Strengths: Good level of equipment for price, very stable at speed over rough ground and down hill yet can still climb.
Weaknesses: Heavier than similar frames of other brand. All up my bike weighs in at 14.2kg. Im about to get new lighter, tubless wheels. This should get it under 14kg. At 90+kg I could also use some weight loss. Rear link needs regular servicing if riding in muddy or sandy locations.
Bottom Line:
Been riding this bike for close to 3 years now. I have upgraded drivetrain components as they have worn out. This bike is still a joy to ride. Super smooth over all types of ground. Very stable on fast rough downhill sections and still efficient enough to ride uphill, not as good as a hardtail or short travel dually but I can ride up anything they can I just need to work a bit harder. The bike has been very reliable with the suspension still as smooth as the day I got it. I've heard stories of the rear link wearing out. I clean and grease mine every 6 months and still on the original bearings after close to 3 years, still smooth and tight. Id recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for an all day trail bike and is prepared to service it properly.
Strengths: The Spec'ing of the bike cannot be beat bar none. For what you get in the 2009 model is amazing. Hayes Stroker Trails, Marzocchi 44 w/15mm qr. Mavic Rims top notch shimano drive train. FSA cockpit, Fox RP32 what more could you ask for?
Weaknesses: The lower link on these bikes tends to loosen up. Keep a eye on the bolts near the crank on the mini-swing link. Other than that. Great Bike.
Bottom Line:
I used this bike for the W.N.W.C. race series over in Seattle along with a few other races. I was skeptical after riding the 'comp' model but went for the elite and I was glad I did. The bike is very stable, corners well and accelerates briskly despite its weight. For a racing application, the bikes weight is a trade off with how much you CAN do with it in terms of lines you can take vs a shorter travel bike. I did too experience the paint rubbing off of the rear swing link but it does not bother me. The suspension is soft and supple when you need it yet not over done when you don't want it. The turning radius of the bike /vs balance and comfort during tight rooted descents was a breeze. The ability for the bike to adapt to many different changes in terrain without resetting the suspension was a pleasant surprise as well.
The only down side to the bike that I personally felt is that it felt a little 'tippy' "I'm a Clydesdale 6'3" on a large here" and wants you to really fall into a corner. This can be sketchy for the first few rides but once you learn the bike it will reward you with amazing out of corner speed, great efficiency and some nice long summer rides.
Submitted by
Brewjar
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Sam Houston
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009
Strengths: - Great frame/suspension design
- Included a great selection of parts
Weaknesses: - The bike is just over 30 lbs
- For some reason my foot rubs on the chainstays, I can't tell when riding, however, I have rubbed the paint off and the aluminum is highly polished in that area. I cover it about every 30 miles with fingernail polish.
Bottom Line:
With some personal parts put on the bike, I couldn't be happier. Of course the bike weights over 30 lbs, but it is bullet proof. I haven't had any problems with the rims. I have noticed at times that the fork (Bomber 600 TST2) has some flex, but it doesn't bother me.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock, I did put XT cranks and used Stan's Tubeless with the included non-UST rims and tires and it works perfectly. Don't let the LBS tell you that you need new tires for it to work!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins, CO USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2009
Strengths: This bike is amazing. I have ridden it hard for a year strait in Colorado and it has stood up to everything very well. The frame and suspension are fantastic and unbeatable at this price point.
Weaknesses: Hmmm... the chain eats up the swing arm area and the paint chips kinda easy but it's not awful.
Bottom Line:
I will be riding this bike until it breaks or I do. So far I have lost 3 teeth, dislocated my shoulder, and had numerous little "incidents". My bike never even got slightly tweaked. She's a beast.It eats bumps like a honda 400. She's at the shop right now getting cleaned and tuned and I can't wait to take her out...
Bike Setup: Recon fork, Avid juicey 7s, XR cassette and chain, FSA crank, Kenda Nevegals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Clark150
a Weekend Warrior
from Kenova, WV
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2009
Strengths: Hydro Breaks: nice consistant feel; suspension system: climbs very well
Weaknesses: Weight
Bottom Line:
I just like to trail ride and this bike is a near perfect match for me. This bike gives me the added confidence to attempt more challenging terrain and obsticles. The last time I was at Cave Run, we went on a 17+ mile loop. The bike handled the trails perfectly. It feels nice and balanced and accends just as well as it decends. However, that is just my opinion and I'm not a pro by any means.
If you are a racer or a daily commuter this most likely is the ride for you. If you are a die hard DH'er, FR'er, or XC'er; get a bike more specific for you. However, if you want a bike that can handle pretty much anything a weeked warrior can dish out or want to experiment with alittle DH, FR, or XC; you might have found your match.
Similar Products Used: This was my first real upgrade, I had a Diamond Back prior purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods. I went from a $150 bike to a $500 and was amazed by the difference. I am amazed again with this upgrade.
Bike Setup: 2006 Teocali Elite Stock: except for changing out the front brake line (for me it was just to long and flopped around)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
miksu67
a Weekend Warrior
from vista, ca. usa
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2008
Strengths: frame design, pike fork, kenda nevegal tires, mc 3.1 rear shock, xt rear derailer, hayes nine hydrolic breaks, overall great parts group . Lots of bike for the money...
Weaknesses: Really none, other than the bike is a bit on the heavy side. The WTB speed disc wheels are bullet proof no doubt, but climbing these bad boys is a workout...
Bottom Line:
The bike has been bullet proof from day one, and it sees 30-40 HARD miles per week. We're covering everything from long single track, to long climbs, into real technical down hill runs, and it takes every turn like it was born to.
Mongoose has done a super job of regaining the name they once had. Their bike line up overall cant be beat for the price point. I ride with a couple of TURNERS, GIANTS, SPECIALIZED, and the Mongoose stays right with the pack.
When the SPINERGY CYCLONE DISC's get here, and I replace the ( VERY HEAVY ) EASTON EC 30 stem and bars with some lighter stuff, this machine is going to grow wings, and the 5000 plus feet we climbed on sunday wont seem like 7000.
Similar Products Used: GT i-drive W/ all SRAM X-9 group.
Bike Setup: Stock, except i changed the drive train out for SRAM X-9 complete.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Wishart
a Downhiller
from Alexandria, VA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008
Strengths: Amazing bang-for-buck bargain!!! Spec'd with parts that alone would run you as much as the entire bike price. The Freedrive suspension system is also extremely efficient.
Weaknesses: If I had to pick one, and it's a struggle, I would have to say it's the paint job. You can feel the transistions between colors, but in no way does it affect anything. Again, that's just going out on a limb to find a weakness.
Bottom Line:
I had the the opportunity to pick up nearly any frame or complete bike I wanted. I recently reduced my bike stable from seven down to three. With the spare room and cash in hand, I started my search. I'm a downhill rider/racer at heart, so I knew I wanted a stable bike with at least 5 inches of travel at both ends. I knew I wanted something with a respectable weight on final build and something that didn't leave me immediately wanting something else like a few other recent bikes I have owned.
Essentially, for the amount of money that it would have taken to merely acquire a frame from another brand, I've ended up with a complete bike and had plenty of money left over to make some upgrades according to personal taste/likes. The Freedrive suspension design is amazingly efficient, yet very active and smooth at the same time. The entire package of the bike works in amazing harmony.
In the rough, the teocali is super quiet and just squirts through everything, seemingly pumping the terrain for you! With some careful upgrades, a light by trailbike standards bike gets even lighter and sacrifices nothing in terms of durability and funcationality. I've done several 3+ hour rides, as well as 1 hour evening group rides on this bike and it continues to amaze and impress me every single time out. Best of all, my riding buddies new and old are amazed at the performance, parts spec, and value of the bike.
Bottom line, if your looking for an amazing deal on an amazing ride, get this bike! Mongoose is working to shed the image of big box store bikes and they're doing it the right way, by putting out high quality products at a huge bargain for the consumer. They've come a long way in a short time, but watch out, it's only going to get bigger and better......the planets are aligning and Mongoose is set to be the next big thing in MTB's once again!
Similar Products Used: You name, I've likely tried it....Blur LT, Enduro, MC Fury, Heckler, Trance X, MkIII, Prophet, 575, etc....I have been searching for a downhillers version of a trail bike for nearly six months, so I have hit them all up for demo/test rides.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock, but changed the following: tires to Kenda Small Block 8 (rear) and Blue Goove (front), Thomson stem and seatpost, Truvativ Holzfeller bars, and Truvativ Stylo 2.2 24/36 crankset.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Simpson
a Weekend Warrior
from Douglas Isle of Man
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2008
Strengths: Rides really well, decent chainset and good forks, although I do wonder why a 2007 bike has 2006 forks?
Weaknesses: DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE IF YOU LIVE ANYWHERE WERE IT WILL GET WET OR MUDDY... the bearings inthe suspension pivots wear out rapidly, the lower bracket bearings on mine have worn out in less than 4months (500miles) MONGOOSE refuse to replace under warranty so it cost $56 (£27) for the parts and $30 (£15) to replce them which is pretty expensive every few months, I have just had the bottom set done and now there is play in the top ones another $70 (£35) per side plus fitting. Mongoose recommend that the bearings are cleaned and lubed regularly yet the manual for the bike says NOTHING about this and the website has NO instructions on how to carry this out
Bottom Line:
A great bike for anyone who lives in the Moab and can ride on rocks or roads all the time. DO NOT touch if you intend to get this bike wet or if there is the smallest chance it might get muddy.
Submitted by
Coy
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2007
Strengths: price, spec, all-around capability
Weaknesses: nothing I can complain about
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great all-mountain bike. It is fully capable and a blast to ride on just about every trail Ive ridden. The riding position is very stable and handling is always predictable. The bike isnt as fast as an XC bike up hills, but it doesnt struggle with them either. Where it really shines is fast singletrack and decents. Ive ridden a lot of 5-6 inch bikes and found none that inspire confidence and have the capability of the teocalli
Similar Products Used: Iron horse MKIII, Giant Reign
Bike Setup: Elite, XT/LX pike 409, Rockshox 3.1
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
little rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Québec, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2007
Strengths: The overall components & frame design are what convinced me to get this bike. The bottom line is that this bike is ready to hit the trails as soon as you leave the store and you'll have a great time.
Weaknesses: a bit heavy, but for the price it is hard to beat.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, it is my first full suspension bike and i am very pleased with my choice. I can do it all, XC to downhill the bike can take it. A real good all-mountain bike.
Because i wanted to lower the seat during descents and i found the stock seatpost a bit short for my freakin' long legs so i chose a telescopic seatpost to get the extra inch and lower the seat without hitting the rear suspension.
I looked at so many bikes before getting this one and i did not find any other stock bike that had these components combined. The cool thing about this bike is that you dont have to change anything major to enjoy it. The brakes will make you stop on a dime, kenda tires make you stay on the track, pike front fork will make riding adjusments a breeze, etc.
You should get this bike if you like to do it all, ride and explore and love to go downhill on some ruff stuff even take small drops. I suggest this bike for all-moutain riders out-there.
i am giving it 5 chilis because this is the best value bike on the market and wanting to go for a ride everyday is probably the best way to describe how much i like this bike.plus, if you want to modify stuff on it well you can with the mobey saved on the initial purchase.
Strengths: Its frame. I could say the mongoose teocali frame can be trusted, good maneuverbility, tough frame. nice style! rims are good. good quality frame. cheap price doesnt mean it cant do a high end performance. Better than trek and salsa
Weaknesses: The components. Since i do race a lot and jumps a lot, have to change some components. upgraded it to shimano xt components then i put some FSA stuff on it.
Bottom Line:
recommend. buy mongoose teocali frame. you wont regret it
Submitted by
Peter Dicks
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2007
Strengths: Excellent value for money. Very good components that all work together very well. Performance is much more than the sum of its parts. Climbs well. Goes down even better. Great traction out of bends.
Weaknesses: Nothing so far. A little on the heavy side, but understandable at the price. I am not crazy about the colour scheme, but it looks better than the previous white model.
Bottom Line:
I tried hard to find a reason to spend more on an all mountain, but didnt have to. Looked at the Giant Reign 1 (very cool looking bike), which costs a lot more for no real benefit and similar spec components. Overall this Goose is the best value all mountain bike on our market in SA, in my opinion.
Similar Products Used: Scott Expert Racing. A couple of Giants and one Gary Fisher. One Giant was ATX 950 dual suspension, the other bikes were all hardtails.
Bike Setup: I weigh 97kg. Have setup rear shock at 140PSI which gives about 30% squat. Climb with front shock at mid travel setting. Go down hill with full front shock travel set.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Burwell
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashford
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2007
Strengths: Awesome suspension. Plush, yet stable, even in out of the saddle attacks. Soaks up everything. Haven't been able to bottom fork or shock yet. NOT a Rockshox fan, but the revelation fork is outstanding, and has changed my mind about Rockshox. Climbs like a goat. Even at 33 pounds, I can keep up with 25 pound bikes on the climbs, because the rear suspension has such outstanding terrain following ability. The brakes are outstanding, best I've ever used. What can I say about dual control shifters? I was a little bit worried about these. Took about two shifts to get used to. I love them. Best shifters out there, period. Your fingers are never away from the brake levers. My friend, who uses grip shifts tried mine and loved them.
Weaknesses: Nothing major. If you like to drop the seat for decents (I don't know why you would, as this is a throwback to hardtail days and not necessary on a dual suspension bike) the seat post will hit the rear shock. Also the rear shock gets a LOT of mud on it up here in the pacific northwest. You definitely need a shock boot to protect it if you ride in muddy conditions.
Bottom Line:
Out of the box this is an excellent bike. Aside from some minor adjustments It has ridden well from day one. I ride three times a week, between 11 and thirteen miles each ride. I ride tchnical singletrack. This bike gobbles up the trail. The rougher it is the better the Teocali likes it. I will upgrade the rear deraileaur to an XTR if this one ever breaks, other than that I wouldn't change a thing. As far as value is concerned, you simply can not find another bike that is equipped this well or handles this well for the money. Mongoose is back. Who should buy it? Anyone looking for a do it all bike. Weather you are a beginner or expert, If you like to cross country and ride big drops, and can only afford one do-it-all bike, this is the bike for you. It'll climb like a hardtail, and descend like a Dh racer. Buy this bike and you will not be disappointed. If you are a hardtail cross country racer who snears at anything over 25 pounds, don't even look at the Teocali.
Hi,
I got 2006 Teocali Elite , and my rear shock is out of order - finished.
I need to buy new one, what type of fox should I look for?
Thanks in advance,
Eitan Read More »
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Hi I am new to this forum and can't decide which one is better. I can get a orange 2007 Mongoose Teocali for $599 or a 2009 Otero Elite for $499 from a local bike shop.
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From the media event last week in Deer Valley, Utah. Mongoose was showing off some of their 2011 bikes including the new version of the TeoCali and a new model called the Salvo El Read More »
So I bought a brand new 2009 Teocali Elite last month from Performance in Seattle, have ridden it hard and love the bike. But lately its developed this "cracking" noise that sounds Read More »
