They are not only great for off-road biking but also excellent for city rides. The comfortable seating and easy-to-use gear system make them a perfect fit for urban environments. For those passionate about outdoor activities and especially cycling, investing in a well-structured and reliable bike is paramount. One bike that is sure to tick all your boxes is the Mongoose fat tire bike.
Mechanical disc brakes make use of 160 mm rotors. One of the main components of any bike is the drive train. The Argus’ drive train uses a 2×8 system with a Microshift derailleur in the front and a Shimano Tourney in the rear. Taking the Argus out mongoose dirt bike was a different experience than the norm and we both had fun.
In my experience, this is pretty common for bikes in this price range. Kristen is a USA Cycling certified coach and loves to share her passion for biking with other families. Blair is a bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike junkie. The components all functioned well with minimal adjustments needed and served their individual duties. The traits of handling and stability will most certainly transition to snow riding as well. They slowed my son’s riding down when needed but functioned as any mechanical brake set would.
Kid sized fat bike frames are rare so taking him out this winter will be a unique experience. With that said, it was fun seeing my son experience something truly different on the dirt. Given my profession as a mountain bike journalist and product reviewer, it’s not unusual for friends and neighbors to ask me for bike recommendations.
GT Connect is a simple way to link you with local shops for professional bike builds, accessory sales, and service when needed. By signing up for GT Connect after you purchase a mountain or gravel bike over $1000 from GTBicycles.com, you will be eligible to have your new GT built for free. Buying a bike is all about finding the right mix of price, performance, and yes, style. The Mongoose Switchback Expert strikes a fine balance for riders looking for an affordable and simple entry into the world of riding bikes off road.
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Plus, the Malus has 7-speed twist shifters and front and rear disc brakes so it still has its vein of practicality. Fat tires are all the rage and the Malus is a great bike to add to your stable, and to get out there and have a little fun on. There is nothing you can’t do on a Mongoose and almost nowhere you can’t go on the Malus. Their fat tires do an exceptional job of dispersing weight and maintaining balance, making them perfect for snowy winter rides.
The Mongoose Switchback Expert is capable of popping off small roots and rocks in the trail, and it has proven to be durable on the landings. I worried about flat tires so I added a bit more pressure than I usually run on my other bikes—about 20-25psi—and I recommend buyers do the same. The drivetrain is generally pretty quiet when pedaling on smooth surfaces, though things start to clang the faster (and rougher!) you ride. One of the selling points of the Mongoose Switchback Expert is the tapered head tube, which the Comp version does not offer. The idea is that a buyer could upgrade the fork down the road to something better, but honestly it’s not going to be worth the expense. The SR Suntour XCE coil fork is truly entry level, and while it absorbs bumps in the trail it’s heavy and harsh compared to a more expensive fork with an air spring.
The rigid frame works well for snow and sand riding but loses ability in comparison to a suspended mountain bike. The Argus just so happens to be capable enough for trail riding too. In addition to their superior traction, versatility, and safety features, Mongoose fat tire bikes are also known for their endurance and resilience. These bikes are built to withstand heavy usage and challenging environments. Their frames are typically made from tough materials like steel or aluminum, ensuring that your bike can handle long rides, rough trails, and adverse weather conditions.