Mongoose range and selection criteria

Mongoose bicycles are classics, tested by more than one generation of extreme bikers and just lovers of riding. For more than 45 years they have been proving their superiority, and it is already known that Pat Casey, an athlete from the United States, will compete on the equipment of this particular brand at the first Olympic Games in the history of BMX freestyle in 2020. Reliable, fast, stylish, kids 'and adults' Pro and Tyax Sport bikes, Montana Le and Switchback Comp, Rockadile and other Mongoose models have proven themselves to be admired more than once.

Mongoose bikes combine the best of BMX stunt traditions with mountain bike capabilities. Both the urban and off-road models feature impressive looks, a solid frame, quality forks and a body kit. What are the pros and cons of these bikes, why should you choose them? A detailed overview of the features and lineup of Mongoose bikes will help to understand the issue.

When you buy a Mongoose bike, you can rest assured that its country of origin (USA) will not be replaced by one of the Asian regions. The company has been based in Southern California since 1974, since the appearance of the first prototypes by Skip Hess, where there are all conditions for year-round testing of bikes. However, the first to appear were Motomag wheels, which a BMX employee invented literally from the comfort of his own garage, at his leisure. But the trouble is, they were too good for standard stunt frames.

By 1980, the question of making your own bikes was in earnest. The novelty turned out exactly the way its creators wanted - off-road, maneuverable, stunt, such 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 biking fashion, the company has reached a new level.Between 1987 and 2000, the brand did its best to attract the attention of professional riders, and it succeeded.

A wider audience learned about Mongoose later, when the firm became part of the Pacific Cycle holding. Since 2004, these bicycles for a narrow circle of athletes have been produced in the mass market segment.

The list of Mongoose bikes is truly endless. It is worth listing just a few of them..

1. High frame strength. Even with hard riding or after a fall, there is no need to be afraid that the structure will deform.
2. Quality attachments... Even the basic models use above-average versions.
3. Damage-resistant paintwork. The material does not crack, retains its integrity even in case of hard contact with the surface. It is quite difficult to scratch, peel off the top layer.
4. Wide range of products. You can find a fat bike for off-road riding, BMX, downhill, urban hybrid, suitable for driving on country roads.
5. Adequate cost... The price and quality of the products are quite consistent with each other. You can find options in the product line to suit almost any budget.

Are there any downsides to these American bikes? Even Mongoose has been criticized mainly for the pricing of some of the top freeride and downhill models, as well as the massive frames in the mass market segment. The company basically does not set itself the goal of reducing the weight of the bike and even indicates this on the official website. Finding real data on bike weight is suggested by weighing at points of sale. The disadvantages include the fact that the braking system, with intensive use, after a few years begins to make a noticeable noise.

Mongoose has a variety of bike models that are tailored to specific user needs. True, the firm prefers not to indicate some data.

What series and models does the firm offer its fans? It is worth considering the Mongoose product range in more detail.

Mongoose has a whole galaxy of legendary bikes in this category.

• Montana LE. Popular basic mountain bike model. Includes lightweight aluminum frame, suspension fork, mechanical disc brakes, multi-speed transmission.

• Rockadile. This popular model is available in 24 and 26-inch versions, ideal for small people or older students. The kit includes everything you need for confident riding, from multi-speed transmission to V-brakes.

• Switchback Comp... Modern family hybrid for on-road and off-road driving. Mountain bike, hardtail, always ready to ride.

• Fireball. Dirt bike, lightweight and manoeuvrable, with die-cast aluminum frame and 100mm travel fork. The model is equipped with a 1 × 9 transmission, reliable hardened wheel discs, mechanical brakes.

• Tyax Sport. A mountain bike with sporty frame geometry, featuring classic 27.5 "wheels and niners for those looking to reimagine trail hardale. Depending on the aggressiveness of the driving style, you can choose the diameter of the discs.

In the mountain bike class from Mongoose, there are models that deserve special attention.

• Title Pro. Real bikes for sporting victories for beginners and experienced riders alike. The tapered foot model has an aluminum frame, Hi-Ten steel forks, V-brakes, 50mm stem.This is a quality basic BMX bike from the world's leading manufacturer.

• Legion L100 21.0. Top tube extended up to 21 inches. Made of chrome-molybdenum alloy, complete with 20 "wheels. This is an effective solution for those who have already mastered the basic principles of extreme skiing.

Mongoose offers a variety of models in the city bike line.

• Elroy. A basic bike with the correct frame and handlebar geometry is ideal for touring, with a comfortable saddle and rack in front. Instead of wires hanging around the frame, here are the necessary mounts for a water bottle or other accessories. Includes rigid steel fork, Shimano Tourney drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes.

• Envoy... A model for riders who care about trunk size. This is a cargo touring bike with an extended frame design and variable load retention. Comes with an oversized carrying bag that can even hold a guitar case. The model uses a 3 × 8 transmission, which allows you to vary the speed and force while moving. The frame is aluminum, the fork is steel, the cables are routed inside the body of the bike.

• Guide Sport. A reliable city bike for confident riding. It uses a Tectonic T2 aluminum frame and 29-inch rims to go as fast as the rider wants. A mechanical disc system is responsible for braking. Includes a capacious bag for transporting essentials.

The company offers interesting solutions in the range of products for children.

• Mutant. This bike for kids on the well-groomed paths and paths of the parks is suitable as a base for learning to ride on your own. The model has training, removable wheels, decorated in the spirit of BMX, decorated with stylish graphics.

• Legion LSX / Legion LSX Girl. A line featuring individually styled models 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 perfect for mastering BMX riding, this is an urban model with excellent road holding.

• Argus 20. Stylish entry-level off-road fat bike with mechanical disc brakes, ergonomic children's saddle. The model is equipped with everything you need for fun riding with comfort.

• Tyax 24. A mountain bike for teenagers with 24-inch wheels is suitable for those who expect a lot from their bike model. With such a companion, you can easily overcome significant uphill climbs and feel comfortable on trails with any terrain. The model uses an aluminum frame of the original geometry, with cables laid inside, a 2 × 9 transmission, hydraulic disc brakes.

What rules should be followed when choosing a Mongoose bike? First of all, the most important criteria can be noted.

1. Correct determination of the type of bike. The brand has a wide range of products, including for teens. In addition, models with women's frames are relevant for girls who love extreme skating. For the initial mastering of freeriding skills, we can recommend the basic level models. Mountain bikes and fat bikes require off-roading.
2. Matching the height and size of the frame... Each manufacturer has its own size. It is optimal if you can just try on several options and find the most comfortable one, taking into account the length of the legs and the height of the body.
3. Wheel diameter... Today, 27.5-inch options are considered standard - a universal solution for a mountain model. Niners (with 29 "wheels) are suitable for those who also pay attention to speed and want to accelerate the bike. For teenage line and stunt models, sizes of 16-26 inches are relevant.
4. Frame material... Steel is strong, but quite heavy, it will be difficult to lift such a bike to a high floor or use it on the rise. Aluminum is a compromise for non-professional models. Carbon frames are considered the most upscale, but they are not always necessary, especially in the base models.
5. Equipment. All other things being equal, it is this parameter that riders pay attention to when choosing. Mongoose has a lot to surprise its fans, even in basic models. But the comparison will definitely not be superfluous.

Looking at the reviews from Mongoose bike owners, it's hard not to notice that most of them are positive. Among sports bike lovers, they are famous for their high reliability. The frame is almost impossible to break or damage. The ride is also noted by riders, and it is retained even in basic models such as the Tyax Sport. Even with intensive use, this model does not appear squeaks or backlashes. Of the minuses, the high rigidity of the seats, the rapid wear of the 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 light aluminum frame are more suitable for the fairer sex, you can take the folding Tayx model and conveniently transport it in transport, put it away for storage.

For an overview of the Mongoose Tyax Sport bike, see the next video.