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What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
They used to be good, but they suck now. They are owned by a new company that's using the name to sell a cheap and flimsy bike. Go to a bike shop and spend the $250 for a good quality hardtail. It will last you for years. See some of the inquiries on the message board this month (April) about Murray and Huffy and others looking for a bike. Stay away from K-mart,Target,Costco, etc. Again, go to a bike shop or two, talk to the people and get a magazine that covers Bicycling or Mountain biking and do the research. That way you won't hate your bike within two months or less. Happy trails.
STP
Posted by STP a 41 year old Cross-Country riding a DB Hardtail from Lancaster CA on 4/26/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bi
I agree with STP. I searched for 2 months before buying
my Giant. Yeah I went to Target and looked at the
Mongoose they had there - full suspension for under
$500.00! But when you took it out to try it, it was heavy,
cheap feeling and the guys at Target had no idea about
the warranty of the frame or parts. Dicks Sporting
Goods had Mongoose and lower level Diamond Backs
too, but they seemed to be designed for the every other
weekend maybe rider. When a guy at work took me to a
local bike shop I was surprised to see so many bikes
under $400.00! Now these are Bike Shop grade bikes,
not department store bikes, which it seems Mongoose
have become. I used to race a Mongoose Expert back
in the day when Mongoose was a better company, oh
well. Of course they didn't sell there bikes at
Department Stores then either. But what I learned was
if you want a bike that will last and you can enjoy - go
and buy one at a Bike Shop. It won't cost you much
more, plus the service you will get will cover those extra
$$$.
Posted by Chris.R. a 26 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Giant Rincon SE on 4/26/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bi
Hey, hold up a second. I got one of those WALLY-WORLD specials and have ridden it hard for over 500 miles. The is of poor quality compared to a schwinn or something more expensive, however the warranty service is awsome. I smoked a couple of bearings (poor assembly) but had replacements from the factory in a few days. I applaude them. The same thing happened when I blew the front forks out, they replaced them and it was really my fault. They have cheap components and seem to be "thrown together" but factory support is great and remeber YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Posted by EO1 ED. a 34 year old Weekend Warrior riding a MONGOOSE A-40R from WAYNESVILLE, MO. USA on 8/12/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Does any one know anything about the Mongoose AR500 FS MTB.
ThanKs GramPa.
GramPa1944@aol.com
Posted by Charles Nichols a 56 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Mongoose FS D-40R from Sun Valley,Nv. on 12/05/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I have a '99 Mongoose NX 7.3.It is way decent quality.See,Mongoose makes 2 lines of bikes,the crappy department-store ones,and a better line,some of which are called "Newton" frames.I don't know who "Newton" is.(Alfred E. Newton?) Anyway,lots of companies make low-end and higher end bikes.The better Mongooses(Mongeese?) are decent,but,no,they are not top quality,but they are okay.I would stay away from ANYTHING sold in a department store,ie. "Jeep","Hummer","Kawasaki","Pacific",or a dept store mongoose.Even a cheap bike sold in a bike shop is usually better than the most $$ dept store bike,plus you will get better service.Do you REALLY want a bike that was built by a 17-year old high school dropout?
Posted by Alldownhill a 39 year old Downhiller riding a Mongoose NX 7.3 from North hollywood on 12/05/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I just saw the NEW Mongoose Ti frame bikes at my local shop. Funny thing is this shop only sells top of the line stuff. The owner told me they are hand built frames from a factory in eastern washington (just down river from Hanford!) These bikes were selling for ~$2000! Components ranged from XT to XTR and SRAM. Go figure, just when you think you got a bike company figured out?!?
Posted by Duane a 38 year old Cross-Country riding a Un-mongoose from Seattle on 12/06/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I've asked myself this same question for months while going to store after store comparing style, fit, feel, and components. When I was a kid...I worried what other kids thought was cool... went to a bike shop and bought a bright red DYNO...Loved it.
This time around I checked out those department stores and local bike shops. K-mart sucks, Target's okay, Sport's Authority and Wal-Mart are the places to go. Have an employee get one down... get him to go away (these days I don't need some know it all to tell me about bikes and kiss my %*$) ... ride it, bounce it, get the feel of the bike and components. You should be able to tell within the first minute if it's desirable and worthy enough to compare with your other favorites. If you can get the basics/ strong frame, fork, headset, and suspension... take the quick release seat-post right to your level for feel... that's all you need... Change the rest later. Get your shimano xtr drivetrain or similar parts at auction sites surfing the net. Everything can be upgraded if you feel the need. Put a good computer on it and ride.
Don't let any hype about department stores fool you... This isn't like when we were kids and could only find hunk of junks there. They sell frames with lifetime warranties and bikes just as good as any other store. You can tune and fit a bike yourself. It's easy to adjust or fix anything on bikes just like on cars. We're not women who are afraid to tinker with something to get it just right or figure it out. That's the fun!
You should definitely buy a Mongoose! The look of power, feel of performance, and a good all around bike. Upgrade the drivetrain to the best... you will love it. Suspension should be good... the frame should be very strong and good quality. The NX-8.3 is an excellent bike! Go for it! All around quality. Also consider the XR 500, XR 750, and the XR 1100. They have good headsets and disc brakes with amazing style...They almost remind me of a dirt-bike motorcycle like the Yamaha 500.
Don't dish out hundreds more for a lighter bike. Who really notices 10 or 15 pounds. I'm a big guy at 240lbs. who lifts weights to stay strong and in shape. The lighter bikes appeal to 135lb light-weights who think it matters if they exchange part for part, because it's 75 grams less.
To sum it up, America is shopping at Walmart and Sports Authority... Good Bike Companies are putting there products in there because business is going strong there. Any bike company can make these bikes way cheaper than they are sold for. Walmart gives them volume sales at lower prices that bike shops just cannot touch.
Posted by Jayman a 24 year old Downhiller riding a XR 500, plenty of upgrades from St. Louis, MO on 12/20/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
What kind of crack have you been smokin'
Walmart and Costco is NOT just as good, weight and quality does matter, specifically, rotational weight.
Components do matter, if you buy a Walmart POS, I guarantee you it does not have the same quality components nor frame as it would if you were to bike an entry level Specialized, Trek, GT, Schwinn, Raleigh, even Mongoose, like the Zero G3 ($499.00) model is good entry level FS, or the Mongoose Valiant ($1100.00) is a step up, but better components, (not the one's at Costco or Walmart), that the bottom of the barrel crap, I pesonally like the specialized line myself.
If you are planning on mountain biking, components are such a huge factor, I have a 4K bike and sometimes I still get breaks and cracks, but if you just want to cruise around the neighborhood, that's a different matter.
Bottom line: If you value your own safety, spend $400-$1500 and buy a decent bike from a local bike shop.
Posted by JT riding a Ellsworth Truth from Altadena on 12/20/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Jayman, your bike may be fine for recreational, or even moderate downhill (take your chances...). But as far as serious Cross Country riding, your bike ain't going to do the job. Your 10-15 lbs on the bike, plus your weight would make you pretty slow. The weight makes a huge difference on a 20-30 mile ride with a lot of elevation gain, especially, when you're talking 3,000 to 4,000 feet of climbing and sometimes more.
Plus, the quality of even a Shimano LX drivetrain over a cheaper drivetrain is pretty obvious. Look at the rear derrailuer. The LX, at least has a cast body to it, while the cheaper stuff is stamped metal. How reliable will that be on the trail, when it hits a rock? How about the brakes? Do you know what they're made of?
Sorry Jayman, I ride a lot of XC, and I've never seen someone with a cheap dept store bike, on a serious ride. You may be right about where the average American Joe is buying a bike, but you're wrong on what makes a good bike.
A good XC bike, is relatively light, runs smooth, stops well and can do the job, and is a lot more unlikely to leave you up the creek, deep into the ride. That's why you pay the big bucks for it.
Posted by STP a 41 year old riding a 98' Schwinn Homegrown from Lancaster on 12/20/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
For XC, I am in complete agreement with you... lighter is better. There are times when I say damn my legs are getting sore after long recreational rides with my girlfriend and daughter. Pulling her in our bike trailer starts to get to me after a couple miles, but she loves it. I should have considered that damn titanium trailer instead of this heavy duty plastic and metal tub, but I was concerned for her safety. I can see why it would matter upon miles and miles of XC. I'm not really into that though with guys like you laughing as I ride up on my Wally World piece of crap. No I'm joking... JT, the guy who said I've been smoking crack would be laughing as I buried his face in cow crap in Altadena (Queerville) and explained how important the rotational pull of his wedgie is... He can't even read that I said good components do matter, that's why I put a mix between XT and XTR components on my ride.
STP, the bike came with a Promax DC 600 on the front and was disc brake ready for the rear. I talked one of the so called "high school dropout installers" as referred to on this site, to put another one on the rear... Real nice guy, who didn't charge me a thing. He said they had extra ones in the back. Let's see a Local Bike Shop do that for me. They are a mechanical disc brake that feature a floating caliper, special 2 stage cam design and the same cable connections as V-brakes for easy installation and self alignment of pads. They stop me dead and can bring me to a gradual stop. There is no on and off associated with some of the Coda hydraulic disc brakes. Mechanical is cheap and makes more sense to me than having to bleed your brakes and worry about changing pressure as in hydraulic disc brakes. In my opinion they work very well together and give me a balanced feel of braking power.
I put the stock Shimano dual SIS crap on my Grampa's bike... He thinks it's top of the line, especially since I told him it was from Walmart! He sure loves his Huffy.
Posted by Jayman a 24 year old Downhiller riding a XR 500 from St. Louis, MO on 12/23/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bi
If I lived in St. Louis I'd add lead weights to my bike so I
can keep up with the Jayman on all those mountains
they've got next to the Walmart. I've never heard such
stupid advice in my life.
The whole issue with Mongoose is that they have two
lines of bikes. One crappy one for cheapskates; the
other one is of high quality for sale at bike shops.
Mongoose made the mistake of selling their higher end
bikes at department stores, which pissed off the bike
shops and caused a boycott of Mongoose. That's why
when you hear Mongoose is crap, it's either refrerring to
the lower quality line or a reaction to it's bungled retail
policy.
Posted by Endo Verendo a 33 year old Racer riding a FSR from Studio City, CA on 12/21/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bi
How about I stick a Hundred pound dumb-bell in your diaper, Tiny? Maybe then you could get some play on something more than your FSR. I think you just said it yourself, higher end bikes at department stores. Little tiny bike shops who buy 100 bikes at a time to build and sell year round better be afraid of little ol' Walmart trying to steel some of their business.
I sure the hell don't see any mountains here in St. Louis, smart-ass... Maybe you can catch JT on the slopes by your Walmart and become really good buddies.
Posted by Jayman a 24 year old Downhiller riding a XR 500 from St. Louis, MO on 12/23/00
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- It depends.....
How'd you know I wore a diaper? Ooopps, I've got to
change it now. I think you made me s#*t myself!
Posted by Endo Verendo on 12/23/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bi
I have a 150 dollar Pacific, I have not done the first upgrade to it. When I first started riding I had adjustments to make, no major purchases. It is a very light bike about 12 lbs or so. I think light weight is important but the only real separation in dept bikes and those found in bike shops......The Price and all you guys out there that think you need to argue because you have spent more, 1000s even, I ride the hardest trails in the big south fork every weekend, no one, kicks my ass because the bike they are on is better, skill maybe! My friends all laugh at me for riding a "generic" but when I went out looking for a serious off road bike I had in mind spending a lot more money. When I saw the Pacific and the features it had there was almost no comparison to the bike shop bikes. Keeping in mind that these bikes are assembled very poorly you will have to mak some minor adjustments. No big deal these are adjusments any biker needs to know
See You on the trails and dont let the rich boys intimedate you.....
Posted by AJ from Lexington KY a 25 year old Cross-Country riding a Pacific on 08/07/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Hey Jayman, if you're a "big guy" then you should be the last person in the world to be ridding on a department store level bike. You might be able to throw all the nice componentry under the sun on that thing but you're still stuck with a questionable frame that will break when you really start flogging on it. So what if these cheapo bikes have lifetime frame warranties, do you want to be building up our bike every couple of months?
Also, I highly disagree with your "buy the cheap bike and bolt on a bunch of good components latter" mentality. I don't care how many auction sites and magazine back page adds you scour, you will still end up spending much more than if you purchased a decent bike in the $300-$800 range, already assembled and by a competent bike mechanic rather than the stockroom worker at Wally-World.
And another thing, not everybody is mechanically inclined. I having been an automotive mechanic in a past life find most aspects of bikes very easy to wrench on. But to those who are not mechanically inclined (and that's not a bad thing) working on a bike can be a daunting or impossible task. I think any rider should learn some of the simple necessities like lubing the chain, how to clean the bike, changing a tire or simple adjustments for fit and ridabililty. However, do you think someone who has no idea of how to even set up their brakes properly should be building up a bike from parts or doing safety maintenance on a bike? Besides, most LBSs these days throw in a certain amount of free lifetime maintenance with the purchase of a new bike from them.
The only people I think who should be buying these cheapo $150 department store bikes would be those who aren't planning on doing any serious riding (and even in that case I say check out some garage sales or want ads first) or those who simply can't afford a penny more than that and they just want to get into riding. In the mean time just flog the bejesus outa that thing, learn about bikes, save your cash for your next purchase and most importantly have fun! In any case, if you get one of these bikes take it immediately to a real bike shop or bike mechanic and have them make sure that it's put together right and won't get you hurt or worse.
Jayman, I'm sure you meant well but with the general and highly inaccurate nature of the advice in your post I recommend you start your next post of that nature with a phrase like "In my opinion..." I'm not trying to flame you dude, just pointing something out.
Peace!
Posted by Chuqster a 33 year old Cross-Country from Riverside on 12/22/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I would tend to agree with the chuqster. I have recently been to wallmart and saw a couple of bikes with bar ends installed backwards.
Posted by Trailblazer on 12/22/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
In my opinion this bike can take whatever I put it through. I bought this bike as a cross-trainer to get me ripped for body-building shows and have something fun to keep my heartbeat in the target zone rather than cardio at the gym. Boxing use to keep me in great shape but burns me out if I do it all year round, so I only train hard for that this time of year.
My friends and I try to find fast downhill tracks to do our time trials at. I'm using some of the same trails I race my Yamaha through... It's holding up strong. It's survived 4 foot high jumps with no end ramp. It's taken more abuse than I ever thought it could and that's why in my opinion it's worth buying one.
The guy who I originally replied to asked if Mongoose had decent frames... In my opinion, after owning this one, I'd say yes. He was wanting to know about a NX 8.3 which is a $2000 bike (last years model available way cheaper). This bike is a lot more expensive than mine so I assume the frame (which he worried about) is just as good as my Wally World XR 500. The thought of me and my friends beating the bejesus out of a $2000 dollar or more bike is doubtful. I would spend that on another yamaha if it were in good shape but I'm okay with my 39 pound XR 500. It really doesn't feel heavy at all. I can't put in hundreds more for a lighter bike if I can't feel the difference when I pick one up 10 or 15 pounds lighter. It feels slightly lighter, that's it. I don't think I notice because 40 pounds is nothing in the Gym but warm-up weight. I know weight matters in this sport of XC, but my own bodyweight fluctuates more than 10 or 15 pounds depending on if I'm training for size or getting toned.
I like the Brand Snobbery section in the message board. This is a day and age where so many bikes are made in Taiwan. Didn't Huffy even move their plant to China or something? What if Huffy started making top of the line carbon 13 pound bikes with the the best crap on them and best warranties. Would we buy them? Or would we say Huffy sucks. It would probably be the same 4k bike JT from Altadena rolls around on with a different sticker on it. We'd all laugh and say there goes that queer on a huffy.
Posted by Jayman a 24 year old Downhiller riding a XR 500 from St. Louis, MO on 12/23/00
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I also have a XR 500 from Wal-Mart and the frame is almost bomb proof. I put no upgrades into it what so ever, and I just off 4 foot walls onto flat tar landings, jump BMX jumps, and do all sorts of freeride stuff. I have broken the rear shock once, but I brought it to Wal-Mart and they put a new one on the next day.
I know Wal-Mart bikes aren't the best and I just bought a Mongoose Valiant, but the bikes are still plenty strong
Posted by Greggor a Weekend Warrior riding a XR 500 on 08/13/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I have just bought a wally world xr-100 and it hasn't been the best bike I have ever owned, but you get what you pay for. I shattered the rear shifting mechanism and they gave me a brand new bike no questions asked. I would highly suggest buying a wal-mart mongoose, because of the warranty. I had to make a few minor adjustments on the shifter, but after that the bike ran like a champ. I also have a friend who just bought one of the lower end TREK mountain bikes and we were comparing quality on the frame, and they are about exactly the same. I live in texas and I ride the hard trails around my area. overall I have enjoyed the bike.
Posted by Mongoose rider a 16 year old Downhiller riding a mongoose x-100 from amarillo texas on 09/23/02
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I have just bought a wally world xr-100 and it hasn't been the best bike I have ever owned, but you get what you pay for. I shattered the rear shifting mechanism and they gave me a brand new bike no questions asked. I would highly suggest buying a wal-mart mongoose, because of the warranty. I had to make a few minor adjustments on the shifter, but after that the bike ran like a champ. I also have a friend who just bought one of the lower end TREK mountain bikes and we were comparing quality on the frame, and they are about exactly the same. I live in texas and I ride the hard trails around my area. overall I have enjoyed the bike.
Posted by Mongoose rider a 16 year old Downhiller riding a mongoose x-100 from amarillo texas on 09/23/02
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I have just bought a wally world xr-150 and it hasn't been the best bike I have ever owned, but you get what you pay for. I shattered the rear shifting mechanism and they gave me a brand new bike no questions asked. I would highly suggest buying a wal-mart mongoose, because of the warranty. I had to make a few minor adjustments on the shifter, but after that the bike ran like a champ. I also have a friend who just bought one of the lower end TREK mountain bikes and we were comparing quality on the frame, and they are about exactly the same. I live in texas and I ride the hard trails around my area. overall I have enjoyed the bike.
Posted by Mongoose rider a 16 year old Downhiller riding a mongoose x-150 from amarillo texas on 09/23/02
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I also have a XR 500 from Wal-Mart and the frame is almost bomb proof. I put no upgrades into it what so ever. I jump off 4 foot walls onto flat landings, jump BMX jumps, and do all sorts of stuff that should be breaking my bike it it holds togeather. I have broken the rear shock once, but I brought it to Wal-Mart and they put a new one on the next day.
I know Wal-Mart bikes aren't the best and I just bought a Mongoose Valiant, but the bikes are still plenty strong
Posted by Greggor a Weekend Warrior riding a XR 500 on 08/13/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Jayman don't do it. Like most people that buy there bikes from wall-mart or K-mart it turns out to be a bad riding experiance and then they stop riding. Do like the rest of these losers and move back in with your mom and buy a $4000 Ellsworth that won't be worth the box it came in once you leave the store. If you don't belive me just look in one of the web auctions. Jayman, buy the best bike you can AFFORD to ride. If you don't spend enough it will probably be junk. If you spend too much you won't be able to ride because you will be at work most of your day trying to pay it off plus bikes aren't exactly a great finacial investment.
Posted by Pro racer who gets all his stuff for free on 08/13/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
YES, I HAVE A XR-150. WHEN I GOT IT HOME I PULLED OUT MY TOOL KIT. I KNOW THE 17 YEAR WALLY KID HAS NO IDEAL HOW TO PUT BIKES TOGETHER, HOWEVER I SAVED SOME $$'S WHEN I MADE MY OWN SPEC'S ON MY XR-150. I RIDE EVERY DAY ABOUT 30 TO 40 MILES. I ALSO RIDE IN THE MOUNTAINS. NOTHING LIKE N.O.R.B.A. BUT IT KICKS A** ON THE DOWN HILL AND CLIMBS LIKE CAT CLIMBING A TREE. I HAD TO REPLACE ONE PART THAT COST ME ABOUT $ 2.00
MY MONGOOSE HAS SIS PARTS, AND ALLOY FRAME AND EXT.
I SEE ALL THE SAME PARTS AND FRAMES ON GT, DIAMONDBACK EXT. AND THEY COST A LITTLE MORE. I HAVE A BIKE FROM A BIKE SHOP AND FROM SO CALLED CHEEP GUYS.I CAN'T TELL THE REAL DIFFERENCE ON STREET OR THE TRAIL. THE BIKE SHOP DOSE HAVE BETTER PARTS AND SERVICE, HOWEVER WHEN IT COMES TO MY BIKE I RIDE WHEN I KNOW I PUT THE PART ON AND IT WAS DONE RIGHT.
Posted by CRAH - 45 a 24 year old Cross-Country riding a MONGOOSE XR-150 / XR -500/DIAMONDBACK from VISALIA CA on 11/24/01
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- reply to mongoose Q;
I recentaly bought a mongoose XR-150 mountain bike and i put it to the test and it passed with my grade a standerd and just in thought i weigh 185 pounds so i would recomend any mongoose to anyone
Posted by Mo_jo_2000_2000 a 13 year old Cross-Country riding a XR-150 from Indiana on 04/30/01
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- Re: reply to mongoose Q;
I'm thinking of buying the Mongoose XR-150 from WalMart for $198. Or do you think the Mongoose XR-350 for $249 is a better buy? They tested great, shifted smoothly, absorbed bouncing well.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Sincerely,
Hugh
Posted by Hugh on 07/03/01
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- Re: reply to mongoose Q;
I also just recently purchased the XR-150 mountain bike and, I am very pleased with it. I ride about 6 miles a day on it. It is a very good bike.
Posted by Just some kid a 13 year old Cross-Country riding a XR-150 Mongoose Mountain Bike from Mississppi on 08/04/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Please give me more info about the mongoose a-40r, i have one but i dont know about bicycles... ?!
Posted by IXTUS a 33 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mongoose A-40R (Walmart) from Cotati, CA on 05/04/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Come on people, Let me tell you a story. I am 29 years old, and I am a MX racer, and trail rider.(Motorcycles that is) Last year, I broke my leg in 2 places and ripped everything in my knee to shreds, when I hit a tree on my Honda XR. The doctor put my knee back together a while after I got my casts off, and so I was looking for a way to exercise my leg. I bought a $60 super cheap bicycle from Toys R us, and I returned it the next day because it sucked. I got a $116 Mongoose DXR MGX from Wal Mart, and I took it on a downhill.
It was only 1.5 miles, and fairly mild. I bent the rear axle to hell. Then I noticed the idiot who put it together had cross threaded one of the pedals, it wasnt even seated.
So, I bought another Mongoose, the XR-500, the model with the big, square box section swing arm, not the more delicate looking rounded model that is out now. It is quite heavy, but Ill tell you what. I weigh 240 Lbs, and the bike has performed beautifully so far. FAR better than the entry level Mongoose DXR did. I mean christ, I could of spent a couple of grand on a bicycle, but no way. Maybe if I was a pro. But if you are looking to simply have a good time on the weekends, Mongoose is just fine, as long as it isnt the cheapest one. I am easily able to mix it up with all the Canondales, Giants, Specialized, and whatever. In fact I am having so much fun with the bicycle that I havent even been out trail riding on my motorcycle much at all this year. Its so damn cool 'cause you cant get arrested for riding a bicycle!!!
Posted by Neil a 29 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mongoose XR-500 from Baltimore Md on 05/07/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Hallelujah! I wish more MXers could see the light. We try and share the publicly funded ORV trails with the moto-crossers up here in Washington but they have a hard time with that. Some are really nice guys, but there are plenty who think they own the trail and we don't belong. They even pirate the MTB only trails to purposely ruin them. Bastards!
Posted by DB Coupe riding a '98 FSR Comp from Washington (the wet one!) on 05/08/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I ride MX. The reason that we are rideing on mountain bike trails is because there is no where else to ride. Houses are being built on all of our trails. So now to get to the trail I have to ride down the street, past peoples houses. They get pissed of and call the cops...
There is no where to ride so that is why we are forced to ride on mountain bike trails.
Posted by Greggor a Weekend Warrior riding a XR 500 on 08/13/01
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- MGX junk
Haha. My first mtn bike was the mgx dxr. I had it a few months, but the forks were defective (topping out loudly), so I took it back (after I endo'd on a steep downhill) and walmart gave me a full refund. Next I got the Mongoose XR-100. I put 5" riser handlebars on and it's good.
The forks aren't much better, way too soft and no compression or rebound damping. But maybe thats good, because if it had nice forks, I'd be bending the rims, axles, bb, etc..
I also ride dirt bikes (RM-250) and we have to share the trails because who is going to stop the mtn bikers from riding in the desert? Mtn bikers don't have to worry about dirt bikers inside the city limits, tho..
Posted by Phxrider250  riding a Mongoose XR-100 from Phoenix on 07/09/02
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Please give me more info about the mongoose a-40r, i have one but i dont know about bicycles... ?!
Posted by IXTUS a 33 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Mongoose A-40R (Walmart) from Cotati, CA on 05/04/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
There are two types of people in the bike world. Cyclists and Riders. The cyclists prefer chardonay and cheese wedges, whereas riders prefer a cold beer and some nacho cheese Doritos. I have been riding most of my life. At one time I rode professionally. I think that anything that will get someone away from the couch and out of the house is a good thing. You just have to realize that some people try to overcome inadequate riding ability with a heaping helping of technology. Ass Gas or Grass no-one rides for free. Have fun!
Posted by Hooger Booger a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Hooger Booger Cro-Mo(tange) from Military always moving on 05/10/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
OK, I need some info on the Mongoose XR-1100 DH Bike.
just the facts. If you dont know, keep the trash to your self. However, if you have somthing to say that is informitive let me know.
Posted by BIKEMAN a 38 year old Racer riding a FOX DH RACER from FLORIDA on 05/14/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
OK, I need some info on the Mongoose XR-1100 DH Bike.
just the facts. If you dont know, keep the trash to your self. However, if you have somthing to say that is informitive let me know.
Posted by BIKEMAN a 38 year old Racer riding a FOX DH RACER from FLORIDA on 05/14/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I recently bought a Mongoose XR-750 at a local WAL-MART, and I love it. Sure, it is a bit heavier than some of the more expensive models, but having fun and getting a good workout was the entire idea of buying a mountain bike in the first place. I am a stickler for quality, and I reviewed many mountain bikes before deciding to purchase my XR-750. For the price-to-performance ratio, I got a very good deal for my money.
Personally, I'm tired of hearing people talk about things they have no technical knowledge about. Someone said that the lower-level Mongoose frames don't have good welds? I've been welding for years, and my XR-750 has excellent welds. No, not all of the components are top-of-the-line. But for $440, it is a darn great starting point. And yes, I do intend to replace some of the lower-quality parts with better components.
(I will be adding a hydraulic rear disc brake in addition to the front manual disc brake, replacing the seat and seat post, adding a rear derailleur guard, and will eventually upgrade the stock rims and rubber.)
If you have $2000 to spend on a so-called "state-of-the-art" bike, then go right ahead and spend that money. You'll certainly notice a difference in weight and quality... but in my opinion, these differences are not worth the extra $1600.
If you are riding for competition (or looking for a bike to impress other people because of it's cost, brand name, or other miscellaneous fad-inspired features) then feel free to waste your money on some high-cost bike. Like most of the people who have already posted responses here, you'll be able to gloat in the fact that you spent far too much money for a bike that really isn't much better than anything else. Whatever makes you happy.
What about letting a 17-year-old high school dropout assemble your bike? A good bicyclist should never rely on factory or retail assembly anyhow, so why should that matter? Let the kids throw your bike together in the store... who cares? When I got my bike home, the first thing I did was go over every piece of the bike, just to make sure everything was done "the way I would want it". And so should anyone else who cares about the quality of assembly in regards to their bike.
I ride with a rather large group of people, each owning bikes of widely varying cost and quality. Some of these bikes cost considerably more than mine, yet my XR-750 is by far the most coveted bike in the group. It rides great, looks awesome, and has not given me any problems whatsoever. With proper maintenance and riding techniques, my XR-750 performs every bit as good as anyone else's overpriced ego-trip mountain bike.
If you do much research on mountain bikes (within the same design classifications), you will find that most of them have almost the exact same design geometry. Construction materials vary quite a bit, and tend to be a large factor in price. Titanium is great, but pricy. For your money, aluminum is just as good.
The main difference between my XR-750 and other higher-priced full-suspension mountain bikes is something that I don't even consider important. You'll probably notice that most high-priced bikes have quite elaborate paint schemes. I could care less about bright colors, designer seat covers, and all that crap. I bought my bike for fun and excercise. The only person I am out to impress is myself. And I am impressed with my XR-750 (not to mention every person that has seen it or rode it).
There is definitely crap out there for sale, and newcomers should be cautious, as with purchasing anything else. A little bit of research will help a lot. When considering a purchase such as this, I do not take other people's opinions too highly. All people are generally biased, and all people have different reasons for their bias. Most times it is because they are highly uninformed, or because they rely on other's opinions as well. I am quite well-educated in the mechanical and structural design area, and I used that personal knowledge when choosing to buy my Mongoose XR-750. I did not take this purchase lightly, because $440 is not exactly chump change for me. I stayed away from lower-level bikes, however, because I do expect an elevated level of performance, and the higher-priced bikes do (of course) give you that performance. As the old adage goes, "you get what you pay for". And yes, there are much better bikes than my XR-750. But for my needs and demands (not to mention the needs and demands about 95% of all other bike riders), my Mongoose is just fine. In fact, it is great.
It all comes down to your level of experience with bikes and biking. As I said earlier, 95% of bike riders would not notice the difference between my $440 Mongoose XR-750, a $120 Huffy, or a $2000 Diamondback. A high-level bike simply isn't needed by the average biker, since their level of technical proficiency would never allow the bike to perform to it's full potential. If you are an entry-level biker and purchase a professional grade bike, you are either doing so because you are a dedicated athlete who intends to upgrade your experience, or because you are just another uninformed consumer who listens to biased, uneducated people who have made the same mistake.
But, with all that being said, this is just MY opinion.
--Clint
Posted by Clint K. Campbell a 28 year old Cross-Country riding a Mongoose XR-750 from Battlefield, Missouri on 05/17/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
You are right on some things "you get what you pay for"
Have you ever spent time on a good bike? Not 40 minutes more like 4+ hours. A cheep bike will get heavier and heavier, the long you'r out there, you will hate riding and your bike will sit in the garage.
Your components are the most important thing on a bike. This will make the biggest difference on a bikes performance, the frame just holds it all together. Mongoose is a race proven Company and have made good bikes for years. Heres a idea for you. Fender Guitars makes several levels of guitars. American made :Set up by hand, very detailed 99.9% of them sound and feel perfect out of the box. Guitars made in Japan are mass produced for mass sales. leaving out the details like the Boys at WallMart. The actions high, threads are crossed and 1 out of every 1000 are great players. Sure if you just do it for fun or if your not serious about playing/riding go for the cheep stuff. You seem to be good with tools and have mechanical knowhow, but not all buyer are. If someone buys a bike from WalMart they shouldn't worry about the bars falling off and if the do, don't complain. 99.9% of all bike that come out of bike shops are set up by bike riders and trained mechanics. You wouldn't take you car to Toys R US for a tune up would you?
Or would you race a Hugo with fancey fins and mufflers against a Vet. I don't think so, just because it looks good on the outside doesn't mean its good on the in.
Guaranteed if you dig what your doing you will upgrade.
You already said that you will upgrade your Mongoose. Basic upgrade can cost $1000.00.
Like you said "you get what you pay for"
Posted by MUDDDY WHEELS a 37 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a one of those money sucker bikes. on 05/17/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Thanks for your response. In answer to your question, YES I have spent quite a bit of time on several different well-made (i.e. "expensive") bikes. And I still have to say that my cheapie Mongoose gives me just as much performance as any of those bikes did.
I spent two weeks at a bicycling camp, where we rode rather high-end Cannondale road bikes. The frames were very well-built and light-weight, which (you're right) was very nice. It was almost as if the bike weren't there most of the time. The camp also employed a crew of full-time bike mechanics, both for their bike garage and for on the road.
In all, our longest tour was only 36 miles long. But I got off that bike feeling just fine, wanting more... pretty much the way I feel with my cheapie Mongoose.
Since buying my Mongoose three weeks ago, I have put over 100 miles on it (according to my bike computer). And despite the array of negative comments I've received about my bike, I still love it.
I also play guitar, and agree with you about Fender guitars. I have owned two Strats, and loved them both. Now I just own a simple Martin accoustic, and don't even play it much. But there is definitely a big difference between it and the Fenders I used to own.
Yes, I am very good with tools and mechanical things. I have been over my bike with a "fine-toothed comb", and I did have to make some minor alterations to the stock WAL-MART assembly (compliments of some 36-year-old woman who claimed to know absolutely everything about bikes). But after going over the assembly myself, I changed a few things, re-adjusted the brakes and derailluers, and I'm very happy with the results.
But thanks for your comments.
Posted by Clint K. Campbell a 28 year old Cross-Country riding a Mongoose XR-750 from Battlefield, Missouri on 06/05/01
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- Re: What it's like to own a premium bicycle...
I find this highly amusing. Here's Mr. Campbell with a low end bike, telling those who have purchased serious machines for serious use, that they wasted their money. He states that his bike does all the things the other expensive bikes do. Here's the analogy. Imagine a guy in a Geo Metro, telling a guy who just purchased a C5 Corvette, that he wasted $30K, and should've spend $7888, like him. Look see, I've got four wheels, I go on the freeway too and I can go everywhere you go.
Secondly, Clint is already talking about replacing parts, brakes, rims, seatpost, etc. This is on a bike that has to weigh 35 to 40 lbs, how much is it all going to cost? On a high quality bike, you don't have to replace anything until it wears out or breaks. I'm sorry Clint, but if you enjoy your bike in a recreational kind of way, you're right, it suits you fine. But if you find yourself on a ride with some "serious" mountainbikers on "serious" bikes (not talking posers, here or your recreational friends), you'll find yourself falling farther and farther behind, until we fade away in the distance, especially when we hit the hills, where we will promptly drop you with malicious glee.
For what you spend, you could've got a used High Performance Hardtail, like a Specialized Stumpjumper. My 93' I just sold was eight years old and still ran like a Swiss watch. How many eight year old Mongooses have you seen lately? I'm glad it's your opinion that 95% of riders won't notice the difference, I guess I'm the 5%. Heck, I notice a difference between my old Stumpjumper with the heavier stock rims and the 28 tooth cog, and my newer Schwinn Homegrown, with lighter rims and a 32 cog in the back. I can't even imagine riding a 35 - 40 lb squishy FS bike. Yep, there's deals to be had, and you don't have to spend $2k, but I'll venture this, the $1k and up to $2K bikes are the "Corvettes" of the MTB world. Above that you're looking at "Ferrari's".
The difference is there for those who want it. Believe me, I'd much rather ride my lovingly handbuilt Homegrown, welded by craftsmen who care in Colorado, than any cheap-ee bike. I can't even tell you how much screamin action this aluminum b!tch has given me. Worth every penny of the $1600 I have into it, the feel of a super responsive tuned 6061 frame, it's like flying an F-16, it ain't no "overpriced ego-trip mountain bike" as you state, but a very high performance full race hardtail, that rides like you'll never know (it's damn near like having sex, except it lasts longer). My new love is being built up, a new K2 Razorback full suspension bike, that will weigh less than 25 lbs, goes for $2300 retail and rocks the trails as well as my full on race hardtail.
I'm glad you like your bike, go out and enjoy it. But don't compare it to serious bikes and tell us we wasted our money. I won't venture on who wasted money here, but it ain't me.
Posted by STP a 41 year old riding a 98' Schwinn Homegrown from Lancaster on 05/17/01
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- What it's like to own a piece of sh!t bike:
STP, you seem to have taken offense to what I wrote. I'd like to say that I apologize... but I don't. If your bike makes you happy, that's fine. So does mine.
Your Geo-vs-Corvette analogy is the most illogical thing I've ever read. Geo is definitely an underpowered and mechanically inferior car, when compared to the Corvette. (ANY Corvette, not just a C5. But while we're blowing things entirely out of proportion....)
I am an ex-Marine, and I am in excellent physical shape. I have been biking my entire life, and have attended a 2 week biking camp, so I pretty much know what I'm talking about when it comes to bikes. I'm not an amatuer, in other words. I was also a bike-mounted patrolman for almost 2 years, during which my mode of transport was a high-end Diamondback MtB.
All said, I have ridden with some very, very serious bikers over the years. No matter what bike I was on, I was (and am) always able to keep up with the pack... not to mention emberrass the sh!t out of the pack most of the time. And I seriously doubt that your 41-year-old body can put out what my 28-year-old body can. You want a Geo-vs-Vette comparison... there it is.
You say your Homegrown flies like an F-16? That's great. Put a physically inferior body on a good bike and a physically superior body on a bad bike, then see what happens. But unless/until we meet in person, we'll just never know. So until that happens, let's just keep our egos to ourselves.
Thanks for your opinions.
Posted by Clint K. Campbell a 28 year old Cross-Country riding a (?) Sh!tty (?) Mongoose from Hell on 06/05/01
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- Re: What it's like to own a piece of sh!t bike:
Don't discount my age so easily. I race XC sport class and my regular riding partners either race Sport or Expert. They ride like frigging animals and it ain't no recreational ride. Serious pain and serious mileage. 15 miles is an after work ride for us.
Still stand by my views, but I'll respect yours, if you like your bike, great. But you've only got a 100 miles on it. Let me know in a year if you still like it. In my world, it better be lighter, stronger and faster or you ain't keeping up. Semper Fi.
Posted by STP a 41 year old riding a 98' Schwinn Homegrown from Lancaster on 06/05/01
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- Re: What it's like to own a piece of sh!t bike:
Now if you like your Mongoose, great! That just means that you have a hybrid quality bike built for tooling around lakes and streams and non-technical dirt / road trails. Argue it all you want, but I challenge you to take the Mongoose down a super techy trail with steep drops, ruts, and rocks, and expect it to come out in one piece. It just won't happen. If nothing else, the wheels on the Mongoose will taco, not to mention that your components will bend and break quite easily. Department store bikes are fine for riding the smooth dirt trails, but will fall apart when put through any type of real stress. I don't know how many times I've stopped at Aliso Wood Canyon to fix someone's department store bike so they could limp out of the park. You don't need XTR components or top of the line Chris King wheels, but any serious MtB riding necessitates serious equipment. So you have a "physically superior" body? Throw a Corvette engine in a Geo Metro, and the Metro will fall apart. The fact that you brag about being able to "emberass the sh!t" out of those with whom you ride, (btw-it is spelled "embarrass") leads me to believe that you are just another blow-hard. Maybe not, but you should take your own advice and keep your ego in check. What STP did not mention, though implied at the end of one of his posts indicated by typing "Semper Fi", is that he too is an ex-Marine. He may not be the absolute fastest guy on this site, but he sure is a wealth of knowledge regarding bikes and frames and components etc... Look Clint, no one said you are a $hitty rider, but you really should recognize that equipment does make a difference, and in most cases, you get what you pay for.
Ride on, live long, have a great day, and Navy rules.
Posted by El Jefe a 31 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Sugar from Lake Forest on 06/05/01
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- Re: What it's like to own a premium bicycle...
I have a Mongoose XR-350, it weighed 34 lbs out of the box. I payed $220.00 for it at Walmart. I invested $1,200 in an XTR upgrade. So now I am up to $1,400, my bike now weighs 28 lbs. Climbs hills like a goat, and handles like all get out. I love the XR-350 frame design and feel. The only thing that is factory is the frame and handle bar. So I still have a light weight bike, and all the plushness of a $3,000+ LBS built bike. Mail Order can be your best friend, I could have went with cheaper components, but why, I have a frame that will last forever, why not get components that will do the same. Yes Mongoose is using cheap foreign labor, but for right now this bike is not making me any money, so I am going to get what I want to make me happy. I suggest that you all do the same, don't worry about pleasing others when it comes to purchasing a bike for yourself, do what it is best for you.
Components: Chris King headset, Manitou Forks, Raceface Crank, Time Alium Pedals, XTR front,rear dr, and shifters, Mavic wheels, Thomson stem and seatpost, Sram brakes, chain, and cassette, DNM Piggyback air rear shock, Mongoose XR-350 frame.
Posted by Ex-Cross Country Runner a 30 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Rebuilt Mongoose XR-350 from Dallas on 08/21/01
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- Re: What it's like to own a premium bicycle...
You went to Wal Mart bought a bike then spent 1,400 on it? Man do you have any idea what you COULD have gotten for that much?
One more thing I cannot believe for one second that your upgraded Dept store FS rig weighs 28 pounds. I have a Breezer Jet Stream all XT, Sun Sub IV rims, Control Tech, Kore odds and ends, and it wieghs 28.5.
Posted by Rem.788 a 34 year old riding a KHS Team/Breezer Jet Stream on 08/21/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Hey Clint, you're right, you did get a good deal. But as you said yourself it's a great starting out point. Many of us have already been through this personaly and it always boiled down to needing a real bike once we got serious. C'mon dude, don't throw down your green on those upgrades for that bike. Save your money and ride the bejesus out of it until your skills and stamina outgrow the bike and then take the cash you saved and get a real bike. Then you keep your 'goose for a commuter bike or a thrasher.
Like STP said, when you shell out for a high end bike you don't need to go about replacing parts until they break or wear out. That's when you start with the upgrades. BTW, have you ever spent 10 solid hours on a bike? I have and after 50 miles and thousands of feet of climbing I'd not do it again on anything less than my Spec. FSR. In fact, if I were to make a habit of doing rides like that I'd eventually need a better bike than my FSR. Sorry pal, hate to break the news to ya but your bike won't cut it when you really start flogging away on the trails. Enjoy it for now and if you advance more and still want to ride then treat yourself to a "Dirt Corvette", you won't regret it. Oh, and another thing. When you do get a high end steed from a reputable local bike shop then you give some hard working individuals in your community some much needed business and you may even make a new friend or two. Most LBSs will give you a certain amount of free service for the life of your bike and it's done by real mechanics. And if you like to tinker they most often are glad to teach you, tis how I learned. Wally World needs your money like you need a hole in your head.
Peace and ride on!
Posted by Chuqster a Cross-Country riding a '99 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR from Riverside on 05/17/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
What he an STP said, I ditto.
Amen, Bros.
Posted by GhostRider a 34 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Raven 800 FSR from Temecula on 05/17/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
I agree with most of what you said, and thanks for the reply.
Last weekend, me and several others went to a Missouri state park with our MtB's. (Some high-end bikes like yours, some cheap ones like mine, and some even worse. Yes, there are worse bikes than mine.)
In all, we rode about 15 miles to our rappelling site, which we had picked out using park information from the web. (A 180-foot vertical rock face with a few ledges to facilitate free-fall drops.) We got there using coordinates plugged into my GPS, which is mounted on my handlebars. It was a great ride, but nothing you would call "extreme" off-roading. The trails were mostly dirt, grass, and rock. Some very steep and slick (rain) trails. A few small jumps here and there, but nothing you off-road hardons would probably get excited about. But we did something the average biker would never be able to do in his/her wildest dreams. And we all had fun doing it. (Yes, even me with my cheap-ass bike. God, some of you people amaze me.) :)
I don't know exactly how much gear the others packed with them, but my pack weighed in at 56 lbs. I had food, clothes, water, basic camping gear, my GPS, my rope and other rappelling gear, my 9mm pistol, and my camcorder... along with some other misc crap I probably didn't need. (Of course, being an ex-Marine, I tend to gloat in the fact that I can accomplish dangerous/impossible/harder/less comfortable tasks. It runs in my Devil Dog blood! Semper Fi!)
Let me assure you that my bike held up great. It has over 100 miles on it (in 6 rides), and I am getting quite used to the way it rides. I haven't made any aftermarket component purchases, because I haven't needed to. My bike is not going to be doing any "X-Sports" downhill suicide runs, K-6 mountain climbs, or ski-jump type aerials. I'm a cross-country type of guy, and that's what I got the bike for. With 56 lbs. of bullsh!t on your back, you don't really notice a 35 lb. bike being there. If you do, then you shouldn't be packing any weight to begin with.
I am in excellent physical shape, and can do d*mn near anything you might challenge me to do. My "heavy" bike? Just another challenge for me to conquer. (A cake-walk. Already conquered.) I don't mind it a bit. It kept up just fine with the higher-end bikes (or should I say riders... because not all of the higher-end riders had higher-end bikes), but probably only because of the condition I am in. I know my capabilities, and my cheap Mongoose bike meets/exceeds them. I have no need for an expensive "Vette" or "Ferarri" bike. My Camaro bike is just fine for me. (No, it's not a Geo, like some stupid b*st*rd implied earlier. A child's tricycle might be a Geo.)
I thank you for your time and your reply. Your comments are appreciated.
--Clint
Posted by Clint K. Campbell a 28 year old Cross-Country riding a Wally-World lead-coated, aluminum-framed Mongoose from Battlefield, Missouri on 06/05/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Clint, it's good to know I'm not the only person that has a POS bike as some would say. I've only used my bike twice for very short rides. It's been fun so far. I need to adjust a few things on it too. I had to buy a new seat as well because the one it came with was a torture on my ass. However, for the $150.00 I paid for my XR750 I could not complain. I believe the price was mistake by Wall-Mart but I ran with it. I don't see myself having trouble with the bike since I only ride every other week at most.
On the other hand, my brother has a $1500.00 GT. Good for him since he rides all the time. It would definitely be a waste of money for someone like me or you who ride for fun and to get a good workout.
P. S. You defend yourself pretty good considering you are getting gang banged by a bunch of hard core expensive bike owners.
Posted by Master Wellness a 25 year old Weekend Warrior riding a MONGOOSE XR750 from Chattanooga, TN on 06/27/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
Thanks for your reply. Logical-minded people such as yourself (and I) are not easily understood by the average person, but it is good to see that others do exist! :) We simply purchased bikes that were within our price ranges and which met our biking needs. If only the rest of these MtB hardons could realize that and let it go....
If you paid $150 for your XR-750, you certainly did get a good deal. I paid right at $500 for mine. I haven't made any modifications to it yet, except for having a custom seat post made. The stock one was far too short for my body size. I am 6'-3" tall, and weigh about 185#. The factory seat post was maybe 8" long, which I found ridiculously low. I couldn't get the proper leg extension when riding, so I was actually working much harder than need be. I had a custom 18" seat post machined out of T-6063 aircraft aluminum, and the bike is now SUPERB! I had the machinist use the same saddle mounting bracket, which he pressure-fitted using a 30-ton hydraulic vertical press. I am still using the factory Mongoose saddle, which I find a bit too narrow for comfortable off-road riding, but it doesn't bother me enough to change it.
As for getting "gang banged" by other people, that is just one of the downfalls to being a little bit "smarter than the average bear," as they say. I have over 15 years of machining and strutural design experience, and I have been riding various bikes all my life. So I think I have enough g*d d*mn knowlegde about what is good and what is not. The welds on my XR-750 are wonderful, as well as the construction material used for the frame.
Sure, the bike could have better components. But they have worked flawlessly for me thus far, and will continue to do so for quite some time. When they fail, they will be replaced. No big deal. Even these high-dollar bike owners replace components from time to time. (And don't ANY of you tell me that's not true, because I know better. If you're not replacing parts from time to time, you're not riding hard enough.)
At any rate, thanks for your response. It's nice to hear from logical-minded people who aren't obsessed with the idea of owning a bike simply because of the price they paid for it. What a load of sh!t these people have bought into!
Peace,
-Clint
(Any further replies meant to be read by me must be sent to my E-mail address, as I am through with this forum.)
Posted by Clint Campbell a 28 year old Cross-Country riding a Mongoose XR-750 from Battlefield, MO on 07/21/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
i've just read thru this thread and i'm surprised at the reaction! i thought clint campbell was being pretty reasonable, laying out his reasons and it seems like he's really enthusiastic about biking. all good, healthy things.
i don't think there is anything wrong with someone taking a different approach. i like to hear people trying different things-and anything- when it comes to bikes.
as for dept. store bikes-- i know the 'better' bikes are to be found elsewhere, but lets be realistic too. around here the majority of bikes i see people use for necessity (to get to work, etc) are those target/costco bikes. they are left outside rain or shine, they are a means to an end. people buy them from a familiar setting (where they buy everything else) and don't have to feel intimidated or stupid or forced to spend more than they are comfortable with (which i see happen all the time in bike shops). there is nothing wrong with that. bikes are great and any way that makes people get those 2 wheels under them is ok in my book.
and the whole component thing-- the more $ is for weight savings/percision/cutting edge design. i find the heavier steel stuff is just as, if not more, durable. i had heavy steel stx stuff that was bulletproof. don't get me wrong, i love the xtr/xt stuff i use--but dont think there is anything intrinsically 'junky' in cheap,steel parts.
personally, i feel the $ is justified for what i have. you absolutely need good stuff to take on mtb seriously. i enjoy the sport and cycling-as-transpo too (my beloved tig-welded, heavy steel cruiser).
i enjoy reading about all different kinds cycles from all walks of life. i love racing. some could care less and see a bike as a, well, bike. as long as they are enjoying it, why not?
just because clint is happy with his ride doesn't negate anyone else riding a $1K+ bike. personally, i agree with others- if someone wants a cheap mtbike, i always recommend the specialized rockhopper (great deal, looks great, upgrade worthy, solid). but i enjoyed hearing about the mongoose...
Posted by Neil a 29 year old Racer riding a S-works fsr/xc from 'dena on 07/23/01
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- Re: What are your thoughts on Mongoose mountain bikes?
NOTE: I am only posting this reply because I was asked to by a very friendly, educated, and understanding person.
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Neal... How eloquently put! Neil, you certainly took the words right out of my mouth, and I wish I had been able to express myself as well as you did.
I never meant to put down anyone with a $1k or $2k bike. I'm sure they're excellent bikes with some impressive components, and the riders of these bikes love them. Hell, who wouldn't?
All I am saying--much like Neil stated--is that I am happy with my Mongoose XR-750. It is definitely heavier than some of the more top-of-the-line bikes I have ridden in the past... that is to be expected. But there is nothing "cheap" about my bike, despite what anyone might say or want to believe. It has given me no problems whatsoever, and I have enjoyed the hell out of it. I don't keep it outdoors in the elements, as Neil said most people do, because I am a bit of a nut when it comes to keeping things clean and functional. Leaving ANY bike out in the elements is stupid, in my opinion. Why spend money for something, then let it just sit there and deteriorate?
Neil is obviously a very logical person, much like I mentioned before. He says that heavier steel components are not necessarily cheap or weak, and in most cases are even stronger than some of the lighter alloys. And he is exactly right. Titanium may be an exception, but it increases the cost of a bike incredibly. Again, it all comes down to (1) what you want to do with the bike, (2) how much money you have to spend on a bike, and (3) your personal capabilities and skill as a bike rider, or cyclist, or whatever you want to call yourself. (Because in the end, who really cares what you call yourself? Does terming yourself a "cyclist" change the way you ride a bike? Not anymore than sticking feathers in your butt makes you a chicken.)
So all in all, I thank Neil for his excellent post, and I hope that some of you will stop to consider the absolute truths he mentioned. I am not a professional-level cyclist, and I never will be. And I am not aspiring to be, either. I mostly take my Mongoose around the town, and occasionally blast through construction site and such. I have toyed around with some rougher trails at state parks, but nothing you would call "extreme". (And I hate that word as much as anyone, I promise.) And my average bike ride is anywhere from 6 to 10 miles, although I have done much longer and much shorter rides.
So do I need a $2k bike, or even a $1k bike? I think not. For those of you that do, that is great. Whatever works for you. I have no problem with it, either way. My XR-750 may not be quite what some of you need to keep up with your riding habits, and I understand that. Just don't put me and my bike down TOO much, because you might actually be shocked what we can do together! :)
Peace, out.
--Clint
Posted by Clint Campbell a 28 year old Cross-Country riding a MONGOOSE XR-750 from Battlefield, MO on 07/23/01
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