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. Most 20-inch BMX frames have the bottom bracket higher than the axles, for purposes of ground clearance. This leads to the feeling of sitting or standing “on the bike” rather than “in the bike.” Novice riders will likely find this feeling to be remarkably uncomfortable. When in doubt, gravitate toward one of the 26-inch offerings or even a 29. BMX is arguably the most diverse and inclusive form of cycling, encompassing coastal cultures, urban stunt riding, and hard-nosed rural competition in a single, loosely drawn concept. Freestyle bikes are designed for the skatepark, the streets or the trails.
Race bikes feature 20-inch wheels on all models, but the components and frame are sized dependent on age and height. 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. Mongoose was born from BMX racing with products that push the limits of what a rider can do on the track.
Available in several sizes, mongoose fat bike the MX bikes from the venerable race brand Redline have been heavily modified to incorporate many desirable features from the upscale Proline series. 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. The Mongoose Legion 16 is a solid BMX bike for kids 3-feet-6-inches and under who need a 16-incher that can take a beating. The Legion 16 is simple to assemble and features gyro brakes for easy handlebar spins, loose-ball bottom brackets, and comfy grips. But weight aside, Mongoose is one of the most trusted brands for children.
As with any bicycle manufacturer who provides a wide range mongoose racing bike 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.
Contrary to what we say above, some bike life riders say that 29-inch wheels are a great intro to the culture. Those bigger wheels can be intimidating, but they aren’t completely uncontrollable. The Big Ripper is an icon from SE, lending a stable ride for those who want to pop big wheelies and cruise down the block. Sunday’s Primer can take you all the way to serious skatepark riding; riders between five to six feet tall will likely find exactly what they need with this bike. It features an Odyssey Springfield brake system, Path Pro tires, and a super durable hi ten steel frame for eating those inevitable spills. The bike is also backed by Sunday’s lifetime warranty for protection against defects.