Bicycles Mongoose is a classic, tested by more than one generation of extreme bikers and just lovers of riding. For more than 45 years, they have proven their superiority, and it is already known that at the first BMX freestyle Olympic Games in 2020, Pat Casey, an athlete from the USA, will perform on the technique of this particular brand. Reliable, fast, stylish, children's and adult bicycles Pro and Tyax Sport, Montana Le and Switchback Comp, Rockadile and other Mongoose models have repeatedly proved that they are worthy of admiration.
Mongoose bicycles combine the best BMX stunt traditions and mountain bike capabilities. Both models for the city and versions for off-road skiing have an impressive appearance, a reliable frame, high-quality forks and body kit. What are the pros and cons of these bikes, why you should choose them? A detailed overview of the features and model range of Mongoose bikes will help to understand the issue.
About Brand
When you buy a Mongoose bike, you can be sure that its manufacturing country (USA) will not be replaced by one of the Asian regions. The company since 1974, since the first prototypes by Skip Hess appeared, is based in Southern California, where there are all conditions for year-round bike testing. However, Motomag wheels were the first to be born, which a BMX employee came up with literally without leaving his own garage at his leisure. But the trouble is, for standard stunt frames they were too good.
By 1980, the serious question was about making your own bikes. The novelty turned out exactly the way its creators wanted - off-road, maneuverable, stunt, as it should. And the new brainchild acquired the name Mongoose and confidently entered the rank of BMX sports legends.With the advent of mountain bike fashion, the company has reached a new level. In the period from 1987 to 2000, the brand did everything in order to attract the attention of professional riders, and he completely succeeded.
A wide audience learned about Mongoose later when the firm became part of the Pacific Cycle holding. Since 2004, these bikes for a narrow circle of athletes began to be produced in the mass market segment.
High-class equipment, advanced developments, high-quality components of Mongoose are available today for both children and adult riders who want to test themselves on the road or perform several tricks.
Advantages and disadvantages
The list of advantages of Mongoose bicycles is really inexhaustible. It is worth listing only some of them..
- High strength frame. Even with hard skating or after a fall, you can not be afraid that the structure is deformed.
- High-quality attachments. Even the base models use versions above the average level.
- Resistant to damage paintwork. The material does not crack, maintains integrity even with hard contact with the surface. Scratching, tearing off the top layer is quite difficult.
- Wide range. You can find a fat bike for off-road skiing, BMX, downhill, an urban hybrid, suitable for traveling on a country road.
- Adequate cost. Price and product quality are consistent with each other. You can find options for almost any budget in the product line.
Are there any downsides to these American bikes? Even Mongoose is criticized, mainly because of the pricing policy for some top models for freeride and downhill, as well as for massive frames in the mass market segment. The company basically does not set itself the goal of reducing the weight of the bicycle and even indicates this on the official website. Find real data on the mass of the bike is proposed by weighing at points of sale. The minus is the fact that the braking system during intensive operation after a few years begins to significantly make noise.
Types and Models
Mongoose produces many models of bicycles, the characteristics of which correspond to specific requests of users. True, the company prefers not to indicate some data.
These include the weight of bikes - the brand does not seek comparison with other companies, and believes that this parameter is secondary for BMX and mountain bikes.
What series and models does the company offer its fans? It is worth considering the Mongoose product range in more detail.
Mountain
In this category from Mongoose a whole galaxy of legendary bikes is presented.
- Montana LE. A popular base model of a mountain bike. The set includes a lightweight aluminum frame, fork with shock absorption, mechanical disc brakes, multi-speed transmission.
- Rockadile This popular model has versions with wheels of 24 and 26 inches, optimal for people of small stature or older students. In the kit - everything you need for confident riding, from multi-speed transmission to V-brakes.
- Switchback comp. A modern family hybrid for driving on roads and off-road. Mountain bike, hardtail, always ready for trips.
- Fireball. Lightweight and manoeuvrable dirt bike with die-cast aluminum frame and fork with 100 mm travel. The model is equipped with a 1 × 9 transmission, reliable hardened wheel disks, mechanical brakes.
- Tyax Sport. A mountain bike with a sporty frame geometry, presented with classic 27.5-inch wheels and niners for those who want to take a fresh look at the trail harddale. Depending on the aggressiveness of the riding style, you can choose the diameter of the wheels.
In addition, a fork with a stroke of 100 mm, rims designed for installing tires with and without cameras, disc hydraulic brakes are included. This is a reliable hardtail with a confident move.
Bmx
There are models in the Mongoose mountain bike class that deserve special attention.
- Title Pro. Real bikes for sports victories for both beginners and experienced riders.The model with tapered legs has an aluminum frame, a Hi-Ten steel fork, V-brakes, a 50 mm steering wheel. This is a quality base bike for BMX from a leading global manufacturer.
- Legion L100 21.0. Model with a frame tube extended up to 21 inches. Made of chrome-molybdenum alloy, equipped with 20-inch wheels. This is an effective solution for those who have already mastered the basic principles of skiing in an extreme style.
City bikes
Mongoose offers a variety of models in its city bike line.
- Elroy A basic bike with the correct geometry of the frame and handlebars is the ideal solution for tourism, with a comfortable saddle and trunk in front. Instead of wires hanging around the frame, the necessary fixtures for a water bottle or other accessories are placed here. The set includes a rigid steel fork, Shimano Tourney transmission, disc mechanical brakes.
- Envoy. Model for riders who care about trunk size. This is a cargo tourist bike with an extended frame design and variable load securing. An oversized bag for transportation is included in the kit, allowing you to accommodate even a cover with a guitar. The model uses a 3 × 8 transmission, which allows you to vary the speed and effort when moving. The frame is aluminum, the plug is steel, the cables are laid inside the bike body.
- Guide Sport. Reliable city bike for confident riding. The model uses a Tectonic T2 aluminum frame, 29-inch wheels allow you to drive as fast as the rider wants. The mechanical disk system is responsible for braking. A capacious bag for transporting the most necessary is included.
Baby
The company offers interesting solutions in the product line for children.
- Mutant. This children's bike for riding on well-groomed paths and park paths is suitable as a base for learning to ride independently. The model has training, removable wheels, is decorated in the spirit of BMX, decorated with stylish graphic patterns.
It is a one-speed bike with reliable brakes, colorful rims, chain guards, an adjustable seat and a great price.
- Legion LSX / Legion LSX Girl. A line in which models are presented in an individual style for boys and girls. In the second version, snow-white tires on lilac disks look especially impressive. The bike is equipped with a Hi-Ten steel frame. The 20-inch wheels are ideal for mastering riding in BMX style, this is a city model that holds the road perfectly.
- Argus 20. Stylish entry-level off-road fatbike with mechanical disc brakes, ergonomic child seat. The model is equipped with everything necessary for an exciting ride in comfort.
- Tyax 24. A 24-inch mountain teens bike is ideal for those who expect a lot from their bike model. With such a satellite, you can easily overcome significant climbs and feel comfortable on tracks with any terrain. The model uses an aluminum frame of the original geometry, with cables laid inside, a 2 × 9 transmission, and hydraulic disc brakes.
Criterias of choice
What rules should be followed when choosing a Mongoose bike? First of all, the most important criteria can be noted.
- The correct definition of the type of bike. The brand has a wide range of products, including for teenagers. In addition, models with female frames are relevant for girls - lovers of extreme skiing. For an initial mastery of freeride skills, you can recommend basic-level models. Mountain bikes and fat bikes require off-road.
- Matching height and frame size. Each manufacturer has its own size. Optimally, if you can just try on several options and find the most comfortable, taking into account the length of the legs and the height of the body.
- Wheel diameter. Options today are considered 27.5 inches - a universal solution for the mountain model. “Niner” (with wheels on 29 inches) are suitable for those who also pay attention to speed and want to accelerate the bike.For the teenage line and stunt models, sizes of 16-26 inches are relevant.
- Frame material. Steel is strong, but rather heavy, it will be difficult to lift such a bicycle to a high floor or use it on a lift. Aluminum is a compromise for non-professional models. Carbon frames are considered the most upscale, but they are not always necessary, especially in basic models.
- Equipment. Other things being equal, it is this parameter that pays attention when choosing riders. Mongoose has something to surprise its fans, even in the base models. But the comparison will definitely not be superfluous.
Review Reviews
Considering the reviews of owners of Mongoose bicycles, it is difficult not to notice that most of them are positive. Among fans of sportbikes, they are famous for their high reliability. The frame is almost impossible to break or damage. Noted by riders and ease of movement, it is preserved even in basic models such as Tyax Sport. Even with intensive use, this model does not appear squeaks or backlashes. Of the minuses, high stiffness of seats and quick wear of grips are often mentioned.
Mongoose also has models for girls with special frame geometry. They receive positive reviews on a regular basis and outperform many peers. Options with a lightweight aluminum frame are more suitable for women, you can take a folding Tayx model and conveniently transport it in transport and put it away for storage.
The most budget options, in comparison with Stels or other mass brands, benefit both in external data and in technical specifications.
Browse the Mongoose Tyax Sport bike in the next video.