Submitted by
salparadise
a Weekend Warrior
from New Britain
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2010
Bottom Line:
This was the first bike I bought, a 16.5" Mongoose Hilltopper SX in probably 1995/6. I've done some home maintenance, had it tuned up a few times, and replaced the brakes. Other than that, it still works great (albeit a bit small). A great frame, good quality parts, no complaints.
I used it heavily for a few years for mountain biking. It had about 10 years off, and now its a commute bike, no problems.
Submitted by
CT-CT-CT
a Weekend Warrior
from Stratford, CT
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009
Strengths: Bombproof steel frame
Weaknesses: saddle uncomfortable on long rides, cheap pedals. Stock grips uncomfortable.
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!
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).
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Submitted by
ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Lansing MI
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2007
Strengths: solid, versatile, economical
Weaknesses: can be jarring over bumps and potholes, uncomfortable handlebar angle
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.
Bike Setup: rigged for commuting: fenders, rack, panniers, Continental 26x1.5 road tires. everything else is stock except for the recalled Shimano cranks.
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Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006
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.
Bottom Line:
With over 1500 miles and 10 years of use this bike has been a great buy
Bike Setup: RST 381L shock, Panracer smoke and dart tires, UNO seat post shock, Bullet Bros chain tension and a few different seats
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Submitted by
Gary Gnu
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006
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
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;)
Bike Setup: Stx-rc groupset,jett xc forks, azonic bars and stem, magura hydros
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from St. John's Newfoundland
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006
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.
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.
Submitted by
Dennis Kelly
a Weekend Warrior
from Haslett, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2006
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.
Submitted by
tomas campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from columbus,ohio,usa
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2006
Strengths: light, hard, fast
Weaknesses: original brakes, gears
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....
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Edison, NJ
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
ernie
a Weekend Warrior
from los angeles
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002
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
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Tyler Durden
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001
Strengths: Cheap, durable, green.
Weaknesses: Heavy, cheap, green
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.
Strengths: Chromo Frame - Strong like a biznatch Drive Train Setup
Weaknesses: BRAKES (what brakes?)
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.
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
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Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000
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.
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
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
my mongoose hilltopper mountain bike
its got rust on frame as previous owner left it in rain.I had to get new bike chain.The brakes were originally cantilever and i had them conv Read More »
