Submitted by
dan
a Weekend Warrior
from cold spring mn
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2007
Strengths: good looking well welded frame quick handling strong brakes comfortable, nice looking seat bullet proof
Weaknesses: brakes too touchy heavy fork flexes and rides too rough front end seems too light
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to get into mountain biking because it was very reasonably priced. Since that day I have been abusing that bike by riding anywhere I think it can go. 100 or -35 degrees, rain, snow, frozen lakes, granite outcroppings, traintracks or towing groceries in my kids trailer. This bike has done it all for me and after the recent tune up I gave it the gears dont miss any more. The Wing Comp seems to be a very good starter bike. It has gotten me hooked on crosscountry riding. I have no doubt this bike will last me another two years, just enough time too save some money and buy a better bike.
Bike Setup: stock except for a new rear tire the stockers have very soft compound
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Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Marble Falls, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2007
Strengths: Price; frame hasn't broken yet, but I know enough about riding to take it easy on a bike that wasn't meant to be used hard; I replaced both rims within 2 weeks, and I wasn't doing any real hard riding (the stock rims were made for beach cruisers...go figure). Keep it for a spare when a friend comes over and doesn't have a bike.
Weaknesses: For a beginner, rims and fork; for anyone else, everything. Note also that there is NOT a replacable derailleur hanger...not good.
Bottom Line:
For the beginner who wants to spend $185 to $250, it will give them a taste of the benefits of a full suspension bike (bear in mind that I said a "taste"), but I don't recommend it for anyone who really wants to ride. But, there aren't really any other full suspension bikes, other than the Wal-Mart beaters, that you can get for this price. I have ridden it "moderately" for the past 6 months and the only thing I have had to replace so far have been the rims, but I haven't been hitting it really hard. It is not tight at all; everything has play in it; when I take a drop (even as small as 3'), it feels and sounds like I am about to pull the handlebars off of the bike when I pull on them. The rear shock will bounce you when you land; I've done several almost-endos because of it (but I'm a big guy, pushing 240). The fork really is only good for trail riding, nothing more. It won't last a year if you ride it seriously at all. If you are in the market for a full suspension, just save your money or get a second job and buy a real bike; this one really isn't worth the cash. I recommend an entry level Jamis or Trek if you can afford just a little more; I just upgraded to a Jamis Dakar XC Comp ($1,700) and there is absolutely NO comparison. The Wing Comp is not even in the same galaxy as a real bike.
Strengths: Good frame, nice look. Reasonable price.
Weaknesses: Front and rear suspension not really suited for hard work. The rims are as weak as a honeymooner after the vinegar stroke. Mine bent 90 degs after going over the hangers!
Bottom Line:
Good entry bike. Need to upgrade suspension and rims to be good off-road. I am still trying to source reasonable rims...
Bike Setup: Axel black front forks, shimano crankset, cable disc F&R. Cleat pedals, tioga fat tyres T.H.E front mudguard. Bash guard.
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Submitted by
me you
a Weekend Warrior
from australia
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005
Strengths: probaly only the frame wich even then is still crap
Weaknesses: everything, all this bike has done is cost me money. shox are crap back and front. had to replace derailer twice. seat is crap pedals are crap, handlebars are crap brakes are crap everything on this bike is absolutely useless.im selling it and i feel sorry for the person who buys it. oh yeah the tyres and rims are also extremely bad. the tyres lose tread too fast and puncture too easy. i was forced to raplace a tyre bacause the other one you could practically see through caus of the holes. i hate this bike so friggen much. ive also had problems with the cranks and rear cog/chainwheel/sprocket whatever you wanna call it.
Bottom Line:
i hate this bike. please dont buy one please!!!!! i have had this bike for longer than the other reviewers and therefore have come across all the bad stuff. thanks alot mongoose for wasting my money. only buy this bike if youre planning to hang it on the wall as a display because thats all its good for. dont get it as long as your planning to ride it. please!!!!! i only gave it a 1 because you cant use a zero!!!!
Bike Setup: stock apart from the front tyre i had to replace caus the stock ones are crap.
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Submitted by
Agustin Lopez
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005
Strengths: It gets you out riding if you don't have a bike. The frame seems sturdy, I havent broken it yet.
Weaknesses: Don't get me started.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike sight unseen from an Ebay retailer because I thought it was a great deal at $130 compared to the Mongoose MSRP of $399. Let me say that at $130 I would buy one again for a loaner but not at $399. There are much better deals available for decent hardtails in that price range out there with way better componentry. This bike at $399 is not worth it and the parts used don't justify it's cost(the parts aren't that much better than the Walmart Mongoose parts). Mongoose should get a clue and revise their pricing. I did ride a Diamondback Coil at my LBS which is in the same league as this bike and it felt much better than how this bike felt once I had it up and running.
The drivetrain used is weak, not meant for any aggresive riding. It's better suited to paved bikepaths or smooth fireroads at most. The same for the wheels, one ride and they were instantly untrue (not a big deal if you know how to true wheels). The bottom bracket was useless after the 3rd ride.
The suspension leaves alot to be desired. It's to be expected of a bike in this pricepoint but it truly is terrible. Cheap front shock that would hardly budge even at my 200 plus pounds and a rear shock that is there to just hold the spring in place.
I would say that if you are short on cash and want a bike then save a little and buy a hardtail instead, unless you find one of these bikes for cheap like I did. If you do buy one then be prepared to live with it's shortcomings until you can afford better.
I would say that this bike is worthy of minor upgrades. I was fortunate that I had enough leftover parts from other bikes to transfer onto the Mongoose and upgrade it. Once upgraded it is a fun bike to ride and so far hasn't given me any real problems although I ride it on fireroads mostly with no jumps.
My value rating is based on the Mongoose MSRP, I just don't feel it's worth it. Overall because with some minor upgrades it is mildly trail worthy.
Similar Products Used: Walmart beater, Specialized Hardrock and Enduro.
Bike Setup: Panaracer Trailblaster tires on Mavic 223's w/XT hubs, 8 speed Alivio shifters, Azonic ORS Stem with Kore riser bar, Rockshox Psylo XC along with Fox Float R rear shock, Hayes HFX-9 brakes. XT front and rear derailleurs, Specialized Strongarm crankset, Specialized Saddle and seatpost clamp, Titec seatpost.
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Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2004
Strengths: Strong Aluminum frame, reliable tires, smooth gears(Shimano Altus and SIS), cool paint color, comfortable grips, and strong rims.
I am writing again after having a full year to experience it. This is a very strong bike. I have taken this bike to the rockiest/rootiest trails of Wissahickon Valley and it did pretty well. My only concerns were the suspension. The suspension does not absorb the impact of the trail very well (had to put my gloves on). The brakes are terrible! I had to change my pads immediately because they were eating my rims like crazy! My Koolstop pads are doing ppeerrrfect. I also had to change my pedals because they did not last very long. I had to get a gel seat for that saddle because that is one of the most uncomfortalbe saddles i have ever rode on. My new saddle is doing just fine. All in All, this is a very reliable MTB that wil suit any beginner/ intermediate MTBr like me. Come to PA sometime, but be ready cuz the roots/rocks/mud is waitin for ya!
Bike Setup: Mongoose Wing Comp with Koolstop MTB pads, Panaracer Cinders (1.95), Eko Sport power pedal kit, Bell gel seat, Planet Bike Protege 9.0 cyclocomputer.
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Submitted by
Connor
a Weekend Warrior
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2004
Strengths: This bike is pretty light at around 30 pounds. The frame has held up just fine so far. Many people would say the shocks blow out to easy but I took it down a full set of rocky stairs at full speed and they held up just fine. The seat is also very comfortable.
Weaknesses: The bike came with plastic pedals so I had to replace them right away. The front and rear shocks are to small so u don't get as much comfort on rocky trails as you would with a more expensive bike.If you are putting to much weight on the pedals it is almost impossible to switch to the higher gears.
Bottom Line:
Overall this is a very good bike and for $270 dollars it is amazing. It has held together great and it works very well on all different types of terrain.
Similar Products Used: Besides riding my friends mountain bikes and a cruddy old street bike this was my first full suspension bike.
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Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Strengths: The product strengths for this bike is its brakes, drivetrain, frame strength and looks, reliable tires, and cushy grips.
Weaknesses: The product weaknesses for this bike is the rear suspension. I am 12 years old and the rear shock is way to stiff for me.
Bottom Line:
this bike is very smooth and I am enjoying it so far. Most of the components on the bike is very reliable. I would suggest this bike to those who are looking for a reliable all-terrain type bike at a reasonably cheap price
Bike Setup: Stock but going to upgrade my rear shock or get a softer spring soon.
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Submitted by
Jeremy Howerter
a Weekend Warrior
from Macomb IL, 61455
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2004
Strengths: Extrememly solid & smooth bike for the price, great paint, great ride, good grips, gears are pretty smooth (95%) the time. Great brakes.
Weaknesses: I wasn't terribly impressed w/ the neck & handlebars at first, but honestly i haven't had any trouble with them. Weak rims.
Bottom Line:
I'm not a small guy (225 lbs) and this bike seems very solid to me, still plenty of give to the suspension even w/ my large frame. I don't do a lot of heavy trailriding (some, but not a lot) and I ride it primarily around town, but it sees some trails now and then. All in all i couldn't ask for a better bike for the price. I highly recommend for anyone just getting into the sport. This bike has a solid frame, and is easily upgradable.
Similar Products Used: Lespo 24 speed, Mid-90's Diamondback hardtail
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from McGuire AFB
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Strengths: Price, looks
Weaknesses: Handle bars, front shocks, pedels
Bottom Line:
This bike should be good for those like me who are just getting into mountain biking. I bought this bike 3 months ago. I have had it in my possesion for 2. I made a jump or tried to make a jump and did not make it. It wasn't nothing big but the handle bars bent. We got the bars straight and 2 weeks later I was on a trail and going over a creek, a little rought but nothing you would see in a magazine. The front forks fell a part. You could pull the shocks out of the top bracket. If Pacific Cycle wants to get cheap on components that is fine but do it on the Wal-Mart Mongooses not the Pro's. So my complaint is not the weak handle bars or the very cheap cheap mande forks its the fact that it has taken OVER A MONTH TO GET ANY RESPONSE ON WARRENTY WORK. This is a nice looking bike and I am sure one day I will have some fun on it, if I ever get it back.....
Submitted by
Ross Williamson
a Cross Country Rider
from Okinawa, Japan
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004
Strengths: Value for the price. Acceptable midrange components.
Weaknesses: Midrange components
Bottom Line:
I use this bike as my sole mode of transportation around the island. 75% of my riding is on pavement, so the bike does not suffer too bad. First problem encountered was from the BOTTOM BRACKET. A quick tightening solved the irritating noise. The shifting is a bit loose, and I have had a problem with chain skip. Over all it is a good bike to upgrade with through time.
I purchased this bike several months ago along with another bike for my girlfriend so we could "excersize" aka stroll around town/park. It wasnt long before we were trail riding in state parks.
During our second state park trail ride, the rear shock began to make a clanking noise when coming down a very rocky trail (well, they're all very rocky in NJ). Upon inspecting I noticed that the shock had totally compressed and would not rebound. I was not the proud owner of a hardtail. The rear shock is horrible and did not last long at all. I'm only 140lbs and did not abuse this bike at all.
This bike is great if you want to try mountain biking and dont want to spend a fortune to buy your first bike. You can find this bike online now for around $280-299US.
The absolute first thing you need to upgrade is the HORRIBLE handle bars. I upgraded my stem while I was at it.
The plastic pedals didnt last very long and didnt grip well at all.
Bottomline: This bike is good for budget mountain bike novice who wants to slowly upgrade his/her bike components before finally purchasing a real frame and fork.
Bike Setup: Upgraded to the following components: RaceFace Diabolous HB's/Stem, Hayes hydralic disc brakes, Mavic F219 rims w/ XT hubs, XT shifters, Azonic A-frame pedals
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Submitted by
will
a Cross Country Rider
from australia
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003
Strengths: great looking bike, reasonably cheap, good quality parts. I have used this bike over every type of terrain imaginable without fault. The front and back Mozo suspension is tough and gives you a comfortable ride on harsh rocky surfaces. The Kenda tyres on mine work extremely well in muddy conditions and are not overly slow on roads. Even though the front fork isn't adjustable it still provides 80mm of clearance which does the job.
Weaknesses: It's quite heavy, which you will notice when coming up steep hill climbs, however that's what you would expect from most dulies.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for those who take harsh mountain-biking seriously without spending thousands for the experience. It's fantastic value for money, however if I had an extra $300+ to spend I would recommend the Wing Elite which comes with front and back discs, adjustable RST suspension front and rear and has 8 speed gears. I have taken this bike through mud , rocky terrain, grassland, forests, and even on road with no punctures, bent rims etc. After a good clean it still looks like it did the day I bought it. The bike looks high quality, suspension is great, gears are good and overall it performs 10 times better than what you would probably expect from a bike at that price. Well worth the look!!!!!!!!!!!
Bike Setup: Mongoose Wing Comp with good quality mud fenders, front and rear trail night lights, Mozo R120A Front Fork and Mozo Coil Rear Suspension, 7 Speed Shimano Altus (with oversized first gear)which helps when getting to your favourite downhill destination. 7005 alloy frame with Kenda Koyote Tyres (which I recommend for all purpose riders).
Weaknesses: not too many yet, better rear shock maybe
Bottom Line:
for 550 dollars Australian, (yes there is another currency other than US bloody dollars, look it up on the mongoose website if you want US$), you get a pretty good package. I would like to have a better rear shock, and adjustable front shocks, but hey, i didnt pay 1500 for a bike, so i am happy with what i have. I am a big bloke, 90 kgs and havent done any damage to it yet over the last three months (touch wood), and have done some pretty big jumps wiith it. If you are looking for a cheap, good, dual suspension bike, this is it.
Lookin to get back into riding again. These are my choices that fit my budget. It's only about a $50 difference between the two. Which is a better bike? Overall value & componetry? Read More »
Does anyone know if the 2004 Mongoose Wing Comp is disc brake compatible both front and rear? I know that the fork has disc brake mounts, but does the rear have it as well? Read More »
Does anyone know if the 2004 Mongoose Wing Comp is disc brake compatible both front and rear? I'm pretty sure the front fork has a disc brake mount, but what about the rear swing a Read More »
Does anyone know what the headtube angle of the Mongoose Wing Comp is? Mongoose doesnt seem to provide any info on their frames and I was curious about this bike. I've been riding Read More »
Has anyone replaced the rear shock on a Mongoose Wing Comp? I have a shock here that I want to install but I don't know what size bushings I would need to order from Fox. Read More »
