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Submitted by
Dave S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin, NH. USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Winnipesaukee River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Wally World! | | Strengths: | Solid frame design. Accepts current technology parts. Wheels okay for smooth trails and roads. BB set okay- mine was sealed. Very stable as set up. | | Weaknesses: | Weight as-sold is a ground-crushing 41 lb! Components all garbage, especially crank/chainring set (heavy steel coated in plastic!!!) Stiff, heavy triple-crown fork barely moves except on huge hits. Handling slow and front end washes out too easily (raising fork tubes 1" in the triple clamps solves most of this). Underdamped shock bounces madly. Rear frame pivot a royal pain to disassemble for greasing. I plan to drill it and install zerk fittings to eliminate the aggravation! | | Bike Setup: | Removed poison-yellow paint and stripped bike down to frame. Painted nice Ferrari red. Rebuilt w/Bontrager Maverick wheels, cheapo Schwinn center rib/chevron tires (that I love!!), Koski v-brakes, Shimano 8-speed pods, Shimano STX RC front crankset & chainrings, Shimano 8-speed cassette, Avid brake levers, Rockshox Indy XC fork, Ritchey Logic sealed roller bearing headset, RST shock, Bontrager riser bar & stem, Terry "prostate saver" saddle (yes I'm old), Promax seat post, Sram ESP derailleurs, Sram PC850 Powerchain, Shimano compressionless shifter cables, Jagwire brake cables, and Wellgo platforms. | | Bottom Line: | These were being closed out cheap, so I bought one for a project. Used stock from '01 to '06, then overhauled. Bike was first major build I've done since '92 (did it in '07). An easy build, although stripping off the factory crap was inordinately hard. With the new components installed and dialed-in, it's a simple, highly functional trail bike. I ride on surfaced trails that get a lot of washouts and bumpy segments- it is absolutely perfect for this. It's stable, steers nicely and strength is never a concern! Cheapo RST shock works quite good (hard to adjust, though), and plush Rockshox Indy rides beautifully. Even with all the new lightweight parts, this bike is no lightweight (estimate 30 lb). If you know how to wrench on bikes and want to make your own bike for short bucks, FROM SCRATCH, here would be a great starting point. I enjoyed rebuilding mine. With that said, it cost me about five times the bike's sale price to make it into an enjoyable ride. If you want an inexpensive turnkey bike, look elsewhere!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cameron
a
from Sidney,Ohio North America
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | my frind gave it to me,he got a free agent | | Strengths: | big open frame with e-brake legs for off road jumping | | Similar Products Used: | lot of dk's cinnattii,step-up,general lee
razor seige 180 (i like them both i did own)
gt comp
| | Bike Setup: | mostly dk parts/sun rims 14mm(both)back sealed. pro max brake system. sealed crank and thread less front end sealed. dk three piece chop stix.
| | Bottom Line: | haven't really seen hardly any of these bikes matter of fact i can barrly find any thang info on these. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Abruzzini
a Downhiller
from oakdale, CA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Half Moon Bay area | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | yard sale | | Strengths: | frame for sure (it's a beast) it looks cool, shocks are good for awhile. | | Weaknesses: | gearing is not all that great (i downhill ride mostly, so no need for pedals or gears) the seat hurts, and the rims are a little weak( ibend them every time, carry a spare spoke wrench!!!) | | Similar Products Used: | I have a hardtail Giant Boulder SE with shimano shifters( i suggest these overall when replacing the mongoose's) | | Bike Setup: | big yellow frame, black rims, black forks, and black rear set-up, double-crown for forks making it stronger | | Bottom Line: | I got a great deal on it, it's worth to me about 150 bucks just for the frame because it makes the perfect inexpensive downhill bike! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AUGUSTUS BROWN
a Cross Country Rider
from CAMDEN,SC,USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY OFF ROAD | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | WALMART | | Strengths: | COLOR, GRAPHICS,NICE STRONG FRAME, AND SHIFTERS | | Weaknesses: | DERAILERS, RIMS, CRANK, PEDALS | | Similar Products Used: | D-60R | | Bike Setup: | FROM GROUND UP REPLACED EVERY THING WITH ALIVEO PARTS. | | Bottom Line: | THIS WAS MY FIRST MOUNTAIN BIKE AND I HAD A LOT TO LEARN. THIS WAS A GOOD BIKE TO LEAR IT ON. AFTER REPLACING ALL COMPONENTS, I WAS VERY CONTENT WITH THIS RIDE. IT IS STILL ONE OF MY TRUSTED STEEDS, THAT I STILL LIKE TO RIDE OFTEN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron McGraw
a Cross Country Rider
from Oil City, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oil Creekk/ Allegheny/ Sugar Creek Trail System, Venango County | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$210.00 | | Purchased At: | The Evil Empire (Walmart) | | Strengths: | The front-half of the frame (nice aluminum with blue and white paint!) a REAL Diacompe Aheadset. | | Weaknesses: | The back-half of the frame (gas-pipe hi-tensile steel) ALL components aside from the headset. | | Similar Products Used: | 1988 Fuji Cadenza (hard tail), 1996 Royce Union Alumina (hard tail) | | Bike Setup: | I replaced darn near everything. Manitou Magnum fork, Kore stem, Titec bars, Weinmann Rims, Formula hubs, Alivio brakes, SRAM 9.0SL levers, Sram MRX shifters, Nashbar cassette, Shimano BB, Truvativ crank with Syncros outer, LX middle, and stock (steel) Truvativ inner rings, Deore Front Mech., XT rear derailleur, Profile bar ends, Welgo Smootie DH spd-style pedals, Taya Relief chain, Mutanoraptor tires, DMT rear shock (this IS original), SDG Comp saddle, THE fenders, Kalloy seat post with alloy clamp, Lizard skins goodies. | | Bottom Line: | Okay, this is actually a Mongoose XR-150, which, in 2001, replaced the model listed here. Otherwise the XR-150 is a similar piece of crap, originally featuring a Shimano CO-50/ Tourney drivetrain. The stock crack is laughable with its stamped steel rings and riveted design. Tourney front mech is garbage. Shimano twisters (Revo) are junk...being Rapid-rise they are double junk. The CO-50 derailleur is rather nicely crafted, but weighs as much as 4 XT derailleurs (yes, I actually did upgrade to an XT derailleur!). Bottom line? The frame on this bike isn't bad. For someone who can only lay out a minimal amount of cash and isn't embarassed riding this bike as is....and plans to upgrade along the way....this bike is "just OK", really, there are better (cheapo) choices available on E-bay from Lance, Lake, and Tank cycles (they'll need upgraded, too--but the original frame materials are superior, plus there are some bonified "real" mountain bike components on these bikes). After ALL of the upgrading, I do really like this bike (my roomie absolutely loves it), but who wouldn't be okay with bike with these components? Bottom line? Even at this price range, there are better choices. Either save up for a better (bike shop) bike or hop on E-bay and buy an entry level rig from an importer (after some research...heck, e-mail me, if you want an opinion). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
anil s
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$251.00 | | Purchased At: | wal mart | | Strengths: | -shox
-strong frame
-light weight rims
-nice colors
-mongoose
-price | | Weaknesses: | -rims arent very solid
-the worst drivetrain ever made on this world
-my grandmother can make a better drive train
-needs to go on a diet
| | Similar Products Used: | diamond back, schwin, kona, giant, equinox, gearshifers oh yea! | | Bike Setup: | original + stuff | | Bottom Line: | its a good bike for a beginer and intermidiat biker. ok mabey it weighs abit but make it go on a diet please. the rims are good but please change em after two years
(ts very fat) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Thorton
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diago, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Walmart | | Strengths: | The frame is really strong. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy!!!! All original parts are junk. | | Bike Setup: | Fork is a dual crown Manitou X-vert, the crank is half Shimao, Mavic D541 rims, Shimano hubs, Orbit XL Headset, Azonic stem, The only thing original is the rear derailier (new one in the mail - the old one is junk), Mongoose race saddle | | Bottom Line: | The frame is great, though way too heavy. Every other part is junk. If most everything is replaced it is a very respectable bike. After spending 5 times the original cost on parts its a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle (Kile)
a Racer
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Austin TX is MTB Mecca | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | Good `ol Wal-mart | | Strengths: | Well....I have replaced everything that it came with originally except, front skewer,handlebar (dented) and brake levers (although they are in really bad shape from wrenching them back in place after being bent) Bike looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Everything, no joke, replaced everything, my team still laughs at me form when parts would just randomly break on rides,I was suprised the bike hasn't started on fire yet, knock on wood. was glad to find out this frame accepts all current mountain bike parts, ended up putting over $2000 into it over 4 years (ugh). Crazy heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | first and only MTB bike for 4 years | | Bike Setup: | Here we go, Can you say Franken-bike? The bike has served me well for 4+ years, and now I race it. I got most of my parts for this bike from a 1997 Specialized FSR. Fork is a dual crown Manitou X-vert, canks are son of strongarm from the FSR as well as the complete 24 speed LX build. Thompson seatpost, really cool flamed yellow lightweight race saddle of unknown brand. Mavic D541 rims(unbreakable) XT hubs. STX RC V-brakes. What really looks cool is if you put the Hutchinson Python Gold tires on it gives it a really cool Euro look to it, thats when people start thinking you have a nice bike. I put this bike on a diet program the day I bought it, I got it down to a less than respectable but well improved 35 lbs. thats about 10 lbs less than when i bought it. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a freeride bike before freeride was a term. This was a great starter bike for me (and possibly for you), I originally bought the bike to help me look for lost children as a lifeguard in MN. It turned to a regular weekend warrior trail bike. I now race the thing, and doing well. I learned everything I know about bikes from building it up and keeping it running, I am now the Mechanic for my mountain bike team. I am about to get my new bike I've been building up and running so I'll be hanging this one up. Even though I've grown attached to it I have to let it go because it is holding me back as a racer. Future trainer, probably. I have thought about putting a large travel shock in the back and taking it downhilling, just ot give it some action but I'll see.... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Hicks
a Cross Country Rider
from Viburnum, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | WAL-MART | | Strengths: | I like the front and rear shocks.. smoothe ride, like the twist throtle style shifter, front derailer is working fine, tough frame. | | Weaknesses: | The rear derailer is junk.. i have hardly rode the thing and i have went through two rear derailers, the rims arn't very tough at all. rear sprocket messed up.. used huffy parts to fix it..rear axle makes all kinds of racket.. needs better brake system.. they work good they just make for a hastle getting the tire off. seat is uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | western flyer mt. bike | | Bike Setup: | not sure | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike hoping to make a good investment, and i thought i did for a little while, the bike will not last you at all if you are a rough rider.. i rode it pretty hard, muddy trails, through the woods..it just didn't hold up like i would have hoped it would have from a mongoose, but i think i kind of abused it. This bike would be a good buy if you were going to just do mild riding. IF YOU ARE A HARD RIDER you would have to have better wheels, derailers, and rearsprocket and axle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan McAlister
a Downhiller
from bountiful, UT
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | good old Walmart | | Strengths: | solid frame good pedals not a problem with them yet headset front and rear shock | | Weaknesses: | everything except for what I have listed for strengths especally that mega range pile of $hit I mean come on shimano you can do better than that. | | Similar Products Used: | a rock | | Bike Setup: | taperd handlebars, shimano components, rockshox Judy SL front, rst rear | | Bottom Line: | good for beginners but if you are like me and my 2 friends and have advanced to pro and race downhill and go out doing 10 foot hucks (drops for all you beginners) its not all that great I have gone through about 6 sets of rims which really sucks because I am sick of adjusting rims cause of the stupid v-brakes. If there were disk mounts I would definently have Hays Hydrolic. So in other words if you arent a beginner do not get this bike unless you are some rich guy who wants to go throw somthing off of a cliff go for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bogdan B
a Weekend Warrior
from Philly, PA, US
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fairmount Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal Mart | | Strengths: | Good value, decent quality overal, nice looks ;-) | | Weaknesses: | heavy, seat, tires (traction&weight) | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first MTB | | Bike Setup: | updated the seat/seat post (Nashbar/Profile), changed rear tire to Specialized Ground Zero, Cateye computer, added a rear fender, changer the pedals to Specialized (metal) (total value now is $210) | | Bottom Line: | Good value for beginners, easy to update, good looks, heavy uphill, weak rims, weak shifters. Shifters should be updated next; I have 1500 miles on it though ;-)
Did't do much trails, so I trued the rims only once.
You need something else to go on the trails though, the suspensions are not good enough, as even the manufacturer warns the buyer. It's good for off road tough, and comfortable in the city. Breaks are great once you update the tires so they skid less ;-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee hammock
a Cross Country Rider
from Eatonton, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | my privately owned 4 mi trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | wal-mart | | Strengths: | brakes, rear shox | | Weaknesses: | rear deraillur, front shox stopped working after 4 months | | Similar Products Used: | huffy vormax | | Bottom Line: | good bike for beginners. mine has gone through a lot of sh#t since i bought it. its been stepped on by a horse, wrecked at least 40 times, and has been flipped 5 times. over all a tough bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Ikemoto
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville, FL (don't laugh cuz i'm flatland)
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | no good trails in Jax! Hanna park? | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | sports athourity | | Strengths: | frame durability, extreme stability and maneuverability (you can stay upright on the bike in a dead stop almost for ever, and turn on a dime), upgrade friendly, good everyday ride, versatile. | | Weaknesses: | yes, the frame is heavy, we all know that! the rims are lightweight, but contrary to other reviews on here i haven't had any trouble, of course i also weigh under 120lbs! The derailleurs could be better quality, and the stock tires sucked. the weight makes handling on slick surfaces a challenge at high speed, but not impossible. | | Similar Products Used: | last bike was a POS magna front bushing suspension from target that just wouldn't die! i still have it. | | Bike Setup: | panaracer firexcpro tires f&r(with yellow sidewalls to match yellow frame)$20+$20(usually $40 apeice), Avocet cycle computer $20, Mongoose BMX saddle (the slim one with the Maurice Mongoose logo, found in most walmarts)$25, plain metal pedals to replace the stock plasties, full toe cages for offroad, half cages (no strap) for daily riding $10+$10+$15, SKS fender set for off road or rainy days: "shockboard" on front and "X3 Xtradry" model on back $20+$30, little vistalite flat multi LCD headlight (300 series with 5 neon yellow green colored LCDs in a row, can do a cool "nightrider" impression)$15, black skater helmet with yellow nuclear symbol decals and other stickers ("this place sucks" "ride it like you stole it" "0 to 60 in about 5 minutes" etc) about $50 with all the stickers, and plans to upgrade read derailleur. yeah, i know: i nearly bought a whole new bike, so sue me! | | Bottom Line: | about a month after i got the D40R (and stripped off every cheesy decal except the "MONGOOSE" and "D40R" ones) i was riding in the rain in town and suffered a sudden case of gravity while turning a corner on a black tar parking lot (black tar + rain = owwwch!). I went hard right, but the bike went hard left. i don't know if this is good or bad, but the bike suffered less damage than its (until that moment) rider! just a scratced rest bar and derailleur insignia. lets just say i was a bit more banged up. i've rode some trails with it and its a joy to ride. my only complaint is: Mr. mongoose, could you possibly make this thing heavier?! there are complaints about its soft suspension too, but since i don't weigh much, its ok. Bottom Line? great bike for travel, intermediate riders, and anyone looking for good off-road capable ride that wont topple their financial empire. also gets better with every upgrade, so customize away! Be Warned: bike is less than bunny hop friendly(can we say bunny hop a harley davidson?), and you won't get it above 22 MPH on flat land (well i can't anyway). on a downhill however... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin p
a Cross Country Rider
from Brownfield
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | walmart | | Strengths: | Looks, rear derailers, brakes,tires | | Weaknesses: | Too heavy but it last long if u crash a lot
rims | | Similar Products Used: | next moun bikes or mgx | | Bike Setup: | downhill strike shox on the front and im not sure of the back but for a wal-mart type it's great, no name derailluer on the front, XD derailluer in the back 21 speeds y frame
shimano v-brakes i added specilized bar ends | | Bottom Line: | a great beginner bike, excellent price more advance riders i suggest look in shops for a a bike instead of walmart | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Walsh
a Racer
from Ashland, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | My privately-owned 6mi trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | From mongoose as a feature in my magazine | | Strengths: | Nice Brakes, ok suspension, well-made frame (but heavy), Fun to ride, great entry level bike, up-gradeable | | Weaknesses: | weak suspension, rims bend quickly if you ride it like a down hll bike (bent beyond tension-repair), Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy, mongoose MGX, Next-Shock full susp., and it kind of reminds me of a soft tail Specialized stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | *sigh* Maxxis Tires, Shimano Derailer (one i had laying arond in the shop), Rims off of a specalized Rock Hopper (stocks bent really fast) | | Bottom Line: | If you're a kid lookin to enter iinto the sport, this is a great bike, if you are jumpng up from BMX it is also a good bike, but it will only frusterate more experienced riders. If you are an experienced rider and you can get a smokin deal on it, snag it, but if you can help it buy a bke that will better suite your higher riding abilty, it will also make a fair bike to train on if you are a racer, because t's heavier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Woo
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | WalMart | | Strengths: | This bike has full suspension and it's inexpensive. Brakes work well and suspension are soft and can handle rough roads without too much trouble. | | Weaknesses: | Deraillers from Torq-Drive Pro needs to be changed immediatly and the frame is too heavy to go in the woods. Suspensions are too soft for off-roading and the tires gets worn in less than 2 months. So they must be changed after at most 1 week from the purchase date. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | The assembly is so-so because the rear axle makes noises after a few months. | | Bottom Line: | Even though it has flawness, it's a good entry level bike and it's inexpensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Insane
a
from DALLAS, TEXAS
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | DUMPSTER DIVING | | Strengths: | GREAT SUSPENSION, NICE SMOOTH RIDE, GREAT BRAKES, VERY EASY TO HANDLE, YOU CAN DAM NEAR TURN THE HANDLE BARS ALL THE WAY AND STILL RIDE IN A CIRCLE. | | Weaknesses: | RIMS, PEDALS SUCK. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | FROM A PIECE OF COLE TO A DIAMOND. | | Bottom Line: | WELL THE BOTTOM LINE IS I FOUND THE BIKE IN A DUMPSTER AND INVESTED $80 DOLLARS INTO IT. I HAD TO BUY A REAR RIM, PEDALS, TIRES, TUBES, NEW CHAIN AND REAR SPROCKET. I DONT CARE WHAT THE GUYS SAY ABOUT IT THAT HAVE EXPENSIVE BIKES, ALL I KNOW IS I HAVE PASSED UP A FEW ON THE TRAILS. ITS A GREAT BIKE AND INEXPENSIVE, GET YOU ONE!!! BY THE WAY MY DE-RAILER IS STILL WORKING FINE. THE ONLY REASON I HAD TO REPLACE ALL THOSE PARTS IS BECAUSE WHO EVER OWNED IT BEFORE JUST DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THINGS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew mason
a Downhiller
from parkersburg west virginia
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | rails to trails at mountain state park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$219.99 | | Purchased At: | walmart | | Strengths: | good suspension.
nice brakes
easy to remove the from wheel
handles great going down the rocks | | Weaknesses: | i have gone through two of these the first one was a 26" mountain bike and the derailer broke two months afer i got so i opted for the 24" version.
it handles like a beauty.
all i have spent on repairs is about $15 thats for 6 inner tubes and new brakes plus i just had it tuned up today
| | Similar Products Used: | huffy full suspension bike
| | Bike Setup: | factory original
| | Bottom Line: | its a good bike if you get the 24" bike the bigger one.when i returned my 26" one to walmart they told me that the begger ones derailers broke
if you own a 26" bike put on a new derailer if you own a 24" oe you got a sweet bike
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Merced, CA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fahren's Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal-Mart | | Strengths: | Good Design, great paint, comfortable seat, comfortable trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | Stock rims, ( I replaced them when I got home ).
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized front suspension ( Rock Shocks ) Biscane Mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Off floor w/Ballistic shocks, minus the rims ( replaced w/ raya rm-17 26"x1.5)Bike is fully supsended. | | Bottom Line: | I haven't used this bike long but I do know what I like. I use this bike to work out and the frame is heavier than some but not by much. I did take it up a hill that has a lot of obsticles and my friend on his Specialized fully suspended had to quit 2/3 the way up. I just went up the hill and with amazing ease. If this is going to be a bike that you buy for what I bought it for, trail riding and working out, this is the best bike for the price.
Hey I don't have a lot of money and this is the budget bomb for those who want a good off road bike for under three duckets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Brasher Falls,New York
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The 4-wheeler/snowmobile trails of the Brasher State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal-Mart | | Strengths: | This bike has great suspension. It also has very soft seats. | | Weaknesses: | Only weakness is that its heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Stormer | | Bike Setup: | Huh? | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awsome like other mongoose bikes. I love the shocks becouse now i can ride on trails with comfort. I love riding through mud! My favorite bike out of all bikes i've had! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pharkus
a
from Dixfield, ME
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal-mart | | Strengths: | Works well while it works. Company pleasant about warranty service | | Weaknesses: | Cheap parts. Many details, but that about sums them all up. Cheap parts. Suspension not very well thought-out. | | Similar Products Used: | Various Next (Dynacraft) products. | | Bike Setup: | All wal-mart original. | | Bottom Line: | ok. This was the first dual-suspension bike I purchased. Online. From wal-mart. It arrived, and assembled quite easily.
Now, I am not hard on bikes at all. As my family has no automobile, my primary use is transportation between my house and the store, work, etc. I maintain things the best way I know how, adjust things that seem unusual, replace parts that are worn -- I'm the kind of person who's never been afraid to rebuild a back wheel in order to chase down an odd scratching noise.
First of all, I must point out that this was listed as a "boys" bike. I bought the 24" version, since I'm about the size of an average 12-year-old, and another manufacturer's website (http://www.dynacraftbikes.com/bike_style.php3)tells me that they consider a 24" bike appropriate for ages 9-14. First comment, if you've got a 14-year-old who can make that so-called "suspension" do anything, (s)he seriously needs a diet plan, let alone a 9-year-old. It's that hard. Alright, fine, I gave in and bought a lighter spring (try doing that without knowing anything about bicycle suspension... Calling companies who are asking you for numbers referenced with terms you didn't even know were english words... anyway...)
Within the first two months, the right crank arm stripped where the pedal screws in twice (as in the first one stripped, I got a warranty replacement, and the replacement stripped too), the rear gear shifter basically wore out (cheap plastic piece used to pull on cable, cable sliced through it!), both brakes quit (plastic piece where the tension screw goes in bent out of shape and screw slipped off). When I called for replacement on the brakes, they asked which ones, I said "both". They said "ok, we'll send you both"... So they sent me one right arm and one left. lol. Overall, though, I was satisfied with customer service, since all of my replacement parts arrived within a week of my calling the 1-800- number and asking for them...
The bike is a piece of junk. Dynacraft makes better bikes, and they seem to be regarded by most as the bottom-of-the-pile junkbox manufacturer. I remember Mongoose being a good name. So much for that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve esares
a Weekend Warrior
from Monroe,CT,USA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | The looks, suspension, inexpensive, | | Weaknesses: | not too many | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | full suspension | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike depending on how/where you get it. At sports Authority it is not very heavy and it has simano parts, rock shoks. For a person just starting out this bike is good, and it can handle a lot. Great bike!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bert
a Racer
from central, michigan
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | pineriver/ mud, guts & rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | front forks 2nd supp. frame hand grips, "seat in nice and cuffey" | | Weaknesses: | name brand, derailing system, rims, gear ratio, plastic peddels, chain, no need to go on | | Similar Products Used: | huffy, cuz they teamed up. Thats why you see them in wallmart, roadmaster, univaga, yes and even redline | | Bike Setup: | full tilt, max cap. | | Bottom Line: | like everyone says, price, 1st one to start off with, but really, look at it this way, I've been racing for about 10yrs now. And you ask any dirt racer. If he or she thrashes on the track bike, they will say "no". Face it people your riding the bike that we train on. that should be cool for everyone. It's not a bad bike. For the amount due at checkout. you get a rad bike. The color isn't bad aswell. SO people, race harder and keep going for more hang time. A.J. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob Pomerantz
a
from storrs ct usa
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | nipmuck | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | bj's | | Strengths: | good beginer strong frame barends(light) | | Weaknesses: | its a mongoose its heavy it basicly sucks its components shox stem bars but what do you expect for 200 | | Similar Products Used: | royce union, mongoose manuver | | Bike Setup: | got rid of it wouldn't know | | Bottom Line: | it sucks only get this if you are a beginner and not shure you are hooked yet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spike
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethesda, MD
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock Creek Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Authority | | Strengths: | This is for the D-60R......Price, not too heavy | | Weaknesses: | Mediocre components, soft suspension | | Similar Products Used: | Huffy, Royce Union | | Bike Setup: | Factory D-60R | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a steal given the cost. If you're a beginner, then you should consider this your first. Too many boneheads try to compare this to a $1000 bike. Its like comparing a 70 Vette to a new vette. Would you turn down a old vette for the right price. Sure, its not as fast or doesnt corner as well but it hauls ass when you need it to and its a lot cheaper. It does get the job done. The components aren't cheap, they're just old technology. A few years ago, this bike would have cost $700. They call it a technological revolution when products are improved. The best example would be a TV. I paid $900 for a Mitsubishi 10 years ago, which back then was top of the line. Today, similar Tv's go for $250. Same difference. Buy the bike if you want to learn. Bash it if you're stupid enough to compare it to the newer hi-tech bikes.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duane Denoi
a Downhiller
from N. Andover, MA USA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Denrock, or Harol Parker (state) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal-Mart?!?! | | Strengths: | For the price it is an excellent bike!it isn't the lightest bike out there, but it takes a beating, believe me! I have no regrets purchasing it, in fact, when I upgrade, I'll probably stay with mongoose, because this one has served me so well.
I would highly reccomend this bike to new riders or to those who love to ride, but cannot particullarly afford an expensive bike. Again for the money, I relly love this ride. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Double "y" frame style, dual suspension, cantilever brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I will most likely buy another Mongoose bike in the spring | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil MCGUIRE
a Downhiller
from WASHINGTON
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | wal-mart | | Strengths: | ajustible suspension (not that good),Strong frame | | Weaknesses: | Heavy frame,spongey suspension | | Similar Products Used: | huffy,royce union | | Bike Setup: | Balistic front fork,crappy components | | Bottom Line: | It's a OK bike for a first mountain bike, but if you want to do more buy an more expensive bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
IVAN
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | mad mud in my backyard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$230.00 | | Purchased At: | this is a review for mongoose D60r | | Strengths: | cheap, great beginner bike, life time frame waranty | | Weaknesses: | everything from grips to skrew in rear duraileur | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose strike | | Bike Setup: | rs SID race fork (Jett c that came on this bike died in one week) | | Bottom Line: | if this is the first time u are getting a bike get this one, but if you know ANYTHING about bikes spend $500 more and get a much better bike, like haro-X2 (it handels the same way but has much better components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Morse
a
from Bay City,michigan,usa
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | don't have a fav. trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | i like the fact that it has a full suspension this is my 1st one and i love it. | | Weaknesses: | nothing really there is but its not going to happen to everybody. | | Bottom Line: | This is a really nice bike I recommend it to extreme bikers.I wouldn't recommend it to racers really but you could race with it.I've owned this bike for about 2 years. It has never really got to the point to were I cant ride it. Its the best preforming bike I've owned.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason (D60R) Arnold
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Imagination Glen - Indiana | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | sports authority | | Strengths: | Shimano components - deraileur
Rock SHox fork suspension - retail for 190 and I bought the whole bike for 250
lightweight | | Weaknesses: | ???
outer sprockets are a little weak ( I have bent two outward when hitting a log or tree.) | | Similar Products Used: | diamondback serranto - doesn't compare
If you want to go real offroad , you can't use anything but dual suspension, or your just on weak trails. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano and rock Shox components - Y frame | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for beginner, price , and serious off road trails. Don't be fooled by sports authority. You don't need to by a bike from a licensed dealer to get a good bike. My roommate didn't have a dual suspension bike and it broke on these trails....and he paid double what I did. its all in teh components, suspension, and rider...not brand name | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge,Louisiana,USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail next to my house | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Wal-Mart | | Strengths: | Looks,price,brakes,its a Mongoose | | Weaknesses: | heavy as a 1 ton Dodge dualie,front suspension is rough,expensive parts | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | right out the store | | Bottom Line: | The bike is fine,no doubt about it,but,its to heavy,its awesome down hill,going up is a different story. I see nothing wrong w/ the brakes,I lightly press on the front and do an endo,tap the rear and they get great grip. The real only downside is the rear derailer and the weight. I have already broken 2 derailers on rocks,and being torn off by the spokes(if u have ever bought another derailer for this bike,around 50 dollars,which,for me,i don't have 50 dollars to by another 1)and the weight is bad. I see no problems with hitting ramps,I can get higher than those show offs on their aluminum and BMX bikes,of course,I could just be good(I wish). Has good overall control. The front suspension is one hard thing, it only moves when I drop of a drop called Newtons Drop on the trail next to my house. The drop off is about 30 feet,w/ a 6 inch in diameter root in the center,thats the only time my suspension works( great huh?)Back on the weight issue,it is to heavy for its size,what i should have done,is waited for the aluminum version of this bike to come out,but, I saw it, and I liked it,so thats the end of that. The bottom line is this:great bike for the price,really heavy on the heavy side,the derailer is set to close to the spokes,rims are great(what are you people doing,droping off cliffs?) because i have done more crap then my friend on his BMX and still haven't even scratched the rims,the tires burn out fast if you lock the rear brakes up on 21st gear on concrete or asphault,front brakes,never lock them up when you are going to fast,you will become fast friends with the pavement,the pedals are set to close to the ground,i have already craked the protect plates all over the thing,haven't chipped off any teeth,even when i dropped it off a 40 foot drop,nothing broke,overall is a great,tough bike,thats my review,and if you have a different opionoin,to bad | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Schreiner
a Weekend Warrior
from Owings Mills, MD
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon - Orange Grove | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | WalMart (First Big Mistake) | | Strengths: | Strengths? Well, I suppose the frame is very strong - it should be since it is made out of Steel and CONCRETE! | | Weaknesses: | Everything (listed below) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | Stock (a bunch of POS components) | | Bottom Line: | Well, here is the lowdown on the problem with this bike:
1. Frame - HEAVY AS SIN. Poor design drags the rear derailleur into the spokes.
2. Rear Suspension - Rear Shock bottoms out continually and bounces way too much. Smooth downhill - but if you intend on going up the slightest incline - might as well carry this beast on your back (if you can lift it) since the shock absorbs 30% of your pedal thrust.
3. Rear Deraileur - nice except its impossible to tune, and never hits the right gear - plus the frame causes it to pull into the spokes. Mine got ripped off twice by the spokes.
4. Rear Hub - Really crappy, get used to the wobbling or replace it upon purchase.
5. SRAM Stock Gripshifts - My advice - dont change gears, otherwise you will wear the shifters out in 25 miles.
6. Pedals are crap - full plastic with no tread - like pedaling on polished linolium if you go through any water.
7. Wheel Rims - they must have really gotten a deal on these rims - dont hit ANY rocks or you'll be fixing them.
8. Spokes - Saved even more money on the spokes I suppose. Snapped after 50 miles.
9. Seat - possibly the only bonus - the seat was actually comfortable - but the quick release was too quick - no matter how tight you fastened it it would slide on any bump.
10.Crank - how many other cranks break a tooth every 15 miles? Mine looks like a cute 7 year old playing hockey.
If your looking to save money - save it - buy something better and you wont waste any on repair costs. Plus - most bike stores will give you free tune-ups for atleast a year. Dont buy any bike from WalMart.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from westfield
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | whereever its challenging | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | good old walmart | | Strengths: | nothin iv seen and ridden better tricycles | | Weaknesses: | everything from grips to shocks | | Similar Products Used: | the huffy heavyweight and the murry mudslinger | | Bike Setup: | plastic everything | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the worst product that u could buy i didnt know anything about bikes at the time but buying it at walmart was the first mistake and a fullsuspension bike for $200 bucks made me a little suspisios. well my friends got me into mountain bikeing(god bless em)they both had some good bikes benny had a specialized rock hopper and derl had a shwin moab and the frist time i went out with them i bent both of my cheap rims we had to climb and carry our bikes a steep hill i could barly make it it felt like it was filled with cementwith a lead outer coating while my friends skipped in front of me with thier feather light bikes mine was so heavy i thought i needed a winch or a crane to get this rubbish to the top. and on the way down all the little plastic parts broke off and my derailer bent in 2 while shifting from 2nd to 6th as a glided home my shocks bottomed out on eavery little peable in the road and my dad felt sorry for me so the next day we went down to wall mart and surprisingly they took it back. so we went down to Competitive Edge SKI and BIKE store in east long meadow(the best bike store)(www.compedgeskibike.com) and boght me a specialized rockhopper "a real bike" . wow what a difference. my rockhopper ate up what d40r cryed about . the moral of the story is shop at wal mart for school supplies and house hold needs and shop at competative edge for some real mountain bikes. i would give it no flamin chillis but u have to give it at least one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Huhman
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MO USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dwights run, breakenridge | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | wal-mart | | Strengths: | nothin | | Weaknesses: | all, lets start with the horrible tires, weak rims, balistic couldnt get any worse, crank is PLASTIC!!!, crappy shifters and TB Pro deraliers, heavy frame only 2.5 inches of travel, seat numbs my a$$,bottom bracket sounds like a sick duck, so do the hubs, chain bent first time off road, and seat post is fit for a 7 year old girl. | | Similar Products Used: | relative to cars this is a skateboard. | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi z5 air, sunrims, shimano hubs,shimano deralier, toe clips, lizard skins | | Bottom Line: | this bike SUCKS!! if your serious about biking save your money and buy something better. every time you pedal the suspension flexes, if you use it for riding on the road you dont need the suspension, but if you take it off road SOMETHING WILL BREAK! ive already broken 8 deraliers because of the poor frame design. this frame is very heavy if you want to haul steel up a hill be my guest but im going to go with aluminum. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Ritchie
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | penesquitos canyon, 56 freeway construction | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | (FOR D60R) Weight. Full adjustable suspension. Price | | Weaknesses: | Deraileur. Stock Tires | | Similar Products Used: | Trek hard tail | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than Nashbar 2x Split saddle and removal of those god forsaken reflectors and store-installed kickstand! | | Bottom Line: | This rating is for the full suspension D60R. I put it here because there was no other place for it. I paid $260 for this bike at Sports Authority ( you can purchase on-line) and for the money it's a winner...even if you use it as an upgrade platform. The Shimano deraileur system was out of adjustment upon purchase but has performed reasonably well since it was fixed professionally. I'll still slip or lose the chain off the front when I land it real hard, but in general it's stable. The aluminum frame is light and strong, and the fully adjustable front and rear shocks have held up well. First order of business is to replace the butt-crack wide masochistic saddle with something more comfortable and replace the street/trail combo tires (you know the ones....knobby sides and smoother tops) with something that won't leave you spinning wheels in loose stuff. This is a bike to seriously consider if you're looking for a Weekend Warrior bike for under $300. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john ferraro
a Racer
from orlando
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | orlando technical trails | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | light-weight, good components, looks good, nimble, agil, and quick, it's a mongoose! | | Weaknesses: | yello paint | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale, specialized, trek, moots, gary fisher, giant | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike. it can handle anything from recreational to trecherous down-hill. the light-weight makes it easy to climb and its suspension and agility makes it great downhill. the components are among the best in the industry. it's a little pricy, but well worth the money. and it's a mongoose! if you are into racing as i am then this is a great bike. if you aren't, then maybe buy a hardtail.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft Myers Fl
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | local woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | strong frame, price, looks | | Weaknesses: | derailers, rims, weight | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale FS | | Bike Setup: | LX derailers, LX freewheel, Rapid Fire shifters, afrermarket rims | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike mainly to ride 5 miles to work. I've been riding it 10 miles a day for almost a year. The derailers and freewheel lasted about 2 months before the wore slap out. I also ride off road about every other weekend and so far have bent both rims. Since I replaced all the weak parts with upgrades the thing is a tank. I have put this bike though all kinds of rough tretment and it hasn't let me down once. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Arnett, Wv
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | loca strip roads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | burly frame | | Weaknesses: | everything | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M40
Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because of the price. Big mistake. I've never ridden a bigger hunk of crap in my life. I really didn't no anything about bikes at the time and it looked really cool so I forked over the cash. I had the bike about 3 months and sold it for $80 to some unknowing sucker. The frame feels like it is made out of cement and the components absolutely suck. After I wisened up and began riding more seriously I found out how stupid I had actually been for buying a bike that cost $200. I now own a Specialized Rockhopper and its soooo much better. If I had to compare these bikes to cars it would go like this--Mongoose--3 cylinder Metro filled with about 8 fat clowns\Specialized--Dodge Viper. Another thing that I had considered was to keep the D40 as a beaterbike just for jumping and trashing but the fork sucks so bad it would bottom out and the cheap rims warp easily. Another thing that got on my nerves was that the dual crown fork was designated as a downhill fork. That is really hilarious because it has about 60 mm of travel and would bottom and flex on small rocks that my new Manitou gobbles up. I'll shutup now and just leave with one parting thought--Don't buy this bike!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flip
a Weekend Warrior
from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Price, Stable Frame and suspension assemblies, The D40R 24" comes with Shimano V-Brake systems as well as updated and versatile deraileurs. | | Weaknesses: | Extremely Heavy, deraileur quality balanced with the price on the 26", far better on the 24", Rim failure common with heavy treatment | | Similar Products Used: | Next Ultra-Shock 26", Mongoose MGX-DXR, Mongoose A40R | | Bottom Line: | This is the best entry level Full Suspension Bike available through local discount outlets. You really can't beat the price (below $200) at your local Wal-Mart. The Unit performs extremely well if it is properly assembled and well cared for. Deraileur quality low, however, is impressive on the `2000 24".
Great trail bike, however, gets rather heavy on the incline.
Bottom Line, well balanced value with an inexpensive price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Westchester, New York, Unites States of America
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything where there is dirt (and mud does not hurt eirther) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | looks, $ price $, relative durabilty, sturdy frame | | Weaknesses: | weight, weight, weight. It is far too heavy, but with this weight, comes strength. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Full Suspension | | Bike Setup: | out of the box | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike for people who believe they want to start moutain biking, but are not quite sure. Personally, I'm only 16 and i am going through some type of a thrill seeking period in my life, and this is a perfect bike for that. I abuse my bikes, and frankly, most bikes wouldn't be able to sustain the abuse i put this bike through. Moreover, you can not possibly get a better bike for the money. The bike is excellent, considering the fact that it costs much less than some hubs. It is ideal for me, and any other person who is questioning moutain biking as a weekend hobby. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sycoholic
a Cross Country Rider
from Jamesburg, NJ
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere there's dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | price | | Weaknesses: | parts | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR-3000 | | Bike Setup: | irc pirahna pro tires, the fenders, gt saddle, girvin flex stem, profile bar ends, xt front derailler, alivio rear derailler, shimano rear sprocket, avenir pedals with cages, shimano bottom bracket...more to come??? | | Bottom Line: | Well, this is a continuation of my previous opinion. I still like the bike. You can't beat it for the money. Now, I had to replace the front derailler, and the bottom bracket. I replaced crank bearings once already, and wasn't about to do it again. So I opted to spend $30 for a sealed Shimano. Then the front derailler went, so I got an XT since it was the cheapest the shop had to fit my bike. It's still heavy. The front shock is just too soft for me. The rear has like no dampening whatsoever, but if you stiffen it up (spring) it will do.
Remember, I beat the p!$$ out of this thing off road. I do take care of it, and maintain it though. I go out once a week and hit the trails hard. The rest of the time, I'm out clocking miles on the road. Can't wait until my GT XCR-3000 is paid for...layaway ya know. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big O
a Weekend Warrior
from Daytona FL
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Holds my weitght, looks like a real mountain bike | | Weaknesses: | hard to find parts{rear frame}, HEAVY of course and a wal-mart special | | Similar Products Used: | gt | | Bike Setup: | stock except for modified rear derailer bracket | | Bottom Line: | I have yet to ride my bike in the last 6 mos. I tumbled in the trail and haven't been able to find a way to fix the rear derailer. I can't even find a rear frame for it. I really believe that I would be better off investing in a higher quality bike but the budget won't allow that to happen in the near future. So now I'm stuck with this heavy a$$ lawn ornament until I hone my machining skills or find an inexpensive solution (like scrapin it for pot metal and puttin that money towards a new bike from a real bike shop).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Chattanooga, TN
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pocket Loop in GA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Price, The suspension on mine is quite plush
| | Weaknesses: | Weight, Climbing, Pretty boys who can afford other bikes snubbing you. | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | The Bike is not bad for starters, i have enjoyed tearing up some small trails around here. It isn't the best for technical trails, but it works great for someone on a college (small) budget. It's pretty tough, so it's good for running over the guys whos mommies and daddies got them a $2000 bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach
a
from Cols.Ohio
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Full suspension for cheap, looks, Price is very reasonable | | Weaknesses: | It is heavier than alloys and titanium. | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | Full Suspension | | Bottom Line: | For the money, this is the best bike. For simular bikes with better components, I have seen prices in the $1000+ range, they break just as easily. If you don't like the bike after 1 year, you can afford to buy another. If you can afford to buy bikes that cost more than some used cars, then this bike is for you, if you can't, then it is. Also,if you are seroiusly into mountian biking, and you will use your bike on technical trails, then don't buy this bike.
This bike deserves 10 stars for value, and 5 for quality(for the price) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Thrift
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallahassee, Fl
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fern Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Price, full suspension, and looks. | | Weaknesses: | Component quality, overall weight | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Out of the box. | | Bottom Line: | If you are not sure that you want to be a serious biker, or you are just going through a "get in shape" phase. This bike will not set you back much. You will still get full suspension, and exspensive looks. This bike is also good if you "try" to break your bike. You can play rough with this bike, who cares if you break your $200 walmart bike any way! You may also want to have someone look the bike over if it was purchased from somewhere like Walmart because it may not have been assembled very well. The bike is great for the price! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sycoholic
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jamesburg Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Price. Name brand. | | Weaknesses: | Derailler, sprocket and chain, and waaay heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 3000 | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Alivio rear derailler, profile bar ends, girvin flex stem, gt seat, The fenders | | Bottom Line: | It's an excellent bike for the money. After all, you can't find a fs bike for less than $700. My cousin also has the same bike except a newer model with the stock bar ends, and he loves his. When we bought ours we were on a tight budget. I upgraded to a girvin flex stem for a longer reach,and it takes up whatever the fork doesn't. I have Avenir pedals with cages, IRC Pirahna Pro tires, and Profile bar ends. This bike is just about perfect now, except for the weight. The front shock is a little on the crap side,but works. The first week I ripped the rear derailler from the bike, taking the chain with it. Just recently I needed a new rear sprocket, wore the teeth out on the old one. The front derailler leaves a little bit to be desired. Now, when I ride, I ride all out. I race bmx, so I really know how to put a bike through its paces. I do a lot of downhill, uphill, and dirtbike trails with it. It really has held up to a lot of abuse. Oh, and the crank stinks. The bearings come loose and it clunks. I'm constantly tightening it. Not worth a Shimano crank though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ry
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Colo USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | the price and gets you from point A to B
Looks ok | | Weaknesses: | not too good for serious trails
rims bend easy
too f#$#ing heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Next Ultra-Shock (PIECE OF S#@T)used one day and it broke on
solid ground
| | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | bike is ok for light trail and road but not too cool for
major trails. If you get one have it checked out by
someone that knows what the f they are doing. And DO NOT
even think about the Next Ultra-Schock total piece!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris broeckling
a
from edmonds, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | low price but I got ripped off, | | Weaknesses: | rear shock,rims get bent out easily, requires lots of maitnece, bad tires | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | full suspension | | Bottom Line: | A good bike for it's price but be careful where you buy from I got ripped off. This bike requres a lot of maitnence; gear tuning, lubricating shocks parts. Lastly be careful how you put it down. Somehow I bent the deraiiler and ended up completely ripping out the shifter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from IL USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very strong frame, and most components are of good quality,has good looks | | Weaknesses: | Very,very,very,very,very,very heavy,rear de-railer causes the gears to pop | | Similar Products Used: | Next ultra-shock | | Bike Setup: | Stock, execpt for the rear wheel I had to replace | | Bottom Line: | A good bike for someone who doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg.
It will hold up well on offroad trails, but is not going to take the abuse of high jumps.
I really like the looks and it is very sturdy, but the rear hubs are cheap and will break if you have any mishaps or if you put it through a lot of heavy abuse.
Also it is definatley not for uphill riding, it is way too heavy.
But overall it is not too bad for a moderate rider.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from beverly
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | norwood pond or tall tree | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | strong frame, looks pretty good, price | | Weaknesses: | cheap componentry, f*ckin' heavy, shocks, well alot but what do you expect for the price??? | | Similar Products Used: | trek carbon Y, cannondale f700, giant warp ds1; ds2, alot | | Bike Setup: | everything stock except for two new tubes | | Bottom Line: | First of all, this is not my bike, im just reviewing it from a friends point of view. I have a cannondale f700. On to the bike.... He's only had the bike for 1-2 weeks and already 2 popped tubes and a worn out back tire. It had a very annoying squeak in the rear shock, i fixed it with some silicon, (just spray it on, work it in, and give it a day to settle). The components are pretty much.... junk. Again though, PRICE. You could not buy the components on my bike with twice how much this bike costs, nevermind that you get a frame, suspension, wheels etc. with it. The bike is smooth, and i just LUV that full suspension feel when landing a jump! Especially after riding around on my stiff hardtail. Ive done a good amount of tuning and fixing this bike, if i hadn't it wouldn't be moving too easily. OK, so my recomendation is... If your getting into mountain biking and don't know if your going to like it, you should consider this. If you don't know alot about mantaining and fixing a bike, make sure you have a friend who does, and doesn't mind helping you either. It handles true downhill, but uphill... your going to get a dam* hard @$$ workout.
GOOD PRICE - decent bike, You won't be disappointed if u spend less than $200 on this bike. 5 chilis for value, 3 for overall, but in this price range 3 overall is the best any bike will get from me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amy
a Downhiller
from Guntown, MS
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | paved roads, gravel | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Seems to be sturdy, price, looks, price, owners manual will provide good scrap paper, price | | Weaknesses: | My rear end hurts and this is only the first day I've used it. The torque adjuster doesn't work right. The thing is darned heavy! | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is the first time I have biked since I was 12 (16 yrs) and I feel that I have made a good investment. I am not a serious biker, but more of someone who wants to tool around enjoying the scenery. It's better than that Team Murray X24 that I had. I recommend it to beginners that want to see if they like to bike before blowing a few hundred bucks on something you won't ride, especially if you are on an extremely limited budget like myself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Rouse
a Downhiller
from Atlanta, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Killer Creek Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | The frame is strong but heavy. It is a great bike to learn on but once you develop your skills BUY a bike in the $900 to a little over a thousand range. | | Weaknesses: | Components | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike for beginers but you will need to move up when you increase your skills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Ward Ward
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomingdale MI
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | PRICE,Looks,Suspension | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | What do people exspect for $149.00? The ones who have complained about it being junk I would like them to show me a better bike for the money!Get with reality.
Couldnt ask for more for $149.00.
Peace.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Duncannon
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very strong frame and most of the components are decent | | Weaknesses: | derailer is junk,front brake is broken on mine | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is junk and I recomend that you do not waste your money on it and save it for something better,I barely ever ride mine and still falls apart the worst thing is the rear derailer. It has some good qualities though it has a very strong frame(although way to heavy). And it is a very cheap bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Stroud
a Downhiller
from Hilo, Hawaii, United States
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown Riven Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | low price, strong. | | Weaknesses: | heavy, a littal cheap. | | Bike Setup: | mongoose D40 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is good for beginners, the frame is strong and heavy and handals the down hill runs. You may find your self replacing parts if you ride hard. This bike is not good for up hill rides because of its heavy frame. With this bike you can have good looks and a lot of fun for a low price and thats what I like about this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Sandy
a Weekend Warrior
from Upperglade, Wv, USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | "Snake Way" on Dragon Ball-Z(if you dont know...don't ask...) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | PRICE - steel frame - brand name - looks -frame design | | Weaknesses: | I bought it used...so why should I complain | | Similar Products Used: | BMX's & hardtails | | Bike Setup: | 21 speed. dv-7 rear shock. ballistic front shock | | Bottom Line: | DARN good entry level bike. I haven't been able to give it the "full-treatment" yet but I think it can take a beating. It's shocks should be able to support my 250lbs of bulk.... I will probably upgrade to a "better" bike in a few years...but I know I can count on this bike.
Buy this bike if you are thinking about getting into moutnain biking or just want to impress some friends.
I deducted 1 chili because it was used and i bought it from Wal-Mart | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Enid, OK
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Roman Nose State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Strong Steel Frame | | Weaknesses: | Everything else | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | out of the box | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike thinking that I might not enjoy biking. I was right I didn't enjoy biking on that bike. I rode 400 miles in six months, both trail and road. the rear suspension had all but fallen apart. The rear axle wobbled so bad it didn't track straight. Granted, they probably didn't expect the use that I put it through ie.. jumping, eadvanced trails, and downhill. Save your money. It might be good for a comfortable dirt road. Will not stand up to extreme use!!!! Buy a real bike and save yourself the time and money of trading it in after 6 months. I give it a 2 because the price is good for a beginner that doesn't want to advance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Wa
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Price($150). Looks. Takes a beating, so far. 21 speed. Comfort. | | Weaknesses: |
Underrated. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale, a few others. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | Best dual suspension mountain bike I've tried, in its price range. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from St Louis, Mo.
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Price, even more now that Walmart has lowered it to 149.00. Strong frame design. Very good for the average rider that wants a good ride. | | Weaknesses: |
On the heavy side, not race quality components. | | Similar Products Used: |
several D40R's,D50,Pacific Cycle | | Bike Setup: |
Completely stock, except for seat. | | Bottom Line: | After trying several different bikes, of all different prices, I have settled on this mongoose, for several reasons. Price, customer service, rideability, comfort, now a better deal at 149.00. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Wa
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Price. Looks. 21-speed | | Weaknesses: |
None, yet... | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale, D60R, other dual suspension's. | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | Best dual suspension bike I've tried in it's price range. Great for the occasional thrashing here in the NorthWest. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
honesty
a Weekend Warrior
from anywhere
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
walmart parking lot | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | cheap suspension. weight. service. | | Similar Products Used: |
real bikes that are no way similar to this yardsale destined garbage. | | Bottom Line: | Take this for what it's worth, but if you want to spend $150 for a garage wall ornament feel free and buy this. If you give yourself any credit for your ability to truly enjoy the sport of mountain biking, then save your money a little longer and buy a better bike from a respectable BIKE SHOP. I ride all over the place and one thing I can tell you is that I have only seen department store bikes a couple of times out on trails more than a mile from the trailhead. One of those times, an idiot was threatening to throw his cheap broken frame bike over the cliff at Porcupine Rim. Disturbed riders, who witnessed this fools frustrated antics, told him if he was dumb enough to ride a piece of crap like that into there than he better carry it out(note-cheap bikes are usually very heavy). The only place you realy see these bikes being ridden is around town bouncing up and down as a result of the poor excuse for suspension. And if you are a parent reading this and contemplating if you should buy this bike for your kid, for the love of your child, don't do it. I hear some people justify buying these bikes for their kids by saying that the kids are growing and will outgrow the bike so it is better to save the money. What really happens with these bikes is that the child soon loses interest in mountain biking, leaves the bike in the garage or yard, and sets his or her sights on video games and longing for his or her first car. If you do not want to spend the money for a real bike, then just save yourself a step and walk away from the bike section of the department store and walk over to the electronics section of that store and buy your child a video game player. If your child already has a video game player than buy that child several new games. But if you decide that you would rather have your child riding a bike as opposed to sitting in front of a TV playing video games, than perhaps you should get your yellow pages and look for the heading BICYCLE DEALERS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
slowpoke
a Weekend Warrior
from paved road,nj
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
my driveway | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
price | | Weaknesses: |
weight,brakes,gearset,forks,etc... | | Similar Products Used: |
jeff gordon signature series huffy. | | Bike Setup: |
stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a heavy hunk of junk.there is nothing good on this bike.(that saved about an hour of telling you whats wrong.) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MAtt (Again)
a Weekend Warrior
from Melb
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
N/A | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Cheap, Durable, Worth every cent. Good for a weekend rider, that enjoys riding. | | Weaknesses: |
Low Pivot Unified Rear Triangle means bounsy when riding, not much travel | | Similar Products Used: |
Repco, Compass
Norco Kokanee, with fronts shox
Shogun Extreme | | Bike Setup: |
Y-Frame, Low Pivot URT | | Bottom Line: | Good value for money but not for an extreme rider that wants a very good bike but for the average rider that is willing to spend a bit of money to get one of the best fun bikes there is! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MAtt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Melb
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
HUH | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very good | | Weaknesses: |
NONE | | Similar Products Used: |
NonE | | Bike Setup: |
$ bar lincage | | Bottom Line: | 5 Stars | | Overall Rating: |
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