Best Mongoose Bikes for 2022 Reviewed

Mongoose Bikes for 2021 Reviewed

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Mongoose has tens of models, but we will be reviewing the mountain bikes alone. We have seven models on the list, including a downhill and dirt jump bike.

If you thought Mongoose only makes some cheap bikes, you are about to get the surprise of your life. Here is a detailed review of all Mongoose mountain bikes.

Best Mongoose Bikes Reviewed

1. Mongoose Switchback

Mongoose Switchback

Specs:

  • Fork: 100 mm travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5”
  • Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Hardtail

Switchback is Mongoose’s most budget-friendly hardtail mountain bike. The bike has evolved from the original models, which had 26er wheels rim brakes.

The current model runs 27.5-inch wheels and disc brakes. It comes in various series, including a kids’ and women’s model.

If you are starting in cycling and want a low-budget bike that you can exercise with, and improve your health and mind, then Mongoose Switchback will be an excellent bike for you. The lightweight bike comes with a sturdy aluminum frame that will get the job done.

Switchback will concur even the challenging trails, even though it’s not the most comfortable bike, but it cuts it with its low budget.

The mountain bike is also suitable for young adults daring to see what nature has to show. Switchback models include the Expert, Comp, and Switchback Sport available in various sizes from small to extra-large.

The bike incorporates the latest designs, which include neat cable routing to protect the cables from rust. Some models come with hydraulic disc brakes, while others come with mechanical brakes.

The bike’s 27.5 wheels offer maximum comfort on the terrain. The rims are double-walled for more strength and prevention against getting bends.

This is the bike to buy if it’s your first-time mountain biking and looking to find where your interests lie. It’s also the bike to buy if you are on a budget and not looking for a more serious bike for the job.

However, the bike wouldn’t do well on a technical trail. Not only will it be uncomfortable to ride in such a terrain, but it will receive a lot of abuse which will result in mechanical issues that will require servicing.

2. Mongoose Tyax

Mongoose Tyax

Specs:

  • Fork: 100 mm travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5”/29”
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Hardtail CX/Trail Bike

This is the most popular bike from Mongoose, and it comes in various models. There’s Tyax 29 Sport which is a budget mountain bike, then the Tyax 29 Comp, and Tyaz 29 Expert with 1×12 drivetrains.

The top of the table Tyax is the Tyax 29 Pro which comes with a 1×12 drivetrain and a RockShox. That’s the furthest Mongoose have come to hardtail comfort.

All women’s specific Tyax bikes have 27.5wheels, the cheapest being the Tyax 27.5 Sports Womens followed by Tyax 27.5 Comp Women’s.  

The Tyax 27.5 Expert Women’s bike is the top-ranking model in the ladies’ section. Buying one of these bikes will be a great idea.

When buying a mountain bike, you should first ask yourself why you need it. Of course, there are several things you would want to do with the bike, including riding around town, hitting the trails, and much more. Instead of buying a bike for every type of riding, you should go for a versatile one that will do most of the rides.

Tyax is that kind of bike coming with 29” or 27.5” wheel options.  With the wheels, you can conquer any trail with fewer worries. The forks feature a lockout switch to lock the forks from playing when you are riding on the road.

Also, if you are looking to learn how to ride on the twisted terrain as you look forward to buying a more serious bike, Tyax will be a great bike to start with.

If you want a mountain bike that will fulfill the purpose and cater to your day-to-day riding, then Tyax will be the most suitable bike for you.

It’s also the type of bike you can buy for your kids, especially in their teenage years and are looking to perfect their skills in the sport.

The bike is also suitable for adventure rides and fun. However, if you’re in search of a bike that can ride on more technical courses, run over rocks, run over racks and jump trenches, Tyax will not be able to do that.

3. Mongoose Argus

Mongoose Argus

Specs:

  • Fork: Rigid
  • Wheel Size: 26”+
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Hardtail Fat Bike

Mongoose Argus is an excellent mountain bike with fantastic features for those looking for a fat bike. Some people wonder what fat bikes are for until there’s too much snow that they can barely ride their normal bikes.

A fat bike is suitable to ride during snow or on ice, sand, and muddy conditions on any bike path.

Argus features a lightweight aluminum frame which makes it easier to carry the bike whenever you have to. It also makes the bike easy to control.

The bike features a beautiful geometry to improve handling and an internal cable routing to keep everything neat.

There are two Mongoose Argus models, namely Argus 26 Sport and Argus 26 Comp. There is close to no difference between the two bikes, and riding either of them will be enjoyable. Not only is the bike appealing to the eye, but also pretty fast.

If you are looking for a bike you can ride along the beach and roll on the sand without putting your stability to the test, then the Argus is the perfect bike.

The bike comes with hydraulic disc brakes for instant and responsive braking. It also features a 10-speed Shimano Deore groupset to push the bike to higher limits.

If you want a classy fat mountain bike that will keep people talking. Then Argus is the best bike for you.

The bike will make your rides incredible and not limit your riding despite the changing weather and seasons.

The bike is also affordable and worth every dollar spent on it. However, it would not be a great bike to ride on the descents.

4. Mongoose Fireball

Mongoose Fireball

Specs:

  • Fork: 100 mm travel
  • Wheel Size: 26”
  • Frame Size: One Size
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Hardtail Dirt Jump Bike

As earlier mentioned, Mongoose is the world’s renowned BMX maker, and you expect it also to know what dirt jumpers are looking for in a bike.

Their dirt jump bike, the Mongoose Fireball, is one of the most popular dirt bikes right now and it comes with a durable frame. There are three models to choose from: Fireball with a derailleur system and Fireball Moto and SS that are single speed.

These three Fireball models are built for professional dirt jumpers looking for serious rigs for the job. It’s mostly ridden by the pros, especially on slope tracks.

That doesn’t mean that the bike is limited to pros alone. Even beginners can try it out with the Fireball and enjoy every moment.

The bike’s geometry is dirt jump-specific to make it easier to ride. There are so many tricks to perform with the bike and impress the spectators, and the Fireball will do everything you direct it to do.

The bike also features an aluminum steerer so that you can spin the forks and the bars around. The braking of the bike is a sure bet, thanks to the mechanical disc brakes each Fireball model comes with.

The SS model comes with more powerful hydraulic brakes. The front suspension will keep your landings soft and aiming to hit the next jump.

This is the bike to have if you are a serious rider who loved having fun and competing but the wrong bike if you have no interest in dirt jumping.

If you like dirt jumps and slopestyle, like Greg Watts, well, you can get the same bike he has used to win all those competitions, and it’s no other than the Mongoose Fireball.

If you are anxious and love floating in the air as every second count, Fireball is the bike you need. You’ll also have a good time customizing it to your liking before you hit the pump tracks.

5. Mongoose Salvo

Mongoose Salvo

Specs:

  • Fork: 100 mm travel
  • Shock: 110 mm travel
  • Wheel Size: 29”
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension

Mongoose Salvo is the most affordable Mongoose full suspension bike from the high-end side. Some think it’s a bit pricey, but you cannot judger a bike until you ride it.

I had a great time with the Mongoose Salvo Comp on the trail, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how exciting it was.

There are more Mongoose Salvo models apart from the Comp. The Salvo 29 Sport, Salvo 29 Trail, and Salvo 29 Expert are pretty great bikes that will get you in the outdoors riding on challenging nocking trails.

One thing about Salvo is that it’s a competent bike for the XC and trail rides. The price also includes the high-end components attached to the bike that makes it very enjoyable to ride.

The bike features a free-floating rear shock. If this is quite new to you, you are probably used to the traditional rear shock that was directed mounted to the joint held by the top and the down tubes.

The free-floating suspension has been the new thing for high-end bikes, and it delivers excellent suspension, especially when you hit the trails.

Salvo’s rear suspension is also adjustable. All Salvo models are made of aluminum which won’t mean a thing to you if you prefer carbon frames, but this bike is relatively light. The high-end aluminum frame is built to last also.

This is an impressive bike if you adore Mongoose bikes and you were looking to upgrade to a trail or XC bike.

The bike will withstand the tricky jumps and give you the thrills you are so thirsty for. It’s also a great beginner bike for those who have found their hearts in XC or trail riding and are looking for a full-suspension bike to upgrade to.

The Mongoose Salvo will conquer even the toughest trails.

6. Mongoose Teocali

Mongoose Teocali

Specs:

  • Fork: 160 mm travel
  • Shock: 160 mm travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5”
  • Frame Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension Trail/Enduro Bike

Mongoose Teocali is marketed as an all-mountain bike, but most riders think it’s more of an enduro bike for beginners, while others feel that it would perform better on the trails.

There are only two models under Teocali. There’s Teocali Sport and Teocali Comp, and both bikes are excellent performers in the field of trail and enduro riding.

The bike features a Horst Link-designed aluminum frame with 160 mm of the rear shock and the same travel forks. The bike also comes with a 12-speed SLX groupset which will propel the bikes over rocks, roots, and more complicated courses.

Those that have tried  Teocali, know that it handles quite well, especially on corners. However, some riders don’t like the 27.5 wheels, especially on the trails, and prefer the large 29er wheels.

When it comes to climbing, The dual suspension Teocali is going to disappoint. The bike loves going down and hates the climbs.

However, if you stiffen the forks, the bike will climb better and get you on the top of the hill as you prepare to come down.

The bike also comes with a dropper seat post to aid you in descending. All you need to is lower the seat and pull your body backward. Teocali tackles the jumps and drops so fast. You’ll barely hear anything due to the wind effect.

The bike loves curvy trails, too, and always ready to tear up the mountain. Teocali is for the enduro and trail enthusiast who wants a bike that can tackle the most unforgiving trails without spending a fortune on it.

The bike is the best for beginners and experienced riders looking for fun. This is the bike that will shred the trails and make you the talk of the town.

7. Mongoose Boot’R

Mongoose Boot’R

Specs:

  • Forks: 200 mm travel
  • Shock: 200 mm travel
  • Wheel Size: 27.5”
  • Frame Size: S, M, L
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • MTB Type: Full Suspension Downhill Bike

My favorite Mongoose mountain bike is the Mongoose Boot’R. This is the only Mongoose bike model that I’ve seen compete against expensive bikes, and I never thought it was so enjoyable to ride until I tried it.

There’s only one model of this bike, and it comes with a 200 mm travel front and rear. It does feature the floating suspension technology which we mentioned earlier. You also get the 27.5 wheels that will take all the technical corners at ease.

The Boot’R is built like a tank, very first, playful, and stable. Most competitors who use this bike say it stays planted on the ground and only flies when the rider wants it to.

This is one of the high-quality bikes to get if you are really into downhill racing. A DH bike is not versatile like other bikes.

First, the forks will limit you and the choice of gears. Though the bike is built with an aluminum frame, it’s light enough for the jumps and strong enough to withstand the shock after your wheels touch the ground.

What’s more, if you don’t like the Manitou fork and coil spring that comes with the bike, you are free to upgrade to your ideal bike. 

Mongoose Warranty

Just like any other manufacturer, Mongoose has a warranty. Steel frames get a lifetime warranty, while aluminum and full-suspension frames get a 5-year warranty.

If the frame develops any failure due to poor workmanship within the period, it will be replaced. However, the customer will pay the cost of frame inspection.

Other parts get a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. All warranties must be submitted via the official website and accompanied by proof of purchase.

Claims for tubes, tires, grips, saddle covering, cables, and brake pads must be submitted within thirty days from the date of purchase.

After-Sale Service

You can visit the Mongoose website to get any after-sale service. You can chat live on the site or contact customer support for any issues.

You can also register your bike on the site and request product manuals. Also, visit their bike shops to find help. 

History of Mongoose Bikes

The Mongoose Bike company was founded in 1974 in Simi Valley by Skip Hess. The first product from the company was the Motomag One wheel.

The company was popular for its wide range of BMX products. The company was at one time producing 600 frames a day.

The company was sold to American Group in 1985 before the latter was sold to Bell Sports. Bell then sold Mongoose to Brunswick Outdoors, who then sold the company to Pacific Cycle in 2000. Pacific Cycles are now the sole sellers of Mongoose bikes.

Wrapping Up

Mongoose’s range of mountain bikes is great bikes that you can find in their bike shops at a reasonable price. We’ve reviewed all bikes you can buy from them. If you would like assistance with anything, contact us.

Photo of author

Written By

From riding to school since the age of 13, attending BMX races and events with his dad to himself conquering 50+ trails across the globe. For Rob, his Giant Stance 29 2 2020 is the friend that makes everything better. He is also a proud member of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).

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