With mountain biking season in full swing, it’s tempting to cough up the dough and purchase a fancy ride chock-full of bells and whistles. But if you’re just getting into the sport, a high-end suspension model may not be worth the cost, especially if you only get out every so often.

If you think you need to spend upwards of $1,000 just to get your hands on a quality mountain bike, think again. The beginner or casual mountain biker simply needs a solid model with quality tires and the adaptability to transition from streets and smoother trails to more rugged terrain. Thankfully, there are plenty of quality options on the market that won’t cost you a fortune. Here are our top picks for the best mountain bikes under $500.

If you’re working with a bigger budget, we’ve also compiled guides outlining the best mountain bikes overall and the best electric bikes (Neematic’s offering not included).

The mountain bike you purchase determines how well you travel across uneven, steep, and often unpredictable terrain. Decide in advance the types of trails you plan to ride, whether it includes lots of steep hills and climbing or relatively smoother paths and gravel trails. If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to plunge down rugged hills, you’ll want to select for different features than a long-distance rider who’s looking for the smoothest ascent. And remember, safety comes first: If you’re new to the sport, make sure you go easy and get some training from experienced riders.

There are roughly five different styles of mountain bikes that vary according to purpose. Trail bikes are your most common, meant for well-trodden trails with plenty of casual climbs and descents. These bikes are great all-around models for the weekend warrior and anyone interested in riding rather than racing. Trail bikes usually provide between 120 and 140 millimeters of suspension travel, which is the amount of movement offered by the bike’s front and rear suspensions.

Cross-country bikes are meant for speed and provide enhanced climbing power, enabling you to whip around turns at a faster pace. These bikes are typically designed to be lightweight and provide between 80 and 100 millimeters of suspension travel, with a greater head tube angle than trail bikes. Fat bikes simply imply oversized tires, which are great for beginners because bigger tires absorb shock and provide extra traction when traveling through snow or sand. The tires measure, on average, between 3.7 inches and more than 5 inches in width.

All-mountain bikes are meant for the more aggressive mountain biker, providing for steeper climbs, faster descents, and more technical features. They are designed to be lightweight and efficient when pedaling uphill. They offer a range of 140 and 170 millimeters of suspension travel. Downhill bikes are an additional style of mountain bike but they’re reserved for experienced riders who take on the most dangerous terrain, primarily at lift-serviced parks and competitions. Meanwhile, mountain bikes like the recently-detailed Diverge from Specialized fall in a category all their own.

There are three different types of mountain bike suspension. The most basic is a rigid suspension, which is essentially no suspension at all. Bikes with rigid suspension are cheaper and require less upkeep, but are not preferable for mountainous terrain due to the lack of shock absorption.

Hardtail bikes are ideal for the average mountain biker on a budget.

Hardtail bikes are far more common, offering a suspension system on the front that provides for impact absorption of the front wheel, while the rear is left rigid. These bikes are also less expensive than full-suspension models and require less maintenance. Additionally, the front suspension can be locked when you’re looking to tackle smoother terrain. Hardtail bikes are ideal for the average mountain biker on a budget.

Full-suspension bikes are on the higher end of things given they offer a suspension fork in the front and the rear, which drastically increases shock absorption and makes for a comfortable ride on the most rugged of trails. Full-suspension bikes usually come with a hefty price tag, though, and tend to require extensive maintenance.

There are three wheel sizes when it comes to mountain bikes: 26 inches, 27.5 inches, and 29 inches. Twenty-six-inch wheels are relatively standard for bikes and are a great option for the casual or beginner rider, as they provide plenty of control. Bikes with 27.5-inch wheels represent a good middle ground between the standard 26-inch bikes and the larger, 29-inch models. These provide greater mobility over mountainous terrain while still maintaining a decent level of control. Twenty-nine-inch wheels are aimed at the more aggressive rider, one looking to maintain momentum and easily tackle obstacles on the trail.

Most mountain bikes are made from aluminum alloy, which makes them light and durable. Higher-end bikes often utilize even lighter aluminum that’s been manufactured precisely to cut frame weight. While steel is tough and inexpensive, it’s mostly too heavy for a mountain bike. Titanium and carbon fiber make for strong, lightweight components but they’re also expensive — check out Le Super Bike, if you need an example. This is why the latter materials are often reserved for higher-end models.