Mongoose Review

Extreme sports enthusiasts racing dirt tracks, trekking mountainous terrain and performing stunts in streets and parks can pump up the adrenaline on bikes marked by a small, swift animal for which they’re named. Mongoose performance bicycles, emblazoned with the “Maurice the mongoose� logo, are designed for mountain, street and motocross, or BMX, riding. And adventurers at all experience levels can find the right Mongoose bike for them.

In all, riders have a choice of more than 40 Mongoose models from which to choose, including bikes designed with the input of pros and intended for trails, jumps, freestyle and commutes. Mongoose bikes come in small through extra large sizes that, according to the company, generally compare to standard bikes of 15� to 21.� A rider would select a Mongoose bike according to his or her height and proportions. Because riders of varying weights use Mongoose bikes differently, the company shies away from recommending products according to a rider’s weight.

The Mongoose dates back to the mid-1970s, when Skip Hess, a motor sport enthusiast, launched BMX Products, Inc., from his Southern California garage. After designing a strong, lightweight cast magnesium wheel, Hess introduced the Mongoose bike itself. Youngsters in the area were reportedly racing road bicycles on dirt tracks, and products like the Mongoose allowed them to instead ride a bike designed especially for them. The motocross sanctioning organization, the National Bicycle League, was founded, and the sport became increasingly popular.

By the 1980s, the International BMX Federation was established, the first world championships were held and the films BMX Bandits and The Karate Kid featured Mongoose bikes. Mongoose during this era sponsored another movie, Rad. The company by this time was also sponsoring BMX teams and manufacturing an Expert BMX model as well as Mongoose mountain bikes.

Mongoose through the years has sponsored an array of champion riders. The International BMX Federation is now a part of Union Cycliste Internationale, and Mongoose is part of Pacific Cycle, a subsidiary of Dorel Industries. Dorel’s Recreation and Leisure segment in 2009 was up 3.8 percent over the previous year, with earnings of $681.3 million as compared with $656.6 million in 2008, according to Bike Retailer and Industry News. Mongoose continues to sponsor professional riders and, through a Grassroots Racing Program, provides discount bikes to competitive riders.

Models

Average Pricing

Manufacturers suggested retail prices for bikes from the basic Mongoose line start at about $199, and those in the Pro line extend as high as $3,899.