Cycling is not just a pastime hobby but an exercise in itself. To have the best riding experience, it is necessary to have a cycle equipped with the features that suit your needs.

That’s why we have handpicked a list of the ten best cycles in India with an intentional budget capping of Rs.15,000. 

This easy to read article has categorized the best cycles in the market according to specific use cases for an easy purchase decision.

Let’s take a look without wasting any more time!

Note: The price shown are the once when we reviewed the products. However, as the promotional offers changes on the given E-commerce sites, the price may vary. Bettershark is supported by it’s readers and when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

1. Rockrider ST50

Overall Best Pick

• 21-speed gear train
• Wide, threaded tires
• Robust build quality

BUY FROM DECATHLON.IN

Rockrider is the in-house cycling brand of Decathlon, specializing in affordable city bikes and geared cycles. 

The ST50 from Rockrider is MTB from Decathlon priced at just Rs.14,999 featuring an aluminium frame. 

Design and Build Quality

The Rockrider ST50 has a simplistic design with nothing much going for it in terms of fancy sticker works or paint jobs. 

The single colour black paint job with the signature rock rider branding is minimal yet aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. 

As opposed to most other MTBs in its price bracket, the Rockrider ST50 features a lightweight aluminium frame.

The mixed type lowered geometric frame ensures that the cycle is lightweight at the same time durable enough for offroading.

The aluminium handlebar stem is raised at a 10-degree angle facilitating a comfortable riding posture on this MTB. 

The seat clamp that houses the ergonomically designed saddle is welded onto the steel post to make sure there is no unnecessary movement of the seat post while riding over rough terrain. 

The resin pedals are not of the best quality but provide a comfortable enough grip to the feet while riding. 

Suspension and Brakes

The Rockrider ST50 is a semi-rigid MTB with a shock absorber in the front and a rigid fork at the rear. 

The 80mm tubular mechanical spring-loaded suspension setup in the front minimizes the vibration and shocks from the ground to the handle, resulting in a pleasant riding experience even through the harshest of the terrain.

The hardness of the suspension can be adjusted manually, enabling you to set the stiffness according to the riding terrain. 

The rear rigid fork compensates for the front suspension in delivering a smooth trail riding experience.

The brakes on the Rockrider ST50 are V type wire brakes with calliper pads. These brakes work well for the most part, even though the stoppage is not as quick as that of the disc brakes. 

The aluminium brake levers make it easy to stop the Rockrider ST50 MTB with a single finger. 

Gears and Tires

The Rockrider ST50 MTB from Decathlon features a 21-speed gear system to provide a smooth and effortless ride, no matter the terrain inclination. 

The front and the rear derailleurs are not of the best quality per se, but acceptable;e enough for the asking price. 

The grip shifters on the handle allow the gears to shift while riding and the shifting process seems smooth for the most part.  

Speaking of the tires, the 26-inch tires on the single wall aluminium rims are thick and have wider grips for excellent ride control in both wet and dry conditions.

Verdict

The Rockrider ST50 is a reliable 21-speed MTB from Decathlon with good ride quality for a budget under Rs.15,000.

The front spring-loaded suspension and the aluminium frame makes the ride through harsh terrains an enjoyable experience.

2. Urban Terrain UT3002

Runner-up Pick

• Aluminium alloy frame
• 21-speed Shimano gear system
• Front and rear mechanical disc brakes

BUY FROM FLIPKART

The UT30002 from Urban Terrain is a budget alloy MTB priced under Rs.15,000 that provides an unmatched riding comfort in its price segment.

With advanced features such as disc brakes and a 21-speed gear train, the Urban Terrain UT3002 offers a fulfilling riding experience across a multitude of terrains.

Design and build quality

The Urban Terrain UT3002 comes with the traditional look and feel of an MTB.

The slightly obtuse V frame with a bright single colour paint job and attractive sticker work look very pleasing to the eyes.

As this is a very lightweight and compact bike, it allows the rider to accelerate and decelerate quickly without much effort.

The saddle position is positioned more in line with the handlebar which results in a favourable riding posture for long riding sessions without any body aches or pains.

The frame of this MTB is made of aluminium alloy which imparts lightweight characteristics as well as superior build quality. 

The overall fit and finish of this MTB from Urban Terrain feels adequate for the price.

Suspension and Brakes

The Urban Terrain UT3002 features a single tube type suspension in the front that works well to absorb vibrations and shocks while riding around trails and rough terrains. 

The rear rigid fork assists the front suspension to absorb road vibrations to some extent. Thanks to the hollow mainframe, this bike feels smooth while riding on flat roads. 

This MTB from Urban Terrain features front and rear mechanical disc brakes. The braking is very quick and reliable even while riding at moderate speeds.

Gears and Tires

The UT3002 MTB features 21-speed Shimano Tourney derailleurs in the front and the rear for effortless riding over roads and trails with variable elevations.

The Shimano branded thumb shifters let you easily shift the gears while riding. The shifting works okay with no major delays or chain slipping for the most part.

Make sure that you know how to and when to shift gears which otherwise might damage the gear system as a whole, resulting in unnecessary shift delays and derailleur failures. 

The 26-inch wide threaded tires are designed with offroading in mind. These tires are considerably thick when compared to the city bikes and offer superior ride control and road grip. 

Verdict

The Urban Terrain UT3002 is one of the best budget MTB that you can purchase under Rs.15,000 currently in the market.

If you are planning to purchase a feature-rich MTB with all the creature comforts such as disc brakes and gear system, this cycle is a good choice to consider under the budget of Rs.15,000.

3. Omo Manali

No-frills Hybrid Cycle

• Dual disc brakes
• Comfortable handlebar
• Suited for short rides and light trails 

BUY FROM AMAZON

Omo is an Indian bicycle brand that has been recently in the news for its E-bike launch. 

The Omo Manali is the successor to the popular Omo Model 1.0 road bike and is priced very competitively at just Rs.11,500.

Design and Build Quality

The Omo Manali has a minimal hybrid bike design with a matte finish black colour paint job and minimal brand name sticker work.

The signature contrast colour banding around the rims make this cycle look unique from the rest of its competition. 

The frame of this hybrid bike is made of steel. The cycle weighs 13.5Kg and can be considered lightweight compared to other steel frame cycles in the market.

The fit and finish of the construction are top-notch with no noticeable cost-cutting measures to be seen anywhere. 

The quill type handlebar on this city bike has PU grips for added ride control, even with wet or sweaty hands.

The PU saddle is comfortable enough for short leisure rides on city roads and flat terrains. 

Suspension and Brakes

The Omo Manali as opposed to the Omo Model 1.0 comes with a tubular front suspension and a rigid rear fork. 

This suspension has a travel distance of 60mm and provides a smooth ride on flat terrains and light trails. 

Most of the vibrations and shocks are diffused before reaching the handlebar. 

This entry-level hybrid cycle from Omo features mechanical disc brakes at both the front and the rear and provides excellent stoppage performance

The brake levers of this budget hybrid cycle are made of alloy and are a delight to operate, thanks to the quick, solid response. 

Gears and Tires

This is a single-speed hybrid cycle without a gear system. The cotterless bottom bracket ensures a smooth and effortless ride on flat and smooth terrains. 

The Omo Manali comes with 26-inches road tires with double-walled alloy rims. These tires are designed specifically to increase acceleration with minimal effort and at the same time provide a decent road grip.

The alloy rims are strong enough to endure light trail rides and are rust free to withstand tropical Indian weather conditions.

Verdict

If you want an entry-level hybrid cycle for short trips and leisure rides, the Omo Manali is a perfect match. 

The dual disc brakes, lightweight steel frame and efficient front suspension delivers a smooth and pleasant riding experience for a budget of just under Rs.12,000.

4. Riverside 120

Value for Money Cycle

• Eight-speed gear train
• Double-walled aluminium rims
• Best for leisure rides

BUY FROM DECATHLON.IN

Riverside as you all know by now is an in-house cycling brand from Decathlon. 

The Riverside 120 comes as an immediate upgrade to the RIverside 100 which we had discussed earlier in the Best cycles in India under Rs.10,000 article on our website. 

Design and Build Quality

The Riverside 120 features the same design aesthetics and colour scheme as that of the Riverside 100 cycle.

The steel frame assembly with lowered geometric design ensures the rider to easily get on and off the bike without any problems. 

One important thing to note here is that both the Riverside 100 and the Riverside 120 has a unisex design making them suitable not only for males but also females. 

The ergonomically designed handlebar with adjustable height prevails in this model as well, which helps in maintaining a correct riding posture depending upon the rider height. 

The PU foam saddle, though not the most comfortable in the segment, offers decent riding comfort for short rides on flat terrains. 

However, this saddle lacks the quick-release height adjustment mechanism which is a bit of a letdown considering the price. 

Suspension and Brakes

The Riverside 120 from Decathlon features rigid forks in both the front and the rear.

The lack of any suspension setup results in the vibrations reaching the handlebar and the hands during riding on rough tracks.

However, this is not an issue at all if you plan to take this bike out for flat terrain rides and fitness exercises. 

This budget hybrid 8-speed bike comes with the tried and tested wire V brakes with rubber callipers on both the front and the rear. 

The brake levers are of plastic materials and felt a bit average, to be honest.

The brake performance on normal riding is adequate and has decent stoppage performance on dry road conditions. 

Gears and Tires

As a slight upgrade from the six-speed gear train of the Riverside 100, this cycle features an 8-speed Microshift derailleur and cassette mechanism.

The trigger shifter on the handlebar lets you quickly switch between the gears on the go with minimal delays. 

The chain of this gear train mechanism is of KMC, a reputed brand and has a quick-release mechanism for easy maintenance and cleaning. 

The Riverside 120 features 28-inches Ralson tires that are suitable for both city roads and light trail riding.

The flat rolling portion and the threaded sides ensure good acceleration without compromising too much on the road grip.

The double-walled aluminium rims are durable and help partially in absorbing road vibrations. 

Verdict

The Riverside 120 is one of the best hybrid geared cycles priced under Rs.12,000 in the Indian market. 

The reliable 8-speed gear train along with quality components ensure a pleasant cycling experience at a budget price range.

5. Firefox Voya 700C

Alloy Hybrid Bike

• Suited for city roads and light trails
• Versatile Wanda 28-inch tires
• Robust build quality

BUY FROM AMAZON

Firefox is an Indian company popular for its low-cost hybrid bikes and MTBs.

The Voya 700C from Firefox is an entry-level single speed alloy hybrid cycle priced at just Rs.13,800.

Design and Build Quality

The Voya 700C is a hybrid cycle meant for use on both flat city roads as well as light off-road trails. 

The frame of this cycle is made from a lightweight alloy hybrid frame which is lighter than most steel frame cycles in the same price bracket. 

The handlebar, however, is made from steel and has a raised posture with a slightly curved inclination towards the rider.

The PU saddle on this hybrid cycle feels comfortable to ride on and has a quick-release mechanism for effortless height adjustment.

The pedals of this cycle are ergonomically designed to give a better grip no matter whether you are cycling with shoes or chappal.

Suspension and Brakes

The Firefox Voya 700C features rigid steel front and rear forks. Firefox has used these steel forks to ensure durability and reduce the overall cost of the cycle.

These forks dampen the vibrations and shocks to a great extent while riding on flat surfaces. When you are riding on light trails, these rigid forks offer excellent ride control with good feedback.

Talking about the brakes, this mid-range alloy hybrid cycle from Firefox features the standard steel V wire brakes.

The brake levers of this cycle are made from alloy and deliver a solid feel as well as responsiveness.

The brakes on the Voya 700C works almost similar to that of mechanical disc brakes that can be found on similarly priced cycles in the market.

Gears and Tires

The Firefox Voya 700C features a single-speed drivetrain with a steel cassette and NECO branded bottom bracket.

This cycle can quickly accelerate from a halt and the power transfer is very linear and smooth, thanks to the high-quality components used in this drivetrain. 

The 28-inches tires are from Wanda known for their acceleration and road grip. The double-walled alloy rims are rust-resistant and absorb the road vibrations partially, resulting in much smoother ride quality. 

Verdict

The Firefox Voya 700C is a one of a kind single-speed hybrid alloy cycle priced under Rs.13,800.

If you are looking for a flat terrain hybrid bike with good riding comfort, the Voya 700C should be definitely on your wish list.

6. WaltX Trail

Feature-rich MTB

• 21-speed Shimano gear train
• Telescopic front suspension
• Front and rear mechanical disc brakes

BUY FROM FLIPKART

The WalltX Trail MTB is a full-fledged budget mountain bike with all the necessary features for a safe and enduring rough terrain riding experience.

This MTB from WaltX is an ideal choice for riders looking to ride through mountain trails and bumpy roads.

Design and Build Quality

The WaltX MTB features a conventional V-shaped steel frame that gives much-needed durability and stability to a mountain bike.

This cycle comes with a long seat post that is adjustable according to the rider’s height with the help of a quick-release lever.

The handlebar is made from reinforced steel and has a slight curvature towards the rider.

These slight physical details will provide the correct riding posture and deliver an excellent riding comfort level.

The WaltX MTB weighs about 16Kg which makes it an apt mountain cycle for people aged 15 and above.

Suspension and Brakes

This mountain bike comes with a front zoom suspension with 80mm travel, which is a regular hydraulic type shock absorber seen on cycles at this price point.

This suspension works pretty well to absorb vibration on the road and mild bumps on the mountain trails and keeps the cycle in control.

The rear rigid fork adds to the stability of the bike and assists the front suspension to deliver superior riding control.

The WaltX MTB comes with mechanical disc brakes both in the front and the rear. These disc brakes provide a much better stoppage even while riding fast.

The Shimano EF41 brake levers are a joy to use and deliver quick responsive braking performance all the time.

However, be warned that the sudden braking action might drift the cycle away if used carelessly.

Gears and Tires

The WaltX MTB comes with the 21-speed Shimano Tourney TZ series front and rear derailleurs with Shimano EasyFire thumb shifters. 

The Shimano derailleurs ensure smooth switching even while riding uphill or downhill without any chain slip or shift delays.

The tires on this mountain cycle are 26 inches with a width of 2.125-inches fitted onto a double-walled alloy rim.

These tires offer excellent grip on the road and keep the cycle in control even while riding at higher speeds on rough terrains.

Verdict

The WaltX Trail is one of the best feature-packed mountain bikes that you can purchase under a budget of around Rs.15,000.

The dual disc brakes and the efficient front suspension make this cycle a hardcore, rough terrain cycle.

7. Frog Wanderer 700C

No-frills Single Speed Road Bike

• Mechanical disc brakes
• Wide, threaded tires
• Best for city commutes

BUY FROM OUTDOORS91.COM

Frog is an Indian cycle manufacturing company which is quite popular for its affordable MTBs and city bike lineup.

The Wanderer 700C from Frog is a no-frills single speed cycle costing you around Rs.12,000 in the Indian market.

Design and Build Quality

The Frog Wanderer 700C cycle features a regular V-shaped frame with hollow tubes made from carbon steel material.

The fit and finish of the welds and seam joints look clean and polished. 

The dual-tone black and white colour scheme and the orange sticker graphics looks refreshing and makes this bicycle stand out from the crowd.

There is a sprocket guard for the chain assembly for added rider safety. 

The flat handlebar and the comfortable PU saddle are ergonomically balanced to provide a comfortable riding posture. 

The saddle comes with a quick-release mechanism with which you can easily adjust the ride height.

Overall, the build quality of the Frog Wanderer 700C is on par with its competitors considering the asking price of just Rs.12,000

Suspension and Gears

This city/road bike from Frog features rigid steel forks in the front and rear. Even in the absence of a suspension setup, this bicycle provides a smooth enough riding experience on city roads.

The Frog Wanderer 700C is a single speed cycle without any gear mechanism.

For short leisure riding trips through flat terrains, be it city roads or light gravel roads, a single-speed cycle is much more preferable than a geared cycle. 

Brakes and Tires

The Frog Wanderer 700C comes with mechanical disc brakes in the front and the rear.

Disc brakes provide much quicker braking efficiency when compared with normal V wire brakes.

Speaking of the tires, this cycle has 28-inches threaded tires for enhanced road presence and superior grip. 

The double-walled alloy rims used in this city/road bike are durable and rust-free for typical Indian weather conditions. 

Verdict

The Frog Wanderer 700C is a well built single-speed road/city bike priced under Rs.12,000 for short leisure trips and weekend rides.

8. Firefox Skull

Best BMX Bike

• Solid steel frame
• Powerful Tektro V brakes
• 360-degrees rotatable handlebar

BUY FROM CHOOSEMYBICYCLE

Firefox is a popular bicycle manufacturer known for its affordable and feature-rich mountain bikes in the Indian market.

The Firefox Skull is an MTB designed to satiate a certain niche of riders who are into BMX activities. 

Design and Build Quality

First and foremost, the Firefox Skull is an entry-level BMX bicycle. 

BMX, an abbreviation for Bicycle Motocross is a sports activity performed on specially designed BMX bikes that include freestyle actions and exercises. 

The frame of this budget MTB is made from steel and has a typical BMX design with a low centre of gravity.

This frame is thick enough to withstand rough usage and shocks and the cycle in total weighs around 14Kgs total.

This cycle features a slating frame design to make it easy for the rider to stunt on this bike.

The Firefox Skull comes with detachable pegs on the front wheel for specific wheel based BMX activities. 

The pedals of this cycle are made of alloy and offer excellent grip and durability. 

The handlebar of this BMX bike can be rotated 360-degrees for performing stunts effortlessly. 

Suspension and Brakes

The Firefox Skull BMX bike has no suspension but rigid front and rear forks. 

These steel rigid forks are very solid and durable enough to withstand violent shocks and vibrations that the cycle has to go through while performing BMX stunts. 

The Tektro branded wire brakes are very effective and the alloy levers make braking a delightful affair with this bike. 

Gears and Tires

The Firefox Skull is a single-speed BMX bike with a steel bottom bracket and long crank arms. 

BMX bikes usually don’t have multiple, complex gear trains because the primary purpose of such bikes are stunting and nothing else. 

The 20-inch tires stay close to the ground and offer excellent road grip and traction.

These Wanda branded tires are 2.125-inches wide and have a hard threaded pattern.

Verdict

If BMX is your passion and if you don’t have a large enough budget to pursue your dream, the Firefox Skull makes it happen for just Rs.13,400.

9. Firefox Grunge

Best Single Speed Budget MTB

• Wide, threaded tires
• Front and rear mechanical disc brakes
• Front shock absorber

BUY FROM FLIPKART

Firefox cycles have been one of the most sought after cycle brands post covid 19 outbreak.

Firefox Grunge is yet another value for money MTB from the company available in the Indian market for a price tag of just Rs.12,699.

Design and Build Quality

The design of this MTB is no different from the other MTBs we have seen in this price category. 

The glossy black colour paint job with attractive yellow sticker graphics makes this MTB look attractive and stylish.

The frame of this cycle is made from steel while the handlebar stem is of alloy material. 

The seat post as expected comes with a quick-release mechanism for easy height adjustments.

The handle grips are very much comfortable for rides and provide excellent grip and ride control. 

Suspension and Gears

The suspension setup is an important factor to consider while purchasing a mountain bike. 

The Firefox Grunge MTB features a front shock absorber with a rigid rear connecting rod.

The suspension setup in the front will reduce the jerks from uneven paths a lot, helping you to have a more polished ride with fewer vibrations on the handlebar.

This mountain bike has a single speed gear train with no complications whatsoever making it ideal for riding on flat terrains, city roads and light trails. 

Brakes and Tires

The Firefox Grunge budget mountain bike features a front and rear mechanical disc brake setup for minimal stoppage distance.

These disc brakes are significantly more reliable than a regular V-type wire brake given the brake response.

The 27.5-inch wide tires on this bicycle have good ground grip and are mounted over a double-walled rim which adds to the overall pleasant riding experience.

Verdict

If you are short on cash but desire a feature-packed mountain bike with decent build quality, the Firefox Grunge is an ideal cycle.

This mountain bike provides you with almost all the premium features such as dual disc brakes, front suspension etc for just around Rs.12,500.

10. Urban Terrain UT1000

Honourable Mention

• Perfect for offroading
• Front and rear disc brakes
• 21-speed Shimano gear system

BUY FROM FLIPKART

The Urban Terrain UT1000 is a mountain cycle designed and perfected with all necessary features to become one of the best available MTBs in this price segment.

Made completely out of steel and mild steel components, the UT1000 is a solid offering from Urban Terrain at an enticing price point.

Design and Build Quality

This mountain bike from Urban Terrain features a single colour paint job with exciting dual-tone graphics.

This adds to the adventure flare and the looks should impress boys and men alike.

The frame is made of steel and has a lowered geometric V-shape, providing much needed structural strength and stability to the bike.

The bird type flat handlebar is easy to reach and provides the perfect posture while riding downhill.

Suspension and Gears

This mountain bike priced under Rs.15,000 features a front-mounted shock absorber that will let you cruise through rough hilly terrain with minimal shocks and vibrations.

The rear section of this cycle has a rigid support stem that connects the mainframe to the rear wheels. There is no sort of suspension here other than the tire itself.

Speaking about the gears, the Urban Terrain UT1000 has a 21-speed Shimano front and rear derailleur gear system. 

The gear shifting is really easy with the thumb shifter and the gear changes on the go without much hassle even at higher speeds.

Brakes and Tires

The 26-inch tires with double-walled alloy rims are made to handle rough terrains. 

These tires have a very good grip and provide excellent control and stability while riding the bike offroad.

The disc brakes of the Urban Terrain UT1000 are of mechanical type. Both the front and rear feature this and the braking is very quick and much more efficient than the normal V brakes which have rubber callipers to stop the cycle.

Verdict

The Urban Terrain UT1000 is the perfect bike for you if you’re in search of a feature-rich, off-road mountain bike for Rs.15,000.

The smooth suspension keeps you in control of the path ahead and the disc brakes infuse confidence in you to take risks on off-road trails.

This concludes our list of the ten best bicycles in India priced under Rs.15,000. 

As we said earlier, we haven’t included premium models in this article as we think a budget of Rs.15,000 might be the sweet spot offering most of the goodies that a common man will care for.

However, if you have suggestions or tips to improve our article, please do share them in the comment box below.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!