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Submitted by
CT-CT-CT
a Weekend Warrior
from Stratford, CT
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Supply Ponds, Branford CT | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Tony's Bikes Milford | | Strengths: | Bombproof steel frame | | Weaknesses: | saddle uncomfortable on long rides, cheap pedals. Stock grips uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji Discovery 1 | | Bike Setup: | 1994 Hilltopper rigid:
Shimano Alivio 170 mm crankset, Shimano STX front/rear deraileurs. Bike is stock 1994 except: Cycle Designs Bar Ends, water bottle cage, Serfras tube mounted pump, replacement Shimano shifters (unknown model). | | Bottom Line: | This was my first mountain bike. I purchased a bike that was at "the low end of the high end", that is a high quality, bike shop model at an affordable price, not a department store special. I paid $400.00 back in 1994. I rode it a good deal between 1994 and 1996 then put in in storage for years while I pursued other interests. I picked it up again around 1998 or 1999.
The chrome moly frame and fork allows the rider to really "feel" the trail. I do not have details about the head angle or other physical characteristics, but I will say that the riding position is slightly forward. Wheelies are difficult due to the geometry. A taller stem, or riser bars would improve the feel for some riders. The C.D. bar ends offer a good hand placement for climbing. Compared to my other ride (a full suspension Fuji), this bike climbs well. The bike has held up remarkably well for so long. The front chainrings are showing wear but still work. I have yet to kill either deraileur. The cheap plastic pedals need replacement.
The wheels are cheap but take beatings from the local rooty, rocky trails without coming out of true. I still have the original set of tires on this bike. The brake pads have been replaced, the shifters have been replaced, that's about it. The original shifters were not available, so I got a cheapy set from another LBS. The heavy units are rather bulky, and are not comfortable to use. The stock handlebar is rather narrow, and I lost an inch and a half or more to the bar ends. When holding the grips, my knuckles frequently bash into the brake levers. The original units did not cause this problem.
I have kept this bike as a "spare" bike, or for a bike-less friend to ride. When my other bike was stolen, I started riding this again. On flat terrain, or climbing, I have a lot of confidence. On downhills, I grab the brakes too much, as I have been riding full suspension since 2005. The combination of more forward C.O.G. and narrower handlebars makes be a bit skittish when the downhill gets fast.
I actually enjoy this bike more NOW than I did when it was new. Full rigid steel gives the trails a totally different feel. I saw a 1995 - 1996 Hilltopper SX at a local pawn shop when I was looking for my stolen bike. It too had a frame that was in great shape. I wanted to buy it as a project bike, but I felt the $200.00 asking price was a little high when the bike had a beat up Rock Shox Quad on the front. I probably would have paid $200.00 if it had the rigid fork!
If you want a bike that can handle cross country, street riding, or commuting, the Hilltopper is an excellent choice. If you find one in reasonable shape used, pick it up!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing MI
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist, Honolulu HI | | Strengths: | solid, versatile, economical | | Weaknesses: | can be jarring over bumps and potholes, uncomfortable handlebar angle | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | rigged for commuting: fenders, rack, panniers, Continental 26x1.5 road tires. everything else is stock except for the recalled Shimano cranks. | | Bottom Line: | I'm using the Hilltopper as a commuter, which is not its intended function. That said, it performs quite well in its current role. I added bar ends, not because I need the leverage, but to give me alternate hand positions so I don't get tired. I would prefer a different angle on the handlebars, but I can live with it for now. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shack | | Strengths: | I bought this bike because of what it had to offer for the price. I wanted something that would last me for a while. | | Bike Setup: | RST 381L shock, Panracer smoke and dart tires, UNO seat post shock, Bullet Bros chain tension and a few different seats | | Bottom Line: | With over 1500 miles and 10 years of use this bike has been a great buy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Gnu
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | lakes tracks | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bruce Dowdell Cycles(wank) | | Strengths: | The Hilltopper sx has a Tough Cr-mo frame, made before mongoose sold out | | Weaknesses: | crap suspension, 7 speed, awkward head tube size to find new forks for | | Bike Setup: | Stx-rc groupset,jett xc forks, azonic bars and stem, magura hydros | | Bottom Line: | What an awesome bike. After nearly 10 years of punishment from myself, being stolen(resprayed)found again and then used as a loaner. I cant believe theres not a sign of breakage on the old full cr-mo frame. Most of the groupset over time has had to be replaced and the rims didnt hold up to the abuse. but such good memories d;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from St. John's Newfoundland
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | fort A. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | gear to go | | Strengths: | a good solid frame. came with decent parts back in 1995-96, with some holding out on it for many years, and some that still live on on other peoples bikes. | | Weaknesses: | frame did not have lines for v-brakes, had it buy a 10 doller adaptor. slack angles seem very ole fashioned compared to new steel hard tails. | | Similar Products Used: | kona firemountain, trek 7000, giant atx 880, giant rainer. | | Bike Setup: | 8 speed xt derailers/shifters. lx cranks, hubs. mavic x221 rims. raceface prodigy stem. answer protaper bar. shimano clipless. avid digit 7 brakes/deore levers. kona project2 rigid fork. MEC racks. | | Bottom Line: | this was the first bike I bought. Its 10 years old and is still going very strong. 6 years as my primary mtn bike. mostly now used for commuting (3-4 times a week, even in winter) and many bike tours, which it is very well suited for.
great bike. never let me down, still has many years left in it.
if you find one of these used buy it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Kelly
a Weekend Warrior
from Haslett, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodwill | | Strengths: | Very strong, balanced frame and dependable components. Good bang for the buck, especially since many of these bikes can be had for next to nothing these days. | | Weaknesses: | Comes without fenders, which is a weakness in a wet climate like mine. These bike frames appear to scratch easily, based upon my bike and several my friends have purchased. | | Bottom Line: | A great value. Although mine only set me back ten bucks, I would pay a couple of hundred bucks for the same model in similar condition. Buy a used one and feel free to beat it up (it can take it). I put new bearings in when I bought it and I have ridden it for 2 years now, mostly for commuting back and forth from work and for recreational weekend riding. It also gave me flawless performance on a tour from Detroit to Buffalo last summer, but I have found it most ideal as a commuter bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tomas campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from columbus,ohio,usa
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | hoover | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$818.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle one (NEW) | | Strengths: | light, hard, fast | | Weaknesses: | original brakes, gears | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Specialized | | Bottom Line: | This is my favorite bike of all time!!!!!!! I was a huge BMX kid. Then I got into freestyle and had every bike that one could think of. GT, Haro, DYNO, CW, Redline, Hutch, Diamondback, Mongoose, yes and even a Huffy. This bike is by far the best ever owned!!!! It was also the last of the American versions.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Edison, NJ
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chimney Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | Kim's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Awesome electric blue color matches my WRX. The steel frame feels like an FS bike compared to my KHS Alite 3000. I put a Judy SL on it (19" frame) and somehow the geometry fits my 6'3" stature perfectly. Absolutely stable bombing rocky downhill XC trails. Climbs like a goat. Never any problems with 7-speed factory STX setup. Funny looks from Cannondale riders cannot be beat. I spent a fraction on this bike compared to what I put into my KHS and I actually like this one better. Go figure. For you weight weenies, if I really cared about the 31lb curb weight of this baby, I'd go on a diet. :) | | Weaknesses: | The cool electric blue paint chips easily. The stock cantilevers belong in the trash. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Alite 3000, Klein Pulse Pro, Nukeproof. | | Bike Setup: | '02 Judy SL (100mm), cheap Chinese V-brakes, risers. A friend learning to ride trashed the rear wheel and it has been replaced. Aside from that, we're bone stock. | | Bottom Line: | You don't need to spend a fortune on a bike in order to have fun and remain competitive. And when you excel, you can snicker to yourself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ernie
a Weekend Warrior
from los angeles
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Baeudry South | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Station | | Strengths: | lightweight cromoly frame, crankset, 1/18" headtube,
non-shiney paint job---this one's a dull navy blue, narrow cromoly frame | | Weaknesses: | cantilever brakes, only a 7 speed, threaded headset | | Similar Products Used: | trek 820 | | Bike Setup: | originally the dealer wanted $300. I negotiated $200, without the wimpy RockShox Q21 shock, the old cantilever brakes and flat handlebar and front wheel.
The Brakes : LV brakes and levers. Front Lx hub and Mavic 221 rims. Titec hellbent handlebar. Orbit FSA threadless headset. Soon to be: Manitou fork. | | Bottom Line: | with less and less good cromoly frames around, you cant beat Mongoose for this unit. Search the net, search Mongoose dealers for this HILLTOPPER. Its a lightweight super cromo frame, not just the seat tube like other steel frames. This thing is all cromo. Which in turns means its sturdy and will probably last a lifetime if you take care of it. Also if you buy one from a Mongoose
dealer as I did, You will still get the Lifetime Warrantee on the frame. Who knows what they will replace it with, but its a Lifetime thing, with the receipt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Durden
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Burchfield | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Riverfront Cycle Lansing, mi | | Strengths: | Cheap, durable, green. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, cheap, green | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bike Setup: | Currently...converted to single speed. Future...god only knows | | Bottom Line: | This is the first mountain bike I owned. I believe I bought it in '92. Steel frame, rigid fork, STX/Alivio mix, and Chen Shing tires. I have used this bike for everything... MB races, cyclocross, touring, commuting, single speed. While I have a multitude of bikes, I can always seem to use the 'Goose to fill some niche that is small enough to not warrant purchasing a dedicated bike. I introduced countless friends to mountain biking with the "loaner" 'Goose. I guess sometimes you just become attached to a bike and refuse to let it go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a
from MD
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | Chromo Frame - Strong like a biznatch
Drive Train Setup | | Weaknesses: | BRAKES (what brakes?) | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Spyder Fork, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 Tires, Kore Elite Stem, Velo Saddle, Yeti Grips, Race Face Bar-Ends, Shimano 636 Pedals.... it goes on and on | | Bottom Line: | THis bike is sturdy as sh*t. Its been to Whitetail a hardcore skiresort twice and survived intact. Although the geometry is not setup for downhill . I was going over the handle bars alot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The whole bike was pretty good for $500 CDN. It was perfect to learn the basics on but that's about it. | | Weaknesses: | I thought the cromo frame was tough, but I guess not. I only weigh 170lbs and I snapped the down tube on a simple set of stairs. | | Bottom Line: | For a new rider it's pretty good but if you plan on going down stairs or anything more find another bike. You'll be happier in the end. Now all I have to do is see if the shop will replace it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike h
a Weekend Warrior
from pa
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere there is dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | can't complain.....got the bike for $50 and the rock shox for $20.....bike holds up very well considering i'm over 200 lbs and ride it hard....can get plenty of air under it so i guess its not too heavy..... | | Weaknesses: | doesn't seem to put itself in my truck | | Bike Setup: | 96 hilltopper with rock shox quadra 5r | | Bottom Line: | i ride 50-60 miles a week.......this bike is great for me....climbs well and is reasonably liteweight considering it doesn't cost an arm and a leg...interesting note..a friend of mine has a trek....he would rather ride my hilltopper | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | *Strong frame
*Good paint job (smoked chrome) | | Weaknesses: | Components-'95 Alivio componentry, although the alivio hubs aren't bad
Rims-Araya rims have never been true | | Similar Products Used: | Barracuda A2Z | | Bike Setup: | Extensively modified '95 Hilltopper--> '98 Rock Shox JudyXC, Kore 3D lite stem, Sun Sub IV rims, LX v-brakes and hubs, Gripshift Plasma shifters, XT derailleurs, Topo-MC7 SPD pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike was my first venture into mountain biking. After 4 years of relative silence, I made the questionable decision of upgrading the frame (as opposed to buying a new bike all together). However, steel frames are getting harder to find and getting more expensive. My Hilltopper provides a much more comfortable ride, especially on thick gravel, compared to jittery, cheap feeling, aluminum frames. The frame has supported my 220 lb body well and shows no signs of weakness, even after 5 years occasional use and roughly 7 months of very hard riding. I lament that Mongoose has lost its respectable name after being sold to Brunswick, the bowling ball manufacturer, but this bike has been a tribute to the quality inspired by the company before the buyout. As for the investment to upgrade, I feel that after I drive my Hilltopper into the ground, I can take the componentry on to a new frame. This bike has certainly been a good tool to learn on and seems to be growing with me as I grow as a rider. If you can find a cheap one in good condition (esp with the tough smoked chrome finish), it might be a good fixer-upper opportunity. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Price
Components (for the money)
Shock Q21 | | Weaknesses: | Only a bike for a beginner | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar | | Bike Setup: | alivio | | Bottom Line: | Great starter bike, which is what it is designed for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris W.
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | good solid frame | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR-3000
| | Bike Setup: | upgraded pedals and that is it! | | Bottom Line: | this bike is probably the best hardtail around. i have ridden it off and on on the road and off the road and it has never let me down. I kind of wish that i had upgraded to a front shock but i decided to just buy a 99 GT XCR 3000. by the way i have mine up for sale if anybody is interested, it's a steal at $150. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark plotica
a Cross-Country Rider
from pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
local single track | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
nimble, climbs well, strong frame. | | Weaknesses: |
stock components need to be upgraded. somewhat heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized hardrock | | Bottom Line: | This is a good strong bike with great potential with some upgrades. I would recomend it to anyone execpt racers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Racer
a Racer
from A State
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
One in the mountains | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Beefy frame, looks trick, I ride it, and it tears up the trails. | | Weaknesses: |
Paint chips off after heavily pounding it in Tahoe. | | Similar Products Used: |
Too many to list without boring you. | | Bike Setup: |
Shimano XT, some LX, Rock Shox, KORE, ODI grips, everything else that is going to make me win races. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome, most beefcakish bike in my garage. And all agree with the dude a few articles below, Shimano and RS rocks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaime Tafoya
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Centennial Campus | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the beginner. It's actually quite heavy and should be modified for lighter equipment. Other than that, it is a great bike for the price. I love mine, wouldn't give it up and have never had any problems with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mooch324
a Cross-Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mr. Toads Wild Ride | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Good frame, wish it was lighter. Gives a lot of tolerance. Pretty good shocks. | | Weaknesses: |
A little on the heavy side but other than that it's a good bike. | | Similar Products Used: |
Not that it says a whole lot but i had a cheap piece of junk huffy before. but i have ridden a couple GT's. None as good as this though. | | Bike Setup: |
LX V-brakes front and rear, XT rear deralliuer, LX front deralliuer, aluminum Shimano cranks, XT rear cog, acera X hubs, Shocked Seat post, aluminum gary fischer. | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike after you beef it up a bit with Deore. if any of you guys from Shimano are reading, man, you guys are the best for components! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Racer
from Woodland, CA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | I forgot to mention that in my first reveiw that the reason my bike is light is because i have made modifications with aluminum allover it and deore xl brakes and front deralieur, as well as my stx rear deralieur. so for all you guys that think its heavy, this is the reason i am saying its not. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brandon
a Racer
from Woodland, CA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anywhere there's dirt | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The bike is very strong yet light | | Weaknesses: |
I haven't found any weakness in it yet | | Bike Setup: |
I use Rock Shox forks, as well as a shocked seat-post. | | Bottom Line: | The bottomline is this, the bike is excellent for the kind of off-road racing i do. And for being a racer a light bike is just what i need. This bike is absolutley the best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a racer
from Ocala,Florida U.S.A
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
mongoose racing medium size no chain gaurd under
$$$120 dollars very nice color green or blue trick bike crome handle bars same color hand grips no front or back brakes good for jumping ramps | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Diana Stewart
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I THINK ITS WICKED!! But i'd like more information about your freestyle
bike cause my mom will buy me one this x-mas thank u. I have a friend thaT
HAD A MONGOOSE and im green with envy because it was so cool! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Watson
a racer
from Mount Vernon , Washington
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi my name os Greg and I had a friend with a Mongoose and if it was a
normal bike it would have been thrashed . But he left outside without
a lock so it got jacked. I'm still mad at him about that . I think
his bike was cool | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a weekend warrior
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is awesome!!!!! The chrome frame makes for good support.The components havent broke down and I think it will last for at least another 3-4 years.I think it is a good value for the money. I would recomend it to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
it's freakn fantastic!
Well after saving my hard earned cash for ages i got an above average bike (i got stx-rc instead of aceraX) Any how after having this bike for just under a year and about 4000 kms of abuse or more (countless jumps over 7 metres or more mono's for about the length of a footy field bunny hops of about a foot, drop offs about 5-6 feet down hills with a change of fork heaps of XC yep this bike has done it all!!) it's still as good as the day i bought it apart from the cro-mo forks i bent them seriously after a huge jump session that's the only thing thats failed (not surprising!)all in all this bike goes hard never missed a beat not once! buy it! the quality of the frame will never let you down!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DENNIS DRUVE
a weekend warrior
from Brisbane Australia
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought the Mongoose 8.5 Pro full suspension bike. So far it has ripped through the flogging that I have given it without a problem. The only thing that would be recommended is to have the suspension set up for heavier riders as myself. But overall it is a kick arse bike for all terrain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Whaley
a
from Annapolis
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All I have to say is that I have had my bike for 3.5 years (hard riding) and It is still rolling. I could not have asked for a more reliable and more responsive introductory bike. It really is a good bike. The components are just now starting to go and I want kidding when I said that I ride this bike hard. I highly recomend this bike for any beginer. If you have ant questions gust write me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i like this bike alot the first time i tried it out was when my best friend first got his and i liked the handling the brakes the grip it gives you on all the trails. it is one of the best bikes i have ever riding so keep making all those really good bikes and all your customers will keep buying them
thanx | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TRYST
a cross-country rider
from Boston, Ma
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is a decent beginner's bike, but it has it's faults. I bought the '97 Hilltopper and have over the course of 9 months upgraded many of its parts. I've installed Manitou front suspension, XT v-brakes, XTR and XT derailers, and replaced broken cables. I've also changed to SPD pedals. Some components are still stock on my bike, but I've tried to get the most out of what I could with this frame. Overall, the frame is sturdy, and although, heavy has a feeling of nimbleness about it that is above some of the cro-mo frames I have ridden. The frame has taken a beating for the past few months as I continued to ride throughout the seasons, and it has held up well. I've had no problems with structural integrity with the Hilltopper frame. I weight about 150 lbs and ride moderately aggressive. One of important limitation that I've discovered is that the turning can be unstable and sensitive. I cannot say whether it is the fault of the short and high rising stem, of if it is the geometry of the bike. I have not tried to change the stem, but that may help make the bike less tight in it's turns. The drivetrain is a little weak for hard riding. The STX rear derailer has difficulty finding the gear on my bike under hard pedaling, such as when climbing or accelerating. Other than that, the shifting has been acceptible, but could be more crisp. I experienced this from the very beginning when I bought this bike and after tune ups.The ride of the bike through some rougher terrain isn't too bad on this bike. I've not felt overly jarred while ridding fast on rough ground. I ride a Titanium hardtail frame now, and I love it!!!Overall, the '97 Hilltopper (I believe the '98 is still the same frame) is a good beginner's bike, but for the beginner. I've experienced tight steering, which might be improved be installing a longer stem with less of a rise.I would recommend this bike to beginners. Overall, considering the price (you should be able to get one under $400. I got mine for $375 in 1997), I give it 3.5 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
miguel a. puig
a weekend warrior
from west new york, new jersy
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
it's a great bigginer bike. i've had mine for about two years
and i've beet the hell out of it. i've taken it down some wicked
down hills, throw wide streams and over logs and rocks.
it will go for about another3 to 4 years.
but i'm off ot higer and better things. i gave
that bike up for the NX 9.5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrea
a weekend warrior
from Santa Fe, NM
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
GREAT BIKE!!! *Ahem*. That is, if you think spending more than $600 on a
vehicle should land you a car. I had the 1994 edition of this bike, and it
cost me $410 back then. At the time there wasn't another bike less than $550
with componentry as good (*all* STX and RapidFire Plus), and now that amount
is about $800 (for an STX bike). The bike I paid $350 for in '96 has Alivio/
Altus components, a definite difference in performance.
Alas, my Smoky Chrome colored Hilltopper was stolen in 1996, so I now I just
ride my Giant Yukon and think happy thoughts about my Mongoose Hilltopper.
Summary: (for '94 model only) BEST bike for less than $700, period. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark S. Wickliffe
a cross-country rider
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good bike. It is a light, low maintenance bike. Chrome alloy frame allows rider to feel every bump in the road. Great for handling but can be hell on your arms and back. I suggest a good shock upgrade. Seat is hard, I recommend a seat upgrade.
The bike is not worth $600 but I purchased a 1995 model in 1997 for $350. That's not a bad deal! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a cross-country rider
from Attleboro, Mass.
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I would not recomend this bike to anyone, I liked. There are many other bikes in this price range with better components, almost everything on this bike will need to be replaced if you RIDE IT...If you are looking for a low cost mountain bike check out the new raleigh M600, XT LX components in the $600 price range, What a deal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Julian
a cross-country rider
from Hastings
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought mine in 1989 ($330) and it is still doing fine. I feel it still is the best looking bike out there. All I have had to do to it is buy new tires. It is all chrome. If I had a chance and needed another bike I would buy it again.
It is a bit heavy, but it rides nice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Harvey
a cross-country rider
from Brampton, On, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike in '94 and put it through a lot of punishment. The componenets are little weak, ALL components have been upgraded on mine except fork, frame reaer hub and cassette. 2 months ago I noticed a crack in the frame (on the top tube at the head tube) I suppose I could only expect this since it had takedn me over 1000 km easlily (thats when my computer broke!). This is a great beginers bike, but no more. I tricked my self into thinking that the frame could handle more than it sould (like racing, real hour long downhills and about 3 years of trials riding!) I it is a quality beginer bike, but I have been fighting with Mongoose for 2 months now over whether or not they will give me a new frame, or credit, or anything!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Phillips
a weekend warrior
from Normal Il.
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is rippn' I have been riding it for 2 years and I would recomend it to anyone as a exellent beginner bike woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! things that I dislike about the bike nothing its great. Things that I like about the bike everything this bike is rippin woooooooooooooooooooooooo! It gives me a major hard on everytime I get on it woooooooooooooooooooo! My friend has the same bike and we just rip it up going to class. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Yopp
a weekend warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike can definitely handle a beating. Components are below average for serious technical
riding - however with upgrades to LX (brakes/derailleurs/bottom bracket) most problems are solved.
The biggest negative for the Hilltopper SX is weight - it ain't light. I've foung it a reliable,
performer in almost all situations. A good entry level bike at a good price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Philip
a weekend warrior
from Columbia, MO
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Mongoose Hilltopper SXThis bike is a good bike. But, as all good bikes go it does have bad points. #1:The derailers are very poor and are not recommended on very technical stuff.
#2:The frame is good, but not good enough.
and
#3:It is not good enough to put alot of money into.
First, let me criticize my criticism. The frame (although not supposed to be very good)has put up to a tremendous beating by myself, and still held up fairly well. About upgrading it. The most I upgraded was to LX. Anymore money would not be worth it. Suggestion-when buying a bike, if having to choose between A: good frame but not so good componets and B: O.K. frame and good componets, choose A. You can always upgrade componets, but a frame is a whole differnt matter. In conclusion, I would recommend this bike to beginners who want a good entry-level bike for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a weekend warrior
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Hilltopper has served me well over the past few years. I put hundreds of miles on it in Sedona, AZ, and it held up well. I do suggest one uprgrade: Get some XT derailleaurs on it! The Alivio ones gave out quickly and I found myself shifting by moving the chain manually. One other gripe: The frame is not butted, and it's very heavy. I find myself reluctant to sink more money into the bike because the heart of it just isn't that good.
Overall, the Hilltopper has been a solid, moderately dependable friend that doesn't complain much when I abuse it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward Feather
a weekend warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My wife has had a Hilltopper for two years now. It is doing well. We had to replace the rear Alivio derailler with a Shimano LX derailler because it was not strong enough for serious riding. With the LX equipment everything works very well. The bike is a little heavy, but for a starter bike I think that it is perfect for the price range - especially with shocks. I recommend this bike for people who are learning to ride and plan to use it for reasonably easy to intermediate riding. Don't try anything crazy on it. If used right, I give it a five for value and rideability. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a weekend warrior
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This has been an excellent bike for my first bike. I would recommend this bike to anybody starting to ride. I have put this bike through alot and it has come out alright. Don't expect to win any races with this one, it is heavy and the components cannot handle a downhill racer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fingers lowrey
a weekend warrior
from az
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'd hafta say for the price I paid for my bike it gave an excellent ride and could really take a thrashing. The shifting wasn't as fluid as I had hoped for but a few minor up-grades and Huston we have lift-off....
From Hanna Park, in Jacksonville, Fl. to Mormon trail on South Mountain (here in Phoenix) it's been a lotta fun... Peace... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a weekend warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Rockadile SX -- Aluminum frame with great geometry for women (or
shorter guys). Components could be better Shifting is sometimes a
little rough (even with regular maintence) -- Rockshox Quad 5 has
enough travel -- although lighter riders may want more. Clipless is
the only way to go with this bike -- the traps are hard to get in
and out of.
Great frame for the price (under 750) and with small
upgrades--an awesome ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Thurston
a weekend warrior
from Grand Forks, B.C.,Canada
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I think the Hilltopper SX is a sweet bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BUZZMAN
a weekend warrior
from N.J.
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am writing my review for the MONGOOSE THRESHOLD SPORT here because I
could not start one for it. The THRESHOLD is a 98' model, and for an entry
level MT. BIKE it is excellent. The bike is solid due to its CFA CRO-MOLY
frame. The brakes are the new linear pull model and they are very responsive.
The SHIMANO (ALTUS/ACERA) gears are fine even though they are not the top
of the line, but what can you expect for a bike just under $300, they do
the job. On the road the bike handles well and feels light, off road
(not too gnarly ones) the bike handles solidly.
KUDOS to MONGOOSE on building a nice entry level MT. BIKE!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Buzzman
a weekend warrior
from N.J.
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am writing my review on the 98'MONGOOSE THRESHOLD SPORT here because there
isn't a page available for it. I purchased the THRESHOLD SPORT for just
under $300. I am a newbie to mountain biking and this bike is excellent
entry level buy. The frame is made of CFA CRO-MOLY which gives this bike a
solid feel. The brakes are the new linear pull type and are very responsive.
The components are a SHIMANO ACERA/ALTUS mix with grip-shifts and shifts
smoothly (not bad for the price). I have had this bike for a month and have
ridden it on both paved and unpaved roads(not too gnarly). The bike handles
very well in both instances. I would recommend this bike to anyone
interested in an enrty level mountain bike. KUDOS to MONGOOSE ! his type
bike. I have ri | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ceri
a weekend warrior
from Vermont, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a Sycamore SX and because there isn't a section for it I thought I would write my review here and boost the team mongoose rating a bit.
Picked up my bike for a killer deal, took it mountain biking every weekend for 8 months or so, then the thread went in my quadra 5's and for some bloody bull crap reason couldn't get them replaced under warranty. So upgraded to Rock Shox Indy XC, coverted from threaded to threadless, put on new head sets and stems (full aluminium so now my front end is heaps lighter) and $500 aussie dollars later had my bike on the road again. Currently my bike is at the bike shop as I got riser bars and grips for it and then the screw busted in my grip shift so the bitch wasn't coming off. So I bought STX RC rapid fire for it and got LX V-brakes while I was at it (once the wallets open whats the point of stoping?). Now my bike goes off- well......... it works for me anyhow. Pity I had to spend so much money afterwards on upgrades but thats the name of the game and I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't like the sport. Maybe I will go out and bend my frame on the next DH course I do but hey, MTBing rocks.
Write to me if you ride with the same attitude,
5 out of 5 to boost mongoose. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nigel Pickard
a
from Westwood, MA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
OT Serious Down Hiller/Papa Dolo Super Speed Down Hiller: well, I did post a review of my '96 Rockadile SX some time ago, but there is no category for it...... let me give you an update and some info about it.So the background; I bought my bike for $820 from my local bike store. Why? Well, I bought it on layaway -which diminished my ability to haggle over the price -because I knew that I would never be able to save up the money without some emergency/neccessity sucking the money up. In a perfect world I’d have saved the money up, waited until the end of the season until it was last years model (gasp, shock, horror!) and haggled over the price -plus I would have wrestled Gwen Stefani away from Gavin and won the lottery. I also bought it because after comparing other bikes, this bike felt more comfortable than all the rest -plus it looked good with the polished finished (we’ll get onto that later). With the added bonus of it coming from my local bike store which I like to support, I felt happy with my purchase.Now, onto the negatives...... First, why oh why did I get the polished finish? I just don’t know -I was blinded by fashion, the lure, the gleam, the... the.... the.... finish rubs to a dull metallic gray wherever anything rubs on it such as cables, shoes on the chain stay or anything else that comes into contact. This means that in a not too long period of time it will slowly turn from a brilliant bright gleaming hunk of bike to a dulled ugly burred finish -much like a cheap kitchen saucepan. Stick with good old paint. Secondly, I‘ve spent far too much upgrading the bike to my specs: saddle ($60), stem($20), brakes($65), bassworm($10) and Rollamajig ($20). The original components on my bike were only STX/Alivio, though the brakes are worthy of being mentioned, if only for the benefit of suicidal people and the fact they were a level below Alivio (yep). I junked those on about the first day. Really, the componentry is not great, and there are better deals on other bikes around. Thirdly, the bike came with Manitou 5 Comp XC forks (OEM for many models that year). The travel and feel of these forks was...well... horrible. The only give and travel seemed to occur when I heated up the elastomers at 450’F in the kitchen oven and slung a couple of 100lb bags of potatoes over my neck while I leaned precariously over the forks grinning and marvelling at their now full one inch of travel as I pushed down as hard as I could (and by heck, I was proud to get that travel too). A visit to the local bike store cured that by promptly purchasing a replacement elastomer kit with softer elastomers -but it was another $20.Positives: Well, you can’t ask for much more when you can say you love your bike. Secondly, I do believe the frame makes up for the lacking componentry because it does appear to be better made and of a higher quality than the other bikes I’ve tried in the same price range. It truly is beautiful to behold -especially with that nice polished finish -did I mention that? Thirdly, the bike feels light and agile -more so than the other bikes I tried. Fourthly, the setup is now really good for me -the fork is great, and the gear changes are crisp and precise. Also, to be fair, I do believe that no matter what bike I would have bought, I probably would have ended up putting my own saddle, bassworm and Rollamajig on it. At this point it is worth noting that I do believe that my bike changes gears better with the bassworm/Rollamajig combo, but I really don’t know if this is true, as it could have been that the gear changing was slightly off when I first got the bike and is now properly adjusted. I’m reserving my opinion on these two dubious pieces of equipment for now.To summarize: not the best deal at the price I bought it, but definitely worth a look at for the price you mentioned (assuming that is the SX model with fork). I do think that you’re getting more of a bike frame than a bike, but I can say I love mine. But as with other bikes, if you ride it in comparison to other similarly priced bikes and you really like it, I’d say go for it, but keep an eye out for the possible cost of upgrading if the components are not up to snuff. I give the bike four chilli peppers -I just can’t justify five because of the component level and price, but I can justify four because I just love the way it rides now and it is a beautiful frame.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a weekend warrior
from WV
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
A pretty nice bike for the price. I have had it for over a year and it
probably has 700 miles or so on it. The brakes are a little weak, but
that is a pretty easy upgrade. The only things that I have trashed
were the Mongoose handlebar, the front derailler needs replaced, and the
tires. I put a riser bar on it and Kevlar Panaracers. Not a bad deal
that I got for $330, even without suspension. It would have gotten 5 peppers
except for the handlebar and its a little heavy. It has been a good dependable
bike that has been rode hard. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Coleman
a weekend warrior
from Vandling, Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 93 or 94 Hilltopper, and it was great whenever it was working. It was constantly needing repairs. Just about every imaginable part on it broke at one point or another. I'm getting a Sycamore SX soon, I can only hope that it's better than my old Hilltopper. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark D
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike and it was all right. I put judy XC, XT v-brakes, xt front and rear derailers and shifters, mavic 217 rims, Controll headset, aheadset, a new seat, and clipless peddles and I now love this bike. i am going to get a new crankset and then i will have upgraded everthing on my bike. Then I will get A better Mongoose frame. I have gotten hit by a car and gotten in about 3 really hard accidents on the trail and this frame still is in great condition. This is my first real bike and would say to anyone starting out that this is a good bike. Just change the shifting on it. that is what sucked the most. It is also not that heavy. my friend have a really expensive klein and mine weights as much as his. I would say that this is a great Co-Mo frame. One last thing. Mine is a mongoose Hilltopper SX and a q'96. Not a mongoose hilltopper. Dont know what the difference is or if there is any difference is but just wanted to let you know that. Thanks foer reading this note. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
[KD]Kronos
a weekend warrior
from edmonton,alberta,canada
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an all right bike if your a little kid and I am 15 I want a new and bigger bike screw the mongoose go for the new full suspention for 14560 or something not this bike don't waist your money. Ohhh yah grip shift sucks the big one | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a downhiller
from AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Shit snapped frame within one week of decent riding, recommend to soft riders with no idea! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Etienne Marcoux
a weekend warrior
from Sherbrooke, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Mongoose Hill Topper on Full STX component with an RST-400 Fork.
I have also changed the brake pads with Ritchey Logic pads they brake faster and quicker. At all the bike weight 25.3lbs, that is not so bad for a cr-mo bike.
I recommend this bike to everybody.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a weekend warrior
from Calistoga, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
We use Mongoose Hilltoppers for our Police Department bike detail. They don't get much off road work but hold up very well in the city. Get a lot of use and abuse. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Philip
a cross-country rider
from MO
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just purcheshed this bike about 4 mounths ago. I have been real impressed with most of the equiptment accept for the sluggish Alivio derailers. The Quadra 21Rs work great. To bad they don't makes those shocks this year. Overall I would reccommend this bike to most people.Great Bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eliot Kim
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 96 Hilltopper and I really love this bike. It has taken such a beating for me. I put on a red front tire and a real nice red stem (Dimension) to go along with my 97 Judy XC. I get lots of looks, especially from this girl named Mary (which is my intention), but I think it's because I take off my shirt whenever she comes by. Anyways, I really like this bike and this bike is going to make me the next Shaun Palmer, I already got one tattoo just to be like him. So if you want to be like me and Shaun, go out and buy this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fred
a weekend warrior
from SA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
the bike is very heavy and is hard to get off the ground. the quadra fork works well but the components arnt that good. keep your money and save up for a better bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tawon Sae-Tang
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got this bike for free from my dad's friend and boy, is it the best bike I ever rode. Although it was all beat up, I fixed it all up and put on some new wheels and now it's as good as new. I put full LX components and the frame is a bit on the heavy side but it rides well. I'd give it a five, but there are a few major flaws with it like the weight (it weighs a ton) and it's kinda big for me so if I fall I'm pretty much dead because I have no crotch clearance. But I still love it. My friend has a newer model of this hilltopper but mine still kicks ass. Mine has rapidfire which is much better than what my friend has (gripshift). And I put in a really cool suspended seat. All in all, it's a kick ass bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricky Dorgan
a weekend warrior
from south salem N.Y U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am extremelly happy with this product. It rides really well, and I am very happy with it. I just would like to say I am happy with it. It makes me happy. I am a happy freak!!! I bought a Manitou pro c for it and makes it even better. The weinmann 4019 rims are crappy, but I have replaced them with Fear rims, with deore lx hubs. very good! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a racer
from NC
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
For an entry level bike you cannot ask for a better bike. I have put this bike to the test, and it always pulls through. Not good for racing, but excellent for learning to race! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gustav
a cross-country rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Mongoose IBOC series sport, and I love it. Of course I had to make some
changing of the tierers and the gears, but the rest was and is great.
From the beginning there was Exage 300LX, but now is it Altus A 10. The tieres
was from the beginning Ching Cheng Tier but now I have bought some great
Z-MAX tiers which is great. And last but very important, -the look-, she´s beautiful! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kane
a weekend warrior
from adelaide
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
hilltopper SX , KICKS HARD ASS! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Doherty
a downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't own a hilltopper sx but I do own a Sycamore SX.
The bike is great it has rockshox on it and a echowell
12 function computer | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN OWENS
a weekend warrior
from bridgeport,wv US
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
mongoose hilltopper sx and amplifier 2
both ar e great bikes but the hilltopper doesn't handle well
under cold cond. for example the shocks.
also there have been some paint problems with mine
the amp. on the other hand is a great bike and is worth the
money i payed for it.
JOHN OWENSthe | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Micah Roby
a downhiller
from Nappoleonville , LA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
A very good beginners bike as well as for the more skilled rider with a set back of low budget. I would suggest getting the model with the suspension system to save you a little hurt, it's verry mutch worth the extra money.My bike is a 1995 18.5 frame with a smoked chrome finish and a few after market products such as water bottle rack . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from Gallup, NM
Date Reviewed: December 25, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This was my first mountain bike, mine is a '92, II rode it for a year before
getting a carbonfiber giant. It is a good entrylevel bike I'm sure they've
improved it greatly in the last 4 years. It was pretty reliable, but I rode it
too hard and when I gave it to my mom she took it into the LBS ant they said
that I had bent the fork and rear triangle from riding it too hard. Good bike
though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clifton Sisk
a cross-country rider
from Oklahoma City, OK
Date Reviewed: December 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding and racing a Hilltopper very hard for approx. 4 years and have had no complaints whatsoever. I did not have a suspension fork until very recently and this greatly improved an already great ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie Wood
a downhiller
from Queensland
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Hilltopper is an exceptionally good bike! I have won many state finals in cross country and downhill on this rig. I have my 'Goose set up with RST 461's wich work well in conjunction with an Azonic downhill bar. I rip my local trails
every day on my Hilltopper. It is a great machine and I recommend it to anybody who has a need for speed!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James L
a weekend warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I really like this bike. It makes as a good mountain bike. Even without shocks it rides very well. The only problem was I found I had to replace the seat for a better fit. I got mine for about $400! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron McKenzie
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike to get into racing.
Heres my advice to anyone doing the same:
Don't worry 'bout suspension, go for a lighter bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Kerzel
a downhiller
from Pompano Beach, FL
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my Hilltopper about 6 or 7 years ago. I rode it all of the time up and down and on the beaches of my home.
Over the time that I had it, the only thing I ever had to do to it was to replace punctured inner tubes and occasionally adjust the brakes. I never had to service the derailuers.
It was the best bike I ever owned. Unfortunately, when I brought it to college with me it got stolen. I am currently looking to replace it. I was rather shocked to see the $600 pice tag since my original one was about $300 but, it IS worth the money for such a well-built, durable bike. Now I just need to save the money to buy another. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Cutinelli
a weekend warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Good bike for the price.
I like the frame, not to heavy not to light.
The seat is hard and could be softer.
Has good brakes.
Gears are not to smooth and could be smoother.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Smith
a weekend warrior
from New Orleans
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
When I first acquirred my 'Goose, I took it for a trip down to the shops.
You see the problem was I was out of Onions, brown ones. That is the
style where I live. I also find that munching on a half cooked mouldy onion
before a ride to your corner store gives you a great energy boost. The only
thing that needed to be changed on my 'Goose was a short high rise stem. I need
this because I have chronic back problems, therefore also requiring a very low
seat, I find it gives the bike a much more professional look. The Q21R managed
to smooth out any incongruities on the footpath in my local area. The gears were
ample to my needs, but I still need to walk it up some of those steep hills
around my area. I suggest getting your dealer to attach a bell and a stand to
this one plush steed. Five stars!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a downhiller
from Carthage, MO
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I really like my Mongoose Hilltopper! I got it about a year ago for
around $340. I had to work for my parents the whole summer to pay it off, but
it was worth it. I don't have shocks but I'm not rich either. (wish I was)
It's lightweight and it handles good no matter what kind of rider you are. I've
loaded it up with almost every accessory accept shocks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andreas
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
When I rode a friend's Hilltopper, the only thing that impressed me was how
heavy and sluggish it was. Steering geometry is squishy and the brakes are
too weak to bring me to a complete stop on extremely steep trails (30%+).
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Westerfield
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought my bike three weeks ago, and took it out in Virginia at Elizabeth's Furnace.
I really like it, beat it up real good, and it never groaned.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Pollacco
a weekend warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Hilltopper SX
This bike is really cool. It's so smooth partially because it's new but it has Quad 21R's are great. I own a ridged frame Gary Fisher, and the shocks helped more than I initially thought. There are a few downsides though. It's sloppy around tight turns and it's handle bars are too long. Also the seat is too sticky and large
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Kondo
a weekend warrior
from Oakville Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Hilltopper SX
I found this bike to be absolutly worth the $769 my dad spent on it.
The ROCK SHOX Q21R are great and they come assembled so I did'nt have to do anything.
The first day I rode it I found it to be easy to control and it was very nimble at high speeds
My friend has a Gary Fisher Tassajara and I found it to be the same weight as his.
I would recomend this bike to anyone who has the cash to dish out and don't bother getting
the regular Hilltopper because it doe'nt have the Shocks.
I did, though, find that the seat on the mongoose was too big for me and I found it difficult to
to lean back while going downhill. But in general I found this bike to be amazing and
it is fun to ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John D.
a weekend warrior
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a good bike for a good price. I bought mine on sale for $300 dollars. With Alevio components and gripshift it's a great entry level bike that can easily be upgraded. My only regret is that I didn't spend more to get a bike with front suspension. It is also a very low maintainence bike. I would reccomend this bike to anyone who wants a good entry-level bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
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