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Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Halifax PA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | dicks | | Strengths: | frame | | Weaknesses: | the cheap tires | | Bike Setup: | i totaly redid the suspension new irc tires and a nasbar saddle | | Bottom Line: | I have riden this bike for 5 years now the only problem i have ever had with it were the derailers so i put on xt now the bike is fast and smooth i have pounded this bike and passed alot of rider riding 2,000 dollar bikes they just stare and ask what it is . love the bike | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart Schairer
a Cross Country Rider
from Hammonton
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Sailor Boy Road - a 10 mile trail through the woods dating back to the 18th century; & gravel pit. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$279.00 | | Purchased At: | BJ's | | Strengths: | Great Price, indestructible saddle, good gearing, great rear suspension, great paint job (mine is blue, but other years were colors I didn't like; while the frame is aluminum and light, I have not yet been able to damage it. Overall the bike takes a beating well. | | Weaknesses: | Front shocks are a bit on the soft side. The tires are not aggressive enough for hard riding in sand, mud, or hills in the gravel pit. They are, however, a good compromise for all-around riding, as they can be ridden on the street without too much trouble. | | Similar Products Used: | Novara Bonanza, Motiv Tahoe | | Bike Setup: | As of today it is still totally stock. I'm looking to replace the crankset with a Shimano with a 30-39-52 tooth set, as here in New Jersey (flat) I have never used the 22 tooth sprocket and the 42 tooth could use a little help on the street (stock is 22-32-42). | | Bottom Line: | For the price this bike is GREAT! My wife's Novara cost more ($450) and seems to be of a bit better quality, but I like the Mongoose better. The Zokes shocks on her Novara are stiffer - the Jetts on the D70R bottom out if you come off a high jump, and they tend to bob up and down if you stand up and pedal hard. However...while riding seated they provide a smooth ride as you go over rocks, tree branches or roots, fallen riders, holes, and/or asphalt roads in disrepair.
I kept the stock saddle for TWO reasons:
1. No one has EVER, ever asked me to lend them my bike.
2. It is virtually indestructible. I tried a 'more comfortable' saddle for two weeks, but it didn't do well on crashes (got tore up). The stock saddle still looks like new, and I've flipped this bike over on rocks and into trees more times then I can remember. It's narrow design allows freedom of movement under all conditions - I've come to love it - after learning that you HAVE to wear cycling shorts in order to be able to walk the next day.
The rear suspension is GREAT - wouldn't consider changing it.
The derailers aren't the greatest - shifting can be a challenge at times, but they usually get the job done. They are still working after many crashes, so I'm not complaining.
The stock tires are OK - but just OK. I haven't changed them only because I haven't yet decided on what to go with. They are better than those that came with the Novara, but not as good as the tires that came with my son's Motiv, which was a $99 bike. If you want to win any races off road (or just not crash as often as I do), you HAVE to change the tires!
I've not yet seen a prettier paint job on any bike! My bike is the nicest blue paint I've ever seen on anything, so I never take my eyes off my bike when I take it places!
After all these crashes, the brakes still work well without rubbing - I'm pleased.
I took the pedal clips off after the first ride - too hard to dismount in a crash with them on.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This is NOT a top-end custom bike. As long as you understand this is a department store bike (and you don't mind getting funny looks when you go to a bike shop for parts) you won't be disappointed. For the money I think this bike ROCKS! With the money you have left you can change whatever parts you don't like, but you'll find if you leave it stock you can really beat the crap out of it and it will keep going!
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a Weekend Warrior
from West Newton, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Forbes State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Good strong frame | | Weaknesses: | Seat and Tires. Tires were cross country tires, so i replaced them with Bontrager Big Kahuna tires and replaced the seat. | | Similar Products Used: | My first full suspension mountain bike | | Bike Setup: | Original except the tires and seat | | Bottom Line: | Good solid ride for beginners | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan Scooter
a Downhiller
from Rochester
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | mmm any where off road | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks | | Strengths: | My first true mountain bike. Great looks, all aluminum frame which is strong and light and it’s 24 speed. The style and coloring is great. Good price for a full suspension bike like this. I ride this bike hard and it can take it and has been taking it for 8 years. my friend always want to ride it. Bought this mongoose d70r in 1999 and it is March 2007 now, this bike is still running. | | Weaknesses: | seat sucks, change it, I did, and it helped a lot. The tires are cross-country tires so I don’t know what they where doing on a mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Have real off tires and a wider and softer seat. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. Gave it a 4 for overall rating because there are better off road bikes out there, but not for this price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GUS BROWN
a Cross Country Rider
from CAMDEN, SC USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY OFF ROAD | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | WAL-MART | | Strengths: | GOOD FRAME,SHIFTERS,DURABLE PAINT WHEELS | | Weaknesses: | SEAT, SEAT POST COULD BE A LARGER DIAMETER REAR SUSPENTION BOB | | Similar Products Used: | D40 | | Bike Setup: | ALIVEO SHIFTERS DEORE COMPONETS | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE BEEN THRU A FEW BIKES AND PARTS, BUT I STILL ENJOY RIDING THIS RIG IT IS SMOOTH AND RELIABLE. IT IS NOT MY FAVORITE, BUT I'LL TAKE IT OUT FOR A SPIN REGULARLY. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GUS BROWN
a Cross Country Rider
from CAMDEN, SC USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY OFF ROAD | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | WAL-MART | | Strengths: | GOOD FRAME,SHIFTERS,DURABLE PAINT WHEELS | | Weaknesses: | SEAT, SEAT POST COULD BE A LARGER DIAMETER REAR SUSPENTION BOB | | Similar Products Used: | D40 | | Bike Setup: | ALIVEO SHIFTERS DEORE COMPONETS | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE BEEN THRU A FEW BIKES AND PARTS, BUT I STILL ENJOY RIDING THIS RIG IT IS SMOOTH AND RELIABLE. IT IS NOT MY FAVORITE, BUT I'LL TAKE IT OUT FOR A SPIN REGULARLY. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from East Norriton, PA., USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$106.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal-Mart | | Strengths: | Great welding, Great balanced rims and crank, Smooth steering. | | Weaknesses: | Don't buy assembled from Wal-Mart again. Problems shifting, Wouldent shift in 24th gear. Took it to the bike shop to be fixed! | | Similar Products Used: | I still have my old "mongoose californian BMX "20 bike" (1988) Chrome frame and fork. Looks like new. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, I used it twice. Bike never saw water or dirt! Flawless, Brand new! | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the buck! For sale, best offer! racecar406@yahoo.com , I can e-mail pictures | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Downhiller
from new york
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | bj's | | Strengths: | good all around, | | Weaknesses: | origional tires, seat both suck. changed them. | | Similar Products Used: | trek | | Bike Setup: | almost stock...changed tires and seat. Also installed a 3 inch neck extension. what a difference... | | Bottom Line: | I ride 30 miles of Hard mountain trails a week...Still going.....the rock shock has been more then perfect...the nice thing is the front and rear shock is adjustable...I have 0 complaints as of yet...The bike currently has at least 900 or so miles on it...the rims are now getting the wobble, the crank was just rebuilt after falling apart...I beat this thing to death and its still going. I will try to find an exact to replace it with....Excellent bike for the dollars.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | hills | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Cheap fun. Holding up better than expected. Not doing the upgrading I expected to. Starting to get some confidence in the frame. | | Weaknesses: | Pedal-induced rear suspension bob. Stock shift levers (low-end Shimano, I assume). Uncomfortable saddle. Weight of components. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR's, Giant NRS, Trek STP. | | Bike Setup: | SRAM Attack shifters, various wheelsets and tires, various saddles. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up review, after October, 2000.
One of my sons has ended up riding this bike a lot more than I have. His major complaints were the uncomfortable saddle and the shifting.
I got rid of the shifting problems. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how. I made two changes simulataneously. Because my sons and I all prefer twist shifters to thumb-and-finger shifters, I installed a set of SRAM Attacks. While installing them, I noticed that the front derailleur was not aligned quite as well as it could have been. With the derailleur aligned a little better, and the Attacks on the bars, the shifting complaints are gone.
In my first review, I complained about pedal-induced bob, and mentioned getting a better rear shock to control it. I suspect I was misguided in that thinking. The low pivot point for the swingarm makes bob inevitable in the big rings with this frame. That does not mean that it is not a good frame. It just means that it is not a good frame for riding fast on pavement. This thing is a blast in tight rough stuff.
I think the frame is solid. A Mongoose-bashing mechanic told me that the bushings won't last, and I am worried about that. But I think I'm going to keep this one and go for shock upgrades front and rear when I come across good deals. Ditto for drivetrain components.
This was a decent bike for the money, even though you have to be a mechanic or pay one to get the bike set up right. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gonff
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville,TN USA
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal-Mart | | Strengths: | cheap cheap cheap, full-suspension | | Weaknesses: | tires, rims, grips, and the front shock
but for the price you can | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose d70r $300 this one kept braking and dick's sporting goods finally let me replace it
Mongoose hardluck replacemenbt bike, the chainstay was to close to the chain rings and caused problems returned | | Bike Setup: | stock besides 2002 duke race, xtr front drailuer, irc tires, and a pair of crapy koski revolver pro pedals which i got under warranty from hardluck | | Bottom Line: | mine came a little bit rusted and scratched from walmart but it was cheap
great bike for people under a budget, also a good bike for up grading
replace the tires if you plan to off road, they are great in grass and on the road | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zach
a Cross Country Rider
from chapel hill nc usa
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | beaverdam | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | dickies | | Strengths: | this bike is probably the best upgradable cheap bike around.
light, strong, almost anything that you would like in a bike. | | Weaknesses: | people think that mongoose sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | fisher, giant, treks, and specialized | | Bike Setup: | xt/lxd sun ryno lites, sxr, ritchey saddle, kore, kalloy, avid arch rival supremes ( the best cable brakes, hands down) in other words hardly anything is stock. | | Bottom Line: | If you love to upgrade, like myself, this is the best bike, partly because I have spent about $650 on this bike, and it matches and over takes most bikes that are in the $1000- $1200 range. period. I've tested and rented bikes such as trek fuels, sugars, stumpys, fsr's, almost any high-end dualies that you can think of. The mongoose matched them in basically ever category. Really the only bikes that suceed the mongoose are: the fisher sugar 3, and giant nrs series, really only because they are a couple of lbs. lighter. So as soon as you buy this bike, soup up the drivetrain, cockpit, brakes, and suspension, and man you are ready to go!
In other words, don't give in to the crap that mongoose takes, buy a GOOD mongoose and upgrade it. TRUST me you'll save money big time! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonesy
a Racer
from Bovard,PA,USA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 5 Star Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting goods | | Strengths: | I love the brakeing and the speed. The style and color is great I added some confederate flag stickers for a bad ass look along with 2 pancer fire wall xt blue wall tires. I raced it about 10 times and my friend always wana ride. But I like it | | Weaknesses: | I hate the tires that were on and the chain and rear derailer sucked along with the rear shox i replaced it with Fox Shock. | | Bike Setup: | I run a street and trail set up on my bike. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is I love the bike and and the speed i get from the minor changes i made on it. I will keep raceing it and thats the bottom line | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KrazyMoFo
a Downhiller
from VA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks sporting goods (The price was before upgrades | | Strengths: | Aluminum frames are strong and light. Shimano parts are alright, but not near as good as i use. Very light compared to the size of the downtube. I race NORBA cross country, dual slalom, and some downhill and this is a good beginners bike, especially if you dont have a ton of money to dish out for a Jamis, GT, or a Cannondale | | Weaknesses: | Well, the tires suck really bad! I replaced them with some WTB moto raptor tires after like a week. They went bald after like 5 hours of riding. THE SHOCKS ARE TERRIBLE! though Rock shox is a good brand this is the lowest shock you can get (Jett C). I upgraded to a Manitou X_Vert with 105 mm of travel right away. The bushing on the rear shock is pretty crappy, as well as the rear shock itself. REPLACE IT RIGHT AWAY! i now have a Fox Float R on it, and it works fine. i also upgraded the parts to Shimano XTR (like 600 bucks, not too bad). All in all, after a bit of upgrading, its not such a bad bike. Oh and by the way, i must tell you to put clipless pedals on it and assemble it yourself! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale super v | | Bike Setup: | not too shabby | | Bottom Line: | See the weaknesses, that covers most of what i was supposed to put here, whoops. All in all, after like 400 bucks in shock upgrades, itsa good bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zach
a Weekend Warrior
from chapel hill n.c.
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | chhs trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Purchased At: | dick sporting goods (ordered from performance) | | Strengths: | great overall performance, components are bike shop quality
but the price isn't, it's cheaper. | | Weaknesses: | the front suspension is sh!t, ive upgraded to an sx-r(awesome fork) he seat isn't great, but i'm out of the saddle alot anyway,the tires are something to be desired,
but other than that it's awesome. | | Similar Products Used: | huffy hyper(toooo heavy!!!) gt outpost, gary fisher tassajara, giant iguana se, a specialized something or other
| | Bike Setup: | stock except for the new fork | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike whether you're paying 100 or 700, the best dual suspension bike in the 500$ price range.
and with a couple of upgrades it could easily be race worthy. [and some of(not saying all you guys are snobbish but the clean machine especially should shove it) you bike shop snobs that smirk @ a lesser brand or whatever(which mongoose isn't they have some awesome bikes includung the d-70r) can go **** themselves,] sorry, i just had to get that out of my system. anyway if you come across a d-70r don't hesitate,buy it you won't regret it. the only reason i'm giving it a total of 9 is because of the jett c suspension fork. but overall, a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a
from Forrest Hill, Maryland
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | BJ's | | Strengths: | Good design and color. Good quality parts for the price. Nice light weight. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is painful. Replace it. | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | DO NOT BUY IT ASSEMBLED!!! For anything comparable you'd have to spend a lot more money. Just do not let the retard in the back of Wal-Mart or wherever assemble it for you. Some minimum wage stoner isn't going to do a good job. I did it myself in under an hour with common tools and the alan keys provided. I've seen some reviews on this bike comparing it to $500-$1000 bikes. It's just not a fair comparison. For under $300 this is better that you should expect to get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate new york, USA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$290.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks sporting goods | | Strengths: | Frame, rear suspension, driveline, cheap full suspension bike, nice beginner bike, stifters | | Weaknesses: | TIRES they are like slicks and have no traction
seat is uncomfortable | | Bike Setup: | stock for now | | Bottom Line: | it is a good bike for the money, you only have to change a few things, nice suspension. If you are a beginner and see this bike in the store for under 300 buy it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Biker fastman
a Cross Country Rider
from Victory Mills,NY
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the Monkey trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks sporting goods | | Strengths: | front shock, brakes | | Weaknesses: | shifter, Pedals, TIRES!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Canondale, GT | | Bike Setup: | Rock shock Jett | | Bottom Line: | I own this bike, and it is sweet. I was almost goin' to have
to settle for some cheapo, peice of junk bike. Then I saw this bike for almost the same price. I got it and it has held up good. At first the saddle seamed stiff, but I rode it, and it's comfy now. It's great for technical stuff.
The tires stunk. All I used them for was skidding 360s.
As dual purpose tires they were good for that. I ride off
road though. I take this bike all over trails, off jumps,
to school, and on bike trips. For the price it's superb.
It handels good an' has held up well. When I got it the pedal cup fell off, but I could'nt use it an' let it drag.This bike is light, an' a great alternative to exspensive bikes (not in a different catagory,though).
The shifter got messed up, but that was fixed.Great parts for the price.KEWL!Go Mongoose! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smiles
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamburg NY
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Art Roscoe MTB Area, Allegany State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$359.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Awesome paint job, good for a first bike for people who are willing to take care of it. | | Weaknesses: | Tires are crap, no traction at all. | | Similar Products Used: | - | | Bike Setup: | just some new avenir tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. I will make sure that mine lasts through college and that I have a good time riding too. Do it up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Mountain trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike shop | | Strengths: | Great drive (but i repalced the deraillers), nice rims, dnm suspension is awesome for the price, nice color, strong and light frame. | | Weaknesses: | tires (sprinting tires standard), Jett c fork is crap (broke it a week after buying bike), promax v's can't work well when wet | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper, gt backwoods | | Bike Setup: | psylo sl fork, michelin wildgripper tubeless tires, UST tubeless rims, XT drive, magura hydraulic v's | | Bottom Line: | For a cheap-ass bike, it's great. Not good for extreme riding (eg. large drops). Once the jett c is gone, it's not a bad bike. People just see mongoose and think that its horrible. I have basically the same bike except for the frame as my friend with a $700 GT Backwoods. I just ride, and i'm damn well proud of it!
Sorry i can't give it a five for overall, because of the jett c fork and the tires.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lewis Harville
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal Mart, on super sale | | Strengths: | Very lightweight, nimble and easily upgradable. | | Weaknesses: | Previous to the upgrades that I made, the Rock Shox Jett C is the weakest link. It should definately be upgraded immediately. | | Similar Products Used: | I have had one other lesser model bike, but purchased the D70R and made several upgrades, bringing it up to bike store standards. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Judy Race 100mm front shock, coupe deluxe rear, FSA triple bearing bottom bracket, lightweight sun rims with shimano hubs, maxis helter rear tire, raptor front tire etc... | | Bottom Line: | For less than what you can get a bike store bike for, you can upgrade this one for several dollars less and have a better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Mobile, Al
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | oak mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | local wally world | | Strengths: | light weight, cost, pretty good components, shifters and front and rear derailers work flawless never had a missed shift yet. real bottom bracket, nimble. local walmart has good return policy if it does not work correctly. | | Weaknesses: | The Rock Shox Jett may be fine for light duty but if you ride on any med rough terrain you need to ditch it in favor of a more travel design. rear shock has no rebound and should be upgraded. Need to upgrade bottom bracket after about 600 miles (but they are pretty cheap). Grips are way to thin for my type of riding | | Similar Products Used: | A40, Cannondale super v2000, diamondback response, Diamondback xr2, | | Bike Setup: | Psylo xc front shock, Rock Shox coupe deluxe with lock out rear shock, bonaracer jones ac front tire and and mythos xc rear. shimano un-72 bb. all else bone stock | | Bottom Line: | I have owned this bike for over 2 years and only had to upgrade it as my skill level increased. for the cost paid and the shear enjoyment i have had with this bike it can not be beat. i have 3 bike shop bikes that cost alot more to purchase and still needed to be upgraded as much as the goose. so i got rid of those and put my money into the d70 and have been alot happier and richer. I race with it (not pro but i believe i could be right there with them) and xc with it and it never gives me a bit of trouble. this is a very good bike and if you have one compare it with the bike shop bikes and you will see it is a great value. If you don't have 1 start looking for one and have fun. even the cannondale bike is a big pain in the a-s compared to this bike.
don't buy this bike if you get uptight about owning a dept store bike.(but you may go hungry)
buy this bike if you want to have money to enjoy your rides and still be able to eat at night. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Laurel,MD
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | North Trac | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | I got the bike on sale, and I've been riding happily ever since. I use to ride Cannondales, and Specialized bike, and I have to say, I am very impressed about this Mongoose. Go figure, this bike is not from a bike shop, but the parts that this bike has on it is very impressive for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The seat. My butt was sore. (From the seat) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shock Jett C, Shimano Avilio, | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a cheap bike with good parts for the price, get this hottie... You'll be satisfied with your choice | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamburg, NY
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | Dicks Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | I love the suspension. Being my first serious bike, I love it. Great paint job and components. | | Weaknesses: | I don't really mind the seat but for the longer rides, it kills the next day. It also needs better tires. | | Bottom Line: | I really could not be happier with a bike. Searched high and low but when I saw the D70R, I knew that I was going home with it that night. Great for weekend warriors who don't want to clear out the bank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus OH USA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | one with hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Cheap fun. | | Weaknesses: | Incompetent department store assembly. Rear suspension bob. Still can't get the front derailleur dialed in. Semi-slick tires are fine for a lot of riding, but forget steep uphills. Uncomfortable saddle. Bar ends feel *really* cheap, even on a low-end bike like this. Lousy water bottle cage placement under down tube, typical for y-frames. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Specialized Rockhopper A1 FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for toe clips, 350mm Bontrager seat post, Sella San Marco Ti-railed road saddle | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike through ebay when I impulsively got back into bikes after an 8-year hiatus. The first time I rode it I decided the cockpit was too cramped for me and tried to sell it, but it didn't sell. Then a funny thing happened. The more I rode it, the more I liked it.
It's the bike I usually grab for a quick errand around town, or for playing around with my sons and their friends with their BMX's. But I've also taken this bike through the woods completely off trails on steep hillsides where I finally panicked and laid the bike down rather than risking long falls. If some of you geographically-challenged readers don't think that Ohio has anything difficult to ride, consider that I've also ridden this bike in some fun stuff in West Virginia.
WV was the setting for the only direct comparo. I rented a 2000 Specialized Rockhopper A1 FSR at a golf resort. I tuned it up myself because the fleet of bikes there definitely was not up to snuff. I turned the FSR back in after a quick few-mile loop because *that* cockpit felt far more cramped than the Mongoose's. The Rockhopper hardtail I rented, however, was a different matter. I think I could have ridden that bike through a lot of good stuff unless the stiff aluminum frame ended up beating me up too much.
Back at home again, I'm usually having to choose between the Mongoose and a Trek 8700 carbon fiber hardtail. The Trek is the easy winner for speed and distance. It's also a a very refined bike with much higher level components than the Mongoose has. The Mongoose cannot compare to the Trek on relatively smooth hardpack simply because of the suspension bob and its weight. If I upgrade and tune the rear shock to get rid of the bob, the Mongoose might be OK for distance. I think it's quite a compliment to the Mongoose, though, that I am choosing it over the Trek for a lot of my real world daily riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex T. Nghiem
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Barton Green Belt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great appearance, frame, name-brand shift and brake components, machined aluminum wheels. I have received many positive unsolicited comments from those passing by. | | Weaknesses: | Seat, assembly by Walmart, and the beige side walls of the original Kenda Korba tires were worn and discolored after one day out on the greenbelt. | | Similar Products Used: | Also own a Moongoose A50R hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Mongoose anatomically correct seat, tires. | | Bottom Line: | Serial #M990353552 is my second D70R. The first one, serial #M981248373 was stolen near the University of Texas, Austin on Easter Saturday 2000. The second bike is a newer version with a stronger aluminum frame and it rides much better than the first D70R. This bike is great except for the original tires and seat. But, I have found no independent bike shop in Austin, Texas (including those listed on the Mongoose web site)is willing to service a department store Mongoose bike. So if something goes wrong, where does one go for Authorized Mongoose service? (Not Walmart, Academy, or Toys-R-Us.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy Walden
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Bought at department store for $124.00
(Bought 3) | | Weaknesses: | Seat,derailer,tires | | Bottom Line: | $124.00 Can not beat that!
Also got a D60r for $99.00 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben jonnson
a Weekend Warrior
from baton rouge, LA, usa
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | park trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | styling, color, light weight frame, suspension
reputable name
PRICE | | Weaknesses: | SEAT is a real pain, pedals, tires | | Similar Products Used: | older mongooses and treks | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | being over six foot tall, sometimes it feels cramped
this is the first bike i have ever had with any suspension
it is light years better than my older mongoose and the non-suspension bikes ive ridden
especially for 500 dollars at wal-mart | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luis Rivera
a Weekend Warrior
from Bayamon, PR
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | It looks great, all aluminum frame and 24 speeds. Full suspension bike for less than $500. | | Weaknesses: | Like almost everybody said, the seat. What happened with Mongoose ergonomics department???!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Marin | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shock Jett C front suspension. 24 speeds. Factory setup. | | Bottom Line: | This MTB really looks and perform great for it price (hard to beat. The Lightweight frame looks stylish. Great for a serious starter. If you buy it in Walmart, better fasten some bolts on it before going out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DangeRus
a Weekend Warrior
from GA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Yellow River | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Full suspension bike for $500 | | Weaknesses: |
tires and seat, assembled by Wal Mart | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek | | Bike Setup: |
Rock Shock Jett C, Specialized Tires and seat. | | Bottom Line: | The drivetrain was a loud rattletrap and did not like to shift. A local bike shop did a tune up on the bike and now it rides great. A good weekend warrior bike once you replace the seat and tires. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R Hubbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Great looks, all aluminum frame and 24 speeds. | | Weaknesses: |
Tires and wheels are not
the best but they'll do until they wear out. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek, GT | | Bike Setup: |
stock, came with rock shox on the front. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the under $500 crowd, believe it
or not Wal-Mart has a pile of Mongoose bikes
they are clearing out, mostly aluminum frames too. Starting at $100! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Downhiller
from KY
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great looks, lightweight frame, good price!, drivetrain is pretty good | | Weaknesses: |
not very good tires, thats bout it | | Similar Products Used: |
pacific, huffy, mgx | | Bike Setup: |
factory stuff only had it for about 2 weeks | | Bottom Line: | Nice looks, great for price, if not big spender, this is a pretty good bike to get. 5 chillis 4 dis baby | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Dayton,ohio
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all trails | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
its a full suspention bike for around $500 | | Weaknesses: |
you get what you pay for,overall its not bad,but after riding on a bike with all XTR,youll want the XTR,the front fork is weak,jett c,ha the first thing i replaced | | Similar Products Used: |
cannondale,mountain cycle | | Bottom Line: | its a good bike for someone who dont want the best,or has a limited budget,hehe,it dont ride bad,but after 1 month,i ended up gettin a better bike | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Weekend Warrior
from tucson
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
aha | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
nice price,shifters,fork,and components | | Weaknesses: |
ahhh the seat!! | | Similar Products Used: |
trek | | Bike Setup: |
jett c in from, dnm firebomb dv-28 | | Bottom Line: | this is my 3rd full suspension in the past 5 months, and this babys a keeper. i got mine for 500 but i got over at a bike shop where they added other things to it.i will follow up later, for now this one gets 5 flamin chilles | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Morningstar
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fort Myers , Fl
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Oleda park | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
At a low cost this bike goes big with little effort . It handles really well and the fork and shoch are suprisingly rigid . | | Weaknesses: |
The rims and tires are shot and some better bars are needed | | Similar Products Used: |
GT 3000 , giant , other , mongoose products | | Bike Setup: |
set up my mountain bike like my CR , stiff and fast ready to go big | | Bottom Line: | You can't beat the price , style , or versitality of this mtb | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Delaney
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of them! | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
lightweight, inexpensive, rides great | | Weaknesses: |
very uncomfortable seat | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale | | Bottom Line: | This is one helluva a bike for the money (less than $300 at Walmart). The only negative thing about it is the seat. This should be chucked in the river and never used. Due to the fact that it was assembled by a Walmart employee, I strongly reccomend that any buyer do some serious adjustments before taking this puppy out on a trail. I give it 5 flaming chilitos! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Pen Argyl
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Glen Park | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great value for the price. It has the same front shock as many full suspension bikes in the $700 range. | | Weaknesses: |
You need to add bar ends to it and better tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great full suspension bike for less money than other brands with equal components. With the large sum of money saved, some nice component upgrades can be purchased making your riding experience even more enjoyable. Some must have's are: clipless pedals, bar ends, and better tires. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GINA
a Weekend Warrior
from MAYBROOK,NEW YORK
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
BEST BIKE FOR THE PRICE. SHARP COLOR. RIDES GREAT. | | Weaknesses: |
NONE | | Similar Products Used: |
NONE | | Bottom Line: | My first full suspension bike, I am very happy with it. Great on trials and road. Gears are smooth. Only $400.00 at walmart.
| | Overall Rating: |
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