10 Best Mongoose Mountain Bikes – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Mongoose Mountain Bike + Reviews

 

Are you looking for the best Mongoose mountain bike but haven’t had any luck so far? Then you shouldn’t get discouraged as we’re here to help. We know that the market is filled with Mongoose mountain bikes and that’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to go through as many models as possible in order to select the ones offering the highest performance for the price. Our first choice is the Mongoose Boot’r 27.5″ Down Hill Bicycle. This bike comes with a strong T2 aluminum frame, rock-solid alloy rims, a 200mm rear shock and a 180mm fork, as well as Tektro Slate T4 hydraulic disc brakes that you can trust even on the most rugged terrains. In the unfortunate case that this bike is sold out or you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, you might want to take the Mongoose Fireball Dirt Jump Mountain Bike into consideration.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Mongoose Mountain Bikes (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

Whether you’re looking for an affordable Mongoose mountain bike or you don’t mind paying a higher price, finding the right model can be a chore. Fortunately, we’ve compared countless models and came up with Mongoose mountain bike reviews for the ones that are most appreciated by riders so you can easily choose one that offers great performance for the price.

 

 

1. Mongoose Boot’r 27.5″ Down Hill Bicycle

 

The Boot’r from Mongoose is a bike that you’ll love if you’re into downhill riding, and not only. It comes with a tectonic T2 aluminum frame with a horst-link suspension that’s strong enough to handle all sorts of abuse while also being lightweight. Thanks to the internal routing, you can keep everything organized and tidy while getting snag-protection.

The free-floating suspension technology ensures progressive shock absorption while minimizing brake jack. The 200mm-travel suspension is bound to soak up shocks from all the rocks and roots along your path. This is coupled with the 180mm Manitou Dorado Expert fork.

You get a Shimano Zee 1 x 10 drivetrain and a Direct-mount rear derailleur that offer smooth shifting but keep the weight of the bike down. Braking is ensured by the Tektro Slate T4 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes while the wheels have Sun Ringle Duroc 35 tubeless-ready rims and are equipped with Schwalbe Magic Mary DH 27.5 x 2.35″ tires.

 

Pros

This bike comes with a sturdy aluminum frame with a horst-link design for superior endurance and performance.

You get quite an impressive suspension system, with a 200mm-travel rear shock and a Manitou Dorado Expert fork with 200mm of travel.

Thanks to the Shimano Zee 1 x 10 drivetrain, you can climb steep hills but also pedal downhill while enjoying smooth shifting.

The wheels are made with Sun Ringle Duroc 35 tubeless-ready rims and come with Schwalbe Magic Mary tires which should offer superior grip and handling.

 

Cons

This is surely not a cheap bike so you should be prepared to spend quite a bit of money if you want to experience a seamless downhill riding experience.

At 39.7 pounds (for the Large size), this bike isn’t exactly the lightest out there, but at least you get quite the suspension system to soak up anything the terrain throws your way.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Mongoose Fireball Dirt Jump Mountain Bike

 

This is a 26” bike that’s perfectly suited for trail riding, dirt jumping, slopestyle, or just about any other mountain biking activity you can think of (maybe not DH). It comes with a hardtail tectonic T1 aluminum frame that’s built to last and it also has a horizontal dropout and a replaceable hanger. The RST Dirt-T alloy fork has 100mm of travel so it can soak lots of tough landings.

The bike also comes with a SunRace 9-speed drivetrain that has an af15-d36s 36T crank so you get more flexibility in terms of gears. The Shimano Altus RD-m2000 rear derailleur and Shimano Altus SL-2000 shifter are nothing to write home about, but at least they keep the price of the bike low.

The KMC Z99 chain should handle even hard pedaling while the Mongoose Mechanical disc brakes, with fitted 160mm rotors, should offer decent braking power. The 31.8mm handlebar is 751mm wide for enhanced control and it has a 31mm rise.

 

Pros

The bike is equipped with 26-inch double-walled aluminum rims and Kenda small block 26×2.35-inch tires that offer great grip and control for fast action and precise cornering.

The ride comes assembled and you won’t need any tools to get it ready for a ride, even though you should know how to fiddle with a bike if you’re serious about riding.

You get an RST Dirt-T alloy fork with 100mm of travel so all those hard landings should be more cushioned.

The SunRace drivetrain gives you 9 speeds to play with and while the shifter and derailleur aren’t top-notch, they should still provide decent shifting.

 

Cons

The Shimano Altus RD-m2000 rear derailleur and Shimano Altus SL-2000 shifter are nothing to brag about but they keep the price of the ride down.

The disc brakes are mechanical so expect to have to fiddle with them quite a bit. While not offering hydraulic-disc-level braking, they also help lower the cost.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Mongoose Status Mountain Bike for Men and Women

 

The Status from Mongoose is a bike that anyone should be able to afford. The frame is quite light, made of Hydroformed aluminum tubing, and it is also supposed to be quite resistant to off-road abuse. The front suspension is definitely not high-end, but it does its job of soaking up bumps and jumps, and it helps keep the total price of the bike reasonable.

There’s also a rear shock that can make off-road riding even more pleasurable. You get 21 speeds so you can climb moderately steep hills and pedal downhill without a worry. The Shimano rear derailleur and the shifters help keep things smooth.

The bike comes equipped with V-brakes, which aren’t really ideal for tough forest riding, but they do offer decent braking if you make the effort to adjust them properly. The alloy rims are quite durable and the wheels are equipped with 26 x 2.125-inch tires that offer a good grip on hardpack and not-so-muddy trails.

 

Pros

This bike sells for a really low price which means even beginners on a low budget should have no problem getting one to enjoy quiet rides.

The 26×2.125-inch tires have medium-sized knobs that should roll well on both tarmac and on forest trails, especially on dirt or hardpack, but less so in thick mud.

The frame is quite strong and you get a rear shock as well as a suspension fork so all those potholes, rocks, and tree roots shouldn’t pose much of a problem to you.

The riser handlebar allows you to perform quick turns and you get to enjoy better handling.

 

Cons

The V-brakes on this bike aren’t that great, so don’t expect them to perform well on rugged forest trails. They do keep the cost of the bike low, though.

There are only 3×7 speeds so you might wish for more for climbing steep inclines or for cross-country riding.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mens Mountain Bike

 

In case you’re not really into downhill riding or slopestyle and love to ride at slower speeds through off-road terrain, then this fat bike should be a nice option. It has a steel frame which should allow it to resist lots of use and abuse.

The 26-inch alloy rims are wide and lightweight and they come equipped with 4-inch tires which will help negotiate any kind of trail with ease and offer cushioned rides. The knobby surface will also perform well on gravel or hardpack but perhaps not as well in wet dirt or thick mud.

You get a 1 x 7 drivetrain with a Shimano derailleur and twist shifter so you can seamlessly change gears. The disc brakes ensure decent stopping power. Even though they’re mechanical, they keep the cost of the bike low and are better than V-brakes. The threadless headset can be adjusted so it fits riders of different sizes.

 

Pros

The frame is made of steel so it’s rock-solid and durable, able to offer years and years of reliable performance.

The 26-inch rims are made of lightweight aluminum alloy yet they’re wide enough and strong enough to hold even heavier riders.

The 4-inch tires offer cushiony rides anywhere you go and the good part is that you can also use them in snow, especially thanks to the knobby surface.

The mechanical disc brakes offer reasonable stopping power which should suffice considering you won’t reach high speeds on a fat bike.

 

Cons

There’s no suspension fork or a rear shock so you’re going to feel quite a few bumps, even though the thick tires should be able to handle some of the shock absorption.

The frame is made of steel which makes the bike quite heavy. The good part is that it should be able to last for many years.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Mongoose Fireball Ss Dirt Jump Mountain Bike

 

The Mongoose Fireball Ss is a dirt jump bike that’s suited to more than just this discipline. The frame is made of tectonic T1 aluminum tubing so it’s both lightweight and very strong. This hardtail frame has the right geometry for performing all sorts of tricks and jumps, and the Manitou Circus Expert suspension fork has 100mm of travel for soaking up shocks.

The single-speed drivetrain helps you stay in control of the ride, while the KMC Z510 chain should be able to handle lots of pressure even when you’re cranking up the power. This model comes with a rear hydraulic disc brake and a 160mm rotor so you can stop the bike whenever you need to. The brake housing is long so you can perform bar-spins all day long.

The double-butted aluminum handlebar, with a 31.8mm clamp and a 30mm rise, should offer you superb handling ability. The 26” wheels are equipped with Kenda 26×2.35-inch tires for better grip and traction.

 

Pros

Thanks to the 100mm Manitou Circus Expert fork, you’ll be able to make higher jumps while relying on it to soak up all those hard landings.

This bike doesn’t cost an arm and a leg yet it comes with quality components that should allow you to enjoy your rides to the maximum.

The frame has a dirt geometry and it’s made of modern T1 aluminum alloy for enhanced durability.

You get a hydraulic disc brake to offer the stopping power needed for dirt jumping or slopestyle.

The 750mm-wide handlebar should offer you enough control over your ride while allowing you to perform all sorts of tricks.

 

Cons

There’s only one speed so you’ll have to push your bike up steep inclines every time, which can be a drag for some.

The suspension fork isn’t exactly high-end so don’t expect it to perform great in all situations.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Mongoose XR-PRO 29” Men’s Mountain Bike

 

If you’re looking for a full-suspension model that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, then the 29″ Mongoose XR-PRO Men’s mountain bike should be the perfect choice. It comes with a full-suspension aluminum frame that’s lightweight and strong. The rear shock and SR Suntour suspension fork ensure smooth riding even on the bumpiest of trails.

This ride comes with SRAM SX4 trigger shifters as well as a SRAM X4 rear derailleur for smooth shifting, regardless if you’re going up or coming down. The front and rear disc brakes provide the stopping power you need to feel safe and enjoy your outdoor adventures. The rims are quite wide and should be able to take 2.35” tires.

Speaking of tires, they have medium knobs that should offer good traction and grip in dry conditions and perhaps in wet dirt but not so much in mud. The WTB saddle will offer a cushiony ride and save you from sores.

 

Pros

The frame looks strongly-built and the fact that it’s made of aluminum should allow it to last for a long time.

You get both front and rear suspension so you should feel comfortable tackling all sorts of off-road trails.

You get disc brakes which is quite cool considering the low price of this ride.

The WTB saddle is quite nice and it should save your behind from all sorts of aches and sores.

The SRAM SX4 trigger shifters and X4 rear derailleur will ensure that you can enjoy smooth shifting so you can pedal efficiently.

The rims are made of aluminum alloy and are quite wide so you can fit wider tires on them.

 

Cons

The rear and front suspensions aren’t exactly top-notch so you shouldn’t expect the bike to deliver on extreme off-road rides.

There are only 24 speeds to play with and some riders would have probably wished for more flexibility, especially for climbing steep inclines.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Mongoose Salvo Comp 29″ Mountain Bicycle

 

The Salvo Comp is a 29er that offers quite the bang for the buck. It comes with an aluminum frame with a full-suspension horst-link construction. The X-Fusion O2 rear shock has 100mm of travel, which isn’t huge but quite decent and enough to offer you pleasurable rides on any off-road trails.

The SR SunTour XCR Air fork has 100mm of travel as well so it can soak up those hard landings and tree roots and offer comfy rides. The fork has hydraulic lock-out and rebound adjustments for a customizable experience. With this bike, you also get a Shimano Deore and Alivio 3×9 drivetrain which should be quite nice for smooth shifting on any terrain and steep-hill climbing.

The bike comes equipped with Shimano M365 hydraulic disc brakes that offer decent performance, especially since they’re coupled with 160mm rotors. The bike also comes with Alex DP-23 tubeless-ready rims as well as 29×2.1-inch Arisun Mount Bona tires.

 

Pros

This bike has a full-suspension aluminum frame with a horst-link design so you get to enjoy durability as well as enhanced safety.

The 100mm SR SunTour XCR Air fork and the 100mm X-Fusion O2 rear shock will ensure that rock gardens, tree roots, holes, and other obstacles won’t cause much trouble.

The Shimano M365 hydraulic disc brakes offer reasonable performance and should be enough for normal trail riding.

You get a 3×9 drivetrain with Shimano Deore derailleurs and Alivio shifters so you enjoy smooth shifting while also being able to climb steep inclines and pedal downhill fast.

 

Cons

The tires are quite thin, just 2.1 inches in width, so not well-suited for rough off-road riding.

The Shimano M365 hydraulic disc brakes aren’t high-end and, even though they do their job, they aren’t great for more aggressive riders, especially considering the small-diameter 160mm rotors.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike

 

If a cheap mountain bike is what you’re after, then you can’t go wrong by choosing the Malus Fat Tire from Mongoose. The bike is built on a beach cruiser frame that’s made of steel, so if you don’t mind the extra weight, you can have the peace of mind knowing that this frame is durable. The front fork is rigid so you’ll have to rely on the tires for shock absorption.

The good part is that the tires are actually 26 x 4 inches wide, so they should be able to offer you cushioned rides and help you get over rocks, sand, snow, etc. The rims are made of aluminum alloy so they’re strong yet lightweight. The bike comes with a 1 x 7 drivetrain, which is not exactly awesome in terms of flexibility, but then again, this is more of a cruiser.

The beach cruiser pedals are comfortable and offer the right grip so you don’t risk slipping and hurting yourself.

 

Pros

The frame is made of steel so it’s strong while the rims are made of aluminum alloy so they’re tough but light. The frame has enough clearance for enhanced comfort and safety.

The 4-inch tires will give you a run for their money as they’ll absorb shocks from bumps and potholes to offer you enjoyable rides anytime. These also enable you to ride on sand or snow without a problem.

The bike comes with disc brakes for better stopping power and safety so you don’t risk losing control.

 

Cons

The frame is made of steel and coupled with the wide rims and tires and other components, it means that the entire thing is quite heavy even for a fat bike.

You only get 7 speeds to play with so climbing uphill won’t exactly be like a walk in the park, especially for people who are not in shape.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Mongoose Exlipse Full Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike for Kids

 

If you’re looking for a mountain bike for one of your kids, then the Mongoose Exlipse is a great choice. While it’s advertised to be made for girls – the frame is pink – there’s nothing stopping boys from using this cool bike, too. The frame is made of steel so it’s strong and durable, albeit a bit on the heavy side.

The great thing about this bike is that it comes at a more than affordable price, which is not bad considering that this is a full-suspension build. The rear shock and suspension fork do their job well so that your kid doesn’t feel all the bumps and potholes along the way. The rims are made of aluminum alloy so they’re lightweight yet durable.

There are 21 speeds to play with and shifting is done with the help of Shimano shifters and derailleurs. The bike comes with V-brakes that ensure safe stopping whenever the need arises.

 

Pros

This bike has a rock-solid frame that has a rear shock and a suspension fork so your kid can enjoy cushioned rides even on bumpy terrain.

The V-brakes are there to ensure that the bike can be stopped in a second in order to avoid accidents and potential injuries.

The wheels are 24 inches in diameter so suited for little children, and they also have knobby tires for proper grip both on and off-road.

There are 21 speeds that your child can use so that they can climb hills or pedal downhill without a problem.

 

Cons

The bike comes with a steel frame which is strong but pretty heavy, so it might not be easy to carry up the stairs by a kid who’s not exactly in shape (the good part is that most kids usually are).

The suspension system is pretty basic, although you’d have to consider that the bike sells for a really low price.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Mongoose Boys Mech Mountain Bicycle with 24″ Wheels

 

This is a 24-inch bike that’s suited for boys, but also for girls who are not bothered by the high top tube. The frame is made of aluminum so quite light and sturdy, and the tubing is hydroformed for extra durability. The suspension fork offers decent shock absorption so that bumpy trails with rocks and roots won’t pose a problem to your kid.

Thanks to the V-brakes, your child can easily stop the bike which not only helps prevent accidents but also leads to increased confidence and a boosted fun level. The Shimano derailleurs and shifters ensure smooth shifting so that steep inclines are not a problem, and neither is pedaling down a hill.

The alloy rims are light and 24 inches in diameter, with knobby 2.1” tires that are pretty good on tarmac but they also roll quite well on forest trails, sand, dirt, etc. The riser handlebar offers better handling and control.

 

Pros

You get quite the kid’s bike without spending a lot of money, so what’s there not to like about this model?

The frame is made of aluminum so lightweight and, even though it has a basic bike geometry, it is stable and quite durable.

The 24-inch wheels and 2.1-inch tires are perfect for children to ride to their heart’s desire and learn how to pedal both on and off-road.

There are 21 speeds that your kid can use so the bike is quite versatile. These ensure that even moderately-steep hills should be no match for your little one.

The suspension fork helps soak up shocks from bumps and potholes.

 

Cons

The shifters aren’t high-level and neither are most of the other components. However, the low price more than justifies this, and these still offer decent performance, especially for a child.

You might need to reinstall the brakes and shifters to ensure that they work properly for your kid.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

Whether you’re looking for a Mongoose 27.5 mountain bike, a 29er or the old 26-inch bike, you might be a bit unsure as to which model to choose, especially considering the wide range of bikes this reputable company is offering. The good part is that this guide is here to help you sort out the mediocre from the awesome, and that without having you read every Mongoose mountain bike review out there.

Hardtail, full-suspension or fatbike?

First things first, you need to consider whether you want a Mongoose full suspension mountain bike or a hardtail ride. A full-suspension bike is what’s needed if you’re doing all sorts of rugged trails, downhill riding or freeriding. You’ll want a fork and rear shock with a decent amount of travel so that all those obstacles such as tree roots and rock gardens aren’t stopping you.

If you’re not bent on slaying the trails downhill, you might want a hardtail bike. Such a bike only has a front suspension which usually doesn’t have a lot of travel, but 100mm should do for regular riding. These bikes have a more aggressive frame and have a much higher pedaling efficiency, compared to full-suspension Mongoose mountain bike models.

You might also want to choose a fatbike. Fatbikes are also hardtail variants but they might come with rigid forks, although it’s becoming the norm to see decent suspension forks on them.

So, if you want to be able to ride on the most rugged terrain and on crazy descents, then a full-suspension bike is for you. If you want to do some off-roading but also value pedaling efficiency, a hardtail is for you. For riding on snow, sand, or snow/dirt paths, the best Mongoose mountain bikes are its fatbike models.

 

Frame and wheel sizes

When it comes to bike frames, there are a few materials that are usually common: aluminum, steel, and carbon. Carbon frames are really expensive and are usually seen on high-end builds and racing bikes. A Mongoose aluminum mountain bike is more common since the price is more budget-friendly and it still retains a somewhat light build, depending on the other components.

You might also see quite a lot of steel bikes from Mongoose and not only. Steel is really tough and the chances of it breaking are much lower compared to the other materials. The problem is that it’s quite heavy so many riders don’t go for a bike with a steel frame.

When it comes to wheel diameters, there are 3 basic sizes: 26”, 27.5”, and 29”. Mind you that many frames usually only accept one or two wheel sizes, so you probably won’t be able to switch the wheelset of your 26-inch ride to make it a 29 inch Mongoose mountain bike.

26” wheels are great for small people and offer good maneuverability. 29ers are great for big people and for speed and rugged terrain. 27.5” wheels are the sweet spot and many riders choose this size because it offers a good-enough mix of handling and speed.

Drivetrains, brakes, and other things to consider

When it comes to drivetrains, you might find single-speed bikes, which are not that common regarding mountain bikes, unless we’re talking about dirt riding. Then there are bikes with a single chainring and multiple sprockets, such as 7-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed, etc., and then there are also bikes with 2 or 3 chainrings and many sprockets, such as 2 x 11, 3 x 8, etc.

Choose according to your preferred riding style and needs. The same can be said about the brakes. If you want a cheap bike for casual riding, V-brakes are probably what you’re going to find on it. There are also disc brakes but on cheaper models, these tend to be mechanical.

Then there are the hydraulic brakes that offer superior performance and are a must for disciplines such as downhill riding. These usually come with more expensive builds so you should be prepared to spend quite a hefty amount of money.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Is Mongoose a reliable mountain bike brand?

Mongoose is a brand of bikes that were initially designed, manufactured, and marketed by BMX Products, Inc. The first Mongoose bikes were made over 40 years ago, so that should say something about the brand. While it is true that it changed hands quite a few times, it is now managed by its new parent company, Pacific Cycle.

Some people have unfavorably compared the bikes being released in the past decade with the old Mongoose models, but there are still countless satisfied customers who enjoy riding a variety of bikes sold by the company. You can find Mongoose bikes in any size, and more importantly, at any price.

Another important thing to know is that Mongoose sells quite a few bike models that are priced more than reasonable, so they’re not marketed only toward the elite racer, but for anyone who enjoys a day out riding, whether it’s on the tarmac or on forest trails.

Q: Which kind of mountain bike should I buy?

Whether you’re looking for a Mongoose women’s mountain bike or a men’s Mongoose mountain bike, there are other features that you must consider before committing to purchase. Things such as wheel size are important to think through. If you want an affordable ride and are quite a small person, a 26-inch bike might be in order.

Are you a big guy or love speeding down the trails? Then a 29er is for you. Want to benefit from speed and handling? Then a 27.5” bike from Mongoose is what you need. You also need to think whether you want a full-suspension bike or a hardtail. The former gives you cushiony rides and is great for downhill but it sure costs a pretty penny.

Hardtails are great for all sorts of trails and they offer the right mix of pedaling efficiency and maneuverability. You might also want to go for a fatbike if you love riding on sandy beaches or in snow.

 

Q: How much does a Mongoose mountain bike cost?

It really depends on your riding style, needs, and budget. You can surely get a cheap Mongoose mountain bike but you’ll have to compromise on some components, and you’re probably going to have to make do with a hardtail bike. V-brakes are what you’ll usually find in such a model, or mechanical disc brakes, if you up the price a little.

A decent full-suspension bike will set you back several hundred bucks or even a thousand dollars, and for higher-end builds or downhill bikes, expect to pay two grand or a lot more. The good part about Mongoose bikes is that you can find one that fits your budget. You can get a kid’s model for a couple hundred or a fatbike if you add a couple more.

Remember that you can also make upgrades to your bike, so starting out with a cheaper bike and upgrading later if you are still interested in riding is not such a bad idea after all.