Used mountain bikes for sale

The family excursion over rooty forest paths, the crossing of the Alps with countless meters of altitude, or the adrenaline kick in the bike park, the mountain bike allows for a lot of fun through various activities. It is the ideal companion to get to the most beautiful places using your own physical strength. Regardless of how far, high, or stony the way is, riding a mountain bike offers an experience that is truly unique. Unlike road bikes, mountain bikes (MTBs) are designed for navigating uneven terrain, thanks to their advanced suspension systems and uniquely sized front and rear wheels.

Additionally, long distances over asphalt can also be covered quickly and comfortably with most mountain bikes. They are true all-rounders, enabling energetic adventures for all ages. Whether you need a balance to a stressful workweek, sports equipment for outdoor enthusiasts, or reliable transportation over hills and dales, there is a mountain bike option for everyone—whether it's a children's bike, hardtail, or fully. If you're on a budget, check out our mountain bikes under $1,000, explore higher-end options with mountain bikes under $2,000, and mountain bikes under $3,000. If you're interested in full-suspension options, take a look at our full-suspension mountain bikes under $1,000, and for e-MTB enthusiasts, we have models available between $2,000 and $4,000.

The right mountain bike for every project - mountain bike types

Different demands on an MTB create a diverse range of mountain bike types. Long bike tours, including many meters of altitude, require a different riding position than downhill rides over unpaved forest paths. Large stones and wide jumps necessitate more suspension travel than merely rolling over smaller roots and bumps on the ground. Mountain bikes are all-rounders, and their various designs support specific endeavors. Here, we take a look at the different types.

Hardtail

The hardtail features suspension in the front through a suspension fork, but unlike the fully, it lacks a damper in the rear. Most models come with a lockable suspension fork. This setup provides a sporty, slightly forward-leaning seating position, making it suitable for extended uphill rides. Hardtails handle slight bumps well and are ideal for field, forest, and meadow paths. While they can manage some downhill trails, larger obstacles may require extra attention to riding technique. There are various types of hardtails designed for specific uses and riding styles. For instance, the cross-country bike is engineered for off-road racing and balances good rolling characteristics with high speed, while the dirt bike focuses on acrobatic tricks and jumps.

Fully

Fully suspended bikes, or fullys, come equipped with both a suspension fork and a rear damper, which allows riders to roll over larger obstacles and bumps comfortably. These bikes are designed for tackling rough downhill terrain and offering full support in bike parks. Various builds cater to different terrains; all-mountain bikes (also called trail bikes) serve as excellent all-rounders, performing well both uphill and downhill, cushioning jumps and drops effectively. For those tackling Germany's diverse landscapes, the suspension travel on most fullys is ample for comfortable navigation over obstacles. Enduro bikes offer extra suspension travel for more challenging terrains, while freeride bikes provide the maximum suspension for long jumps and drops, though they prioritize downhill riding over independent trail access. Downhill bikes are specifically designed for racing in rugged environments with even more suspension travel and specialized components. E-mountain bikes add a built-in electric motor, providing substantial uphill support—making them excellent for accessing breathtaking mountain views with less effort. They serve as great alternatives to shuttle services or gondolas.

Famous brands and models

Countless manufacturers have made a name for themselves in the cycling world through innovative technologies, high-quality components, stylish designs, and unparalleled durability. Here are some renowned brands and popular MTB models:

Cannondale

This US company is synonymous with innovative technology and is renowned for its high-quality aluminum frames. Cannondale builds mountain bikes suitable for any terrain, with its distinctive Lefty suspension forks standing out in some models. The "Trail" hardtail is robustly built with a sturdy aluminum frame, featuring premium components like SRAM or Shimano gears and a Rock Shox suspension fork. The "Habit" models represent all-mountain bikes offered with aluminum or carbon frames, also utilizing Shimano or SRAM for the drivetrain and offering options between Rock Shox and Fox suspension forks.

Cube

As one of Germany's best-selling bicycle brands, Cube blends tradition with innovation. Their mountain bikes are known for their impeccable technology and modern designs, boasting a stellar price-performance ratio. The "Reaction C:62" series showcases hardtails with carbon frames that offer speed and durability on trails and dirt paths. With renowned component manufacturers like Shimano XT or SRAM NX and Fox or Rock Shox suspension forks, these bikes are built to perform. The "Stereo" series features fullys that range from trail bikes to enduros, with choices for wheel sizes (27.5" or 29") and various high-quality components.

Haibike

Grounded in German engineering, Haibike has models catering to everyone from beginners to MTB pros. Pioneering innovations like e-mountain bikes with integrated motors boost their popularity. Their "ALLMTN" e-bike fully features exclusive gear such as a Yamaha motor and Shimano XTR disc brakes, with 160mm suspension travel for tackling challenging terrain. Other Haibike models come equipped with Bosch motors and offer rim brakes like Shimano Deore.

Merida

Merida merges German expertise with Taiwanese craftsmanship, producing various mountain bike models available at fair prices. Their "One Forty" series serves as an all-mountain option with quality Shimano components, while the "One Sixty" models target enduro riders with robust features. They also offer a comprehensive range of frame sizes, making it easy for riders of all sizes to find the right fit.

Orbea

As the largest bicycle manufacturer in Spain, Orbea offers mountain bikes that allow users to tackle almost any terrain. Their "Laufey" is a single-suspension trail bike that caters to both beginners and pros, presenting excellent value for money with its 29" wheels and 140mm suspension travel. The "Okkam," known for its versatility, is available with carbon or aluminum frames and air or steel suspension, allowing customization to match the rider’s preference.

Santa Cruz

Originating from California’s Santa Cruz, this brand has carved a niche with its reputation for high-quality full suspension bikes. With a commitment to quality, Santa Cruz offers a lifetime warranty on select components. Many professional cyclists proudly ride sponsored by this esteemed manufacturer. Their lineup includes both 27.5" and 29" wheel options; the "Chameleon" is a hardtail with a flexible design for various terrains, while the "Hightower" is a fully with 150mm travel, ideal for steep climbs and challenging descents thanks to its lightweight carbon frame.

Advantages of a used mountain bike

The bicycle industry is booming, with manufacturers competing to showcase modern technology, enhanced riding performance, durability, and aesthetics. These advancements, however, also reflect in rising prices. To cope with soaring demand, many used mountain bikes appear for sale online, often in excellent condition and at a fraction of the cost of new ones. By opting for a used mountain bike, you can save a significant amount of money while enjoying comparable performance—with minimal loss due to repair costs or riding deficiencies. With the current high demand, many models sell out quickly; however, purchasing used allows you to find that perfect dream bike. While local listings, like those on Ebay classifieds, may come with pickup only or high shipping costs and privacy concerns, buycycle offers a secure online marketplace for buying and selling used bikes, ensuring a simplified transaction process. Our thorough evaluation process leads to fair pricing, and our passion for cycling drives us to ensure a positive experience for buyers and sellers alike. Interested in selling? You can upload your mountain bike on buycycle.

Need help finding the right bike? Or are you still deciding between a Road, Gravel and a MTB? The buycycle team is happy to help you with all your questions.

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Santa Cruz Hightower Framesets

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