Race bikes are optimized for competition, with stiff frames and precise sizing. Middle-aged riders looking to recapture some of their youth without cracking their kneecaps will be interested in a flock of new “retro” bikes that repeat the styles of the ’80s and ’90s forebears with more rider room and more durable materials. Last but certainly not least, “BikeLife” is a whole new approach to BMX born from avant-garde street riders in Harlem, Philadelphia, Oakland, and elsewhere. From the original Motomag wheel BMX Products Inc created the Mongoose bicycle and parts brand which becomes a global success during the BMX boom of the 70s and 80s.
Check out these options for the perfect BMX bike, from everyday essential to defiantly boutique. Race bikes are designed specifically with the track in mind, they are nimble lightweight machines for putting down quick lap times. Typically, they are constructed from lightweight materials like aluminium and carbon fibre to keep the weight down and the rider at the front of the pack. These bikes are strong enough for smooth landings on race and pump tracks but will not take the abuse that a freestyle bike would in concrete skateparks. If you’re looking to set fast lap times or begin your competitive career on the track, a race bike is the right choice.
Some of the world’s finest riders ride Mongoose BMX Freestyle and BMX Race bikes. This is important because, as a rider, you should know which heavy bike you mongoose bicycle can handle. Heavy bikes have their advantages, such as stability, but they also have disadvantages because it can be difficult to transport them in areas with flat surfaces if you need to move them around. If we want a realistic picture of quality and price, we need to look at the budget and high-end bikes.
Replace some of its stock parts—users say the seatpost and brakes are necessary swaps—and your kid’s got a trusty BMX bike. The main difference between the two is the way the bike performs when going backwards. If you are already confident on a bike and have some experience in skateparks or performing tricks and jumps then we would recommend choosing a mid-range bike, priced from £400 to £700, with a full Chromoly frame, fork, and bars. The Mongoose Legion L40 Bike is ready for the beginner to intermediate level BMX rider. Get special offers, exclusive product news, and event info straight to your inbox. Lightweight aluminum frame and air-filled tires provide a lightweight, controlled ride that feels just like a big BMX bike.
Mongoose bicycles have at times been criticized for poor reliability and construction, however, many of these issues can be attributed to how and where the bicycles are used by their owners. Most 20-inch BMX frames have the bottom bracket higher than the axles, for purposes of ground clearance. This leads to the feeling of sitting or standing “on the bike” rather than “in the bike.” Novice riders will likely find this feeling to be remarkably uncomfortable. When mongoose bicycle in doubt, gravitate toward one of the 26-inch offerings or even a 29. BMX is arguably the most diverse and inclusive form of cycling, encompassing coastal cultures, urban stunt riding, and hard-nosed rural competition in a single, loosely drawn concept. Freestyle bikes are designed for the skatepark, the streets or the trails.
Youth freestyle bikes are sized depending on the diameter of the wheel staring at 12” all the way through to 18”, at a 20” wheel the bike is considered an adult size. Adult freestyle bikes are sized on top tube length, a 18.5” top tube is extra small for younger teenagers who have just moved up to an adult bike, a 20” top tube is small, 20.5” a medium and anything over a 21” is considered large. The Mongoose 700c Elroy Adventure bike features a lightweight frame and a capable adventure geometry that makes it the perfect choice for exploring any terrain. The only thing limiting your riding options will be your imagination and willingness to explore. It’s tough to get a competitive race bike for under $500, and pro-quality builds from high-end manufacturers like Daylight and Supercross can easily hit the $4,000 mark.
Wethepeople has put its back into promoting 22-inch BMX with the well-equipped, right-sized Audio, which should fit riders between 5-foot-8-inches and 6-foot-2-inches. With their more stability and predictability, 22-inch bikes are an excellent choice for riders who haven’t been on a bike in a while but who don’t want to make a move to 26- or 29-inch cruisers. They’re also significantly easier on your body, particularly when ridden more than occasionally. Most of the options on this list were nominated by our test editors, who have experience with these and similar products in various conditions—from skatepark to street riding to racing. The rest we’ve evaluated based on user reviews, research, discussions with riders who are using them now, and how their specs compare to similar products we’ve tested in the past.
BMX bikes designed by Mongoose in the 1970s and 1980s shaped a mongoose fat bike generation of innovation and design. It doesn’t matter what you’re riding – cargo bikes or gravel – Mongoose has all the bikes you need to get where you need to go. If somebody is looking for an inexpensive bike to ride occasionally or wants a second bike on which to do stunts, they are probably suitable for that person. Mongoose also sells the Legion 18 for children between 3-feet-8-inches to 4-feet-8-inches.