You’ll find Specialized across several of our bike lists, including our mountain and gravel bike roundups. Some brands you’ll recognize instantly, like Specialized, Cannondale and Cervélo. Others, like Aventon, Canyon and Pinarello, may not sound so familiar. From American mainstays to European upstarts and newer brands, we’ve put together a list of the best bike brands, highlighting the top models. Designed specifically for kids, these bikes are perfect for learning and having fun.
It’s tough to know which bike brands are reliable and which might not deliver. 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. I took the Mongoose Switchback Expert on a few test rides on moderate but not aggressive trails at a reasonable speed. Smooth trails are a better choice than rough ones, especially when it comes to rocks and roots. The coil fork isn’t all that responsive, and unlike a fork with an air spring you can’t adjust it to customize the feel for your weight and riding style.
The Mongoose Envoy can be equipped with a wide array of cargo attachments, so you can carry anything you need, such as groceries and spare clothing. It is essential because you have to know how much weight your new bike can handle. They are lightweight, made of aluminum alloy and steel. Now, Mongoose is one of the brands of Dorel Industries, which also owns Pacific Cycle, Schwinn, and GT Bicycles.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the $739 Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 is worth a look for its upgraded drivetrain, wider tires, and similar weight, though still no dropper post. 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 hydraulic disc brakes are a more powerful upgrade over the mechanical brakes on the Switchback Comp, though generally speaking they’re not as easy to maintain or repair.
From dirt paths through the park to rugged trails, these mountain bikes are built for exploring. Front or dual suspension lets you ride over rough terrain while mountain tires provide the grip and stability you’re looking for. Compared to bikes from other major mongoose fat bike brands like Specialized and Trek, the Mongoose Switchback Expert offers a pretty similar value. 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.
Santa Cruz bikes are known for being great because the company controls so much of the design and construction process within its own four walls on the central California coast. The brand is best known for an array of downhill and cross-country mountain bikes that are simply fun to ride and stand up to the demands of even the most discerning riders. The Tallboy made our most recent list of the best mountain bikes as a legacy-enduring downhill rig with low maintenance and a very high fun potential. During the first quarter, Dick’s announced it will begin carrying Mongoose bikes, supplanting GT Bicycles, which ended its agreement with the box-store giant at the end of 2023.
So far, I’ve only ridden it around the driveway and already hate the terrible twist shifter. The stock seat/torture device was replaced with an XL wide seat before it was even assembled. I received my test bike directly from Mongoose and needed to do some of the final assembly myself.
Or simply, a cheap “old school” look bike alternative we can ride around without worrying about damaging the vintage or getting it stolen.. The Mongoose Legion L60 Bike is a good entry level BMX bike for someone on the slightly taller side. Enhance your cycling experience with our comprehensive range of gear and accessories. From helmets and gloves to bike locks and lights, we prioritize safety without compromising on style. Plus, our expert staff are on hand to provide personalized recommendations and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth ride.
I found I needed to keep my speed in check to keep the front wheel tracking and in control. If you want to ride trails as fast as possible, you’ll likely progress beyond the Mongoose Switchback Expert rather quickly. 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. 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.
Within the history of bicycle racing, there are fewer brands more famous than Pinarello. The company’s legacy in every important bike event is well-documented, and serious riders opt for one of the Italian brand’s bikes because, for them, speed and performance come first. Among its most popular (and legendary) models is the Dogma, which is a preferred gran fondo and race bike for many a competitive rider, and continues to be one of the most menacing bikes available anywhere.