Hardtails are how most people get on the trails for the first time. Whether it is a $200 Walmart bike or a $2000 XC machine you can learn something and gain valuable skills on a hardtail. However, around the $1000 mark there seems to be a tipping point where you get quality components and geometry that you won’t want to immediately throw away after a year of riding. In this round-up, we’ll share our top best $1000 hardtail trail bikes.

There are a couple of criteria that were used in building this list. First, we allowed a little bit of wiggle room on the MSRP price knowing that sales, dealer incentives etc would allow you to obtain any of these bikes for right around $1000. Second, if the manufacturer specced the bike with a coil shock they were disqualified. Low end coil shocks do not yield a capable trail bike that can be tailored to rider weight the way an air fork can. Finally, if the manufacturer specced the bike with a 2x or 3x drivetrain they were also disqualified. With all of the great 1x systems out there, there is no reason to be speccing a $1000 bike with a 2x that is harder to use and more of a maintenance headache.

Most Affordable: Marin San Quinten 1

The Marin San Quentin hardtails slot in between the already existing Alcatraz dirt jump bike and more tail/xc oriented Nail Trail. An “aggressive hardtail,” the San Quentin receives a slacked out 65° head tube angle which should stabilize things when pointing the bike downhill while425mm chainstays will keep the rear end compact and easy to move around. Best of all, this is the cheapest bike in our round-up. At $849 you will make some component sacrifices, but you are also buying into a capable platform.

More Info

Wheel Size	27.5"
Fork	Suntour XCM32 120mm
Drive Train	Shimano Altus, 9-Speed
Brakes	Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc
Wheels	Marin Double Wall 27.5 29mm internal width
Tires	Vee Tire, Crown Gem 27.5x2.3", Dual Control Compound, Wire Bead
Seatpost	Marin Alloy Light
Price	849.99

Best Downhill Bike: Commencal META HT AM ORIGIN

This thing is a beast. With 150mm fork up front, the Commencal Meta HT AM Origin is by far the longest legged bike in this list. Outfitted with 27.5×2.6 tires it’s in the not quite plus territory that many aggresive riders are finding to be the sweet spot. It also features larger 200mm rotors up front for greater downhill stopping power. Arguably this is one of the most stunning looking bikes on the list as well.

More Info

 

Wheel Size	27.5
Fork	ROCKSHOX RECON RL, 150 mm
Drive Train	SRAM X5, 10 sp
Brakes	TEKTRO HD-M275
Wheels	Formula Hubs with WTB ST i35, 32 holes, 35 mm inner width
Tires	VEETIRECO FLOW SNAPP, 27.5 x 2.6, skinwall, 72 TPI front and rear
Seatpost	RIDE ALPHA
Price	1099

Best All Around Trail Bike: Diamondback Sync’r

Highlights on the Diamondback Sync’r build include a respectable Rockshox 130mm fork, the best drivetrain of the bunch, NX 11 speed and Shimano MT500 brakes. The Sync’rs extra 10mm boost of front travel sets it apart from many other bikes in this category and will make you think just a little bit less about taking this bike into gnarly terrain.

More Info

Wheel Size	27.5
Fork	Rockshox Recon RL, Solo Air, 130mm Travel
Drive Train	SRAM NX X-Horizon, 11 Speed
Brakes	Shimano MT500 Hydraulic Disc
Wheels	27.5 Diamondback blanchard
Tires	WTB Vigilante, 27.5x2.3"
Seatpost	DB Alloy Micro Adjust, 30.9mm
Price	1199

Best Trail Hardtail with a Dropper: Giant Fathom 2

Squeezing a dropper post into a $1000 price point proves to be a challenge. But, Giant has managed to do it with their Fathom 2. With 27.5+ wheels, a dropper and a decent air fork this bike won’t be begging for an immediate upgrade.

More Info

Wheel Size	27.5+
Fork	Suntour SF19-Raidon 32, 120mm
Drive Train	Shimano Deore, 1x10
Brakes	Tektro HDM 275
Wheels	Giant AM 27.5, 30mm inner width, with giant hubs
Tires	Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5x2.8
Seatpost	Giant Contact Switch dropper post with remote lever
Price	1,100

Best Equipped 120mm Bike: Salsa Timberjack NX1 27.5+

The Salsa Timberjack comes with a super respectable build kit. Using the 120mm RockShox Judy fork that was recently reintroduced, this budget hardtail incorporates big brand components. The SRAM NX drivetrain is arguably the best budget drivetrain on the market, and Tektro HD-M290 Hydraulic brakes should provide adequate stopping power.

More Info

Wheel Size	27.5+
Fork	RockShox Judy Silver TK Solo Air 120mm
Drive Train	SRAM NX 11 Speed
Brakes	Tektro HD-M290 Hydraulic
Wheels	Formula Hubs with WTB Scraper i40 27.5"
Tires	WTB Ranger, 27.5 x 2.8" Comp, 27 tpi casing
Seatpost	Promax
Price	1099