If you are looking for quality at an affordable price point and aren’t sure where to turn, then Mongoose could be the brand you are looking for. These are cool and stylish bikes that kids love, and that is a great start point that can lead to a lifelong hobby that brings joy and health in equal measure. My recommendation would be to go with the best bike you’re able to afford. The quality of bikes varies hugely, and cheap bikes can be awful, so it’s better to spend a bit more now to save in the future. When you’re buying a kid’s bike, you’ll have to decide whether or not it has gears.
Most kids can master how to use them quickly, and, if you can, I would recommend getting a kid’s bike with handbrakes for their superior performance. Mongoose began by designing and building premium quality BMX bikes and that pedigree is evident throughout the design of this bike. It features a Hi-Ten steel frame that has a 20.25” top tube and a tapered headtube. This gives it perfect stability and is still robust enough for those inevitable thrills and spills.
As you can imagine, my 70-pound child really struggles pushing 50% of his body weight uphill with the Argus. They slowed my son’s riding down when needed but functioned as any mechanical brake set would. They are not hydraulic and even I could feel that when testing myself. The job is getting done but there is more arm pump and fatigue when wrestling more weight with a lower grade brake system. Mongoose’s website just says “aluminum” for their unbranded brakes. Mongoose made a sound decision considering the weight that a child must pedal.
This bike will outlast my son’s use because of it’s strength and componentry. He did say that he noticed a difference in the handling with the big tires and it felt kind of like his Kawasaki KLX 110. The drive train is setup for either snow or sand riding and my son mongoose bmx seemed to ride comfortably. It could be swapped for a shorter stem to add some downhill stability. Moreover, the fat tires kind of drag in the dirt, a shorter stem could slow down the steering too much, so maybe we will try it out and test for the long-term review.
There are a total of 24 models under the Mongoose BMX category, which also fall into two styles. Their BMX Freestyle bikes are sturdy and can withstand anything you throw at it. At the same time, BMX Race bikes suit newcomers and beginners as well as experts in the field.
Some bikes below are normally on our Top 10 list, but are currently out of stock. Over many years of testing Cleary Bikes, we’ve found them to be incredibly durable, making them a great option for families who want to pass bikes down to younger siblings. Built with a semi-upright geometry, the Revo positions the rider upright enough to help timid riders feel comfortable. With the ability to tilt the handlebars closer or farther away from the rider, the Revo can easily be customized to your rider’s preferred fit.
The Mongoose Freestyle BMX Bike, ticks all the boxes for generating that early enthusiasm that can lead to a lifetime’s passion. This is a simple, and durable bike that looks cool enough that any boy would be thrilled to ride about the neighborhood on. Your bike will be built up at your local 99 bikes by one of our expert mechanics and safety checked prior to delivery.
They also act as a rudimentary suspension system that allows the bike to handle off-road situations with ease. You’ll find a 2×11 drivetrain on the $1,799 Expert, and a 2×10 drivetrain on the $1,299 Comp (maroon), both with hydraulic disc brakes and Kenda Slant Six 29 x 1.75″ tires. The $899 Guide sport moves to an aluminum fork and runs quick release axles front and rear, though still with the 29 x 1.75″ tires. All frames include internal cable routing and are rack and fender compatible. Kids’ bikes should be well-constructed and sturdy enough to withstand tipping over. It might be tempting to be the most inexpensive kids’ bike, but a flimsy bike will not stand up to frequent use.