Axios Pro is a bike inspired by the BMX racing scene, and it is perfect for riding in bike parks, pump tracks, or for your first tests on BMX tracks. In quarter-finals, Cameron Wood (Peoria, Ariz.; Mongoose Bicycles) got crashed out by a competitor right out of the gate, ending his day earlier than expected. In the next heat, Corben Sharrah (Tucson, Ariz.; Daylight Cycle Co.) got caught behind a rider heading into the first turn and would not advance to the next round. Jeremy Smith (Seminole, Fla.; Hyper Bicycles) had a fast lap in the quarter-finals finishing third, but a crash in turn one of the semis left him out of the main event. The 8-speed drivetrain with a single chainring up front promises ease of operation, though some buyers might find the gear range limiting, especially on steep or long uphill climbs. My chain fell off the chainring on one particularly bumpy descent, but otherwise, it held up pretty well despite lacking a narrow-wide chainring or a clutched derailleur.
Mongoose’s latest line of BMX race bikes, the Title series, have been designed using that same race pedigree. The latest line of BMX race bikes, the Title series, has been designed using that same race pedigree. Hop on the Mongoose MXOne BMX race bike and you’ll be ready to take the track by storm. The MXOne features a durable steel frame with BMX Race geometry and BMX Race bar with Taper leg race fork.
For over 45 years, Mongoose has been in the dirt, at the park, and on the street. Ranging from your first true BMX bike in the L18 to the full 4130 chromoly pro-performance L500, the Legion series was designed to withstand the punishment that takes place as you progress your mongoose racing bike BMX skills. All our bikes are cherry picked from the very best BMX specialist brands, and all our bikes are designed specifically for use at the skatepark or on the track. Components that are not suitable for your level of riding can wear or fail much sooner than expected.
The Schwinn Axum is a bike that’s priced similarly to the Mongoose Switchback Expert (the brands share a parent company), though it weighs more and is only offered in a couple of sizes. However, the Axum comes with a dropper post and features wider and more stable 2.6″ tires. One of the selling points of the Mongoose Switchback Expert is the tapered head tube, which the Comp version does not offer.
At the time of publication, the Mongoose Switchback Expert was selling for $549 compared to $399 for the Switchback Comp. If you’re deciding between the two, the Switchback Expert is going to be the better choice for riding a bit more aggressively, thanks to the more powerful brakes and one-by gearing. At its full retail price of $949, the Switchback Expert is overpriced. I took the Mongoose Switchback Expert on a few test rides on moderate but not aggressive trails at a reasonable speed. Smooth trails are a better choice than rough ones, especially when it comes to rocks and roots. The coil fork isn’t all that responsive, and unlike a fork with an air spring you can’t adjust it to customize the feel for your weight and riding style.
The Mongoose 700c Elroy Adventure bike features a lightweight frame and a capable adventure geometry that makes it the perfect choice for exploring any terrain. The only thing limiting your riding options will be your imagination and willingness to explore. Mongoose offers mountain bikes for every MTB discipline, from downhill full suspension to dirt jumpers. Mongoose has the right mountain bike, whether you’re tackling technical terrain or exploring with the family.
The Mongoose Legion L60 Bike is a good entry level BMX bike for someone on the slightly taller side. Over the years, Schwinn has empowered millions of people, earning a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of riders. We have spent over a century building the bicycle industry into what it is today, and we’re not done yet. There’s a slight wobble as the front wheel rolls, which I noticed right out of the box, and the wobble has become more pronounced over time. In my experience, this is pretty common for bikes in this price range.
These bikes are strong enough for smooth landings on race and pump tracks but will not take the abuse that a freestyle bike would in concrete skateparks. If you’re looking to set fast lap times or begin your competitive career on the track, a race bike is the right choice. A far-superior Mongoose line can be found on the official Mongoose website. These bicycles, which comprise specific models for BMX, mountain and urban biking, are offered with better-made frames and higher-level components. They are also much more expensive than the department-store Mongoose bicycles.
To find the right size, check that you can stand over the bike with at least an inch or more between your crotch and the top tube. Then, check that the seat can be set about even with your hip while standing beside the bike. I tested a size extra large and found it’s a pretty close fit, though even at full extension the saddle is a bit short for me. Given my profession as a mountain bike journalist and product reviewer, it’s not unusual for friends and neighbors to ask me for bike recommendations. To the uninitiated, a $400 mountain bike looks pretty similar to a $5,000 bike, so why wouldn’t you just get the cheaper one? Maybe even the Mongoose Switchback Expert, on sale at your local Dicks Sporting Goods department store.