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. The older I get the more I realise I am very particular about the configuration of my bike. The Pro XXL frame was the right length for me but there was a significant difference in the handlebar, stem and crank sizes compared to what I use. Sure I could have changed a few parts around but instead I passed it off to bmxultra.com team pilot and BMX guru Paul Knox. He was very interested, not only as a complete bike, but also as an OS20 conversion.
If you’re a fan of BMX bikes, you’re probably familiar with the Mongoose brand. For decades, Mongoose has been synonymous with high-quality, durable BMX bikes that are designed for superior performance. And one of the most iconic Mongoose bikes of all time is the California Special. LUXBMX offers free shipping on all orders over $199 (excluding bikes) Australia-wide with a flat rate express upgrade of $7.99. Bike shipping is calculated by location and bike size. Choosing the right level bike for your riding ability is important.
Ready to win right out of the box, the MX is an excellent choice in Mini and Junior versions, the former for heights 4-foot-1-inch to 4-foot-5-inches, and the latter 4-foot-6-inches to 5-foot-1. The Expert, meanwhile, is best for those 5 feet to 5-foot-4-inches, and the Expert XL for 5-foot-2-inches to 5-foot-6-inches. Contrary to what we say above, some bike life riders say that 29-inch wheels are a great intro to the culture.
Electra combined retro styling and modern parts into one heck of a package. The springer saddle is comfortable, the mustache bars put your hands in the proper position, and the mongoose fat bike 7-speed Shimano drivetrain shifts smoothly. On top of that, the Loft 7D comes with fenders and a chainguard. The Loft 7D is also available in a step-through frame option.
City, urban, commuter, cargo, utility, folding, and e-fill in the blank—call it what you will. Your commuter bike has a job to do, and only you know what that job entails. Explore trails that aren’t on the app but clearly exist
right here, right now, in real life. Pack extra water and a sandwich in case things go right and you’re having
too much damn fun to head home. We do not make “official” endorsements on products, but you can form your own opinion from the above.
Is annoying heavy for bunny hops, plus the internal wiring prevents barspins. That specialization means that, as with the mountain bike cousins, you will give up performance in one area to gain it elsewhere—but the diversity of adult-sized BMX bikes is not nearly as outrageous as it is on the mountain. It’s possible to race on your skatepark bike or vice versa. As with most things we buy, our final decision is based not only on what we want but also on what we can afford—and somewhere in the middle is the best option for the money and the riding you do. So while a $6,000 custom commuter bike might make you starry-eyed, there are plenty of sub-$1,000 possibilities that fit your needs. And while a $500 city bike is easier on the wallet, it might not offer the best features for longer commutes or those with mixed terrain.
For riders looking to learn tricks and stunts, then a freestyle bike is the correct choice. Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.
Mongoose Bicycles are distributed in Australia by PSI Cycling psicycling.com.au. For more information about Mongoose products check out int.mongoose.com. Singletrack uses affiliate services called Skimlinks and which means we may earn revenue if you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer on our site. Overall, mongoose racing bike I feel the spec is pretty darned well thought out. Not so cheapy or cost-cutting as to impair the bike handling but not so verly fancy as to make you worried about(ab)using this bike the way it’s supposed to be (ab)used. Our experienced testers spent many hours and miles using these bikes for their intended purpose.
Exceptionally well-designed, the Vado 4.0 has an SRAM NX, 11-speed drivetrain, powerful SRAM Level brakes, and an SR Suntour Mobie A32 suspension fork for a smooth feel. Power settings are adjustable via an easy-to-manage phone app, plus all of the needed accessories for commuting—rack, fenders, and lights—come standard. While the Vado is pricier than some other bikes in the class, it has a refined feel, a strong global dealer network in case of motor issues, and is a thrilling e-bike to ride. This complete BMX build is one of the cheapest, and with a few minor upgrades, it can be your go-to ride. It’s got a treadless sealed integrated headset, aluminum U-brake and brake levers, removable brake mounts, and an ultra-durable steel frame.
This is an excellent e-bike that combines utility with the sleekness needed for the city. Co-op Cycles is REI’s house brand of bikes that offer some of the best value on the mongoose fat bike market. For $600 you get a lightweight aluminum frame and fork, Shimano 24-speed drivetrain, a nice Comfort Plus saddle with memory foam, and fast rolling 700x40c tires.