There are no exact facts about who invented BMX. What is certain is that it happened in the USA and that Mongoose was at the origin of the trend. According to Skip Hess, the idea for the reinforced wheel came to him when he saw reckless teenagers on bicycles that were totally unsuitable for the purpose. And so, from a garage in Southern California, the cast aluminium Motomag wheel began its global spread. As the world began to embrace mountain biking, the iconic Amplifier was born and has become the benchmark of the sport.
Mongoose bikes are now produced in several product lines, available from official Mongoose dealers:
- BMX. The range is varied, but the absence of suspension, absolute reliability and a single gear remain the characteristic features;
- MTB. It goes without saying that the models feature a hub level carriage for good ground clearance, a shock absorbing fork and robust wheels with distinctive tyres. For downhill and freeride, there is a choice of two-seater bikes with handlebar stems;
- Street/moulded. The frame can be aluminium or chrome-moly, depending on the model and price range chosen.
History of the manufacturer of Mongoose
Mongoose’s country of origin is the United States. The origins of the company go back to 1974, when its founder, after seeing some children doing pirouettes on their bikes, noticed the wheels, which were totally unsuitable for this kind of effort. It was then that Skip Hess thought: “Why not improve the bike by giving it sturdier wheels?
He and a team of enthusiasts spent two years perfecting the wheelbase. The next stage was the development of sturdy frames. And in 1977, the company was called Mongoose and began to conquer the market. By 1980, the company was already a household name among many cyclists, and competitors were getting nervous: at that time, the company’s only rival was the well-known cycling brand Specialized.
In 1987, MTBs were flooding the United States. Mountain bikes were everywhere: in cities, on forest trails, in mountainous areas and on the vast steppes – and no wonder, because America’s terrain knows how to surprise. During this period, the Mongoose management did not flinch: by adding new specialists to their team, they managed to quickly ride the wave and develop their own range of mountain bikes, which contributed to the brand’s already great popularity.
Varieties of Mongoose bikes
Although the company started with the production of MTBs and MBHs, today the line is able to meet the demands of almost every rider. In the brand’s catalogues you can find:
- BMX;
- two surfboards;
- hardtails;
- road models;
- hybrid bikes.
BMX is divided into racing models and freestyle bikes. For the uninitiated it would be difficult to see the obvious difference at a glance. But it is still there: Mongoose freestyle bikes are much stronger and more durable. They also have bigger wheels. In total, the company has about 10 models designed for racing, jumping and performing various tricks.
The hardtail range is represented by technology for durt (2 models) and cross country. There are also fatbikes. The largest category is cross country hardtails. The price of the bikes ranges from 20,000 to 130,000 roubles. The variety of Mongoose fatbikes is poor – the range is represented by only one model, but in two different configurations. By the way, there are also fatbikes for teenagers.
The company offers a good selection of standing frames: the range includes models for downhill, trail and AM bikes. Nowadays, the manufacturer does not pay enough attention to the DH disciplines, so there is only a combat double suspension for the thrilling downhill. As for trail and All Mountain bikes, the company offers trail riders a selection of up to 15 twosport models.
The highway models in the Mongoose catalogue are few: only 3. But the hybrids and fitness models are a bit more: 4-5 units.
The American manufacturer cares about the new generations. The Mongoose range includes several children’s bikes: two fatbike models, several treadmills and seven-speed bikes.
Top models
After having gone through the Mongoose range, it is worth paying a little attention to the highlights of the cycling spectrum:
Tyax Sport. Here we have to give credit to the Trial Sport retail chain, which has contributed to the growth in demand for this model. It is one of the brand’s youngest bikes. An optimal choice for the novice cross country rider, who will certainly not regret it. Technical parameters: 6061 grade aluminium alloy frame, 6061 grade aluminium bodywork, disc brakes (hydraulic) and 100 mm travel shock fork.
Argus. Economy model of Fatbike, which will cost its owner about 30 thousand roubles. For this money a biker gets a basic set of 6061 aluminium frame, rigid fork, 26-inch wheels, entry-level bodywork and transmission up to 27 speeds.
Montana LE. If you want to ride Mongoose products, this is the best option. In the base set-up, the bike is equipped with 27.5-inch wheels, Shimano Tourney front derailleurs and a 21-speed drivetrain.
Conclusion
Mongoose bikes are quite decent units, a decent range and a reasonable price. Throughout its history, the company has managed to solve a tricky conundrum – the manufacturer guessed at frame and wheel sizes, hitting the cycling boom of the 1990s. Today, the brand is developing intensively in the same direction, constantly working to improve its products.
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