Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2004
Strengths: The frame is strong and light, the wheels are fairly strong, the components (Acera) suffice for basic trail riding along with commuting. It has the old style cantilever breaks which are much better than the newer style of v-brakes. I've had it for almost 7 years, and aside from routine maintenance, I've never had a major problem other than some grit in the bottom bracket that just didn't want to go away.
Weaknesses: The front derailer has never been quite adjusted right. It'll shift into all gears, but sometimes it needs a bit of teasing. It's a minor annoyance, but sometimes it decide to be mean. The wheels are single-walled and generally need truing after a few 2 or 3 foot drops (especially if you don't hit them straight). The components are susceptible to getting mud in them, which can be annoying if you live someplace muddy (like the NW). It's certainly no racing bike, and I'd be wary of abusing it.
Bottom Line:
It's a good beginning trail bike. I've taken it all over the Oregonian Cascades, and though it usually required some maintenance after trail riding, it was nothing major. It's also served well as a commuting bike for me. I imagine it'd be nicer for that purpose if I threw some slicks on it. If you're looking for for a good commuting bike that you can take on trails, it's a good buy, especially if you pick up an older model used. It's certainly no racing bike, but it doesn't claim to be anything close.
Similar Products Used: Old Mongoose BMX, really old CyclePro BMX, Mongoose Sycamore (my primary bike at the moment), Specialised Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: I've kept it pretty close to stock all these years. Acera derailers (with gripshifts), Altus crankset, Shimano rims, Mongoose Off-Road (2") tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
GRL
a Cross Country Rider
from Midland
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2004
Strengths: Very good price, aluminum frame, chrome-moly fork, adequate components, very durable, gorgeous paint job that lasts, does not need a lot of maintenance, very adjustable handle-bars
Weaknesses: Not crazy about the ProMax components. They work, but the J-tube on the brake lines is rusting as the chrome-plating weathered through
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Switchback Cx model. It has a strong aluminum frame and chrome-moly forks. A sensible arragement for street use. I have about 10,000 miles on this bike over three years of ownership. The first two years I even rode it about 10 miles a day through mid-west winters (snow, ice, salt) and would frequently come in from my ride with my mustache frozen solid. Now (it's spring) I ride it amout 17 miles a day pretty much every day it doesn't rain, on our wonderful rail trail. I have gone through a few inner tubes, some broken spokes, a set of tires (converted to excellent Ritchey Speed Racer 1.4" street tires), a bottom bracket ($35 to replace), bought a Specialized Milano leather saddle this year (as a treat for my hiney) and that's about it. I can get it up to 21 mph in still air and average about 15 mph under all conditions (have a nice Planet Bike speedometer). It has been an excellent bike...and I bought it in a department store (Dick's). Point of that is that this stuff about only buying from a bike shop is a bunch of BS. You can get a great bike at a department store and pay less than you would in a bike shop - you just need to know what you are doing.
Went to two bike shops with a friend yesterday. He was shopping for a comfort or hybrid bike. Looked at Trek and Specialized models costing from $330 to $400. I tried them, too, and liked them less than my Mongoose. Did not see any reason for 50% to almost 100% higher cost.
Similar Products Used: Motobecane and Raleigh LONG ago when they were still French and British made.
Bike Setup: Narrower Ritchey road tires substituted for original on/off-road Kendas.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004
Strengths: versatility, easy to use, good beginner bike
Weaknesses: No suspension, rather heavy
Bottom Line:
This bike was great as my first mountain bike. I bought it in 1996 and still have it, ride it, and love it. I've ridden on soft rail trails, roads, and commuted 5 miles a day, 3 seasons a year, it's never let me down. The derailleuer is not great, though. Never was spot on. Never lets the chain off but isn't precise. And it's getting a bit heavy by current standards. Overall it's been a great commuter bike. It would not be good for someone who's serious about trail riding or hard core abusing a bike.
This is value priced bike for the urban rider, not for serious trail riders. It's been a great bike for me, and I've abused it. Chain jumps occasionally when I jump curbs, but the rims have held up well. I'm no expert, but for the price, I think it's worth it.
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Toledo, OH
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003
Strengths: Nice frame, a little heavy but it's stayed strong off of 3-5 foot drops! Haven't found anything big enough to hurt this frame yet.
Weaknesses: The derailluers are crap, sticks a lot, and chain wants to pop off, grip shifters are OK for road riding, but suck for singletrack.
Bottom Line:
Good bike for trail riding, components could be better, but if you want to upgrade the bike it'd probably be beter just to buy a new one. I'm happy with this bike since I got it for $40, but I bought a 02' Kona Caldera, and this bike doesn't compare. WOW!
Bike Setup: Stock except Rock Shox Judy forks, and toe clips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Blacksburg, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
Strengths: solid, solid, solid, simple
Weaknesses: low-tech, out-dated, heavy
Bottom Line:
Oh, this bike is old old old, but it has never mistreated me. It's starting to get some rust, and it's not a bike I'd take out and race, but for riding cow paths, easy trails, and around town, it's a great bike. I'll keep 'er alive as long as I can.
I don't know if we are talking about the same bike. Mine has the letters Mongoose Pro Switchback a2 on the frame, it has a front-wheel telescope and one under the saddle.
I bought it in a fit today, as my old bike's C90 shift went out of order and they told me in the shop it would take a week or so to get it repaired. So on the location I decided to buy another bike, something lighter than the old one. This was the one which I liked the best as I use the bike mainly in town, but also go to light forest terrain once every year :-)
My first impressions are very good. In the city I can easily go up and down the pavement (sidewalk) and the telescopes take the horrible Hungarian road conditions very well.
I however have problems with the shift, it gives a rattling sound in most positions (C201) and the rear brae (Radius) which seems not to be efficient enough. But perhaps it is just a matter of proper adjustment...(?)
Strengths: Frame lasts. The rims held out for a long time till it met a curb. Easy to clean, easy maintain, great for those weekend warriors,
Weaknesses: Star nut sripped, craked the front fork, sripped the crank, shattered the pedal, bent both rims, cipps every where, snapped the brake cable, and the grips are crap. This all happed after a 2 1/2 years. Befor that, there was no problem what so ever. NOTHING!!
Bottom Line:
GREAT BIKE. Loved it for years. As I sarted to get more into off roading i started breaking stuff. If there was an higher grade switchback, I would buy it in an second. Wish everyone could experence it. Great kid bike. I'm 15 now and I bought it the first year it came out. Recamed it anyone at anyage that just wants to ride around. Price it a little steep but a LOT better than the k-mart brand $100 bikes. GO OUT AND BUY THIS BIKE, YOU WON'T REGREAT IT!!!!!!!
If you are a dad just riding around with your son, this is a great bike. My dad enjoyed it more than it did. I had to take it away from him.
Submitted by
Chris Campbell
a weekend warrior
from Richmond
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought this '98 Switchback DX 3.5 after having my 6 year old Giant Inova stolen. The jury's still out, but so far I'm impressed. This was the only 300$ bike with rapid fire shifters and V breaks. I'm not much of an off-roader, but I needed something that can jump curbs and can handle the occasional dirt trail. I rode about 10 different bikes and the only one that came close was a '97 Gary Fisher Marlin that was marked down to $299 (from $399). Yeah, it had a cool frame but I liked the Switchback's components. What does everyone else think of this bike?
