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 first Mongoose BMX bike had several unique features. The first brake tabs were two pieces of metal welded together, and they were rectangular. Later, the brake tab became a little bigger, was a single piece of metal, and was oval. The caliber brake on the first Mongoose BMX bikes was also two sheets of metal, and it was thicker than on later models. The seat tube was longer on the first Mongoose BMX bikes, and the frame flared where the seat post joined it.
The main difference between the two is the way the bike performs when going backwards. For an experienced person that is already capable of performing most tricks and has previously owned BMX bikes then a high-end complete bike, or full custom would be suggested to meet the demands of this rider, these bikes are priced from £700 plus. The Mongoose Legion L60 Bike is a good entry level BMX bike for someone on the slightly taller side.
We’re talking Taiwanese production here, but how much different, really would these scenarios be for a frame made in, let’s say, Mexico ( Kastan and others), or even better, the US (Bill Bastian / FMF) for example? Would you say that anyone with mongoose bicycle a major monkey on his back (let’s just say, for instance a raging Cocaine addiction) would be able to do his very best work over and over consistently? Suffice to say, quality goods can and are produced in ways and places that would surprise us.
Typically, they are constructed from lightweight materials like aluminium and carbon fibre to keep the weight down and the rider at the front of the pack. These bikes are strong enough for smooth landings on race and pump tracks but will not take the abuse that a freestyle bike would in concrete skateparks. If you’re looking to set fast lap times or begin your competitive career on the track, a race bike is the right choice. If you are already confident on a bike and have some experience in skateparks or performing tricks and jumps then we would recommend choosing a mid-range bike, priced from £400 to £700, with a full Chromoly frame, fork, and bars. This will be lighter and stronger than an entry level model.
Mongoose’s latest line of BMX race bikes, the Title series, have been designed using that same race pedigree. Our mid-range race bikes are the perfect for riders who are beginning their path to competitive racing. Priced between £400 and £800 these are not quite the high-end steeds you see at national level races, but they all feature lightweight aluminium frames and are designed specifically with the racetrack in mind. 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.
Youth freestyle bikes are sized depending on the diameter of the wheel staring at 12” all the way through to 18”, at a 20” wheel the bike is considered an adult size. Adult freestyle bikes are sized on top tube length, a 18.5” top tube is extra small for younger teenagers who have just moved up to an adult bike, a 20” top tube is small, 20.5” a medium and anything over a 21” is considered large. Although this may seem like a brilliant feature, it does come at a price! Freecoaster hubs feature a “Slack” before engagement while pedalling forward. This means that you can turn the crank a set amount (Usually an adjustable amount) before the drivetrain engages.
They are constructed from strong, hard wearing materials and usually feature Steel or Chromoly frames. This means that the bike can stand up to a certain amount of impacts and hard landings, but remember no bike is indestructible. For riders looking to learn tricks and stunts, then a freestyle bike is the correct choice. Race bikes are designed specifically with the track in mind, they are nimble lightweight machines for putting down quick lap times.
When I said Originally, I was referring to before the 1983 redesign. I.E, the early Motomag, Team, and Supergoose with the first gen drop outs and the double front gusset. The Motomag frames had a Cro Mo front triangle with a mild steel rear. A few posts up there is a link to the new Mongoose bikes that are supposed to be as good as anyone else’s and are not walgoose editions.
A friend of mine had a solution pro back in like 94-95,, that bike rode awesome and my other buddy had the first run of the Tim Hall frames in like 95 I think,, that was a great trail bike, that thing rode like a Cadillac. I dunno, I have a 2012 Mongoose mongoose racing bike Solution 24 as my race bike. Other than a couple of small niggles (pedals and bars – the same things most people change! I also changed the gearing, but again personal preference) I reckon it’s a solid bike and worthy of the Mongoose name.