Born out of a garage in SoCal back in 1974, Mongoose is synonymous with BMX. Mongoose designs BMX Freestyle and BMX Race bikes for riders of all ages and ability levels, and our bikes are trusted by some of the world’s best riders. The Mongoose California Special is is modern tribute to the original model from 1983 with a replica 83-frame design, the same classic handlebar layout, Dia-Compe brakes and levers, and alloy Pro Class wheels wrapped in snake belly tires. Our store offers the best support and our brands have the best warranties in the business.
The California Special is the more affordable option, retailing at $449.99 USD where the bikes are officially released on the 18th of October this year. We’re an independently owned bike shop serving Canterbury since 2000. Need a gift for your cyclist friend but not sure what to get them? It is perhaps overdue at this point to mention that the name Mongoose was the result of Skip, and interestingly, was taken from 5 x national drag racing champion Tom ‘The Mongoose’ McEwen. Pretty awesome to think that the very early roots of BMX have drag racing ties, as well as a more obvious association with motocross and skating (which was also taking off at the time, and also in southern California). The Legion L40 uses a 20.5-inch top tube, ideal for riders around 5’6”.
For better or worse, Mongoose released the ‘Mini Scoot’, a ‘pro-level’ scooter which took the brand down a different path, a challenging, divisive and hugely successful one. For the Mongoose brand and its long history, the role of BMX bandits further improved the iconic status with the chrome ‘Supergoose’ model (with blue wheels and accessories) being ridden by one of the central characters ‘Goose’. Young ‘Goose’ is joined by another BMX bike enthusiast ‘P.J.’ who one day have a run in with a young trolley collector by the name of ‘Judy’ and embark on a journey to help her tally funds to buy a BMX bike. From here, the film centers on the trio as they find themselves embroiled (unintentionally) in a series of shady situations as propelled by a couple of halfwit goons attempting to rob a bank. As earlier eluded, ‘Judy’ was played by a teenage Kidman, emerging out of a field of 200 audition hopefuls, Nicole was noted as having a remarkable ability to understand, interpret and adapt to a script.
The mid 1980s resulted in a significant downfall to the growth of BMX (primarily racing), enabled through the rise of adjacent modes (i.e. freestyle, mountain bikes and scooters) and a lack of mainstream interest. It was a time to either stick to your guns and perish or reimagine and grow. Arguably, that Mongoose hired ‘Magoo’ at this point was a milestone moment for the brand and one which helped to maintain the company’s trajectory and popularity. The man was and is a stalwart of the BMX scene, having remained relevant over multiple decades and having been behind the scenes of many different companies, events and products in BMX.
Mongoose is a bike company which started in 1975 in the Simi Valley garage of a young Skip Hess. With southern California existing as the birthplace of BMX, the rise of Mongoose at this location at this time is a fortunate pairing, however with an almost 50 year history and no signs of slowing down, the benefit of chance is but a drop of oil to the Mongoose machine. The tale of Mongoose and its consistent momentum has resulted in a long-standing association with the roots of BMX, a brand which started a revolution – one which would change our relationship with bikes forever.
Only sold in USA, Australia, Germany, Japan & New ZealandInspired by the 1984 Supergoose BMX bike, this iconic ride is perfect for the classic Mongoose connoisseur. 4130 Chromoly Supergoose loop-tail frame provides mongoose bike durability. From the perspective of present day Mongoose, the machine grinds on. After a significant team revamp in 2010, the current roster is seriously stacked and a big reason as to the ongoing success.
We think that this offers our customers the chance to celebrate and embrace the nostalgia of Mongoose, while moving forward in the modern BMX world with taste, style and strength. Hop on the Mongoose MXOne BMX race bike and you’ll be ready to take the track by storm. The MXOne features a durable steel frame with BMX Race geometry and BMX Race bar with Taper leg race fork.
The Extra Terrestrial’ – directed by Steven Spielberg and featuring a young Henry Thomas as Elliott Taylor. Featuring the iconic scene in which the boys are being chased by cops on BMX bikes, pedalling at speed, tearing around the neighborhood, jumping and eventually taking flight. For BMX to be shown in this light was a landmark moment – a demonstration to the general public of how rad BMX can be. The beauty of mongoose mountain bike this situation is made further profound in that Skips contacts in the automobile industry meant that he had an understanding of how the production process worked, including local die shops who assisted with the very expensive moulds (i.e. $65,000 each). Skip Hess started BMX Products, Inc. out of his home in Simi Valley, California in September 1974 with his first product being the famous Motomag One wheel.
According to Hess, at its largest stage of expansion, BMX Products, Inc. employed about 85 people. In its early years, Hess recalled that about 600 frames per day were produced at its Chatsworth, Los Angeles location. The Legion L80 is designed for taller riders because it uses a 20.75-inch top tube which will suit riders from around 5’8” tall. It’s the first BMX in the range to use a 4130 Chromoly steel front triangle. Synonymous with BMX, Mongoose bikes are trusted by some of the world’s best riders.