Everyone has different tastes and different budgets. For that reason, it's a good thing that the three top  mountain bikes are all different in performance and all reflect different price ranges, all while still being top in quality.

Among overall great mountain bikes for mountain biking enthusiasts is the Santa Cruz Nomad. At around $4,100, it's not cheap to be sure, but experts call it the perfect mountain bike for all-around performance. It's patented dual suspension design makes for an outstanding ride and excellent handling and the bike weighs a mere 31 pounds – this is fully equipped! The Santa Cruz Nomad is classified as an all-mountain bike, meaning that is can handle just about anything from an easy trail to serious hills, to terrain that could  be called extremely tough.

People who have ridden the Nomad say that it's as good climbing steep hills as it is descending them, with very responsive handling. They also say it's just a lot of fun to ride, which has a lot to do with why it's among the top mountain bikes.

On the opposite end of the price scale is the Trek 3700, coming in at abut $380. For a mountain bike that is “cheap” it still joins the ranks of top mountain bikes because of it's high quality components and simple design. Add to that the fact that it gives a very sturdy and enjoyable ride on everything but the toughest trails, and you've got a well-made, great mountain bike – perfect for beginners and people who want to ride, but aren't into serious competition. Riders and reviewers alike look to the Trek 3700 as the best bike in the “budget” category.

Coming in at around $700 is the Iron Horse Warrior. This full-suspension mountain bike comes from an industry leader and has a price tag that falls into the “moderate” category. Experts say that because of it's quality build, it's a very good starter bike, but seasoned riders like it, too. And while it's not made for stunts, downhill racing or climbing the steepest of hills, it will perform well on most trails and on hills and and climbs that are not brutal. It is heavier than many bikes (about 36 pounds), but is still a highly rated favorite among mountain bikers for it's excellent construction.

When you are preparing to buy a mountain bike, whether it's your first or one of many, you should take time to check out these three top mountain bikes. The range of prices makes each attractive in it's own way, and each is constructed of high quality parts and for high quality performance – that's how they got their top ratings! And while the least expensive bikes are not going to be able to compete with the most expensive ones, that's as it should be.

While you're taking a look at these top mountain bikes, you will also want to check out other bikes of the same brand. You will find that these top rated bikes are part of larger groups of well built, reliable and fun mountain bikes.

Finding an inexpensive mountain bike can be a difficult task and even more so if you are looking for quality. One method that many cycling enthusiasts use to get the lowest prices is utilising price comparison sites.

BuyMountainBikes.net is a mountain bike comparison site that allows users to compare the latest mountain bikes to help you get the best deal. With brands such as giant, kona and GT mountain bikes, you are certain to a good quality cheap mountain bike at the best price.