Is The Cross FXT500 Mountain Bike Too Cheap To Be Worthwhile?
When you are looking for a budget bike to get you started with mountain biking, the low-cost Cross FXT500 Mountain Bike is going to stand out.
This one is incredibly cheap compared to other budget models and about the 10th of the price of high-end bikes.
This is great for those yet to build their confidence to ride. But, does this low cost mean there is a poor specification?
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The Pros and Cons of this Cross FXT500 Mens Mountain Bike.
Pros:
- The range of speeds on offer and the EZ Fire shifters
- The number of Shimano components throughout
- The nice design and finish on the paintwork
Cons:
- The weight of the alloy frame
- The minimal suspension compared to other bikes
The attractive Cross FXT500 Mountain Bike has a lot going for it for the inexperienced rider.
The most important place to start when talking about the positives of this MTB is the gear system. Because you aren’t paying much for this bike, you might expect a simple system with no more than 7 or 8 speeds.
Instead, you get a nice Shimano system with 21 speeds and EZ Fire triggers for ease of use. This should help many new riders get into the rhythm of riding on trails and help with different routes. From there, the bike also has a nice response from the disc brakes on both wheels.
This is also a nice looking bike that you could mistake for something a little more expensive. Biking snobs out on the trails with you may have some compliments for the shape of the bike and the nice grey and blue paintwork.
The blue accents continue into the seat and handlebars, which seem to be comfortable enough.
The low cost of this Cross FXT500 does mean that there are limitations in key areas.
Because this is only a budget mountain bike, you aren’t going to get all of the features and components that you might have hoped for.
It seems as though this model is a little on the heavy side compared to other options out there.
But, the alloy frame is still pretty sturdy, even if it doesn’t have the same speed and geometry as higher-end models. Then there is the suspension.
The front fork should have just enough shock absorption for off-road riding but it won’t be a comfortable as a model with dual suspension.
What does this mean for a final recommendation of this Cross Budget Mountain Bike?
In the end, there isn’t too much to criticise about this product when we consider the price. This bike is one of the most affordable out there if you only want something simple as an introduction to mountain biking.
There are drawbacks in the weight, suspension and some of the features. But, the low cost and the nice look of the frame mean that that you can make improvements over time with ease. The Cross mountain bike is still responsive, attractive and a good choice for complete novices.
Find more reviews about the Cross FXT500 Mountain Bike on Argos here.