The short answer is, that it depends on a number of factors like experience level and how much you plan on using it. If you're just starting out with mountain biking and want to ride moderate to strenuous trails, then you’ll likely eventually want to buy a higher-quality bike to give yourself a better ride.However, if you're just starting out or you want a bike to use on roads or light trails, then you'll likely be satisfied with a lower-cost option. Keep in mind, that with mountain bikes, you usually get what you pay for.