mountain bike comes with 26-inch knobby tires, which can tear into challenging bike paths with ease and speed. The bike has also been outfitted with linear-pull hand brakes, which are renowned for their consistent and efficient stopping action. From urban streets to rugged mountain trails, this backpacking bike for travel is adequately equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

Comfortable Riding Position

When it comes to mountain bikes, you need to ensure that you choose a model with a comfortable riding position. If it’s uncomfortable, you may end up with excessive strain and fatigue. Fortunately, you will not encounter such problems when you choose this bike. It comes with slight-rise handlebars, which allow for an upright riding position, to alleviate shoulder and back strain. On the other hand, the ATB-type pedals deliver a responsive feel, which translates to a smooth and enjoyable ride. The bike’s saddle is adjustable, which means you can customize its height to suit your riding preferences.

Easy Assembly

Similar to other bikes from this company, the Huffy Hardtail 26-inch Wheel comes pre-assembled. Putting the entire bike together will only take 30 minutes or so. Furthermore, you don’t need to have any skills to assemble it, since the manufacturer has already provided assembly instructions. All you have to do is follow the instructional manual, and you will have it set up fully in a few minutes.

Verdict

The Huffy Hardtail 26-inch Wheel is designed to provide a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable riding experience. Whether you are riding it in the city or you are out there in the wilderness, this bike will always deliver an incredible ride.

  • Pros
  • Comfortable and smooth riding experience
  • Powerful stopping power
  • Durable, solid construction
  • Cons
  • None

4. Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle 29 Inch

Sale
Mongoose Impasse Mens Mountain Bike, 29-Inch Wheels, Aluminum Frame, Twist Shifters, 21-Speed Rear...
  • 18-Inch/Medium Aluminum suspension frame maximizes...
  • Element suspension fork smooths the bumps and...
  • 21 speed rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters...
  • Alloy wheels with quick release front
  • Alloy front & rear disc brakes

If you are looking for an outdoor activity that will help you keep fit, a Mongoose mountain bike may be the best tool to help you achieve that goal. The Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle 29 Inch is also a great choice for individuals who love hitting the road for adventure. This bike offers amazing features, abilities and style at an affordable price. In fact, this bikepacking bike has something for everyone, as it can take on paved city streets as easily as it can take on rough, uneven trails. keep reading my mongoose impasse review to know whether this bike is for you.

Dual Features

This beautifully crafted bike is equipped with several stellar features that include a full suspension aluminum frames, SRAM twist shifters, an element front fork, Shimano Gearing, as well as front and rear disc brakes. Let me give you an overview of each of these features for you to narrow down your confusions.

Quality Suspension Frame

The Mongoose Impasse is a full suspension bike that comes with a durable and lightweight aluminum frame. The frame is drastically higher as compared to other mountain bikes. This enhances the comfort and performance of the user. In addition, the frame has an adjustable rear shock suspension allowing the rider to modify their rides and suit the terrain they are on.

Smooth and Sure Shifting

The Mongoose Impasse come with a 21 speed Shimano rear derailleur that makes it easy to shift gears when riding the bike. This derailleur is combined with high-end Shimano shifting components enhancing the bike’s performance to the next level. Many customers have given positive feedback on these features. What they especially like is the fact that the SPRAM twist shifter allows you to change the gears with no trouble at all. This ensures that you have all the comfort you need while riding this bike.

Comfortable Suspension Fork

This bikepacking bike also boasts of a front and rear suspension fork, which works well with the aluminum suspension frame to provide the user with a smooth and controlled ride. Most riders find the uneven routes, holes, bumps and roots on off road trails uncomfortable. The Mongoose mountain bike’s manufacturer understands the needs of its customers and has kindly provided them with an impressive suspension that has the ability to dampen shocks and impacts, which are known to give discomfort when riding on rough terrain.

Superb Wheels

The Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle 29 Inch comes fitted with large alloy wheels, that provide the user with a wide surface contact and maximum traction during riding. In addition, the bike has a quick release function that makes transportation and storing the bike simple and quick. The wheels are lightweight ensuring that the user does not have to use a lot of forc while riding the bike. The massive wheels also ensure that the bike goes at a fast pace without exerting a lot of force. This characteristic has made the bike to be very popular in sporting events and competition.

Seats

Another great thing that comes with the Mongoose Impasse is the comfortable seats that are well padded with soft materials. These seats will absorb all the shock that results when riding on rough surfaces that have bumps. When purchasing a mountain bike it is very important to go for a bike that has an adjustable seat. An adjustable seat will take care of your height and body weight as you can adjust it to suit your personal requirements. Apart from installing a comfortable seat, the Mongoose Impasse comes with an adjustable seat that will take care of all your comfortability related needs. However, I would like to suggest gel replacements for both habitual use of the seat and for use for extended time.

Great Breaking Power

The Mongoose Impasse comes fitted with front and rear disk brakes, which are high-end in quality. Unlike other linear pull brakes and rim brakes, the disc brakes provide optimal stopping power when riding the bike at a fast pace so that you do not end up slamming into objects and sliding out of control.

  • Pros
  • Can accommodate cyclists of all sizes
  • Lightweight; combination of mostly alloy and aluminum parts keeps the overall weight down
  • Easy to assemble
  • Seat is comfortable
  • Great ride quality
  • Affordable
  • Quality brakes allow for quick stops
  • Cons
  • Brake levers are cheap quality
  • Tuning is required

Final Verdict

I find the Mongoose Impasse Dual Full Suspension Bicycle 29 Inch an innovation in the world of affordable, stylish and functional mountain bikes. It provides a very good avenue for both entry level riders as well as experienced ones, to experience great outdoor fun.

5. Mongoose Mens Dolomite Fat Boys Tire Cruiser Bike Blue 26 Inch

Sale
Mongoose Dolomite Mens Fat Tire Mountain Bike, 26-inch Wheels, 4-Inch Wide Knobby Tires, 7-Speed,...
  • Conquer any off-road trail with ease with this...
  • The threadless headset is adjustable for riders of...
  • Ride comfortably with beach cruiser pedals and...
  • Rear derailleur with seven speeds makes hills...
  • This bike ships ready to be assembled. Sized for...

The Mongoose Men’s Dolomite Fat Boys Tire Cruiser Bike Blue 26 inch is a rock-solid alternative for experienced riders who are searching for an exceptional bike, which has the ability to achieve what other bikes have failed to achieve. This bike comes fitted with astonishing features that many regular mountain bakes lack. This is why I knew this bike was going to get a thumbs up from me, even before reviewing it. Let us have an in depth look at some of the best features that this bike has to offer.

Design

The Mongoose Dolomite Fat Boys mountain bike has a simple design. The main unique feature being the huge tires. The bike features a thin frame that joins the handlebars, the saddle and the pedals to form a triangle shape. The frame has no special features apart from being an aluminum alloy. This makes it strong, lightweight and durable. The bike has simple beach pedals that allow you to pedal comfortably through snow and sand without straining. In addition, the saddle bars are positioned proportionally allowing for a great riding posture, that preserves your energy, especially when you are riding long distances.

Thick Tires

As stated before, the most eye-catching feature on this mountain bike is the unusually thick tire design. The tires are 26 inches and are made with lightweight alloy rims. These tires come with big advantages, which give the bike an edge over its competitors. If you are a novice in biking, you will find that the thick tires’ stability a big improvement over the stability that regular, thin tires offer. In addition, the tires come with enhanced traction force, which allow the rider to propel the bike over snow and sand easily, without requiring a whole lot of extra physical force.

This is very important, as it minimizes the strength that is needed when riding the bike over loose surfaces. The thick tires also make the bike very suitable for people who, for whatever reason, are unable to give as much physical exertion as most other people can. You might have some sort of disability. Or you might have bad knees. If you suffer from a limiting condition, but can still bike, then these tires are going to make your life a whole lot better than any regular bike ever could.

Great Cruiser Frame

This bikepacking bike is one of the few bikes that come with a unique design in both performance as well as appearance. It features a thin aluminum alloy frame, that has many advantages. For instance, the thin frame design makes the bike lightweight, yet strong. This bike can be used in conquering any terrain you might run into while bikepacking. Even if the frame looks thin, it is one of the strongest frames available on the market today.

Mechanical Disk Brakes

The inclusion of mechanical disc brakes is one of the greatest features that Mongoose has added to the Dolomite Fat Boys mountain bike. The fact that the bike comes with thick tires is a very good reason to also fit it with a highly efficient braking system. The bike’s braking system does not depend on the dryness or thickness of the rims, since they do not come in contact with them. They will work perfectly even in muddy and wet condition, providing maximum stopping force. Even when going at full speed, you will be able to avoid hitting your fellow bikepackers. This is the main reason as to why they would be perfect for this bike, what with it having super powerful tires and all.

7 Speed Gearing With Shimano Rear Derailleur

To support the enormous tires, the bike comes with 7 speeds, that are connected to a Shimano rear derailleur. This helps you traverse various types of terrains with ease. In addition, the bike is fitted with twist shifters, that make changing gears very easy to do. This helps the rider adjust their speeds on various terrains. This is ideal for terrains that go downhill one moment, uphill the next, and then flatten out yet the next. The bike suspension is also great in absorbing shocks that a strenuous trail might throw your way.

  • Pros
  • A strong stable bike that can be easily used in any environment
  • Come fitted with 7 speeds with Shimano rear derailleur
  • Twist shifters that let you change gears easily
  • Has dual disc brakes that provide all-condition braking
  • Cons
  • Some people have complained about the customer service after their bike had a failing

Summary

The above list of reviewed bikes is a careful selection that has taken me many hours to compile. I hope you find these reviews useful.

>>> Best Hiking Gear >>>

Do you agree with my reviews? Disagree? Missing something? Whatever you have to tell me, please send me an email!

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About the author

Brian

Hi, I’m Brian Bradshaw. I’m a super duper mega hiking enthusiast, with a love for everything that has to do with outdoors, hiking, gear, footwear and more.

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