Are Mongoose bikes good? Is the brand trustworthy? Do they produce excellent bikes at an affordable price range? These are some of the questions we usually have.
Mongoose bikes, produced by BMX Products, Inc., have a rich history dating back to 1974 when founder Skip Hess introduced the groundbreaking MotoMag One. This marked a significant achievement in mechanical engineering with the debut of the first BMX Bike cast magnesium alloy wheel in the USA. Over the years, the Mongoose brand has continued to innovate and address the diverse needs of customers of all ages.
Mongoose bicycles offers two main classes of bikes – urban and mountain bikes and freestyle racing BMX bikes. Bikes in regular stores may not have the most durable frames, the best seats, and top-notch performance, but they are a good choice for beginners due to their affordability. These bikes are available for purchase on the Mongoose website and through specialty bicycle shops.
Mongoose Bikes Reputation
Mongoose mountain bikes are particularly appealing to beginners because they offer solid performance at a low price. Priced at just $150, these bikes can endure considerable abuse. However, experienced bikers may find them lacking compared to the high-performance MTB bikes offered to premium customers who are willing to pay more for top-quality products.
Many people seeking a bike for casual trail riding are not looking for expensive, professional-grade models designed for competition. Instead, they prefer affordable, attractive bikes that are comfortable, durable, and able to withstand some rough handling. These bikes are popular among teens and adults who want a reliable, budget-friendly option for their leisurely biking needs.
Mongoose Mountain Bikes Are Worth the Cost
Mountain Mongoose Bicycles offer a wide variety of bikes for MBT disciplines, including Downhill Full Suspension bikes and Dirt Jumpers. With 12 models available, you can find a great bicycle equipped with a light aluminum bike frame. These bikes are designed for adults who prioritize style and quality.
Made of Chromoly and alloy elements, Mongoose BMX and Mountain bicycles stand out for their durability and easy maintenance. The crown jewel of the collection is the Boot’r model, which comes in Small, Medium, and large sizes to accommodate riders of different heights. The top-of-the-line Boot’r model, made of a Free-Floating Technology suspension and tectonic T2 aluminum rocker link DH frame, offers a luxurious riding experience for $2,500. Despite the cost, the ride is truly worth it.
About the Mongoose Bike Company
Founded by Skip Hess in 1974 as BMX Products, Inc., Mongoose started as a family-based business in California. Within a year, it expanded, hiring 80 employees. In 1977, the introduction of Moto Mag II expanded the company’s presence in America, making it a symbol of modern BMX racing.
Mongoose then expanded into Europe in 1978, producing a range of BMX series that catered to customers of all ages and needs. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the company set records and continued to provide durable freestyle bikes capable of tackling tough terrain.
The company changed ownership multiple times, ultimately being acquired by Dorel Industries, a Canadian company that also owns other popular bike brands such as Cannondale, Schwinn, and Pacific Cycle.
Where Are Mongoose Bikes Made?
Mongoose bikes are a popular choice among bikers, with some concerns about their quality and manufacturing origins. Mongoose was founded in California but currently sources its products from suppliers in Asia, primarily China and Taiwan. Cheaper models are built and assembled in China, while professional ones are manufactured in Taiwan and other Asian countries.
The company’s Madison headquarters serves as its design and development facility, with some assembly of top-level bikes. The cheaper models sold in department stores are suitable for casual riding, but for higher-end MTB bikes, priced between $800 and $1300, it’s recommended to purchase from specialist bike shops or the original website.
Is Schwinn Better Than Mongoose?
Both Mongoose and Schwinn are owned by Pacific Cycles and import a large portion of their bicycles from the same supplier in China. As a result, both brands offer somewhat similar quality for an equivalent price.
Schwinn offers a wider range of bikes, including urban, commuter, hybrid, cruiser, road, and mountain bikes, while Mongoose specializes in BMX and mountain bike series designed to withstand tough terrains and abuse.
Schwinn bikes are known for their variety, cool looks, compact size, and simple features, making them suitable for everyday cycling on flat and semi-mountain terrains. On the other hand, Mongoose bikes are better equipped to handle difficult terrains due to their sturdy and tough essentials.
Mongoose bikes are also easy to assemble and cost less compared to Schwinn at the low end, but the opposite is true at the high end for professional bikes.
Top 4 Mongoose Mountain Bike Reviews
1 ) Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike
If you’re interested in BMX biking, the Mongoose Legion Freestyle BMX Bike offers high-quality performance at a good price compared to other mountain and BMX bikes. It features back and front brakes, a three-piece durable crank, and a high-tensile steel frame for stability and strength. The bike’s large tires and U-brakes system provide extra braking power.
While it may not be flashy and is a bit heavier, its frame design and components contribute to a cohesive feel, along with responsive tires and maneuverability. The bike is fast and easy to assemble, making it a great option for beginners at an affordable price.
The Mongoose Switchback kids’ mountain bike comes in 24-inch and 20-inch sizes, making it ideal for riders between 4’8″ and 5’6″. Parents are pleased with their purchase as the bike is well-designed, attractive, and equipped with twin disc brakes. It’s also easy to assemble, though some parents have reported difficulties in tuning the bike.
The lightweight and durable tectonic T1 aluminum frame, combined with the 60mm travel fork suspension, provides excellent cushioning on trails and adapts well to different terrain conditions during extensive rides. The twin-disc brakes enhance the safety of young riders as they embark on their mountain biking adventures, making the Mongoose Switchback an excellent choice for younger riders.
The Mongoose Title Elite Pro BMX Race Bike is a high-performance bike designed for riders of average to professional skill levels. It features a professional-grade butted aluminum frame that is both light and durable.
The front fork suspension system provides a smooth ride, while the Alloy V-brakes offer precise control and great stopping power. The bike is almost fully assembled, and the remaining assembly is straightforward. It is equipped with motorcycle-like handlebars for better maneuverability and control. The bike is lightweight and is suitable for freestyle BMX riding on a budget.
Released in 2019, it includes a 24mm hollow spindle alloy crank with a 44T chainring, allowing for easy gear shifts and maximum control on trails. Overall, it is a great bike, although some users may find the default pedals unsatisfactory.
The Mongoose Fireball Dirt Jump Mountain Bike is a durable and strong bike designed for dirt jump and slope style riding. The 26-inch wheels and lightweight aluminum frame make it suitable for most riders.
The well-routed cables, 9-speed drive train, and suspension fork provide control while riding on trails. However, some users have reported that the brakes are not as effective as they would like. Overall, it’s a straightforward bike to assemble and is a great option for beginners looking to learn and improve their skills.
Kaye is a mother of two boys who is on a mission to improve her physical and mental well-being. With a passion for trying new beauty products and stacking her supplement intake, Kaye is always eager to discover new ways to enhance her lifestyle.
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Comments
Eugene Meenan
I wouldn’t touch Mongoose again even if they offered me a free bloody bike. I bought Legion L10 for my son a month ago and he bent the rear axle, these things happen – for that particular model can’t get replacement anywhere as its 10mm 9t (damn wish I’d checked that before buying). So asked Mongoose where to get replacement parts they pointed me to 3 sources they sell their bikes to and each of them don’t have any parts for that bike so basically it’s been scrapped now due to poor customer service after only a month of age. Most people would go to small claims court after such an experience – I haven’t the time, Patience or money..
Mongoose provide entry level bikes for beginners at cheap price. Their quality is not what they used to a decade ago but still an OK bike for the price. On customer support I too believe they don’t do the needful.
I wouldn’t touch Mongoose again even if they offered me a free bloody bike. I bought Legion L10 for my son a month ago and he bent the rear axle, these things happen – for that particular model can’t get replacement anywhere as its 10mm 9t (damn wish I’d checked that before buying). So asked Mongoose where to get replacement parts they pointed me to 3 sources they sell their bikes to and each of them don’t have any parts for that bike so basically it’s been scrapped now due to poor customer service after only a month of age. Most people would go to small claims court after such an experience – I haven’t the time, Patience or money..
Mongoose provide entry level bikes for beginners at cheap price. Their quality is not what they used to a decade ago but still an OK bike for the price. On customer support I too believe they don’t do the needful.
Thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing
I’ve been considering purchasing a Mongoose bike and this review has provided me with valuable information to help me make an informed decision.
Nice choice! You are going to love your Mongoose bike.
I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO GET A NEW BIKE. THIS ARTICLE GIVES ME SOME IDEAS.
Yeah should def check out Mongoose on your bike hunt
these bikes look awesome!
Mongoose has some great choices!