Submitted by
Andy_ibera
a Cross Country Rider
from Madrid, Spain
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2011
Strengths: Nice and light for a budget full suss. Great suspension system for trail riding, really feels like a hardtail that smooths out the jaggy bumps. Weight balance is fantastic and amongst few models in its catagory that are able to substantially adjust the seat tube.
Weaknesses: Suspension mech has lots of potential dirt traps and not helped by whole system close to rear wheel. Have only used it on tinder dry trails but have my doubts it wouldn't collect mud like a cow trough on wet days. Schrider valves on wheels make life a bit complicated, but acceptable compromise for minimalist mavic rims I suppose.
Bottom Line:
I got this bike for its suspension system, light weight spec and price. It satisfies on all those counts. A terrific buy for an XC model. I wash down my bikes after every ride so accumilated dirt is not an issue but I'd think again about this model if I rode a lot on wet muddy trails. I prefer SRAM to Shimano gears so changed them before the first ride. The riding position has a slightly more racing style reach which I like and adds to the good bike balance and handling. I also concidered the similarly specked GT models but was put off by heavier construction and the way the BB is held in place with an extra bolted-on strutt. Honestly, for the price, I'm as chuffed as can be.
Bike Setup: 2009 speck juicy 3 brakes, Tora solo air 302 forks, deore hollowtech II front cranks on octalink BB, deore hubs, modified setup to Sram x.7 rear derailler and gear shifters, Tioga factory DH (rear) XC (front) tyres
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Submitted by
johnsu
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2010
Strengths: Great price for a full suss bike and an introduction to mountain biking
Weaknesses: the frame - Mine split at the weldon the back tube
Bottom Line:
Its a good beginner bike lots of kit for the money. However the money may be better spent on a good hard tail.
But if you must have a full sus then go for it, Mongoose offer a lifetime warrant to the purchaser on the frame, so im getting a new one.
Overall its a fast XC bike and feels great when its going good
Weaknesses: Suspension could be plusher and have more adjust-ability but, for the price, what do you expect?
Bottom Line:
This is my first real mountain bike. Very new to the sport and am enjoying it quite a bit. Was a bit weary of the Canaan because of potential frame problems, but after tons of research it seems the 07's had the worst problems, the 08's got better, and for 09 the frame was drastically improved as far as strength goes. Only time will tell.
The bike is a great climber, the freeride technology that mongoose touts is the real deal. Climbs great, and handles great. The brakes are outstanding and the components are at a great price point.
Submitted by
JohnDoe
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, Arizona
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2009
Strengths: It had great components for the price. It was incredibly stiff, the handling was laser sharp, and the fantastic rear suspension made it climb like a hardtail.
Weaknesses: Frame broke on the first ride.
Bottom Line:
I loved the bike for the 5 miles that it lasted, after that a crack formed on one of the rear suspension pivot points and made the rear a little unstable under braking. I took it back to the the bike shop I bought it from and they said it would take at most a month to replace. Over a month and a half and many phone calls later Mongoose had yet to even confirm they would be shipping a frame, so I asked for my money back and bought a used Gary Fisher from Craigslist.
Moral of the story: if you're on a budget and don't want to buy used, get this bike. Just be aware that the customer support is nonexistent. 5 chilis for awesome value, 1 chili for poor customer support and faulty product.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Supercaliber 29er
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
Kiu Kyoto
a Weekend Warrior
from Kyoto,Japan
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009
Strengths: DWlink is work well and climbing very smooth,brake is powerful also controllable,cool color, very few and rare bike in Japan. I've never seen same bike in Japan.
Weaknesses: little bit heavy,tires are only for dry conditions,
Bottom Line:
It's really recommendable bike for cross country bikers.
Parts are basic models but enough for ride in even deep mountains.
If changed tires,shifters and front fork to make much lighter,it could be a special enduro machine.
Submitted by
pjakemtbr
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2009
Strengths: Components are great. I bought a shock pump and once pressures were set correctly, the ride is comfortable. The gold color looks better in person than online. Best bike on Amazon for the money.
Weaknesses: Tires are not very aggressive, hydraulic brakes needed adjusting to fix initial rubbing on the discs (easy).
Bottom Line:
I may upgrade the tires, grips, and crankset (for lighter) in the future, but am excited about riding this bike often.
Bike Setup: XT RD, Deore FD, Hayes Brakes, Fox Float R rear shock, fork Tora 318
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Submitted by
jpr1624
a Weekend Warrior
from san antonio, tx
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2009
Strengths: components for the price. climbs well. does well off smaller 2-3 foot drops,
Weaknesses: none for price group
Bottom Line:
For the price I don't think there is a better x-country bike available. I've ridden her hard for a year now and she has held up great. Great specs for the price, XT rear, hayes stroker brakes, etc. I've really enjoyed this bike and will still ride it occasionally but I just upgraded to the 2009 Teocali super for more of an all mountain bike.
Submitted by
the_beast
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008
Strengths: awesome climber, great components, good descender. just a greatxc bike
Weaknesses: can't find any, except the standard mongoose grips suck
Bottom Line:
this is the best bike i have ridden in a long time. it climbs like a hard tail, yet it saves you like a dually should!! it also comes down the hills as good as it goes up. also takes jump perfectly and is great in the air.
Bike Setup: stock standard, except for changed grips
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Submitted by
Mo
a Weekend Warrior
from Middelburg, South Africa
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008
Strengths: Solid Bike for good price
XT / Deore groupset
Killer Brakes
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike after weeks of research and consideration. This is my first soft tail and I was pleasantly surprised at the added comfort compared to my previous bike (GT Avalanche 3.0) plus it is lighter, even with the rear shock and discs! The brakes are solid and responsive and the gear changes are smooth. I’ll recommend this bike to any one looking to go the dual suspension route.
Submitted by
Ghostrider86
a Cross Country Rider
from Decatur, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008
Strengths: This bike has a good solid chasis that is confidence inspiring. Pedaling is solid and efficient, i did not experience very much suspension bob when pedaling in the saddle. The suspension worked very well keeping me on course over the rough stuff. Brakes were very strong and consistent. Shifting was precise and smooth even on up hill change on the fly kind of moments. This bike is visually stimulating with a very cool and very functional rear suspension. The tires didn't get good reviews but i didnt' have any problems on Georgia hard pack and light sand sections. I would give them a thumbs up for sure!
Weaknesses: I got a little rear brake sqeal after they got pretty hot. I dont see any disadvantages at this point.
Bottom Line:
I didn't see ANY reviews out there for this bike, i bought it purely based on price and gut feeling. For the money i dont' think you can get a better combo of parts and equipment. I like it pretty good at this point (13 miles) and will update this as i get more experience on the bike.
I would def suggest buying this bike its a good ride and a solid performer.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Full suspension.
Bike Setup: Crank Bros egg beater pedals, I set the sag per manufacters specs. (I am 190lbs) , I ended up with the fork rebound turned all the way in (slow as it goes) but it works good there.
