I found I needed to keep my speed in check to keep the front wheel tracking and in control. If you want to ride trails as fast as possible, you’ll likely progress beyond the Mongoose Switchback Expert rather quickly. Experienced riders may want to upgrade by adding a dropper post to the Mongoose Switchback Expert. The frame features internal routing so you could install a dropper post yourself for about $199 or so. This is one change that could make sense for some buyers, though percentage-wise, it’s a big addition.
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.
Tires are usually an inexpensive upgrade that can make a huge difference in the way a bike feels, but here again, buyers likely won’t want to bother. The included wheels feature narrow, 18mm rims that are even narrower than what you might find on a gravel bike today. For that reason, it doesn’t make sense to run anything wider than the 2.25″ tires specced despite what appears to be plenty of frame clearance. The rims aren’t taped inside, and they’re drilled for Schrader valves, so IMO going tubeless isn’t really worth the hassle, either. Youth freestyle bikes are sized depending on the diameter of the wheel staring at 12” all the way through to 18”, at a 20” wheel the bike is considered an adult size. Since Mongoose only offered these bikes in the continental USA they have been working hard to find a way for people in Canada, Alaska/Hawaii, Mexico, UK, ect, to get their hands on them and that’s where we come in.
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.
The Mongoose Switchback is best for riding pavement, bike paths, and gravel roads. It’s fine for most green- and beginner-rated trails, though when it comes to trail riding, I recommend choosing smooth ones. The Mongoose Switchback Expert is capable of popping off small roots and rocks in the trail, and it has proven to be durable on the landings.
Pack extra water and a sandwich in case things go right and you’re havingtoo much damn fun to head home.Make epic happen. Felicia Stancil (Lake Villa, Ill.; Factory SSquared/Answer) looked fast all day, finishing fourth in the main event. Carly Kane (Guilford, Ind.; Huffy Bicycles) had an incredible run making the elite main event and finishing in sixth.
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 mongoose bicycle 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.