Whether you choose a carbon or aluminum frame, there are pros and cons to both choices. On the plus side for aluminum, buyers get more bang for their buck, and today’s aluminum frames have been optimized to provide excellent durability, ride feel, and performance on the trail.
So, whether you’re on a tight budget, or prefer to invest in quality parts rather than a pricey frame, these mountain and gravel bikes deliver a great value.
And ICYMI, check out Singletracks readers’ summer hydration favorites here.
Specialized Chisel
$2,600.00
The all-new, full-suspension Specialized Chisel is easily one of the best values in aluminum MTBs today. With a roughly 30lb weight, buyers still get 120/110mm of suspension travel front and rear, a 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain, and a TranzX dropper post. Clearly demand is high for this bike; size mediums already sold out! The SRAM NX Eagle Chisel is fully stocked and comes in two colors. Read more.
Buy from Specialized
Trek Fuel EX 8 Gen 6
$4,299.99 | $3,499.99 sale
The aluminum Trek Fuel EX features in-frame storage and adjustable geo just like the pricier carbon version. And 8-level build doesn’t skimp on components, featuring a Fox 36 fork with GRIP damper, Shimano XT drivetrain (!), and 4-piston brakes. Read more.
Buy from Trek
Norco Sight A3 2023
$2,999.00 | $2,248.94 sale
The all-mountain Norco Sight saw big changes this year with a move to a high-pivot design. If you’re a fan of the previous version, you’re in luck because the also excellent 2023 aluminum build is on sale. This A3 build features a reliable Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and 4-piston Shimano brakes. You can also pick up the 2023 Norco Sight C3 on sale, and while the front triangle is carbon fiber, the rear is aluminum. Read more.
Buy from Jenson USA
Co-op ADV 2.3 Gravel Bike
$2,499.00 | $1,498.93 sale
REI Co-op bikes are known for offering a great value, and with $1,000 off, this gravel bike looks like a steal. The Shimano GRX drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes provide solid and reliable performance while the carbon fork is a lightweight touch that promises an enjoyable ride.
Buy from REI
Ibis Ripley AF 2024
$2,999.00
The 2024 Ibis Ripley AF is an incredibly capable trail bike with 130/120mm of travel front/rear. This build features a Fox 34 fork up front, a mixed SRAM GX/NX drivetrain, and Maxxis tires.
Buy from Jenson USA
Rocky Mountain Element A30 Deore
$3,299.00
The Rocky Mountain Element “blurs the lines between XC and enduro,” according to a 2023 Singletracks review. The frame features a 4-position flip chip, two water bottle mounts, and guided internal routing. Plus it’s UDH-compatible. Read more.
Buy from Competitive Cyclist
Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy
$5,500.00
The Turbo Levo is a full power eMTB with 160/150mm of travel front/rear. The alloy build features the same motor and battery as pricier carbon models for a fraction of the price.
Buy from Specialized
Giant Trance 1 29 (M, L)
$3,550.00 | $2,549.99 sale
The Giant Trance is a popular choice, and if you ride a size medium or large, you’re in luck because these aluminum builds are on sale! Featuring a Fox 34 fork up front and a Shimano SLX drivetrain, the Giant Trance 1 29 should stand up to miles of hard trail riding.
Buy from Performance Bike
Trek Top Fuel 8 GX AXS T-Type Gen 3
$4,799.99 | $4,299.99 sale
The Trek Top Fuel was recently updated which means Gen 3 bikes are on sale, including this aluminum alloy build. Priced at $4,300, this is one of the cheapest bikes we’ve seen with a GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, plus you get a RockShox Pike fork and SRAM DB8 4-piston brakes.
Buy from Trek
Salsa Timberjack XT Z2
$2,899.00 | $2,029.30 sale
A Shimano XT drivetrain on a ~$2K bike? Yes please! The Salsa Timberjack aluminum hardtail features a Marzocchi Z2 Rail fork up front and the rear dropouts are adjustable for multiple drivetrain and wheelbase options.
Buy from Worldwide Cyclery
Cannondale Topstone 1 Gravel Bike
$2,200.00
The dual chainring on the Cannondale Topstone 1 gravel bike ensures you can keep up with friends on the road while the tubeless WTB 37c tires are gravel-ready. This build features a Shimano GRX drivetrain and brakes with a carbon fork up front.
Buy from REI
Specialized P.1 Trail
$1,000.00
Specialized quietly released the P.1 Trail bike this year, and it looks like a fun one! Riffing off the P.1 dirt jump bike, the P.1 Trail adds multiple gears and fatter tires for tackling jumps and trails alike. The P.1 Trail features 20in wheels for younger riders, while the $1,500 P.2 Trail gets 24″ wheels for older kids.
Buy from Specialized
Salsa Stormchaser Apex Eagle Suspension
$3,199.00
This aluminum gravel bike comes with a mountain biker’s dream build including a RockShox Rudy XPLR fork and a TranzX YP38 dropper post with 90mm of travel.
Buy from REI
Specialized Chisel Hardtail
$2,400.00 | $2,159.99 sale
The Specialized Chisel hardtail is surprisingly lightweight and ready to tackle high school racing or the local points series.
Buy from Specialized
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