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Submitted by
rider4jesus
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville N.C.
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Clawhammer/Blk Mnt | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Pedals Great, Desends awsome, Strong frame, Great brakes, The price! | | Weaknesses: | Upper pivot bolts, lower connecting link bearings. | | Similar Products Used: | 04 Hollowpoint team, Harvey Pilot Rock. | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Teocali Comp- External BB LX cranks,Mavic 519 Xt Hubs, Fox Float r shock, Tektro Auriga brakes, Suntour Epicon fork, | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because Performance had a killer deal on it. I figured I would buy it, gut it out build it back up with my build kit off my old bike. But than I rode it it was sweet like it was. I've had more expensive bikes, I've own better looking bikes (thats for sure... this thing aint pretty!) But I haven't owned a better riding bike. That being said the upper pivot hardware is crap. I bent it in a week when I called performance to get replacements they assured me that Eric Carter does 10' drops all the time and has never bent the hardware. I assured them that Eric carter doesn't weigh 220lbs. I never did receive the replacement hardware. I instead went to Fastenal and bought the right size bolts. Alot heavier but I haven't bent them again. The lower connecting link has needle bearings in a area that is constantly in mud and water. These lasted about 6 months. I pushed these out and replaced them with nylon bushings. They lasted about a year but cost $2 and take 10min to replace. I know everyone is thinking why keep the Suntour Fork. Truth is I had a Marz All mnt on it And a Manitou Minute. And I liked the Suntour better.... I know its crazy this fork by all rights should be crap, but the thing feels really good on this bike and even at 220lbs I haven't blown it up in 2yrs of hard riding! When I bought the bike I told everyone that if they wanted a good bike dirt cheap they better buy them now. I saw that Mongoose was trying to regain a following by offer a great bike at an unbelievable price but as soon as they got that following the prices would go up! well thats whats happening. This Bikes MSRP was $1100 in 07 its now $1500 for the 2010 if you want one you better get one now cause their not done going up I'm afraid!
God Speed, Mark
http://bombashevillenc.synthasite.com/ | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
the chiliman
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Wood Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Strong frame takes a beating. Shocks seem good so far but I'm only 160 pounds. Handles well downhill. Kendal Nevegal tires grip excellent around corners. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy for climbing but once you work out the X.5 shifters timing you can keep up with lighter bikes. Bars are a little wide for single track. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the value especially at this price for a full XC MTB. Having fun on it so far. I will change the bars and wheels eventually to lighten it up a bit but it's doing it's job right now and giving me a great workout. Excellent bike for a aggressive beginner will handle what you can throw at it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DucDucGoose
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay Area, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Don't have one yet | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Review is for an '06 model
Frame.
Components for the price
Price
Climbs well, descends great | | Weaknesses: | None really but if I had to pick one, it would be the Fork.(Manitou Splice 130)
Blew it out pretty badly. They have taken quite a beating though I suppose. Descending very steep, rocky (volcanic)trails and bouncing off of every rock there multiple times. | | Similar Products Used: | None...First MTB | | Bike Setup: | Stock mostly..I wanted a bit more bite on the brakes so I Slapped a 7" rotor up front with some better pads(might have contributed to the fork demise due to added flex during braking)
Rock Shox Tora 318 U-turn.(to replace the blown Manitou)
It has made a great bike even better. | | Bottom Line: |
I ride anywhere from 40-60mi. a week and this bike makes it enjoyable(obviously)
The only problem has been the fork and I can't really complain about it. They did take quite a beating before dying.
I am sold on the Mongoose Teocali so much so that I just ordered a '09 Super to replace this one. Due to the fact that I (In my "noob-ness") purchased the current one a size too small.
The Comp is still a keeper though and worth throwing upgrades on...I will be giving this one to my wife.
Would highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a beginner MTB. Especially the AM or Trail kind.
For the price paid for this Bike, It can't be beat. I looked.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crawford mclaren
a Downhiller
from crieff, perthshire, scotland
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Downhill/freeride | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | richards cycles | | Strengths: | can do anything you through at it, even a bit of light DH,
i have the 08 modle and it was the best buy i ever made, the shock is amazing and the gripse are as well even though they are mongoose, the gears setup is good and the way the bike pivites makes anything seem like nothing | | Weaknesses: | the hanger is not the strongest, i had to replace it twice | | Similar Products Used: | the elite vertion, giant riegn, SX trail II 08 | | Bike Setup: | standard 08 modle | | Bottom Line: | amazing, light, easy to cycle up hill, beast at XC, single track, freeride and light DH, good price, now you can get one for £600, that is an amazing price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Scarborough
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Bull Wales | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Bike Setup: | Stock - replaced rear mech for 0.9 sram due to breaking the original | | Bottom Line: | All the reviews are very harsh above and it sounds like alot paid for an INTRODUCTION FULL SUSER and expected top of the line.
This bike is and does exactly what it says on the tin. Cheap go any where all mountain bike ideal for your first Full Suser.
yes this bike is a little heavy
yes this bike has some cheap parts.
BUT it was £800 new if you where lucky you got it for closer to £600
4 years after i bought this bike all i have done is maintain the bike replace brake pads and had to replace a rear mech cause a brach bent it into the wheel. and that is all i have done it is still a stock bike the shocks are fine the bearings are fine and i have not replaced a single thing. i am alot more than a weekend warrior but dont claim to be any more. i took this bike to morzine in france and did the french national downhill and the swiss national downhill courses with it, i have been to wales and takled ever track they have i live in scarborough so dalby forest is its home where it goes alot.
My mates took along there 3-£6000 bikes and they where for ever needed to adjust bits replace bits and they did no better than me....
Excelletn bike wouldnt have anything else in that price range. if your a big time rider spend more simple really.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mxer3
a Weekend Warrior
from portland, OR
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | meadows | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | perfomance bike | | Strengths: | everything its just perfect | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | it can handle anything it rocks and you can costimize every thin to you liking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joshwalee
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Value for money, climbing abiltiy, incredible descents. | | Weaknesses: | None found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-drive, 4 bar links. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with exception of raceface evolve dh cranks (24/36/bash). | | Bottom Line: | I bought an '08 Teocali Comp on sale for only $750.00! I ride a K2 lithium for pretty heavy xc. The Teocali picks right up where the K2 leaves off. The components are fair, but perform as well as their higher priced counterparts. With nearly 6" of travel this bike takes on everything I throw at it while laughing and begging for more. My friends stare in disbelief as I take this am bike and make it climb like a hardtail in the steepest, rockiest areas arizona has to offer. I've ditched my third chainring in leu of a bash guard because I love to beat this thing up on every downhill section I can find. The auriga comp brakes do their job well, thanks to the 180 rotor up front. The sram drivetrain is not the quickest of units, but it does provide crisp clean shifts. Amazingly, SR Suntour has done very well with their plush Epicon series, which soaks up everything with ease. I can ride this machine sun-up to sun-down while keeping a smile on my face the whole time!!
Basically... I dare anyone to find an AM bike for $750 that can out perform what the Teocali Freedrive system has to offer. I just don't think it can be done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justalittlecrazynz
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zeland
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Port Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | NZ | | Strengths: | Brilliant Ride good for almost everything. | | Weaknesses: | Strength - its weak
The comp's Components are cheap and nasty | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | Replaced components as they broke, which is now everything except cranks, handle bars & shifters.(I'm not kidding).
Now has Fox Vanilla forks, Fox DHX5.0 Air, Hayes 9's brakes,
RaceFace Diabolus Seatpost, XT front derailer, X9 rear,SRAM PG990 Cassete, Keywin Pedels | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been a Love - hate relationship.
Don't get me wrong this bike is a great ride but...
Started out with a 2005 model first thing to go was the brakes, they where rubbish. The the seatpost broke. Then the front forks broke. Next was the frame, cracked at two of the welds. Mongoose replaced the frame under warrantee took 8 weeks to get replaced. The new frame 2007 model was lighter but no more reliable. Broke a chainring & front derailer when the bike bottomed out because the new frame was not compatible with the old shock, Shock was replaced but took another 6 weeks, it was crap so bought a Fox shock. Now after less than 20 rides the bottom pivot has broke due to a design flaw. The pin holding the bottom pivot bearing only has a 1mm wall thickness and shears off.
All these problems made worse with Mongoose Australia's poor customer service skills. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
deakmaster
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | dominion | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Awesome frame with a really low center of gravity, light, strong, good looking. rides well, fits well. absorbs chatter excellently, but doesnt feel like youre riding on a waterbed. Pedals superbly and with no bob at all. dont use with an air rear shock, as using one will take out the small bump absorbency. | | Weaknesses: | pretty much all the stock components. The rear shock is a little stiff, but that could be because of the 550 lb spring and my 140lb weight. | | Bike Setup: | 2005 teocali frame: marzocchi all mountain 1 07 fork, red michelin 2.1's, e13 bashguard 2 ring setup, hayes 9 brakes, x-fusion shock, sun rims, hussefelt bar and stem, shimano dx platform pedals, THE lockon grips, | | Bottom Line: | a great ride if you can take the time to change the cheap stuff they put on it stock. totally worth it if you can buy the frame really cheap and build up the bike to your own specifications. I ride this bike as a slopestyle/everything but DH and heavy FR, and it handles it all very well. use it for everything but that, because the geometry and travel simply cant handle techy, fast DH trails. otherwise, this bike is awesome and can be used for anything. ride on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
derSpeed
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairlawn, Ohio, USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many. Also waiting to try Ray's Indoor, Cleveland. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Relatively light, pretty nimble and very tossable. It's not afraid of anything. The SR fork is puzzling. It's cheap, but really good. Do those two traits go together? | | Weaknesses: | Shifting, but I have had worse. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Goose, Balance | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I am more of a frequent all mountain type than just a weekend warrior, but the other choices were too exclusive. I bought a 2007 Teocali in August of 2008 for $750! I could not pass it up. I tested eveything and nothing was as tossable as this bike. It acts like a hardtail. Even after I swap everything to Shimano SLX and replace the fork and shock (as of now they work surprisingly well), I will have a bike that still comes in at about $1,500.00 with the same componets as bikes that cost twice that. This thing performs well. I thrash the he77 out it and it keeps coming back for more. The Sram X5 setup shifts a little slow, but it won't leave you hangin'. The fork and shock are bit slow and not as smooth as more expensive units, but they are pretty plush and seem indestructable. I really like this bike. The frame design makes more sense than the 2008 and 2009 versions. I hear the 2007 version had problems. If you want a great bike and intend to upgrade the components as they fail, get one! IF YOU CAN FIND ONE, GET IT! The 2009 Teocali Comp is $1500.00. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jack
a Downhiller
from Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | santa cruz | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | strong frame and good geometry for jumping, the ground clearance is alright. | | Weaknesses: | the rims were bent on the second ride, fork needs to be replaced, and shorter stem for jumping is better | | Bike Setup: | now is teocali frame with deemax 66 rc3 codes dhx 5.0 | | Bottom Line: | good bike for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Newyork
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Price, Frame, Brakes (considering the price), Pedals (best flats iv ever had) | | Weaknesses: | Suspension components allthough once there fine tuned for weight and style there ok,ish, Wheels are really really bad. Gear shifters are badly designed, to much distance between up and down triggers means your never happy with the positioning. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized XC FSR, GT I-Drive, Giant Reign 2. | | Bike Setup: | Standard for now, Fork upgrade and telescopic seat post next (or i might just cut it, though i use most of it for flat or climbs). then wheels a few months later unless something breaks in the meantime | | Bottom Line: | Not much out there that can match it's bang for buck. Make sure you tune the suspension to your weight and style. Invest in a shock pump and you should be good to go. Great first or second bike for weekend warrior types though keep a bit of cash aside for inevitable forced upgrades due to budget components | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ken wells
a Weekend Warrior
from ashford middlesex
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | dalby forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike store | | Strengths: | handles well pedals better than any gt or kona and package is better overall for the price latest 2008 model pivots are stronger than older models | | Weaknesses: | suntour forks not up to scratch and brakes not up with the best but still work well when under pressure | | Similar Products Used: | gt i drive | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | strong performance confidence inspiring frame is good as used through out the range goes up and downhill easy best bike for upgrading brakes and shocks are the weak points but small price to pay for a great frame and handling .buy if you like upgrading as you go | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
weekend warrior
a Weekend Warrior
from north of england
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | coed y brenin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | almost everything. "budget" tetro hydraulic brakes. looks great and climbs well for a "heavyish" mid travel bike too. | | Weaknesses: | over complex design, bearings, weak bolts. suntour forks | | Similar Products Used: | heckler, orange 5, spesh enduro sl | | Bike Setup: | rockshox revelation forks. sdg bel air saddle | | Bottom Line: | fantastic intro for me to "proper" full sus mountain bikes. kept it for 12 months and first thing to swap out was the suntour fork which is rubbish (stanchions anodised after two rides!). felt as solid as a rock for six months but then bearings needed replacing after probably only 20 rides. then a pivot bolt snapped and i sort of lost confidence in it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
r
a Weekend Warrior
from bristol
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | fun bike, confidence inspiring, smooth suspension, good pedaling traction, reasonable rear shock for price. | | Weaknesses: | falls apart, hayes sole brakes are shiiiiiite | | Similar Products Used: | gt i-drive, saracen ikon, cove g-spot(briefly)
muddy fox | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi all mountain 1, quad qhd-3 brakes, dh saddle and wheels, every thing else is stock | | Bottom Line: | it was a really fun bike while it was useable and improved my skills a lot, especially on descents but over the year ive had it every part virtually has failed, including wheels, fork and seat (bit of a crash to be fair), then rear cassette, just broke, then a while later chain and rear mech, until finally the frame cracked, this was not from doing a massive drop or anything, its just metal fatigue. hayes sole are useless. it might seem as though im coming down hard but this is because it was a great bike to ride and having spent so much on upgrades (fork in particular) its a nightmare to have the frame crack in what is blatantly a design flaw. the 2007 model was changed at the point of the crack so would prob be better. avoid unless you get the 2007 model. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | any blue mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Life cycles | | Strengths: | Virtally the whole bike | | Weaknesses: | front fork (06 model) | | Similar Products Used: | Mongooe tyax super. | | Bike Setup: | Stock aprt from Rock shox Recon 351 130 mm fork, Manitou radium RL shock, SRAM X7 rear mech, IRC Mythos II 2.1 tyres, Avid Juicy 5 brakes, Easton stems and bar. | | Bottom Line: | Top sure footed bike. I swapped the stock items for the above and it transformed the bike. Bike was too heavy with stock components, Manitou fork too lite and flimsy, Nevegals are top tyres for downhill or freeride, however too heavy for XC that I ride. I can now lock out both front and rear sus, makes a huge differance over stock bike.
With the mods this bike is tops and will handle any situation that you encounter, and can be ridden all day.
Very comfy bike and I have had no probs with any of the linkages with the free drive.
Top fun bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
drew
a Racer
from colorado
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Strengths: | Excellent grip on turns because of its frame geometry. Frame weight is good light, durable... thats what mongoose teocali is. Better than elsworth & KHS. nice price. can keep up with other high end bikes. this mongoose can impress high end bike riders. again, cheap frames doesnt mean it cant keep up with high end brands. | | Weaknesses: | componentry | | Similar Products Used: | KHS, Elseworth | | Bike Setup: | All FSA componentry, avid bb7 break set | | Bottom Line: | its been 1 month now having this bike. I ride 3 times a week. I could i say did lots of beating on this and it works perfectly ok until now. I can do some rough downhill and xc with this thing without problems. Oh, its also good for uphillers coz of its light and reliable frame. have some friends with high end MTBs, they couldnt believe it i was way ahead of them. i guess they ate my dust then... hahaha | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
noname
a
from uk
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | leigh woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | very smooth suspension, eats hits well, good downhill position for a semi xc bike. hardly any bob. extremely surefooted | | Weaknesses: | bit heavy, and not too much adjustment room on seat height. and hayes sole brakes are crap. | | Similar Products Used: | gt i-drive, muddy fox, cove g-spot (briefly). | | Bike Setup: | still got hayes sole on rear, but had to upgrade to avid juicy 5 with 185mm rotor on front, otherwise standard 2006, model. | | Bottom Line: | excellent bike, best ive ridden as an all rounder, bit sluggish uphill, but incredible on the way down. gets me playing silly buggers all the time. its astonishing, the speed you can hit rocky descents and still be alright. not a xc mile muncher but an excellent play bike that will climb. v. good on short rocky climbs, excellent traction. i always run it in the longest setting and it still deosnt bob, and i have the shock soft with slow rebound. all in aall takes big hits well, and im about 215 lbs. its making me tackle much more gnarly stuff than i dared before. most fun u can have on a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon G
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | KOM | | Strengths: | Riding position and geometry - brakes have been good. | | Weaknesses: | Components(being the budget model). Suntour Rear shock. SRAM SX5 shifters and derailluers have their work cut out. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 70, various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | 2006 model standard except: Rock Shox Revelation fork, Crank Bros Smarty, FSA Carbon bar. | | Bottom Line: | Got this bike because of great reviews and price (not much else in Oz comes close from what I can see). Suntour fork de-pressurised overnight after I rode it home. Back to shop and was replaced under warranty with Revelation 409. Went for a couple of rides (nothing too nasty) and lost rear shifter (SRAM SX5) - stuck in one gear. Back to the shop for another replacement... I have had a great time whilst riding it, frame and suspension are confidence inspiring, components are not. I would say great for someone starting out (like me), but if you can possibly stretch to the Elite, it's probably worth it...
(Will follow up in 6 months or so). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tomas Marny
a Cross Country Rider
from Prague
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Prague | | Weaknesses: | cheap frame | | Bottom Line: | I have a same problem .The frame was broke straight under the back spring at the main tube. It s a shame because i love this bike .If i will get new frame from seller , im affraid that i will brake it again , because i somewhere readed thats the frames are from PACIFIC company which is made cheap frames.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dirtdigler
a Cross Country Rider
from nth beaches sydney austalia
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | red hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | $1000 D.Y. | | Strengths: | Hmm cheap entry level for fun light stuff | | Weaknesses: | one year up date , after my glowing previous review its time for a reality check after spending up large on all components the bike feels great the last being mazo66 RC2X shocks (awesome) but wasted on this bike . All the pivots bushes have worn out after 12 months cost $100 + $60 labour back on the dirt and the bike is running sick , back to the bike shop due to chain problems and Steve spots not one but two frame cracks one in the main brace over the rear shock the other a weld has split in the rear suspension floating bracket very disapointed now waiting on the rep to inspect for frame warranty . Awesome bike but not for a heavy rider doing anything too rough it is a shame that the build quality is not up to it as the bike is so sweet to ride dont know where to go with it now as I have invested a lot in it with upgrades | | Bike Setup: | frame the only thing not upgraded now its busted | | Bottom Line: | I still would recomend this bike for a light rider who wants to ride crosscountry and road and a little gentle downhill it is a joy to ride but just is not up to anything over little bumps the weld's are just not up to it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eivind
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Very smooth rig which is very versatile and upgradeable. The fact that the frame is very sturdy and with a nice geometry made me buy this bike.. it makes me able to do the upgrading as I like it be done. | | Weaknesses: | Without having tested a wide range of similar bikes, I would say the front shock (Manitou Splice) has its weaknesses. Also, the rims aren't rigid enough for dropping and hucking (but frankly I don't think they were designed for this either) My rear rim went crooked after two days of use. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona hardtail dirtbike, random non-suspended bikes | | Bike Setup: | Try all 25mm rear rim - for handling big drops and hucking
Maxxis Slow Reezay 2,5" tyres - very nice gripping, versatile - Downhill Tubes
Removed big front ring
Personal adjustments of seatpin and steeringpin-thingy
Shorter stem | | Bottom Line: | Overall I think this is a very nice bike for those wanting to enter the arena of full-suspended bikes. It isn't to expensive, and the parts are all easy to replace when the standard/old parts break or get worn out. Also, the feeling of riding the bike gives a lot of confidence, which is needed to improve the biking skills..
I would recommend this bike for those who like to go biking both XC and in recreational means and to those who randomly go crazy both in the streets and in the woods ;)
PS: If someone has the manual for the Manitou Splice fork, please e-mail it to me: eivindjk(.a.t.)hotmail.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cedric d'andre
a Weekend Warrior
from mission Viejo, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | sports closeouts, AZ (Through Ebay) | | Strengths: | Excellent value for the price, superbly designed and very sturdy frame, Climbs very well in spite of the weight, rides and feels like a more expensive bike. Pretty good components for the money. | | Weaknesses: | Could use more powerful brakes, but hey, I'm only 148 lbs. And speaking of weight, a little on the heavy side; but again this is not a XC bike. | | Bike Setup: | All standard. | | Bottom Line: | It's hard to imagine that the same company also builds those crappy Wal Mart bikes; because in my opinion, the Teocali is one helluva bike, that can holds its own against much more expensive machines. There might not be anything fancy about it , -although it's pretty well spec'd for the price- but this bike means business, and will take you anywhere. If you are looking for a bike that will help you build your confidence and skills without breaking the bank, this is it! It's a great all around machine, definitely worth considering; one of the best value out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Cairns
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeman | | Strengths: | Extremely good bike for the price, rides like something way more expensive. | | Weaknesses: | Fork and rear shock, some other components are cheap and not made to last. | | Bottom Line: | An excellent bike for the money. Good for boosting confidence etc and easily upgradeable. Will replace the cheap parts with better ones once they break. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Williams
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales UK
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Sirhowy Branches | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | HR Cycles Bridgend UK | | Strengths: | Great downhill, great for upgrading as you get more confident. | | Weaknesses: | Gears are not smooth used to have Shimano, it may be a SCRAM thing will try and get used to it. If not I will change to Shimano | | Similar Products Used: | None to compare apart from hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Standard at moment, except egg beater fitted | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, climbs like a goat, crashes well, As a bike to upgrade, as you get into the sport the frame is perfect for it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mitch
a Downhiller
from newcastle, nsw, australia
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | sugarloaf | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | two wheel industries1200au | | Strengths: | great all round bike went from an xc to this and wont turn back does downhill and big drops like nothing and jumps like a tar road climbs good for what it is | | Weaknesses: | platform pedals ditched them after the first ride, needs some tires with a bit more treat and wider | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose sx6.r specialized fsr stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | standard with new pedals usingtoe clips | | Bottom Line: | wont do better for the money im nly light 50kgs dunnobout big rider love it does the big stuff like its all tar road done stuff on the first ride i only ever looked at before suspension is ver nice and plush with plenty of trvel and still has the full 27 gearing mking the climbs a lil easier | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robin
a
from Somerset, England
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Haldon, Exeter | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ralph Colmans, price is in pounds, not dollars | | Strengths: | Great Value, Great shifting from the sram gears, Comfy seat, Hayes Sole breaks are better than I was expected, Rides amazingly with 150mm forks. | | Weaknesses: | Rims are preaty weak, Standard forks arnt menna be any good, Bar and stem feel like terible | | Similar Products Used: | Marin B17 (the old full sus type) | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Drop off 3s with 150mm travel
Hope Pro 2 front hub
BBB 60mm stem
Easton EA30 bars
Bash guard instead of big ring
the rest's standard | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for the money, Very Upgradable, makes a realy nice freeride bike with a 150mm single crown. Sram gears are great. It rides technical downhill and singletrack like a bike 3 times the price with just a few small upgrades. Havent had any problems so far except the lower pivot came loose once, but it seams like it just wasn't tightened propperly in the factory, its been fine since and there was no where on any of surfaces or bearings | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Hayes
a Weekend Warrior
from Aldridge
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Marin Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Daves's Cycles | | Strengths: | Great frame - truly all mountain. The riding position of this frame is superb although it does take a bit of getting used to as you can remain seated for the majority of your ride. It climbs well for a relatively heavy full susser with just a little bit of bob. Technical descents and single track are what this bike does best though! I have had LOTS of fun ovetaking my friends on the downhill sections and even when it gets a bit sketchy the bike remains dependable and on track with the suspension soaking up most of the bumps and jumps. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes sole brakes - simply not powerful enough. I will upgrade them to a 2 pot system soon | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Orange, GT, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | A great all-rounder and if you can ignore the nigley issues with the brakes this bike will definately bring a smile to your face!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirt Digler
a Cross Country Rider
from Nth Beaches Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Red hill/Oxford falls | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Dee Why Beach cycles fast & friendly | | Strengths: | Great all round cross country /down hill /lack of pedal bob/stability/comfort = value for money | | Weaknesses: | Brakes ,stem length,rims | | Similar Products Used: | ? | | Bike Setup: | ABR short stem ,Cannondale bearing pedals,lexan primary cog guard,Mavic 321 rims,Michelin wild gripper hot s red tyres,Dice Hydrolic Disc's with 8" rotor
| | Bottom Line: | This has been a great all round bike , had to change the stem due to weight being too far forward for big steep drops resulting in many endo's sacrafising high speed stability but after 2 rides I am used to it . Brakes started off great for cables but the rear became dangerous as they just refused to stop the bike , now with Dice hydro its eye popping pull ups with total control . Original rims no good for big drops lots of flat spots so upgraded to Mavic 321 much stronger but to be honest I am probably riding this bike like a downhill taking it to places it was not designed for ,to its credit it is handeling the punishment, front Manitou Splice forks have been great , I have spent a bit upgrading but I do not regret as the bike is almost a perfect allrounder , wish list would be upgrade rear spring . I have punished this bike and it comes up fine everytime now all i have to do is upgrade my skills to match the bike (curently off the bike with a sprained ankle) after 6 hard months riding bottom suspension link has loosened, stripped it down and cranked it up hard but yet to get back on to see if it stays tight or needs an overhaul . p.s. D.Y. beach cycles are awesome always ready to help. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tomas Marny
a Cross Country Rider
from Czech
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Prokopske udoli at Prague | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Czech republic www.bikestore.cz | | Strengths: | I like the Frame of Teocali series the bike is controlable can ride at front wheel and jump at rear wheel without problems. The full suspension on marathons is unexpendable.
I feel good on this bike because the frame is higher over ground then other bikes . And i was surprise how good is mech breaks Avid bb5 , i thing that i have to change them , but my opinion was change , and i dont had to change breaks :o) | | Weaknesses: | So i have little problems with Shimano deore Front Derailleur ,but its maybe that i didnt precis set. | | Similar Products Used: | I dont ride on some similiar products , but for this price i thing that it is Schwinn Rocket pro , that is maybe little bit better, for the equipment. | | Bike Setup: | Default from factory www.mongoose.com | | Bottom Line: | When i ride on teocali in front of the shop when i was buy the bike , i was fall in love whith my teocali at the first minute :o) I hope that my opinion on this bike will not change .
I think that you will buy this bike you dont disappointed .
btw. Sorry for my english (but i try :o) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Weekend Warrior
from uk
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | whites level Afan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | uk | | Strengths: | Perfect geometry will go up anything, loveley riding position like sitting in an armchair, wide bars for sweet control, easy to upgrade, confidence boosting bike makes you want to ride faster and harder! | | Weaknesses: | Manitou splice forks and hayes sole disc brakes are a bit naff sram x7 gears a bit plastic but considering the overall price I shouldnt complain | | Similar Products Used: | cove hustler, tomac revolver | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocchi mx comp eta forks, x flite rear sus, magura julie disc brakes, deore front and back mechs and shifters gears, continental vertical 2.3 tires | | Bottom Line: | For the price you wont find anyting better. As for the ride its sublime, easy to ride and a great riding position. Nice and easy to upgrade, now ive got all my upgrades on it rocks! I love my bike!! If you like the more technical trail riding like rocks and drops this bike will suit you | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Trenton, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartshorn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$660.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Excellent Geometry, Nice Sram shifting,Great brakes,Great suspension design - no pedal bob or brake jack, no need for a platform shock | | Weaknesses: | Heavy tires (860 grams),35lb bike, maybe the X-Fusion rear shock. No rebound adjust on fork - but it's set up perfect from the factory | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Giant NRS,2001 GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for saddle,handlebars,stem and tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike feels a bit strange with the very active suspension,especially since I'm used to a very stiff NRS. But after a few rides, I got used to it. Man, it's much better than the NRS in the rough stuff,it climbs better too,in techincal terrain.Desents is where it really shines. With technical desents the NRS was scary, but with the teocali, I feel like I'm very much in control.But it can't accelerate worth a damn. So I changed to Kenda Karma Stick-e and dropped 2 pounds - it feels much better now. The manitou splice comp fork feels good too, the spring and damping are set up just right for my weight (170 lbs.) with preload set on soft.It should be good for up to 200 lbs.
This is a very good bike for riding black diamond trails on the east coast. It's also good for riding roller coaster hardpack trails. The only thing it's not good at is flat hardpack,it's just too heavy and you really start to feel it after about an hours worth of riding unless you put some light weight tires on it. Light wheels would also help too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren McLaughlan
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere, any time | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Trade Me NZ auction, brand new | | Strengths: | Sturdy frame, excellent rear suspension design with a good range of travel, SRAM X.7 components, Avid B55 brakes, WTB ExiWolf Comp 26x2.1 tyres, well balanced bike with a great feel in the cockpit. | | Weaknesses: | X-Fusion Glyde coil rear shock is too soft for an average weight rider on a medium size frame, but I can live with it on a firm setting. The 120mm long stem with a big rise is a terrible setup and I couldnt live with that. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin FSR Mountain Peak, Kona Dawg and Kona Scrap. | | Bike Setup: | Standard setup, except for the stem. I fitted the Truvativ DH 40mm and Kona Clump DH 50mm stems, but both were too short for trail riding and am currently using a Truvativ DH 60mm stem. The latter, while a little short of optimum for trail is a good trade-off for all mountain use. | | Bottom Line: | The Teocali Comp not a racing XC and its not a thoroughabred DH. 'All mountain' bikes, like 'all mountain' skis are a trade off between two extremes in design. This is one totaly awesome all mountain bike that excels on on the trail, climbs like a mountain goat and you can occasionaly ride it aggressively downhill with peace of mind. Forget about the upgrades until the parts wear out, forget about the rumours of what might break until it does, because in the meantime you will be having one helluva lot of fun at an incredibly affordable price. A lot of people are going to ask you a lot of questions about the eye catching bike. Don't forget to slow down for your mates though, its no fun out in front on your own. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Smithys [world champ XC course 1996?] 10 mins pedaling from home | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Man | | Strengths: | Excellent value for money with reasonable quality components.
Frame is Identical to the other 2 models up in the range [Elite and Super] so it is easily upgradable.
It got 10/10 from English MTBR magazine and the next model up, the Elite won Trail bike of the year so that has to say something.
Oh yeh... It also climbs much better than I thought coming from my Trek 8900 and handles brilliantly, far less bob than I thought. | | Weaknesses: | I have heard rumors regarding the life span of the bottom suspension linkage bearings but I figure with good maintenance and a 1 year warranty it was worth a go.
The front forks are yet to prove that they will go the distance, and have copped some mixed reviews on here but once again I have a year to either get them replaced under warranty or up grade.
I dont like the colour White but who cares when you are riding it | | Similar Products Used: | Speacilized Enduro, Craftworks FRM125 both $3k more | | Bike Setup: | Absolutely standard with my addition of a rear mud gaurd to protect the shock and linkages | | Bottom Line: | What can I say, for $1600.00 AUD I think it represents superb value for money.
It handles brilliantly and has reasonable components [Truvativ Cranks, SRAM X-7 derailers, WTC rims, decent bars etc]
I wish I had had $3K to spend but I didn't so it was a clear choice for an all mountian bike.
Time will whether the X-Fusion shock, Manitou Slice comp forks and linkage pivots last, but you get what you pay for
I give it 5/5 for value and 4/5 for over all only due to the 3 issues above. If they last 12 months without major failure I will up it to 5/5
If you are a limited budget and want a decent cheap all mountain buy one now! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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