Affordable MTB Deals in Europe
High-performance mountain biking doesn’t have to break the bank. In 2025, riders across the European Union can find plenty of affordable, high-quality mountain bikes that deliver serious trail performance without the premium price tag. The secret? Buying refurbished mountain bikes and quality second-hand deals. This way, you get top-notch components and frames for a fraction of the cost, making the best mountain bikes under €1,500 a reality for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
One smart strategy is to shop through trusted platforms like Tuvalum, which offers professionally certified second-hand bikes at significant savings. Tuvalum’s experts thoroughly inspect each bike (over 100 checkpoints) and refurbish them to meet the highest EU quality standards for new bikes, providing a 12-month warranty for peace of mind. In other words, you can snag a premium model that feels almost new, but at a used bike price. High-performance MTB riding becomes accessible to all riders when you have Tuvalum’s certified refurbishments backing your purchase with quality assurance and warranty support.
Below we highlight 10 excellent mountain bikes you can find under €1,500 (often much less) in 2025. Each comes from a reputable brand and offers impressive specs for the price – whether it’s a lightweight carbon frame, reliable suspension, or race-ready drivetrain. We’ll list each model (with current typical price in brackets) and point out its key advantage or unique selling point in bold. Let’s dive into these MTB deals Europe 2025 riders should know about!
1. MERIDA BIG NINE 3000 (€1,290)
The Merida Big Nine 3000 is a cross-country hardtail that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a race-worthy bike. Its standout feature is a CF3 carbon frame that keeps weight low while delivering a stiff, efficient pedaling platform. As the name suggests, it rolls on fast 29-inch wheels for great momentum over rough terrain. The Big Nine 3000 comes equipped with a Manitou Markhor 100 mm suspension fork (with lockout) to smooth out bumps, and a modern 1x12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain for wide gearing. In other words, you’re getting a lightweight, race-ready hardtail with components usually seen on pricier bikes. Merida’s racing pedigree shines through here – this bike handles agilely on singletrack and climbs with ease, making it an ideal choice for aspiring XC racers on a budget.
2. TREK TOP FUEL 9 (€1,415)
Looking for a full-suspension deal? The Trek Top Fuel 9 offers 120 mm travel full suspension performance from a world-renowned brand, at a mid-range price. This is an aluminum-frame trail bike that’s equally at home on rugged trail rides and cross-country loops. The Top Fuel’s suspension design (with Trek’s advanced linkage) provides efficient pedaling uphill and plush shock absorption on descents. It features a quality SRAM 1x drivetrain (in many builds, a mix of X1/GX components) and powerful hydraulic disc brakes for confident stopping. Trek’s brand pedigree in MTB racing means the Top Fuel has dialed geometry – stable enough for rough trails yet quick-handling for tight courses. Riders love its versatility: you can race an XC event one day and hit the bike park the next. Overall, the smooth suspension and balanced feel of the Top Fuel 9 make it a standout for those who want a do-it-all bike under €1.5k.
3. GIANT ANTHEM 2 (€1,490)
Giant’s Anthem series has long been about cross-country speed, and the Anthem 2 delivers just that with an approachable price. This model pairs a sturdy ALUXX aluminum frame with Giant’s renowned Maestro suspension system, giving you full-suspension comfort and control on the trails. The Maestro linkage is known for being very efficient – it pedals almost like a hardtail on climbs, yet soaks up roots and rocks on the way down. With around 90–100 mm of rear travel (paired to ~100 mm front fork), the Anthem 2 is tuned for XC racing and fast trail rides. It typically comes with reliable Shimano components (often a mix of Deore/SLX or even XT at this price), ensuring smooth shifting and braking. Giant is one of the world’s largest bike makers, so you’re benefiting from their economy of scale – high-quality suspension and frame engineering at a lower cost. Agile 27.5-inch wheels (on earlier models) or fast-rolling 29er wheels (in newer versions) provide quick handling for beginners and experienced riders alike. Overall, the Anthem 2 stands out for its efficient suspension and well-rounded spec – a great introduction to full-suspension biking for anyone seeking value.
4. MASSI PRO PERFORMANCE (€1,490)
Hailing from a Spanish brand with racing heritage, the Massi Pro Performance is a hidden gem in the second-hand market. This bike is all about delivering top-tier specs at an unbeatable price. It boasts an ultralight carbon frame (around 11.3 kg in weight), which puts it on par with far more expensive elite XC bikes. The components are no joke either: typically you’ll find a Fox 32 Rhythm 100 mm suspension fork up front and a Shimano 1x12 setup combining XT and SLX level parts. In fact, the Pro Performance often comes with Shimano XT M8100 rear derailleur and SLX shifters/brakes – meaning crisp shifting and strong, fade-free braking. This rig is truly race-ready: lightweight, stiff, and equipped for speed. Massi might be a lesser-known brand across Europe, but they’ve earned World Cup accolades in their history, and that expertise trickles down. For riders, that means you get a pro-level ride (carbon monocoque frame, competition-worthy components) at a fraction of new-bike cost. The Massi Pro Performance is perfect for a cyclist who wants something a bit different from the mainstream, without compromising on performance one bit.
5. CANNONDALE F-SI CARBON 4 (€1,490)
The Cannondale F-Si Carbon 4 is an elite cross-country hardtail that you can now snag at a mid-range price. Cannondale designed the F-Si for racing – it’s incredibly light, stiff, and responsive. The star of the show is Cannondale’s unique Lefty Ocho fork, a single-sided 100 mm suspension fork that saves weight while delivering precise steering. Paired with the F-Si’s BallisTec carbon frame, the Lefty gives this bike an instant wow factor: it looks different and it rides like a razor. The geometry is tuned for quick handling with a slack head angle and short chainstays, which means confident descents and nimble turns. At the Carbon 4 trim, you typically get a mix of high-performance components – often a SRAM 1x12 Eagle drivetrain and decent hydraulic brakes – so it’s ready to race or tackle tough trails out of the box. Cannondale’s racing pedigree (this frame lineage has seen World Cup podiums) means you’re investing in proven tech. The F-Si Carbon 4 stands out as a ultra-lightweight racer with cutting-edge features (like that Lefty fork) that will definitely turn heads on your local trails. If you’re aiming to podium at your next XC event or just want a bike that feels lightning fast, this is a fantastic choice at €1,490.
6. CUBE RACE ONE 27.5 (€790)
If you’re looking for pure bang-for-buck, the Cube Race One is hard to beat – especially with second-hand prices dipping well below €800. Cube is a German brand famed for offering great components at lower prices, and the Race One exemplifies this. It’s a hardtail built on a lightweight aluminum frame with internal cable routing for a clean look. Even at this budget, Cube didn’t skimp on the parts: you get a RockShox Judy 100 mm fork for legit trail smoothing, and often a 2×12 drivetrain (24 speeds total) pairing Shimano’s reliable Deore/SLX components. That wide gear range is awesome for beginners who want easy climbing gears plus fast pedals on flats. The 27.5″ wheels (available on smaller frame sizes; larger sizes often come with 29″) make the bike feel snappy and fun in tight turns. Weighing around 13.5 kg stock, the Race One is fairly light for its price class. Its key advantage is unbeatable value – you’re getting a trail-ready bike (disc brakes, air fork, high-quality drivetrain) for the price of a much more basic model. For new riders or those on a strict budget, the Cube Race One opens the door to real mountain biking without a huge investment. It’s an ideal first MTB that can handle weekend trail rides and even the occasional race, all while keeping your wallet happy.
7. BERRIA BRAVO 6.1 (€1,490)
Berria may not be a household name everywhere in Europe, but this Spanish brand is turning heads with bikes like the Bravo 6.1. The Bravo 6.1 is a cross-country hardtail that offers premium carbon performance at a mid-level price. Built on a lightweight carbon frame with 29″ wheels, it’s designed for speed and efficiency on XC courses and marathon rides. Out of the box (or rather, out of the Tuvalum workshop), the Bravo 6.1 is usually equipped with a mix of Shimano XT and SLX components – meaning you get smooth shifting and durable, race-proven tech. Notably, it features a RockShox Reba 100 mm suspension fork, a step up from entry-level forks and known for its adjustability and plush feel. That fork will take the edge off roots and rocks, helping you maintain control at high speeds. Berria puts an emphasis on a balanced geometry – expect a bike that climbs efficiently but also offers stability on descents thanks to its thru-axle design and Boost spacing for stiffness. In short, the Bravo 6.1’s calling card is race-ready performance without the big-brand markup. It’s a perfect example of a boutique brand delivering value: you get a gorgeous carbon hardtail that’s ready to line up at competitions or just blitz your local trails, all at a price that’s hard to believe.
8. ORBEA OIZ H30 (€1,490)
The Orbea Oiz H30 brings full-suspension capability to our list, ideal for riders who want extra comfort on rough trails or marathon races. Orbea’s Oiz is renowned as one of the lightest full-suspension mountain bikes on the market, famous for its remarkable agility and speed. The H30 is the entry-level aluminum version of this XC racer, but it still carries the Oiz DNA through and through. You get a 120 mm travel setup (front and rear) with Orbea’s sophisticated suspension design – it pedals very efficiently (minimal bob) yet absorbs bumps confidently, thanks in part to the Squidlock remote that lets you lock out or adjust suspension on the fly. The frame is a hydroformed alloy that’s so sleek it could be mistaken for carbon, keeping the bike durable and affordable while maintaining a low weight. Orbea equips the Oiz H30 with upper-mid-range components, typically a Shimano Deore/SLX 12-speed drivetrain and decent air-suspension shocks, which is impressive at this price. The World Cup pedigree of the Oiz means its geometry is dialed for racing: quick handling, excellent climber’s posture, and stable enough for technical sections. Whether you’re aiming to finish your first XC marathon or just want a plush ride for all-day adventures, the Orbea Oiz H30 offers a sweet spot of performance and price. It’s a refurbished mountain bike deal that lets you experience a truly cutting-edge XC machine without breaking the bank.
9. SCOTT SCALE 935 (€1,190)
Scott’s Scale series is synonymous with cross-country championships – and the Scale 935 gives you a taste of that world-class performance at an everyman price. This bike is built around an extremely light carbon hardtail frame (approx 11.5 kg as sold), which means blistering acceleration and easy climbing. The frame on the 935 is derived from Scott’s pro lineup, so it has racing in its genes: a tapered head tube and thru-axle ensure stiffness, while the laid-back seat angle and longer reach provide stability on descents. What sets the Scale 935 apart is its high-end component mix for the money – it typically comes with a SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrain featuring an X01 Eagle rear derailleur for crisp, precise shifting. That’s a top-tier part rarely seen on bikes under €1,200! The suspension is handled by a RockShox fork (Reba or Judy in this range) with a remote lockout, so you can firm it up on climbs. Scott also includes their RideLoc system in many Scales, allowing on-the-fly adjustment of suspension if applicable. With Shimano hydraulic brakes and quality Syncros (Scott’s in-house) components rounding out the kit, the Scale 935 is race-ready out of the gate. Its super lightweight carbon frame and racing pedigree make it ideal for a rider who wants to jump into XC racing or just loves the feel of a quick, nimble bike on trail rides. Considering this model would have been nearly €2,000 new, finding it around €1,190 as a certified pre-owned deal is a steal.
10. FOCUS RAVEN 8.7 (€1,290)
Last but not least, the Focus Raven 8.7 is a German-engineered hardtail that balances speed and comfort, making it a great choice for both competitive and recreational riders. The Raven series has been refined over years of racing, and the 8.7 gives you a carbon frame and quality parts without the premium price. It’s a 29″ wheeled XC machine with a Fox 32 Float suspension fork (100 mm travel) up front for excellent small-bump sensitivity and control. Focus opted for a 2×11 drivetrain on this model, mixing Shimano XT and SLX components – the dual chainrings mean you have an enormous range of gears (great for very hilly terrain or bikepacking use), while the XT/SLX combo ensures reliability and smooth shifting under load. The build often includes light tubeless-ready wheels and thru-axles, keeping the bike stiff and responsive when you sprint or corner hard. The Raven’s geometry finds a nice middle ground: it’s responsive and quick-handling, yet a bit more forgiving than a purebred race bike, so you can enjoy longer rides without feeling too twitchy on rough trails. Focus is known for rigorous design and testing (their motto is “German Engineered”), and it shows – the Raven feels rock solid and precise. At ~€1,290 used, you’re getting a carbon hardtail that originally sat higher in the lineup, complete with a high-quality fork and drivetrain. It’s an ideal platform for a rider who wants a bike that can toe the line at a race one weekend and go on a marathon adventure the next.
Refurbished Mountain Bikes – A Smart Alternative in 2025
As we’ve seen, there are incredible bikes available under €1,500 – a price point that is a great entry into performance MTB. In this range, you’re getting features like carbon frames, advanced suspension, and race-ready drivetrains that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. The key is that many of these deals are on lightly used or refurbished models. This is where Tuvalum comes in as a game-changer for European cyclists. If you’re wondering where to buy second-hand MTB bikes with confidence, Tuvalum’s online marketplace is an excellent answer. Each bike sold there goes through a rigorous 100+ point inspection by expert mechanics and is refurbished to meet the safety standards of a new bicycle. Tuvalum provides a warranty (typically 12 months) on all their bikes and even issues a certification of the bike’s condition, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Plus, they handle secure shipping across the EU – your bike arrives at your door fully insured and 80% assembled, with a 30-day return policy in case something isn’t right.
In summary, shopping for a mountain bike in the €1,000–€1,500 range can yield some amazing finds. You’re stepping into a level of quality where bikes are genuinely trail-capable and built to last. By opting for a certified refurbished bike from Tuvalum, you stretch your budget further – accessing bikes that might normally be out of reach – all while enjoying warranty protection and expert-approved quality. It’s a smart alternative for cyclists in Europe who demand value and performance. So gear up and get riding – your affordable dream MTB is out there, and it might just be one click away on Tuvalum’s site, ready to deliver premium thrills without the premium price tag.