2024 Mongoose Switchback Expert Mountain Bike from DSG - Priced at $699.99

[@pewsician2388]

A bit steep. The poseidon norton is $699 with micro advent x and boost spacing front and back. You should check it out. Probably the best value hardtail available.

[@donnovicki9771]

It is pretty nice. You get a lot of bike there for sure.

[@NonLegitNation2]

I just bought the XL frame last week, it gets delivered Monday. It's literally the least expensive new frame you can get with all the modern stuff and only $299 including tax and free shipping. I'm going to be taking everything off my GT Aggressor Pro frame and putting it on the Norton. It's going to be so nice having a good modern looking frame.

[@AK-oz4ew]

It is not bit steep, it is a highway robbery. I don't want 12 speed Canyon 5 MTB with 10-51T Shimano OEM , give me Mongoose!

[@MichaelRobibaro]

Dicks doesn't have any good bikes for the price As mentioned, for same price, Norton Poseidon at same price is way better deal. Id also take a Giordano intrepid, better looking and at least has a thru axle front out the box.

[@barfo281]

@@AK-oz4ew The Mongoose does not have a durable frame.

[@jonjonjrfrmcali]

Kev, thanks so much for doing this review! I'm the guy who requested a review for this particular MTB in your previous video. I know the Expert is pricey for what you get. But I've been looking for a 2024 project Frankenstein MTB and for me, this ticks a lot of boxes (tapered headtube, dropper ready, agile geometry to name a few). Probably the only other component I would keep besides the frame is the WTB wheelset.

[@dannyphantom121]

I think he was too picky with this bike, ur not gonna go into a bike shop and buy a $649 Trek with a dropper post.

[@RichardVanMeter-j5x]

This bike is currently $549.98 it keeps getting more interesting as I studied different videos. I didn't mention this is at Dick's sporting goods they can actually fit you to the frame size and of course they're assembly is by knowledgeable mechanics I haven't studied any of their extended warranty packages yet it keeps getting more interesting I really like the 65° head tube angle and the tires appear really nice I'm thinking those where reflectors would go in place of a seat reflector I got a good laugh when you said that this looks like the standard honeycomb hand grips best bike definitely interested me and though I'm not prepared at this moment to purchase it it will come on sale again at DSG I'm going to look for you any follow-ups you are having on this model usually KZbin just automatically loads them for me thanks again

[@LebronPhoto1]

This is a nice bike, comparable to bike store bikes and certainly better than the similarly priced entry level Treks. Regarding the shifter, I notice that the Spring Lock on the Acolyte seems to have less play than many of the more affordable clutch derailleurs (I have them on 2 different bikes). They work for me, and as long as the cassette range is wide (12-46), 2 or 3 extra gears are not something I would miss. In fact, the 12 speeds with the narrower spacing and chain tends to be more finicky when it comes to tuning and staying in tune. This 8 speed will satisfy most riders (except maybe the most experienced and demanding).

[@SmallADVentures1973]

I'd....wait until the hype of a new model winds down and they (Dick's) do their typical discounts/sales, but for $100-150 less, I'd buy it, throw a dropper and air fork on it, personalize it a bit and ride the wheels off of it until it's well worn. I'm with you, KevCentral, for that $ id expect a dropper and a budget tapered air fork. That said, I think its a gorgeous bike. I'm out of new bike space currently (and already grokking that OT gravel bike too, 😆)...but im not above building a new shed thus summer 🤔 Excellent review on both, KevCentral ✌️😁

[@Gamerhog2022]

This mongoose or the schwinn Axum comp x? I’m looking for a new bike, mainly for transport and maybe some flow trails

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

FYI Acolyte has the same pull ratio as Advent, Advent X, Scimano Deor 9-11 speeds. Acolyte weighs just 50g more than the 11 speed derailleurs. A have Acolyte running a 10 speed cassette (11-48T) Advent X shifter.

[@scottersandman6408]

what do you do with the 9mm QR front if you go to a tapered fork? buy a new wheel, get a different hub? are there adapters?

[@NonLegitNation2]

there aren't adaptors when going from QR to thru-axle, but there are adaptors to go from thru-axle to QR. You would basically need to get a whole new wheel or a new hub and relace this wheel. I just bought a new old stock thru-axle rear wheel and they are pretty pricey. I got mine for $90 on ebay but after searching for an hour that was the least expensive one i could find. Then again that was for a rear wheel so a front wheel should be less expensive or about the same price.

[@jeremytarwater5595]

Might be good to add another reflector off the back

[@bibasik7]

For that price, it should've come with a Microshift Advent or maybe even Advent X.

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

There is only like $20 difference between Acolyte and Advent X.

[@destroystreets1023]

That bikes price should start with a 2

[@cameronbarber3768]

​@@destroystreets1023🤡🤡

[@jamesrohner3792]

I can find new SRAM SX 12sp stuff right now for less than micro shift. And for the love of God stop dropping coil forks on anything that is over 400 bucks..

[@gregnowak2492]

Nicely equipped, but should be about $100 less. I really like this frame. Nice bike!

[@MarcS-qc3ey]

For that price get a Posideon Norton. Thru axles, boosr, 1x10 advent x, super slack.

[@user-rl4ji5ne4o]

Just googled that bike. It's an absolute killer compared to this Mongoose. Boost, 10 speed, proper beginners fork. Bars likely need changing for something with a higher rise but and a cheap dropper post upgrade and you're sorted.

[@Wile-E-Coyote_Super_Genius]

Great reviews on both these bikes. Can you tell me what are the markings on the headcap?

[@mrupholsteryman]

I would be curious about the xposure wheels vs the element wheels from prior models... are the newer ones lighter? I have STILL yet to get a rear wheel for my Walgoose Ledge X1... wanted to get one that fit the rear frame....for now I'm rocking my K2 Nomad 3.0 with a Bolany 34 stanchion fork with the original 26 inch wheel in it....when I get a decent 27.5 wheelset...the 27.5 wheel rear will go in the Ledge X1 and the front will go in the Nomad... 😊

[@artyboy1377]

I love Mongoose and GT bikes they really offer value for money but these are hard to find where I am (Asia). I'm no hard-core professional biker and these budget bikes are truly a godsend. I have a Specialised Roubaix but my 2 Giant bikes had better components than the Specialised but cost lower!

[@inthebush3]

Very useful review as usual. Geo sheet says seat tube is 75 degrees ?

[@jkukoly00]

I’m 6’1, don’t think a XL would be a good size or too big? Or should I stick with a large?

[@atifuddin8384]

Great in-depth review!

[@donnovicki9771]

Moving in the right direction. Seems like a lot of money when you look at some other brands and where they are. Good review as always.

[@ekims_echoes]

I think this is a great deal. All these folks are saying the new Axum or Ozark Trail Ridge are better deals, but this one not only comes with hydraulic brakes, a name brand fork, and a name brand drivetrain, but the Dicks Sporting Goods support is just going to be better. The bike will come assembled correctly and have in-store support. For those of us who know how to wrench on and upgrade our bikes, the Walmart options makes sense. For someone who wants a more trouble-free experience, this looks like a great deal. We should also remember that Dicks frequently has big sales on their bikes. I wouldn't be surprised to see this on sale for under $500 towards the end of this year.

[@madmax2069]

Hydrologic disc brakes doesn't really add to the cost (around $50 for front and rear), even $400 and sub $400 have name brand forks (by Suntour as well), and a name brand drivetrain (Shimano, Microsoft, and SRAM) very few of them have no name parts. The ONLY thing I see here that I don't see on other cheaper bikes is a derailleur with a clutch, and that also doesn't equal the price the bike is being sold for. You're only buying into the name more than anything.

[@CJGrand1]

​@@madmax2069Hydraulic* brakes make a great difference in your bikes handling. They can be really expensive. Do a little research.

[@madmax2069]

@@CJGrand1 dude, I've already done research, how can you sit there and tell me to do research. The Shimano MX200 (which is hydrologic) is anywhere from $25 - $80, then you have many other cheap hydrologic brakes setups which are around the same price range as the MX200. You don't need super expensive hydrologic braking systems. For the cost of many mechanical disc brake setups you can get both front and rear Shimano MX200.

[@CJGrand1]

@madmax2069 First of all it's HYDRAULIC brakes. There are economic hydraulic brakes such as MT201 which I have on my hardtail and I am using MT401"s on my full squish. However, there are plenty of brake systems that cost more than this pos Mongoose. Better components always add cost to a bike. The manufacturer will cut corners somewhere to save a few bucks. That's one reason big box store bikes are a waste of money.

[@kaoswiththekearneys8984]

A few weeks ago I picked up the ascend Zion from bass pro. I feel like it’s a dang good bike for the money.

[@nommchompsky]

Misspelling braking as "breaking" has a totally different meaning with Nutt brand brakes

[@KermitOfWar]

Does it come with a Huffy sticker?

[@johndef5075]

The brand names are funny sometimes. An Amazon stem I saw had the brand name Suking😂

[@THEGARNERCOLLECTIVE]

nice blue Mongoose , the noise of the bike can be got rid of with headphones lol. When you was riding those trails at speed in the video do you use your brake, as i was checking and it looked like you was weaving the trails with skill and not needing to brake.

[@jamesrohner3792]

Might have a tapered headtube but not alot of tapered forks out there for QR axles which means you need a new wheel/hub setup to go with a new fork. I think these "budget" entry bikes need to have some modern axle spacing when you are reaching into the $700 price point..

[@dannyv5317]

You should review the new Mongoose Salvo full suspension also...

[@bassw1758]

Do you think the frame could accommodate a 27.5 x 2.8?

[@jodygluck4601]

I’m sorry to send this to one of your videos, but I was at Walmart and saw a pair of aluminum MB peddles from Ozark Trails.

[@JR-if8yg]

See a lot of comments about how this bike doesn't justify the price. I bought a specialized xc bike like 6 years ago for 800 bucks, 2*9, 27.5... it doesn't even have place for a dropper, no tapered headtube... It's been a nice bike but for what i've upgraded on that bike, i would rather have this one and then upgrade it like i would love to

[@carfiend]

theres one at a local shop of mine selling for 400, would you guys recommend?

[@BrickedHonor]

I’ll keep riding my Kent Trouvaille medium farm for my jumper. && my large frame Ozark Trail Ridge.

[@DRC5150]

Why would they not go with boost spacing?

[@chkndnts]

I assume there will be a memorial day sale knocking $100 or $150 off the price. At that point id like to get one for the wife! Keep us updated if you see a deal

[@PDillz]

Expert model all day. 1x drive train will win me over every time.

[@samharris3508]

The lack of future proofing makes dropping that kind of money difficult.

[@travr6]

This seems way overpriced. I will pass

[@akinetic177]

They will be on sale this winter for half the price once they sit long enough

[@chadkimmel8957]

Dick’s is known for that. I remember GT Aggressor Pros being labeled at $599 so they could offer it at 50% off at $299. Give it some time and maybe you’ll see it for $449.

[@thebriangroves]

GT Aggressor replacement for about the same price and better features. As a side note you can get a Gen2 Marlin for the same price or cheaper with Treks big sale.

[@travr6]

@@chadkimmel8957 I haven't bought anything from Dicks in probably 20 years. They went all full liberal leftist political long ago.

[@danlewis7678]

At list price, this is too much. The wheels and Schrader valves leave much to be desired. I think the Comp is more of a value here.

[@RideShagbark]

It feels a little pricey for a bike that still uses quick release skewers. But it's also an overall decent spec bike from a big box sporting good store. If it ever goes on sale for $600 or less, then it's going to be a nice budget option. At this price point, one needs to compare it to the Canyon Grand Canyon, Poseidon Norton, Trek Marlin, and Specialized Rockhoppers.

[@gulfcitynd]

At that price might be a little bit to much but if it goes on sale might be a steal

[@religionsisaboutmagic5835]

Another good video as usual. Have you thought about doing a review of the Velotic Summit 1 EMTB by chance? Maybe you could do a series on upgrades. The cost is $1800 dollars though. Have been thinking of pulling the trigger on this, but would love for you to review of this before I buy. Just a thought obviously 😊

[@madjh8]

I like Mongose, and I don´t mind to pay even more because they offers good value for the money and well thought bicycles. Mine was the Maurice and it was very nice SS, very good geometry to have fun during commuting. Trasmison is a bit ... that is the drawback. For me the perfect casette is 10 speed, cheap even in quality cassettes like XT (47 euros 11-36). KMC chain ... I got it in a Decatlhon RR530 ST and last me 650km only in winter conditions. Not my favorite. The geometry is quite nice. It is 66.5º head angle like my meta, not fast in narrow trails but stable going down and that is why this bicycle is worth the money, the geometry is quite modern for trail.

[@thebriangroves]

I have a GR Aggressor EXPERT, not the pro but EXPERT. They're 29er vs regular Aggressor 27.5. Anyway they cam with NUTT brakes, work great

[@jacklo325]

Perhaps i am bias, but i think 1st gen axum feels better down the road. Much lower entry ticket for the axum dp, with a dropper, and 141 OLD. Yes, the axum came with a poor fork, horrendous tires, sub par groupset, opposite of this mongoose. I kind wonder if mongoose is going to offer a FS, replacing their aging salvo series, and bring the price down.

[@grimaceg1253]

Hard to justify for that price. You are in Trek Marlin and Giant Talon price range now.

[@Wireman134]

Mongoose website has 1,2&3 Switchbacks slightly different equipped.

[@gwei316]

Crazy that is $950 now at DSG.

[@malcolmbaden2240]

The Color Is Really Nice!!!..but what can someone do with a Tapered headtube bike with a 135mm rear qr?...seems like a waste of a headtube..

[@tylerstewart2244]

Schwinn axum comp x Or mongoose switchback expert???

[@KevCentral]

My pick would be the Comp X

[@addictedtowarthunder4610]

I’d buy it but I’m all electric now days.rocking a tern vektron right meow

[@ForEverMTB]

looks like an Ardor X1

[@xavierreid9410]

So these don't come with a kickstand?

[@CJGrand1]

Real mountain bikes don't have a kickstand.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

Coming from the road world, that gear spacing on the cassette would drive me nuts. I really don't like "bailout" gearing.

[@dragonflygenetics420]

Rad bike! Awesome color

[@aaronbehindbars]

Compared to the Ozark Trail Ridge, this gives you hydro discs and a very slightly better derailleur for $300...that's hard to justify. The OT is actually made in Taiwan...the GT? Probably Mainland China. You are paying for a brand name. It looks perfectly usable, but I think it pays to shop around. If you are going to buy a bike with the expectation to upgrade, why not start with the cheaper bike?

[@VIC-20_Synthwave]

The new Ozark Trail Ridge's now have a Microshift Acolyte w/clutch. 180 rotors & slightly different brakes. Also available in small now.

[@aaronbehindbars]

​@@VIC-20_SynthwaveOh wow! I'll have to pop into my local Walmart and check that out. They supposedly have these in stock as well as that new Ozark Trail gravel bike.

[@drill_fiend1097]

GT is made by Polygon Indonesia, which also makes Marin bikes too. Mongoose is owned by Pons holding, but probably has a factory in China.

[@aaronbehindbars]

​@@drill_fiend1097Great info! I knew Polygon and Marin were connected, but this is interesting.

[@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri]

Looks like the cables were routed wrong, I think the shifter cable or rear brake cable (couldn't tell which) going into the wrong side of the top tube.

[@bassw1758]

I like it, no question definitely overpriced, but color makes it worth it.

[@JustAPersonAndYou]

Nice color

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

Hard to build to this level without a cheap donor frame.

[@TheBikeChannelwithMongooseJake]

As can be seen obviously by my own channel's name... I'm a big Mongoose fan, but still I'm not blindly biased and have to say that these Dicks Sporting Goods prices on the new Switchback's are all too high for the parts spec. This one is at least $150 too much. I say that because the new Schwinn Axum Comp X is at $550 for a similar bike with dropper, and this only has the hydro brakes over it.

[@jackarnoldy8966]

At msrp that isn't a deal at all. Especially when you could get a Poseidon Norton on sale for 50 more dollars and you get a bike with progressive geometry and through axles so you don't have to buy a whole new front wheel when you upgrade the fork.

In short, Tectonic Aluminium is just marketing BS or crap.😁The bicycle frame was almost certainly manufactured from 7005 or 6061 aluminium alloy!

[@mattmorrison9379]

It's an Ardor with better tires and better forks. I like it.

[@jered2177]

Schwinn dp and ozark trail ridge better value

[@TheUsz28]

This bike is now on sale for $549. Do you guys think it's worth that?

[@MichaelRobibaro]

No, Ozark trail Ridge at 399 is still a better bike A Giordano Valor or Intrepid at regular price(580? And 649) and when on sale for 399 and under (currently) is a better bike

[@destroystreets1023]

Id buy a trek marlin or polygon before that holy cow 650 is insane i thought 398 was pushing it for walmart bikes. i bought the ledge x2 and it blew apart the first ride actually everyride something broke i put over 1000 in that bike and it was still awful. the linkaged was terrible. this bike would be interresting at 300. Seems like they have found a nitch market of people who would rather research upgrades and parts and tinker then ride, thats not meant to be a diss its simply how some enjoy the hobby i do it too, i just need a platform that wont get destroyed after 3 months of riding

[@Wheelsanstuff]

For $50 more you can get a CANYON “grand canyon 5” which is hella betta.

[@tarstarkusz]

700 plus Dollars out the door for a Pacific Bikes bike? No expert assembly and no 30 day tune up for the price of a somewhat equivalent bike store entry level mountain bike? Not to mention taking sales from a local bike shop. WHY won't they say what number grade the Aluminum is?

[@ricksantana1016]

I wouldn’t doubt that the frame could be a standard 6061c…

[@cory7328]

For this same price you can scoop up a Norton from Poseidon. Grab the Norton all day.

[@BrianBanks8134]

Was looking at the Norton with me be 5'10 would the large fit me

[@kris8165]

Overpriced. My sister recently bought Kona Lana'i for around 600€, here in Croatia! Personally, I think even that bike is seriously overpriced! I guess all the money goes in the frame,and in the brand name! 😌 Beautiful looking frame, tapered head tube,but budget equipment! She doesn't need a better bike! Greetings from Croatia from Kris 😎

[@TheRiotMTB]

Dumb question but where do you keep all your bikes? Surely a giant storage unit right? 😂🤣🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jacklo325]

Kev have a dedicated shad, where he does filming and live streams.

[@terryfredrick5149]

Just save up a little more and get an entry level decent bike from any local LBS.

[@deniserivet8476]

I like the bike but the price tag is too high. As with you Kev, I expect to see more on a bike with a $700 price tag and no, I would not buy it simply because it is over priced.

[@allentufts5185]

699.99?!? Where’s the transX dropper post, Maxxis tires and BT-201 brake set for that price?! LOL

[@vannguyen-zt9ys]

You can get a polygon xtrada for this price

[@dooleh84]

Looks nice, but it's overpriced. Especially in US where you guys have so many good cheap options. In Europe it might have a better chance, but not for a higher price, or that dollar equals euro crap, 700 euros would be asking much more than 700 dollars.

[@davidcrowson4745]

Those brakes look very similar to TEKTRO

[@barfo281]

It's $549 now at DSG. But keep in mind, it is a weaker aluminum than the GT Avalanche 1X, which would be a better buy. Mongoose is T1, most other aluminum frames are T6....which equates to about 4X the tensile strength

[@thevapingpolisher9717]

Wonder when budget bike will make the jump to 141 / 148 through axel . It would make them bikes more future proof

[@schrodingerthecat]

At this price, why aren't all the components better than Walmart budget brand? I think you're better off at this price range going to a bike shop and getting an entry level bike from them.

[@RicardoCooper]

At least it comes with a freehub.

[@harrygrimley4352]

Hmmm 🤔. To be real. There are a lot of options in that price range. So shop around.

[@johnsmith-oh2xo]

I would rather buy a Poseidon Norton for 699 than this why better spec's at this price....

[@jasonlillis3437]

That's Trek Marlin money.

[@neimansmith9960]

For 7 hundred big ones I would rather go with a polygon bike with waaaay better specs.

[@panthermadness4232]

Yep..and you still get a junk spring fork, bottom tier drivetrain and square taper cranks and IF you get hydraulic brakes its still bottom tier entry level..The name on the frame makes nothing any better really...Crazy how many are brainwashed by a mainstream name on the frame.

[@bigbuggabear7179]

Sorry... This one's a no go. For that price you can get a Motobecane Fanthom with a 12 speed SRAM eagle drivetrain.

[@MichaelRobibaro]

Definitely not, better deal is an Ozark trail or Giordano(weather reg 649 or current sale for under 399) Poseidon Norton at 699 is also a way better deal than this

[@acedotcom]

this would be a good bike to convert into an ebike but i suggest something like an axum for someone looking for an mtb. for $60 they could replace the brakes with four piston brakes and still save more then $100

[@ItsMeHammie]

Save up a tiny bit more and get a better spec bike or just buy a used bike at this range

[@danteohara4910]

Just get a Xtrada 6 instead better value.

[@waktosha7378]

The price is too high, and the frame is too narrow to accommodate a 2,6 inch tire! I'll pass.

[@maineiaclife9797]

Looks just like my ozark ridge, not worth extra money.

[@denisantivatnikov6velophot554]

нижние перья слабые не трейловые

[@danshilling4240]

Overpriced just like the GTs were😂😂

[@armandocardenas6094]

No, thanks. For that money, I'd buy a Benelli.

[@CJGrand1]

Dork disc.....

[@Accuracy158]

A medium is 16 inch... WTF does this even mean? One of the most useless measurements you could take on the bike that hasn't been a thing since the 1800s. 😏 This bike is probably not worth $700... Might be okay for $500 though.

[@racerx8410712]

Overpriced.

[@andrewblakesley4202]

Poor value. Secondhand options are better.

[@stevenj7045]

Anybody but Dick's Sporting Goods. Pathetic stores.

[@24blade00724]

OVERPRICED