Modeled after the iconic 1984 Supergoose, this BMX bike is sure to turn heads around the neighborhood or at the track. Just like it’s predecessor, it features a durable 4130 Chromoly Supergoose loop-tail frame with retro-style top tube pad for ultimate radness. The single speed drivetrain is simple to use and maintain, while the DiaCompe MX brake kit delivers super-fast, reliable stopping power.
As part of this interview it is noted that the date of the very first BMX race was November 1970. Get special offers, exclusive product news, and event info straight to your inbox. Turning back to the Mongoose story, the 1970s had treated the company well and momentum was only further embellished with the successful release of ‘E.T. At this point, Mongoose is still one of the leading companies in progressing BMX and have been designing and manufacturing products for close to a decade. For the most part, Mongoose was renowned for pushing the boundaries of BMX technology in a popular and authentic direction, however primarily in the BMX race scene. Leading up to and including 1985, it is important to understand that BMX freestyle was absolutely booming and Mongoose fell somewhat short of capitalising on this phenomenon, with brands like Haro and GT being frontrunners in this market.
The single speed drivetrain keeps riding simple, while the rear linear pull brake provides reliable stopping power. Plus, this race-ready ride comes with a USA BMX track sanctioned number plate. Leave the competition in the dust with the MXOne BMX race bike by Mongoose.
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.
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 mongoose mountain bike 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”.
This men’s & women’s BMX bike has a Mongoose full 4130 Chromoly frame, removeable brake mounts, and mid BB shell. The Mongoose Legion L60 Bike is a good entry level BMX bike for someone on the slightly taller side. For over 45 years, Mongoose has been in the dirt, at the park, and on the street. Ranging from your first true BMX bike in the L18 to the full 4130 chromoly pro-performance L500, the Legion series was designed to withstand the punishment that takes place as you progress your BMX skills.
Fittingly, this article starts with Skip Hess, the founder and brains behind Mongoose until his directorship ended in 1985 (to which it was sold to American Recreation Group). Born in 1937, on the back of his fathers untimely death, Skip and his mother moved to California where a love for all things mechanical and speed were fostered. Skip spent his days hanging out at a local body shop, immersing himself in the track community as well as racing track and road bicycles, not to mention picking up a mechanical engineering degree from San Diego State University.
From CW racing, the excessively talkative Magoo made the move to GT, starting off in administration and ending up in advertising and team management capabilities. Eventually managing to muscle his way into the product development realm of the business, Magoo had found his calling and wanted to refine and progress these skills. After a couple years at the company and having progressed as far as the role would allow, a resignation was in order and the scene was set for Magoo’s next move, taking up a marketing and mongoose bike product management position at Mongoose. Nonetheless, the popularity of the ‘Mini Scoot’ meant that the company was able to strengthen and consolidate its vision, the Mongoose brand continues. Another character falling under the ‘iconic’ umbrella is the infamous Harold ‘Magoo’ McGruther. With a BMX resume like no other (stemming from the early 1970s in which BMX was emerging), ‘Magoo’ arrives at Mongoose headquarters after having diversified and finessed product development knowledge at GT in the years prior.
Based on the original 1983 design, the new California Special is great for turning heads around the neighborhood or at the track. It features a Hi-ten steel Mongoose frame built on original geometry of a legend for superior performance and durability. The single speed drivetrain is easy to use and maintain, while the DiaCompe MX brake kit delivers super-fast, reliable stopping power. Plus, the unique Mongoose Pro Class drilled aluminum rims offer performance that won’t weigh you down.