The Switchback Expert currently costs $125 less than the Specialized Rockhopper and is the better choice, in my opinion, based on the geometry and parts specs. Exploring the great outdoors is truly a treat with a Mongoose fat tire bike. This type of bike is designed with the adventurer in mind, providing numerous benefits that make for a superior cycling experience. Seasonality is a common problem for cyclists, with many finding it challenging to ride in snowy or icy conditions. These bikes are designed to conquer any terrain, in any season.
The Mongoose Argus Trail frame is comprised of 6061 aluminum. There is also a steel version sold at a slightly lower cost. That is the seat I bought to replace the stock torture device. The new seat is about 13.5″ inches wide and the horn is a lot shorter. It is a lot more comfortable. As far as I can tell, the Malus and Dolomite are essentially the same bike, just with different rims and colors.
If you want to ride trails as fast as possible, you’ll likely progress beyond the Mongoose Switchback Expert rather quickly. Tires are usually an inexpensive upgrade that can make a huge difference in the way a bike feels, but here again, buyers likely won’t want to bother. The included wheels feature narrow, 18mm rims that are even narrower than what you might find on a gravel bike today. For that reason, it doesn’t make sense to run anything wider than the 2.25″ tires specced despite what appears to be plenty of frame clearance. I like the WTB Trail Boss tires so my advice is to just keep ’em. The rims aren’t taped inside, and they’re drilled for Schrader valves, so IMO going tubeless isn’t really worth the hassle, either.
Comfort and safety are two key considerations for any bike ride, and Mongoose fat tire bikes excel in both departments. The wider tires act as natural shock absorbers, providing a smoother, more comfortable ride even over bumpy trails. This also reduces the impact on your joints, making it easier to enjoy longer rides.
They are not hydraulic and even I could feel that when testing myself. The job is getting done but there is more arm pump and fatigue when wrestling more weight with a lower grade brake system. Mongoose’s website just says “aluminum” for their unbranded brakes.
Speed across virtually any terrain with ease on the Mongoose Men’s Malus 26 in Fat Tire Bike. The front and rear disc brakes give you a practical way to stop. Roll over difficult terrain with ease on the Argus Trail 26 fat tire bike by Mongoose. This beast of a bike provides improved stability on sand, snow, or even slick roads. And the Argus’ Tectonic T2 aluminum frame with rigid fork makes for a strong, stable ride with added lateral rigidity.
Similarly, for beach rides in the height of summer, these bikes are able to traverse sandy terrains with ease, something many standard mountain bikes struggle with. This gives riders the freedom to enjoy cycling year-round, making a Mongoose fat tire bike a versatile investment. The Mongoose Switchback Expert is an aluminum hardtail mountain bike with 100mm of suspension travel up front. It has eight speeds and 29er wheels with 2.25″ wide tires. The Mongoose fat tire bike is designed to withstand the challenges of different terrains, whether it’s snow, sand, or rocky mountains.
I have been looking at high rise handlebars or bar risers to help with the riding position. I had one for awhile that I didn’t ride very much, turns out I hate riding in the snow anyway. They are heavy but like it’s said above, more of a workout. So far, I’ve only ridden mongoose bicycle it around the driveway and already hate the terrible twist shifter.
He did a good video recently on some more budget parts (including hydraulic disc brakes) as well as he has been playing with a Walmart MTB recently. I have a 7 speed Shimano thumb shifter and aluminum mountain bike pedals on the way. The stock brakes kinda suck too so I was thinking about upgrading to Shimano hydraulic brakes in the future. From the world cup racer, to the bike park ripper, the Fury is tunable for any type of gravity rider.
I don’t know of many that go smaller from there either. Hopefully some training will allow him to be able to climb on his own for some of the ride. Sticking to flat nordic type trails for fat biking in the snow might be our best bet. Really, this frame is most likely a back up bike for a family of enthusiasts that want their child to join the fat biking they do in the winter. While the Mongoose Argus Trail is trail worthy, there are other bikes that do trail riding better. There is a low level shimano hydraulic disc brake kit that is SO NICE compared to the cable disc brakes.