My thoughts on MONGOOSE BMX BIKES

[LittleBigKidb]

When you think about it, it's crazy where Mongoose was back in the 80s and where they are now. They pretty much started Bmx. When you thought of Bmx, Mongoose came to mind. When you were one of the lucky kids with a Mongoose, you were the coolest kid in the neighborhood and everyone wanted to be your friend.

[supernoobsmith]

Hey Doug, I couldn't find my review so I'll bullet point some thoughts. This is for the 2017 Mongoose Legion L100. This was a $240-280 bike that I got from a pinkbike ad. It was ridden once or twice. Bought by a road-racer guy who lost interest. Paid $100, and not worth a penny more.

-Bars are crooked.
-Bars are super thick metal and very heavy, so thick regular barends don't fit.
-Stem is very low quality, not smooth when adjusting bars, very soft alloy. Very scratchy bolts too.
-Front wheel has bent axle right from the factory, preventing you from properly setting the tension on the loose-ball bearings.
-Rear hub skips, for no reason at all. Replaced bearings, same deal.
-Rear axel slightly bent causing the above problem.
-Frame listed at 20.75 but measures about 20.9.
-Gyro holes misaligned by a lot, not 180 degrees from each other.
-Very cheap brake, cheap feeling spring. Brake lever clamp stripped easily.
-Brake cable too short right from factory.
-Steel seat post.
-Steel sprocket.
-Useless pedals, not traditional pins. More like little kid pedals.
-Seat post clamp stripped easily, very soft metal and no nut behind the bolt.
-VERY heavy tires...but good grip and very tough. 2.4's too.
-Heavier than normal tubes.
-Cranks are cheap 8 spline but no problems to speak of.
-Fork seems fine. A little on the light side. No built in bearing race. And unsealed headset...yes, even though it's modern 1 1/8".
-Wheels are poorly built, needed initial spoke tightening very quickly. Non-standard size nipples.
-Tight spot in chain is VERY pronounced. This is a function of poorly aligned parts in the welding jig.

[smunns]

I bought 2 L500's, one to play with and one as decor for my office. Anyone who buys one should know they ship the freecoaster chock-full of spacers so the freecoaster instantly engages, so open that puppy up and remove a couple ofvwashers to adjust the slack. I can also attest to mongoose customer service being crazy good and guick.

[Comando_PMA]

I bought a 2nd hand 2015 mongoose bmx index 5.0 to begin on bmx, i just upgrade the bike with demolition grips, tires and pegs and a Haro boulevard 2015 cassete hub. Less than 300$ and was a solid build (for a beginner), a 6 years old bmx bike and still riding today. Now a kid is using it to begin too and i pass to a kink switct 2022. Anyway i think mongoose is a good choice for beginners or mid-level riders.

[cannaprime]

I agree about the quality on the little things. It’s made in China and I don’t think the quality is as good as made in Taiwan. The L500 has a larger diameter top tube and large non tapered fork ends. Maybe this is why it’s 2-3 lbs heavier than normal.

[Jamalkawesi]

I got a mongoose BMX and it feel apart not even a year! It only survived 2 months!!! I’m getting a kink launch 2022 and I hope it’s a good bike

[aminestoisthebesto]

I always tell my friends that you have to respect a brand like mongoose for what they bring to the community, but they also make solid bikes. They’re heavy as hell. I’ve only had a issue with mongoose rims. Their rims pinch flat all day. I tried to keep my 2016 mangoose going for about three pinch flats before I gave up. I knew it was a cheap bike, but they really do give you a lot for what you’re paying for, so I can’t complain about the brand at all

[nukerecoil]

Old school mongoose was the shit, I have 1979 motomag

[dimmn]

Mongoose used to be great, like GT. You can now buy Mongoose at Wal-Mart. They are absolutely great for the business though.

[kristofgerak]

I have a 2014 mongoose subject on which I installed a cult AK 10 handlebar and odsy grips, since then I feel that it can compete with more expensive BMXs

[adamsifford]

What about Huffy? They got an awesome dirt entry level bmx that can be upgraded with pro parts and has sealed bearings and double wall rims???

[DinkHall-uggt]

Had mongoose BMX bikes my whole life they're good bikes

[rayfxv]

The old school mongoose bikes where awesome but they converted to selling cheap mass produced bikes now it’s really a shame

[shaymtbrider]

What ur thoughts on L 100 for 230 ? Full chromoly frame ?

[kirkwickham]

Keep your top-end Mongoose maintained weekly and it will last. Personally, I'd be looking at other brands if I was looking to spend less.

[adamsifford]

I think they started the game but they did sell out to walmart tho. They still have top quality birthday bmx for a larger price.

[oc.produxtions]

I got an old MTB bike from my aunt and it still rides it just the gears and breaks are gone so i basically been riding break less trying to learn a wheelie 😭😭 shii hard but i will get it fixed soon

[firedemon]

After they and Schwinn were sold to the same company that makes most of the Walmart bikes, they went from great bikes to straight down hill

[MrJay]

The mongooses in the $200 price range can take a fucking beating. My parents got me one over a haro and i was mad at first but my bike lasted twice as long as my friends did even with hard washes on pavement when i had a bad landing. Only time that bike even got a dent was when someone ran a red light and hit me, even then it was only my handle bars and pedals that got messed up. Idk if my bike was a one off or something but theres still some super solid mongoose bikes even in the cheaper options

[greenbunnyinabongo]

Back in 80s I had on pegs front and rear and a large round buddy on both front and back with me coasting down 40% gradient downhill. Musta hit 50 mph when we hit the kerb we endoed and big round friend on back pegs took flight till he hit a fence and even took the post out the ground