The story of Pacific Cycle began in 1977 when Chris Hornung, founder and original CEO, began supplying bicycles to department stores. By pioneering a new model of importing and distributing bicycles to the mass market in the 20th century, Pacific Cycle was ready to bring big brands to more people than ever before. Acquiring Mongoose in 2000 and then Schwinn in 2001, Pacific Cycle is one of the world’s leading suppliers of quality bicycles today. Department-store Mongoose bicycles perform well for their intended uses and so do Mongoose’s higher-level bicycles. Buying a bike is all about finding the right mix of price, performance, and yes, style.
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. I like the WTB Trail Boss tires so my advice is to just keep ’em. The rims aren’t taped inside, and they’re drilled for Schrader valves, so IMO going tubeless isn’t really worth the hassle, either. One of the selling points of the Mongoose Switchback Expert is the tapered head tube, which the Comp version does not offer.
It’s fine for most green- and beginner-rated trails, though when it comes to trail riding, I recommend choosing smooth ones. 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. 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 mongoose dirt bike rougher!) you ride.
The Mongoose brand has seen many changes over the years, today it offers a complete line of mountain, pavement and BMX bikes. The other style of Mongoose Bicycles are those low-end, mass-produced bikes which are distributed by major chain-stores at discount prices. 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.
Get special offers, exclusive product news, and event info straight to your inbox. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy. However, some expert cyclists are cautious of floor pumps with gauges, as the accuracy of the gauge can svary and may be off by as much as 10 PSI. On the plus side, mongoose racing bike if the gauge is consistent you can calculate the difference and adjust your target PSI to compensate. I received my test bike directly from Mongoose and needed to do some of the final assembly myself. The amount you can expect to receive in store credit when trading in your bike with a dealer.
In September of 1974, Skip Hess started BMX Products, Inc. out of his home in Simi Valley, California. His first bicycle was the innovative Motomag One Wheel, a cast aluminium mag wheel. Bell Sports bought American Group in 1995 and sold Mongoose to Brunswick Outdoor Recreation Group in 1997. There are many things to consider when buying a bike.
GT Connect is a simple way to link you with local shops for professional bike builds, accessory sales, and service when needed. By signing up for GT Connect after you purchase a mountain or gravel bike over $1000 from GTBicycles.com, you will be eligible to have your new GT built for free. GT’s pedal-assist electric bikes are designed around going further and discovering new places.
If you overinflate, you run the risk of blowing the tube either while pumping or while riding due to sudden or constant impact. If underinflated, the low pressure could cause pinch flats. This occurs when the tube becomes squeezed between the rim and tire casing by hitting a mongoose bicycle bump with an underinflated wheel. Not only does this damage the tire, it can also hurt the rim. Plus, flat tires slow you down and make you pedal harder, which is just no fun. At the time of publication, the Mongoose Switchback Expert was selling for $549 compared to $399 for the Switchback Comp.
The Mongoose Switchback Expert is an aluminum hardtail mountain bike with 100mm of suspension travel up front. It has eight speeds and 29er wheels with 2.25″ wide tires. 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. If used properly, the department store line of Mongoose bicycles can hold up very well. Instead, particularly for their price point, Mongoose’s department-store bikes are built for simple on-road commutes such as to school, work or the store.