Mongoose Bike Reviews – Are Mongoose Bikes Good?

Buying a bike involves plenty of factors. From choosing a rigid frame material to assessing the brand value, a lot goes into picking the best possible bike. While looking through different bikes and comparing their features, you would have definitely stumbled upon the bikes manufactured by Mongoose. 

Are mongoose bikes good? You might wonder if the bikes manufactured by this brand are affordable and worth their price. You might also wish to understand the unique features mongoose pays attention to. What is it that makes this brand have the edge over others? Or does it even have the edge over others? 

I have conducted in-depth research to answer these questions for you. Follow this article till the end, and you will be able to make up your mind about the strengths and shortcomings of mongoose bikes. 

About Mongoose Bike brand

It all started in 1974 when Skip Hess built a MotoMag wheel in his own garage, intending to improve the durability of BMX bikes. The response was quite impressive and led him to bring BMX Products, Inc. into existence. 

In 1975, BMX Products, Inc. grew its business in America after producing its first mongoose bike, which was a top seller by 1976. Mongoose then created the presence of its brand in Europe. Ever since Mongoose has continued to manufacture top-notch bikes while meeting consumers’ needs. 

In 2000, Mongoose was acquired by Pacific Cycles. Mountain and urban bikes and other BMX bikes of race and freestyle are the two main classes of bikes Mongoose focuses on. Following are the top categories of bikes this brand offers:

• BMX bikes
• Mountain bikes
• Kid bikes
• Urban bikes
• Classic bikes

Bikes offered in departmental stores are discounted, whereas those sold on its website are high-end bicycles. Its website gives you 12 models of mountain bikes to choose from. These are lightweight aluminum-framed bikes. Some of its mountain bikes attract a lot of beginners for being inexpensive compared to other bikes on the market. 

Getting all these features for a low price sounds like a good deal. A professional biker, however, might feel otherwise. The fact that there is no other good bike brand offering such a variety of bikes as the Mongoose brand is quite appreciable. 

Is a mongoose a good bike?

Yes, a mongoose bike could turn out to be one of your best purchases, provided that you use it within its limits and adhere to the restrictions it poses. We cannot overemphasize the fact that this brand offers an appreciable variety at low prices. 

Another thing that makes mongoose bikes good is the quality you receive. It is up to the mark, making these bikes worth their price. Mongoose bikes entice a lot of beginners and help them to get into the sport as they make up for commendable entry-level bikes. If you are learning to shift gears, you can get great options to choose from.

Everybody abstains from choosing the wrong bike, but a Mongoose bike is a fantastic option for your first ride. Furthermore, the Mongoose brand is one of the best options available in the market when it comes to fat tire bikes. It is known for making rugged, durable, and good bikes. 

However, the departmental store bikes which are available to you at affordable rates may not offer you high-level quality. For this, you will have to resort to the brand website or specialty bike shops that keep high-end bikes of mongoose. Both of these chains produce good bikes.

Features of a mongoose bike 

Build quality

Getting a commendable build quality out of Mongoose bikes is more or less a hit-or-miss situation. Some buyers have loved the overall quality, while some have felt disappointed. The components of a mongoose bike may not be the best ones available, but their bikes are doubtlessly solid, sturdy, and heavy. 

What’s vital for you as a consumer is to make a purchase with the right expectations. For an entry-level bike, Mongoose offers good quality. It should also be noted that the build quality of mongoose departmental store bikes is very different from other bikes listed on its official website. 

Mongoose bikes in departmental stores for random on-road riding episodes like going to work. You cannot expect performance-oriented commutes from its average-quality materials. On the other hand, you will find high-end bicycles possessing excellent quality on the official website of mongoose.

Designs

Mongoose bikes are considered to be well-designed and equipped with quality frame material. However, some buyers believe that the design of a mongoose bike hampers safety. They feel that some mongoose bicycles have their front wheels too close to the pedals. While turning, your shoes tend to hit the wheels of the bicycle, making it very unsafe. 

Apart from this, the Mongoose bikes are designed with a sturdy frame material, smooth speed shifters that facilitate quick gear change, and efficient hydraulic and disc brakes that deliver excellent stopping power. Their wheels are designed to work in every weather and rough terrain.

From dirt to snow, their large tires are fit for riding anywhere. However, some buyers are not content with these bikes’ gear quality as they tend to slip around a little. Some mountain bikes of Mongoose do not meet the expectations with twist shifters. But, no matter what Mongoose bike you get, you will be impressed by its attractive look. 

Also Check, Huffy Bike Reviews

Weight

Mongoose mountain bikes are pretty heavy and bulky. They possess fat tires, a strong frame, and super-light alloy rims. These bikes are great for heavy riders as most Mongoose mountain bikes are capable of taking up 250-275 lbs of weight.

However, people tend to go a bit higher, and even with 360 lbs of weight, some users have had no difficulty riding the Mongoose mountain bikes. Being gentle with these bicycles will definitely add up to their durability.

If you are a heavy rider, the tires may feel a bit too soft while riding. Adjusting the tire pressure and figuring out the one that works best for you is the key. Overall, the tires tend to handle your weight quite well. 

Comfort

Mongoose bikes are pretty comfortable to ride. However, your comfort levels will increase even more with the inclusion of a cushion-like saddle cover, as some buyers find the original saddle a bit stiff and narrow.

A lean and narrow seat is considered better for the long run as it minimizes soreness. However, beginners may prefer a wider seat that will fit their bodies better. Being introduced to a hard saddle in the initial stage of cycling could also result in chafing of skin as your body is not used to it.

Even though the saddle is good enough, it does not seem to absorb bumps, shocks, and vibrations on the road. Regarding comfort, Mongoose bicycles are better for casual outings than for full-day trips. 

Assembly

Assembling Mongoose bikes is easier when compared with other bicycles. It is not a complex task, as most buyers barely took 30 minutes to do so. The parts which you will need to put together include a saddle, tires, and handlebars. Other bike parts, including the shifters and brakes, come adjusted.

Durability

Mongoose bikes are considered to be tough and durable. You might find them a bit too heavy and slow, but their frame is quite sturdy and built with modern geometry. If you understand the limitations of Mongoose bicycles and use them accordingly, you will receive durability for a great price. 

Choosing the best bike among the vast variety of bikes is just as important. Whether you need a mountain bike for energetic cycling or commuting, you need to be aware to be able to choose accordingly. Mongoose bikes are known for their sturdy steel frames.

Read: Hiland Bike Reviews

Availability and affordability

Mongoose bikes are made available to you via two channels. You can either get them at discounted rates from departmental stores or get high-end bikes from its website. Departmental stores might compromise with the quality but will provide you with Mongoose bikes at low rates. 

These will make for great entry-level bikes. On the other hand, you will find expensive bikes on the official website of the Mongoose brand that will excel in all aspects, including quality materials. This leads us to conclude that Mongoose bikes available in the departmental stores are much more affordable than those listed on the website. 

Best Mongoose Bikes in 2022

1. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike

Mongoose Dolomite Mountain Bike is one of the best choices you can make when it comes to fat-tire mountain bikes. It offers a threadless headset and a sturdy steel frame that fits best for people whose height lies between 5’6″ and 6′. The frame and bike size could feel uncomfortable if your height is above 6’2”. 

Its rigid structure has been designed to suit all rough terrains, even those full of dirt and concrete, making it a decent bike suitable for beginners. Buyers believe it to be a great entry-level mountain bike as it is not expensive. 

In fact, the most enticing feature of this mountain bike is its affordable price tag. It has a commendable gear-shifting mechanism as it is equipped with twist shifters that facilitate transitioning between the 7 speeds it offers. 

Its front and rear disc brakes manage to bring your bike to a halt as soon as they are applied. This ensures a safe riding experience for you. Another feature that adds to the safety of this fat tire mountain bike is its adjustable seat post and the chain being put on the bike’s front sprocket. This prevents your clothes from getting caught up in the chain. 

Some buyers have complained of an uncomfortable saddle, but it’s not a grave concern as you can simply invest in a good-quality saddle cover if you feel the same. It will work as a cushion to support your sit bones while riding.

Alternatively, you can also buy a pair of padded shorts which work similarly. If none of this works for you, you can resort to replacing the saddle. If some components do not impress you, you can replace them, as the Mongoose Dolomite mountain bike makes up for a good base bike. 

Its 4-inch wide tires successfully grip the road to provide great traction even in the rain and are tough enough for riding on all kinds of surfaces. It is easily one of the best mountain bikes manufactured by Mongoose, considering the durability it promises. 

Pros:

• Rides smoothly on a rough terrain
• Easy to put together
• One of the most durable steel frames
• Threadless headset and a great suspension fork
• Great for heavy riders
• Wide tires ensure firm road grip
• Affordable and convenient
• Ensures safety while riding 

Cons:

• The mountain bike feels a little heavy and bulky
• Front and rear disc brakes are not impressive; you must also get them tuned.
• The twist shifters lack quality, and they might malfunction. 

2. Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Mountain Bike

Mongoose Malus Adult Fat Tire Mountain Bike is a deadly fusion of performance and comfort. With crisp steering and 26 x 4-inch fat tires that promise a safe riding experience on the roughest surfaces, it is doubtlessly one of the most loved mountain bikes Mongoose has manufactured. 

Its front and rear disc brakes are capable of prompt and great stopping power. However, the saddle of this mountain bike does not meet my expectations, as it feels a little uncomfortable. But you can simply get a cushion-like cover with appropriate padding to place on your saddle. It will indeed prevent soreness and chafing that leads to discomfort. 

The mountain bike offers a 7-speed transmission system with a rear derailleur, allowing smooth shifting of gears. Most riders who are 64 to 74 inches tall are perfect for their frame size. This mongoose mountain bike is quite affordable. It is a cheap bike when compared with others. Its mountain-style frame carved out of steel is easily one of the most durable ones available on the market, making it the best bike which is suitable for longer rides.

Its alloy rims and tires are so sturdy that you would be amazed at the sight of this mountain bike gliding over sand and snow. Even the stones, dirt, and concrete won’t be able to bring this bike down. Mongoose Malus is the epitome of performance, as there is nowhere its fat tires can’t take you. 

Pros:

• The gears are smooth and flexible to shift
• The Mountain bike is quick and easy to assemble
• Offers unmatched features at affordable rates
• ‘Maximizes performance with dual disc brakes
• Its fat tires provide you with a good riding experience on difficult terrains
• One of the most durable steel frames and suspension fork
• A 7-speed transmission system gives you control over your bike for long rides
• Ensures top-notch quality with an adjustable seat

Cons:

• Some buyers find the saddle uncomfortable 
• If you prefer thumb shifters, you may take some time to get used to their grip shifters. 

Verdict

Coming across the solidly-built bikes of Mongoose while exploring is a probable situation. Considering the wide range it offers, you will not be disappointed with your purchase if you move ahead with the right expectations. If you know what you want and what you intend to do with it, Mongoose will prove to be the right place for you. 

Its departmental stores may not offer you the best components, but they will be as good as the price you pay for them. Its affordable price tag may come with some downsides, but it will not disappoint you, especially if you are a beginner who wishes to get a good deal at low rates. Professional and experienced riders aiming for competition may not be huge fans of these discounted departmental store bikes. 

High-level bikes available on the website of Mongoose or in specialty bicycle shops may possess excellent quality materials. Still, you won’t find them to be as inexpensive as the ones in department stores. If used properly, both of these kinds of bikes will last. This article includes the most prominent features of Mongoose bikes, which you should consider. 

I have also carried out thorough research to list my top 2 picks from Mongoose. You can compare their features and have a glance at their shortcomings to make the right decision. I would personally prefer the Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Mountain Bike for its ability to provide a smooth and safe riding adventure at even the roughest of terrains. 

However, your decision should be guided by your intent of use. If you do not need your bike for long outings on rough surfaces, you will do well even with a mountain bike that does not offer this feature. 

FAQs

Is Schwinn better than Mongoose?

There is no definite answer to this question as both of these brands differ when it comes to the specifications of their bikes. It totally depends on what you are looking for and the way you intend to make use of it. Considering the brand reputation, value, quality, and maximized performance, Mongoose wins the race. 

However, if you wish to have a glance over a variety of affordable options, you may pick Schwinn. Both of these brands are well-loved by their buyers and satisfy the consumer’s unique needs. 

Does Mongoose make high-end bikes?

Yes, the range of bikes produced by Mongoose is not limited to departmental store bikes. It also manufactures high-end and quality bikes which are exclusively listed on its official website, along with being available at specialty bicycle shops. The good thing about these expensive mountain bikes is that you do get what you pay for. 

However, if you are a beginner and wish to have an attractive-looking option at a fantastic but compromised quality, the departmental store range will work the best for you. The quality of components would not be as good as that for high-end bikes, but you will have a great entry-level bike with an affordable rate tag.

Is Mongoose owned by Schwinn?

In 2000, Mongoose became one of the staples of the Pacific Cycle as the latter acquired it. Presently, Pacific Cycle Designs is the parent company of some of the best brands, including Mongoose and Schwinn. Therefore, Mongoose is not owned by Schwinn. In fact, they are both subsidiaries of the Pacific Cycle. 

Where are mongoose bikes made? 

Mongoose, which was initially founded by BMX Products, Inc. and later acquired by Pacific Cycle, is the brand that contracts the manufacturing of its bikes in Asia. These are mainly produced in China. However, its headquarters are in  Madison, ‎Wisconsin‎, U.S‎. 

Are Mongoose BMX bikes good?

Yes, Mongoose BMX bikes are good. It is available in a wide color range and three frame types, Chromoly, aluminum, and steel. The color range is pretty solid, and Mongoose is specialized in making reliable BMX bikes.