The main difference between the two is the way the bike performs when going backwards. One of our most frequently asked questions in freestyle is, which rear hub do I want, a freecoaster or a cassette? Most experienced riders know their preference, but if you’re new to the sport it can be difficult to know which choice to make. If it’s BMX or multi-speed mountain bikes your kid wants, Mongoose kids bikes are the perfect introduction to cycling.
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 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.
Youth race bikes start from a Micro size for very young riders and offer a range of sizes through to expert XL. Pro size and upwards are considered adult bikes and are usually offered up to a Pro XXXL or larger for very tall riders. If used properly, the department store line of Mongoose bicycles can hold up very well. While these models may not offer the best components or stiffest frames, whether for on or off-road riding, it should be understood that the department-store Mongoose bicycles are not made for performance-oriented rides.
Mongoose bicycles have at times been criticized for poor reliability and construction, however, many of these issues can be attributed to how and where the bicycles are used by their owners. The Mongoose Switchback Expert is an aluminum hardtail mountain bike with 100mm of suspension travel up front. The hydraulic disc brakes are a more powerful upgrade over the mechanical brakes on the Switchback Comp, though generally speaking they’re not as easy to maintain or repair. Compared to bikes from other major brands like Specialized and Trek, the Mongoose Switchback Expert offers a pretty similar value.
Their products are distributed worldwide, mainly through independent distributors and retailers. BMX Products Inc’s product range includes BMX Bikes, Dirt Jump Bikes, BMX Racing Equipment, and other Bicycle Accessories such as clothing and helmets. However, if you’re like many of my non-bike friends asking for a bike recommendation and want to ride on the road, and maybe off road a little, the Switchback Expert could be a good fit. The drivetrain is generally pretty quiet when pedaling on smooth surfaces, though things start to clang the faster (and rougher!) you ride. If part of your calculation for buying the Mongoose Switchback Expert is that you might upgrade parts over time, I say look at another bike.
Capable of high-end performance – a bike designed for riders with intermediate skills all the way up to pro – the Mongoose Title Elite Pro BMX race bike is a level above our popular Title series. Suggested rider height is 5’3″ – 5’8″.Professional-grade 6061 mongoose dirt bike Tectonic T1 Biaxial Hydroformed and butted aluminum frame with 86mm BB shell, tapered headtube, 3D forged 10mm dropouts, and internal cable routing. Mongoose was born from BMX racing with products that push the limits of what a rider can do on the track.
This beast of a bike is equipped with monstrous 4″ wide knobby tires. This is important because, as a rider, you should know which heavy bike you can handle. Heavy bikes have their advantages, such as stability, but they also have disadvantages because it can be difficult to transport them in areas with flat surfaces if you need to move them around.
The Switchback Expert currently costs $125 less than the Specialized Rockhopper and is the better choice, in my opinion, based on the geometry and parts specs. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the $739 Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 is worth a look for its upgraded drivetrain, wider tires, and similar weight, though still no dropper post. As with any bicycle manufacturer who provides a wide range of products, it is important for the customer to know how he or she intends to use the Mongoose bicycle before purchasing it. If used within its design and limits, Mongoose offers very good bicycles. A buyer simply has to be aware of those limits, and for their own purposes, select the proper Mongoose bicycle whether it is for commuting or energetic cycling.