I bought and tested the cheapest MTB hardtail that makes sense. Part 1/3.

Part 1/4: watching now.
Part 2/4:    • Best $25 spent on upgrading my budget...  
Part 3/4:    • Good budget MTB gets even better with...  
Part 4/4:    • 4 advantages of budget air fork. I up...  

Other budget MTB options:
$379 No disc brakes though.
amzn.to/4fYUpEz

$499 with disc brakes and 1x9 drivetrain.
amzn.to/3CHWc2p