I've been a mountain biker since 1981. I been riding the same bike since then!
I just purchased the above-referenced bike at SportsAuthority and find it to be most excellent. Yes, the bike was completely out of adjustment when purchased, but I am mechanically inclined and had no problems getting everything perfect.
The bike comes equipped with a 4 inch travel MOZO fork, Tekra Brakes and ALivio Rear Deraillur. The frame is Aluminum and very rigid. Also, the rear suspension spring is rated at 1200 pounds, so properly adjusted, there is vertually no BOB.
I have 90 days to try out the bike and return it if I don't like it. I have tried more expensive bikes at the local bike shop and feel no difference between the Mongoose and any SUB-$1500 FS Bike. I guess I just have a problem paying that much money just to have someone holding my hand.
Can anyone who is product knowledgeable on this forum give me some real advice on this bike so I can decide if it's a keeper??
Oh boy, a friend of mine bought one at Sports Authority a few months ago as it was on sale for $320. You got a better deal (in a way) but he has had nothing but problems with his. We are both novice riders and I actually bought a 2005 Trek 820 for cheap. We both ride dirt trails and nothing extream. My Trek is taking light abuse and I'm surprised to say its running strong. I did a 4ft or so drop and thought I may have damaged something but when I brought it to my LBS for a look over they said everything is fine. My friend who did the same drop messed up his front rim badly. Also the rear sus is wacky (from day one he said). His fork sus is also messed up. He took it to the LBS and they told him that it would cost more money to adjust/replace/fix, etc... so he didn't do anything. He rode the bike with a bent rim but it didn't last too much longer. He finally gave in and bought a Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc and is a happy camper now. He still has the Mongoose Tech 4 in the garage and doesn't know what to do with it. The guy at the LBS said its not really a "true" full sus bike. Its more for the look. And besides for the stuff we're doing we don't need full sus, hardtail is fine.
I would probably return it and save some more money and get a decent hardtail. I have to admit the Tech 4 is a real looker but seeing my friend's frustration in it, well I guess I don't think its worth the money.
Thanks for the advice. I don't need any more [censored] cluttering my garage either. The most extreme thing I've done so far is ride down 100 steps in front of the Court House. We don't have too many 4 foot drops in South Florida. I figure I can abuse it for 90 days and return it if it does'nt hold up.
So since you have recent bike shopping experience. Can you tell me which is a good value HardTail and FS? I'm looking for a bike the same way I bought my Toyota T100 Truck; Durable and Dependable. I keep things a long time so I want to get the right bike the 1st time around.
What is your budget? I think you should look into the Trek 820 (retail $250), 3700 (retail $309), or 4300 (retail $359). Check out the trek webpage. These are all good entry level MTB's. Also Specialized Hardrock (various versions and prices starting at $330 retail) are probably a good buy. Giant I hear is another good one but I didn't like them.
FS is kinda not really needed I think unless you are doing downhill, free riding, tricks, extream abuse, professional because real FS bikes start out at least $1500 to the amount of a '05 Hyundai Accent! The guy at the LBS said that FS bikes that really work and can take the abuse are the ones that start at $1500. The ones that are in the $300 range are OK but you really shouldn't do any jumps or tricks, etc... with them. They are mainly for road riding and dirt trails. I don't have any experience with a FS bike (high end to low end) so I wouldn't know.
Hopfully some others here with more knowledge will chime in. Good luck!
Crazy8 is right on. I have a 2003 Trek 4100 and I paid about $350 after taxes. I went through the Department store run-a-round when I purchased, not 1 but 2 "Walmart" specials. Both were absolute [censored]. My best friend, who is a New Orleans Cop, Introduced me to Trek, as that is what he rides on the Department. I went to my LBS and left with the 4100. The great thing about the 4 series Treks is that the difference in price is components. The Frames are, for the most part, the same. So I bought the 4100 with the intention of slowly upgrading each component as they fail or wear out. Ebay has been a great source for these components, some new-some used, for much lower costs. By also replacing each component myself and with my friends help I am learning alot about bikes and that has been awesome. It really helps to know your bike, This will also save you from un-necessary trips to the bike shop and ultimately save you money.
Which do you guys think is the best value for the money? Thanks.
Well for full suspension I'd go with the Giant. Only because I know a few guys that own Giant bikes. For the hardtail I'd go with the Trek 4100. If you can afford the Iguana then go for that one. Again it depends what you will be doing with the bike. If its just paved trails - dirt trails then all you really need is the Trek 4100. If you think you'll be doing a lot of dirt trails/mountain trails then go big. Get the Iguana.
I'm not to familiar with full sus bikes since i've never owned one. they are the 'in' thing to own but the majority of people I see that have full sus bikes just buy them for the looks. Most of them are Next bikes which you can buy at Wally World for $100. I guess I don't see a need for a full sus bike for what i do so i never look at them - plus they are way too expensive ($1,500-5,000). But if you want one for the road and dirt trails i think the Giant has more to offer. Hopfully an expert will jump in...
Which do you guys think is the best value for the money? Thanks.
All of the bikes that you listed are great bikes. If you think you are going to be doing a lot of downill stuff, big drops, or rough terrain I would tell you to go with the FS. If you are going to be spending most of your time on the streets or hard packed trails then go with the HT. If you have the money then go with a more expensive bike if not then go with the lower. Re-read my last post though in terms of what really determines a bikes cost (COMPONENTS)!!!
You have the last call, but I would try to stay away from a department store bike. the componets wear and tear will let you down. Like you said your friend bent his rims on a drop... That is what you should expect with department store bike. Especially since you have been riding since 1981, I would go to your LBS and get a bike there... You want some componets that will be rugged and last...
I am obviously biased, my name says it, but Trek bikes are strong and worth every penny. I love both of mine to death. I would go to your LBS and try out all the bikes in your price range (not just Trek) and then see which one you like best and BUY IT!!!
I've been a mountain biker since 1981. I been riding the same bike since then!
I just purchased the above-referenced bike at SportsAuthority and find it to be most excellent. Yes, the bike was completely out of adjustment when purchased, but I am mechanically inclined and had no problems getting everything perfect.
The bike comes equipped with a 4 inch travel MOZO fork, Tekra Brakes and ALivio Rear Deraillur. The frame is Aluminum and very rigid. Also, the rear suspension spring is rated at 1200 pounds, so properly adjusted, there is vertually no BOB.
I have 90 days to try out the bike and return it if I don't like it. I have tried more expensive bikes at the local bike shop and feel no difference between the Mongoose and any SUB-$1500 FS Bike. I guess I just have a problem paying that much money just to have someone holding my hand.
Can anyone who is product knowledgeable on this forum give me some real advice on this bike so I can decide if it's a keeper??
I would check out the price in your area on the trek 4300. I just picked one up at my LBS for 319.00. I've only had it for about a week now but it seems like a really solid bike.
Im very happy with my giant yukon. its the spring edition so it has a slightly better fork on it. has preload and dampin adjustments. when i walked in to my LBS to buy it i was goin for a fs and talk to them and said to stick with a hardtail for my price range. unless you spend big money i think your better off with a ht vs a fs imo. the giant warp was the other bike i was looking at.
I appreciate and want to thank everyone for taking their time to explain the issues to me. I've concluded that the Mongoose is slow and heavy. My budget being what it is (wife & 3 small kids) I believe my only recourse is a HardTail.
The manager friend at my local SportsAuthority will take the Mongoose back. He suggested I try out the GT Avalanche 3.0 which usually sells for $300 (He's giving me the same 60% off deal I got on the Mongoose so it'll be about $120). I know it's no Trek 4100 or Giant Boulder SE, but I wanted to see if you guys think it is a better choice given my limited funds.
I appreciate and want to thank everyone for taking their time to explain the issues to me. I've concluded that the Mongoose is slow and heavy. My budget being what it is (wife & 3 small kids) I believe my only recourse is a HardTail.
The manager friend at my local SportsAuthority will take the Mongoose back. He suggested I try out the GT Avalanche 3.0 which usually sells for $300 (He's giving me the same 60% off deal I got on the Mongoose so it'll be about $120). I know it's no Trek 4100 or Giant Boulder SE, but I wanted to see if you guys think it is a better choice given my limited funds.
Well i think the components on the GT might be not the greatest. If you are just riding on paved trails its fine. Even dirt trails is probably ok. I use to own a GT Performer freestyle bike back in the day that was good. Today I have Free Agent BMX bike that is good and it takes a ton of abuse. But I wouldn't buy a GT BMX bike today - i have heard some stories about low quality parts. I know of a guy that has a full sus GT that he raves about but again that bike is $1500.
Do you plan on doing a lot of off roading? I'm not sure how heavy the GT is...
I've been a mountain biker since 1981. I been riding the same bike since then!
I just purchased the above-referenced bike at SportsAuthority and find it to be most excellent. Yes, the bike was completely out of adjustment when purchased, but I am mechanically inclined and had no problems getting everything perfect.
Just out of curiosity, what Sports Authority offers the Tech 4 at this price? Our local Sports Authority has it on sale for $699. Gart Sports (another store similar to SA also has it on sale for around that price).
Just out of curiosity, what Sports Authority offers the Tech 4 at this price? Our local Sports Authority has it on sale for $699. Gart Sports (another store similar to SA also has it on sale for around that price).
The regular price is $699, but it was 50% over the July 4th weekend plus I was able to use additional 25% off coupon. The bike felts very heavy and I feel like I fly on the GT Avalanche in comparison.
The regular price is $699, but it was 50% over the July 4th weekend plus I was able to use additional 25% off coupon. The bike felts very heavy and I feel like I fly on the GT Avalanche in comparison.
Ahh, thanks for the info. I think $699 is way too steep, and I'm glad I didn't get it. 🙂
Just out of curiosity, what Sports Authority offers the Tech 4 at this price? Our local Sports Authority has it on sale for $699. Gart Sports (another store similar to SA also has it on sale for around that price).
I saw it on sale on the 4th of July weekend for $360 and my friend bought it earlier this year for only $320 with additional coupon. So if you think about it that bike really is not worth anything. Anyone that pays the full retail price is a fool. $700?????? Do yourself a favor and look at the Haro Extreme X1 for $650. More bang for the buck!!!!
Do not buy that Tech 4 at retail as it sells for $360 tops on the 'net and at the local dept. stores around my area. I have no idea why Sports Authority has it listed for $699 because that is just outrageous!!! I'd take a Haro Extreme X1 over a Mongoose Tech 4.
I saw it on sale on the 4th of July weekend for $360 and my friend bought it earlier this year for only $320 with additional coupon. So if you think about it that bike really is not worth anything. Anyone that pays the full retail price is a fool. $700?????? Do yourself a favor and look at the Haro Extreme X1 for $650. More bang for the buck!!!!
Do not buy that Tech 4 at retail as it sells for $360 tops on the 'net and at the local dept. stores around my area. I have no idea why Sports Authority has it listed for $699 because that is just outrageous!!! I'd take a Haro Extreme X1 over a Mongoose Tech 4.
Yeah, once I came home and did a little research (and found this forum), I saw that Mongoose is no longer what it once was and they were bought out by Pacific. Right now, I'm looking at the IBEX Apogee Sport.
