Mongoose mountain bicycles are affordable, and that can be exciting for cyclists who don’t have a massive budget at their disposal. However, quality is a significant factor to consider, so are Mongoose mountain bikes good?
Mongoose mountain bikes are good since they feature the qualities you need to tackle rough terrains. These include powerful disc brakes, sturdy frames, all-terrain shock-resistant tires, and superior suspension.
Moreover, they come in various categories suitable for different riding styles and terrains. This means you’ll find a Mongoose MTB that’s perfect for you, regardless of where you want to ride it.
The brand makes MTBs perfect for experienced and beginner riders of all genders and ages.
However, don’t expect them to be flawless, as you’ll see in this post.
Are Mongoose Mountain Bikes Good? (Strengths And Weaknesses)
As mentioned, Mongoose mountain bicycles have plenty of outstanding qualities to offer, but they also have their shortcomings. Well, let’s explore them.
The Strengths Of Mongoose MTBs
1. Sturdy Frames
Generally, Mongoose MTBs have sturdy frames made of aluminum or steel to support more weight. Their sturdiness also makes them capable of withstanding rough usage, translating to longer-lasting bikes.
These frames also have extended warranties. For example, a Mongoose steel MTB has a lifetime frame warranty, meaning you will receive a replacement for poor craftsmanship or defective material.
On the other hand, you get a five-year warranty if you own a Mongoose mountain bicycle with a dual-suspension or steel frame.
2. Powerful Disc Brakes
Mongoose understands the importance of high-performing brakes on mountain bikes. Therefore, it ensures your bike features excellent hydraulic or mechanical-disc brakes for crisp stopping anytime.
Disc brakes are highly responsive, whether it’s dry or wet, so you can count on them. However, first, make sure you perform regular maintenance to guarantee reliable performance.
3. Superior Suspension
You will find RockShox forks in most Mongoose MTBs, which are better in tackling demanding terrains compared to Suntour forks. Moreover, they efficiently perform when riding aggressively and climbing.
However, it doesn’t mean models with Suntour forks don’t perform well. In fact, they offer better off-road steering and bike control and over most bumps.
4. All-Terrain, Shock-Resistant Tires
Mongoose MTBs tires are all-terrain capable; hence you can ride your bike anywhere. These tires are mostly Kenda and are pretty knobby and shock-resistant.
They roll over effortlessly, allowing you to overcome obstacles easily.
5. A Wide Mountain Bikes Range
Mongoose manufactures MTBs perfect for experts and beginners. For instance, while its hardtails are mostly entry-level, it has a broad line of expert-level full-suspension mountain bicycles.
You will also find models for kids and adults, so age shouldn’t restrict you from getting a Mongoose MTB.
5. Affordable Prices
You may have come across Mongoose MTBs that go for as high as $4000 and thought this brand is expensive. On the contrary, Mongoose is an affordable brand that offers high-quality mountain bicycles going for less than $1500.
For instance, Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike (View on Amazon) available in trail, comp, and expert styles goes for about $900 to $1300. It’s a hardtail with 27.5-inch wheels, an aluminum frame, disc brakes, and comes in multiple colors.
The Weaknesses Of Mongoose MTBs
As mentioned, you get a lifetime warranty for steel-framed Mongoose MTBs, but their double suspension and aluminum frames cousins get only five years. This is a bit short, especially considering that aluminum is today’s most common frame material for mountain bikes.
In addition, some Mongoose mountain bicycles, like the full-suspension models, are pretty heavy, weighing about 40 pounds or even more. The fat-tire options are also bulky, with some weighing 55 pounds.
The components like the brakes and cranks in some entry-level models require improvements.
Which MTBs Does Mongoose Offer?
Mongoose offers the following MTBs:
- Downhill mountain bikes
- Cross country mountain bikes
- Fat-tire mountain bikes
- Dirt jump mountain bikes
- Trail mountain bikes
a) Mongoose Cross Country (XC) Mountain Bikes
Mongoose XC mountain bicycles have an aggressive geometry and lighter frames, making them excellent in fast off-road racing. They are also equipped with full suspension, front suspension, or in some cases, rigid.
However, they are not ideal for challenging terrains because they have short travel (utmost 100). Therefore, perform better on city roads and light trails.
b) Mongoose Fat-Tire Mountain Bikes
Some of the best fat-tire MTBs in the market are from Mongoose. There are plenty of high-quality models to choose from in this category, and they come at affordable prices.
For instance, the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike (View on Amazon) is a top-quality steel-framed MTB. You can comfortably ride it on city roads, dirt, mud, and snow.
Their robust frames and broader tires give them higher weight capacity, with some holding even more than 400 pounds.
In addition, the supersized tires make them versatile, all-season, all-terrain MTBs that can transverse across mud, gravel, dirt, sand, and snow.
c) Mongoose Downhill Mountain Bikes
downhill MTBs are made for descents, and Mongoose models overcome the steepest declines effortlessly. They also have gears set well for fast pedaling even when the terrains get tougher.
The wheels are robust and broad for stable riding, while the disc brakes ensure you stop swiftly. Additionally, these bikes have sufficient travel to provide comfortable rides downhill and full suspension, making them versatile.
However, they are pretty costly, going for about $2500 or higher, and are not suited for climbing.
d) Mongoose Dirt Jump Mountain Bikes
They are also called freestyle MTBs, and Mongoose models have rigid frames and stronger wheels than XC bikes. Additionally, their standover height is lower to facilitate the execution of tricks and jumps.
These MTBs are usually a crossbreed of Mongoose cross country, BMX, and downhill. This is why street riders love them.
e) Mongoose Trail Mountain Bikes
The design of these bikes balances the descending stability, fast cycling on flat surfaces, and climbing power to create a versatile bike. They can handle aggressive terrains because they have more travel and allow relaxed riding due to their slacker geometry.
An excellent model to consider is the Mongoose Status Mountain Bike (View on Amazon). It features 26-inch wheels, 21 speeds, dual suspension, and wide knobby all-terrain mountain tires.
Moreover, this MTB is designed for women and men and is fitted with rear and front V-brakes to guarantee quick stops.
FAQs
1. Is Mongoose A Good Brand For Mountain Bikes?
Mongoose makes superb mountain bikes, including excellent entry-level hardtails and remarkable downhill models. Moreover, its fat bikes are some of the most reliable options sold at affordable prices.
Its bikes suit women, men, and also offers kid models.
2. Who Makes Mongoose Mountain Bikes?
Pacific Cycle, Mongoose brand’s parent company, manufactures Mongoose MTBs and other Mongoose branded bikes. It’s also the parent company of Kid Trax and Schwinn.
3. Is Mongoose A Mountain Bike?
Mongoose bikes come in mountain, BMX, kids, urban, and classics. When it comes to Mongoose MTB, they are available in cross country, dirt jump, downhill, fat-tire, and trail variations.
4. How Much Does A Mongoose Mountain Bike Cost?
Mongoose mountain bikes are generally affordable, with some going for less than $500. However, high-end models go for about $2500 to even more than $4000.
5. Are Mongoose Mountain Bikes Heavy?
Mongoose MTBs are relatively heavier than some brands since the brand uses steel which is cumbersome. For instance, the Mongoose fat-tire MTBs are about 50-60 pounds with a few slightly lighter than 50 pounds.
On the other hand, dual-suspension Mongoose MTBs are 35-42 pounds.
In Summary, Are Mongoose Mountain Bikes Good?
The quality of mountain bikes lies in their components like proper suspension, solid frames, durable, knobby tires, comfortable saddles, and responsive brakes. You get all that and more from Mongoose mountain bikes.
They are undoubtedly solid options for mountain bikers searching for reliable, long-lasting MTBs.
Also, read:
- Mongoose Malus Weight Limit
- Mongoose Dolomite Weight Limit
