https://forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/mongoose-juneau-assembly-review-1043621.html

 

Thank you so much for the link, I'll ask my questions in that thread.

 

I'm also considering this fat bike or the Schwinn Axum, curious if anyone can provide more info, thanks.

 

Only you can decide between a fat bike and a 29er hardtail. They are completely different bikes with different purposes.

But I like my Juneau, in case it helps

 

the mongoose juneau has the absolutely worst disc brakes and derailleur money can buy. I would pass because to upgrade this thing is going to be more trouble and cost more money then it is worth. I have one and regret my purchase.

 

I've been riding a Cooker Maxi that I bought secondhand for the last couple of years. It's been a fantastic bike after a couple rounds of cheap Chinese upgrades(air fork, carbon bars, dropper post) and some used ebay stuff(shimano brakes, derailleur, crank/pedals). I can't recommend it enough for a cheap fatbike that you can upgrade at your leisure.

 

I ended up going the fat bike route as my 1st foray into mountain biking even though I live in So Cal so most of my riding does not deal with snow. I just thought these fat tires looked really fun. After reviewing lots of info I ended up finding a used Mongoose Vinson for a really good price ($200) and it has been awesome as a platform to upgrade and learn along the way. The Axum was also on my short list because it sort of has plus sized tires and has a good upgrade path. At the time there was only a Large size frame and I figured it would be too large for me (5'9) so I didn't want to make that concession at a higher price. A fat bike and a 29er are 2 different types of bike but the fat bike can accommodate a 29er wheelset but you can't do that with the Axum. This wheelset option was also a major factor for me even though I haven't tried 29's on my Vinson. The new Mongoose Dolomite ALX looks pretty good brand new for the price but it's been sold out (Walmart) and I wouldn't spend over $500 for it. BikesDirect and it's sister site Bikeisland has the Gravity Bullzeye Monster at good prices. The Cooker Maxi above looks pretty sweet and being used makes it cheaper which leaves you $ for upgrades which you will end up doing. The key is having an aluminum frame, replaceable hanger and rims with cutouts because the bigger tires are going to add a lot to the overall weight. I would go for a used Fattie just to see if you like it because you should be able to recoup your $ if you want to go another route. Most of the fun for me has been doing upgrades and customizing. I love my fattie

Framed is selling a frameset Framed Minnesota 2.0 / X5 Crankset Fat Bike Frame Kit that I would have done, that way you can fill in the parts you want as you finish the build.

 

It’s a lot of bike at $400. There is an adage that you should choose “frame first” and Juneau has Mongoose’ best frame (not to mention alloy rims,vs steel). At some point every bike needs to replace drivetrain and brakes, at which point you can go nuts if you want. YMMV