The New Mongoose Switchback Expert: Initial Impressions

We get our hands on what will probably be the GT Avalanche replacement bike for Dick's Sporting Goods the Mongoose Switchback Expert and we give our Initial Impressions
0:00 On This Episode
3:19 Intro
3:34 Unboxing
8:34 Magnet Test
9:28 Groupset
11:28 Wheelset
12:17 Tires
13:21 Seatpost Tube
13:56 Bars & Stem
14:44 Brakes
15:30 Bottom Bracket
15:49 Fork
16:37 Headtube & Headset
17:57 Shift Test
20:41 Drop Test
21:42 Stand Over & Sit On
22:58 Weight
23:57 Positives & Negatives
29:05 Who This Bike Is For
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#wolfticknation #newbike
5-2-24

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

The Wolftick Nation Spoke and they listened!!! The New Switchback Comp and Switchback Expert are now on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods Check them out using our affiliate links here: Mongoose Switchback Comp: dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/zNMbLW Mongoose Switchback Expert: dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/baXNZb

[@aklokoth]

I wonder if they raised the price of the bike from 699 to 949 for the memorial day sale 😂

[@KO-sx9uy]

Why get this over upgrading an Ardor X1? Doesn't seem worth it. Polygon Xtrada 5 has better fork, boost thru-axle, tubeless compatible, and better drive train for $600.

[@Wireman134]

One can build a bike for less than this.

[@MrSEANDEERE]

This is a great bike for a beginner and young ripper. Everything on it is ready to hit the trails right out of the box. What is awesome is that is has the important components already well set up like the breaks and Drive train. They can be kept going for many seasons before being swapped out. So the owner of this bike can easily save up and buys a new fork or a dropper or maybe even both over time. And on top of all that, this frame will adapt well to modification. Good product from mongoose who definitely did their homework for the entry level mountain bike!

[@mattmtbaz3677]

Great looking bike on initial impressions! Compared to the similar priced offerings from Trek, Giant, and Specialized, this is very comparably equipped! But those all have straight steer tubes still, so this bike wins right there!

[@beardedtexan7699]

Nice bike for the person who wants more than around the block from their ride.

[@evannelson9183]

Nest looking bike. Have you guys looked into the Giordano Valor? I just got one factory direct from Kent, on sale and free shipping for $446. I seriously don't think there is a better bike out there for the price. I can't build it for that price, thats for sure. Their higher level bike is the Intrepid, which has a more progressive frame, mainly the same components, but has a front through axle. That one is on sale for 529 on the kent website. Very few reviews of these bikes on here. Worth looking into!

[@TivonSanders]

I was initially impressed by what I saw out of the box. Mongoose did a good job with this bike. My only complaint about it is the fact that the frame doesn't have boost spacing and thru axle compatibility, which severely limits what you can do with the wheelset upgrades. Other than that, great bike.

[@jeremybrown3429]

When you upgrade that fork, you can go boost up front, which is where it really matters. But, yeah, limited options if/when you want to upgrade the rear wheel.

[@NonLegitNation2]

tbh though boost spacing and a thru-axle aren't really something a beginner is going to know about or care about. QR has been around for years and really if it ain't broke don't fix it. The type of riding that people are going to do on this bike doesn't require a beefy thru-axel, heck i would say the type of riding 90% of people do doesn't require a beefy thru-axel. With that said though I did just buy a frame with a rear thru-axel a few days ago, lol. I'll eventually be buying an air fork with a thru-axel to replace my QR Rockshox Recon. The only reason for wanting to replace the fork is because there's so much flex in the fork with the QR that I'm constantly having to adjust my brake caliper because i'll randomly start getting brake rub.

[@TheJones_AZ]

Great initial impression. This bike will inevitably be compared to the new Schwinn Axum Comp X. The Schwinn in less exspensive and has a dropper, but has lesser tires and mechanical brakes. Looking forward to the upgrades.. You could compare the overall value of the Switchback Comp and the Expert...

[@andythao6532]

I just purchase one these very nice to ride. I would like to see air suspension myself as well. Look forward to see your channel modifying one of these.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Yes sir! Just installed the angled headset and 1x is coming plus more!!!

[@dragonflygenetics420]

Now thats a rad bike!!

[@Wireman134]

Acolyte has same pull ratio and cage as Advent and Advent X. Also Shimano Deor 9-11 speeds. I built a 10 speed with Acolyte and Advent X cassette/shifter. Saved $40 over Advent X derailleur.

[@gregnowak2492]

Great first impressions. I really like the look of that frame. Mongoose has a solid option with the Expert, for sure. Pretty good price for all of that, but $100 less would be much better. Just my 2 cents.... Looking forward to the RTR!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

100% and thanks Greg!👍🏼

[@riccochet704]

Good looking bike, for sure! Though I think for the price the components are a bit lacking. For a few bucks more, or less depending on sales, you can be on a Trek Marlin 5.

[@LebronPhoto1]

Would the Marlin 5 be as well equipped and does it have a tapered head tube (no on the head tube).

[@ManicTrailBanter]

Seems like a great bike for the price. I’d probably go with the Poseidon Norton because I would prefer the Microshift AdventX, but the Poseidon would need better brakes and a fork pretty quick, but I believe it is boost thru axle. Quick Release is really narrowing down the upgrade options at this point on mountain and gravel I have noticed since most upgrades are thru axle now.

[@jroot7732]

Giant Bikes also sold at Dicks, Talon 4 29er 630 US dollars isn't a bad entry level for the price

[@bassw1758]

You have to like the new colors enough to pay the premium, you can still get an Ardor for $350 at Mart.

[@slothsquatch5023]

The Expert is much better than the Comp. Color is great on both. I love Mongoose and these Switchbacks are geared towards dads that want a mountain bike to ride around with their kids on paved or dirt trails that are flatter than a Dicks Sporting Goods parking lot. Thats at the MSRP price. Now on sale they are perfect for the Upgraydders. Get me a deal on one of the two (Expert at Comp MSRP) and I'll hang up the CarbonX and Ledge X2.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

We are hoping for a good sale as well. You can just have a different bike for different days of the week.🤣

[@slothsquatch5023]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS oh I like that idea

[@nathanhotchkiss4842]

I don’t know, so many good bikes at this price point, maybe look at more bikes around this price in the future? Kinda over the Walmart bikes but still not crazy expensive options.

[@robamus]

I’m going to suggest this to a buddy who’s looking for a bike. He probably won’t do a lot of upgrades, and it seems like it’s pretty decent out of the box. Just add a dropper.

[@armandocardenas6094]

I had the Mongoose Teocali 27.5" ( $ 2000.00 ) full suspension bike and I still miss her .... ( she got stolen ) they still offer the Salvo.

[@heyzooz]

My DSG had Mongoose Switchback Expert for $700 almost got it but then I found a Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29 for $799 at local bike shop grabbed that in stead. But I probably would have gotten the expert if I didn't get Specialized 😎👍

[@dragonflygenetics420]

Drop a post new shock and cassette really is a main upgrades and you got a killer deal I mean cause you could sell all those new parts if you really wanted to wait sell them all new get the cash and rebuy what you want awesome deal guys

[@gulfcitynd]

The rear cassette is nice but I'd swap out the front chainring asap

[@NoodlesSoucy]

Seeing such a good bike from Mongoose is crazy, glad to see they’re starting to live up to their name instead of making awful Walmart bikes for children to toss in a ditch

[@keosoutdooradventures]

I like the spec of this but the color of the comp

[@79thump8]

I'm glad you cleared up the "Big Fatty" comment.

[@grimaceg1253]

This bike is getting into the Trek Marlin and Giant Talon range. Would be a hard sale for me over going to the local bike shop for a Marlin or Talon.

[@northwestmountainbikeaddic6874]

You guys should try to get Mongoose to send you a Switchback 3 , it has a dropper post and a bunch of decent looking parts

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Nice bike for a family for sure, but for the money spent, a 12x148 Boost thru-axle rear end seems like a glaring omission.

[@anthonycordero5733]

Trail boss nice.

[@user-yc6wx4sn5n]

For that price... Poseidon Norton oils be better deal for same price. Giordano intrepid if you love the frame style

[@jorgefis1823]

Curious if y'all will review the Mongoose Salvo 2, full suspension bike that looks to be upgradable.

[@corycool8145]

Will you be doing a review on the Nishiki Colorado comp?

[@markbrown9386]

For the same price you can get an Axum comp x which is a way better value.

[@Scott.Hadley]

I wasn't aware you could put the chain on wrong on a narrow wide chainring. Learn something new everyday.

[@dadbod4life]

I would sooner buy a used specialized or Trek for that money. The used market is flooded, especially in smaller size options. The bike is fine, but for a little more money i feel there are better spec options.

[@AGhostRiderR]

Compare this with the trek marlin gen 3 plz

[@tony21084]

So when did these hit the market??

[@droneon5575]

Man I recently found your channel and love it I do a lot of mountain biking but I don’t want to spend thousands of bucks. I did have a question you guys already did a cheap tire review but the brands were well known. I have been eyeing these tires on Amazon called Fincci Maori for 58-60bucks for the pair. Do you guys have any experience with that tire, I can find as some Specialized tires for that same cheap price but this brand is on Amazon which is easier and quicker for me to order and return.

[@MrDstnyw]

Have you looked at schwalbe tyres i cant recomend them enough nobby nic or if you want the most grip on loose surface magic mary loads of options

[@dustinbaker1585]

Boys, I seen some good shit at Walmart and laugh at Indiana. Here are the comp x Why can't I send a picture

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Send pics to [e-mail]

[@ericraherimanjato9688]

How is this bike compared to the GT Avalanche as far as the components? I picked up a new Avalanche this year from Dicks and I was hoping to find a real time review on it but since they went with Mongoose I might ditch it and get something else

[@MrDstnyw]

My avalanche came with 2x9 shimano same fork better frame more tyre clearence i would stick with it i upgraded to 1x deore m5100 unless you really want boost through axles trek roscoes are nice

[@xtrainerchronicles2085]

Where's the Marino?

[@anthonycordero5733]

Damn microshift better than prowheel

[@armandocardenas6094]

I wish that bike would be purple.

[@keosoutdooradventures]

Dick's website says this has a 141 rear axle

[@7passu]

How does this compare to the axum DP?

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

The sizing and stand over is better for sure.

[@7passu]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS but from a performance standpoint?

[@anthonycordero5733]

Change the front fork with a fox 34 better

[@willardbuchanan9122]

Cats meow❤

[@user-rl4ji5ne4o]

Whats stopping the seatpost going down? A curve in the seattube? You could measure carefully use a vice, hacksaw and file to cut the seattube at an angle, so the rear side goes down a touch further than the front. Might give you a couple of inches further insertion.

[@armandocardenas6094]

I hate Presta valves with every cell of my body. If Presta were that good, cars would come with them.

[@anthonycordero5733]

Cranks looks like prowheel

[@toddburdette]

🚲👍👍👍🎥👍

[@keosoutdooradventures]

Hmm, something branded as "Nutt" and available at Dick's

[@garypierson6455]

That price 😂

[@charlesbronson1959]

Well it looks better than the purple one 🤣Sorry not Sorry , 699 that's 100 less than i paid for a second hand Trek Remedy 8 2020

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

Nice bike but that price ain't as nice. Maybe I'm just spoiled, but for $700 I can get an LBS bike at like half a dozen LBSs between me & Dick's. I like the bike, guess I'm just not a lover of Dick's.

[@Joe-pb3lx]

Why is a flywheel cassette so bad?

[@user-yc6wx4sn5n]

Forced to buy a new wheel or. Buy hub and replace to upgrade Roman cassette for better gearing

[@BdaciousM]

Congratulations gentlemen! this bike is amazing! I love the way this bike looks but that Mongoose logo isn't the right fit. This bike and the new Schwinn comp need better logos. That's just me

[@caseypleasant1922]

Pretty cool bike.. But definitely over priced

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

What do you think should have been the initial price point? Do you think that they will run better sale prices eventually? If Dick's does it like with the GTs, then we are guessing that there will be some good sales occasionally. I guess we will see.

[@upstatecre8]

Guys, I gotta be honest with you. I just don’t understand the amount of excitement y’all exhibited in this video. I feel like $700 is way too much for a glorified mongoose Ardor. It really has all the markings of a Kent Trouvaille married to a mongoose ardor, but they just added hydraulic brakes. There is nothing pro about this bicycle. If they were going to label this pro wouldn’t you expect a hollow bottom bracket? Even the Schwinn Axem has a dropper post and it costs $200 less. Guys, I’m such fans of your channel but this video just seems strangely off. You guys have done so much work and benefited the economical side of mountain biking so please forgive me for my questioning of this particular piece. I just don’t share your excitement on this bike. The last three bikes I’ve bought were tapered head tube bikes for $110 From the Walmart clearance. Just put under perspective I picked up three bikes all with tapered head tubes mongoose Ardor, mongoose ledge and a Kent Trevaille totaling $330. Now Dick’s Sporting Goods jumps into the scene by overcharging for bicycles? I just don’t see your excitement over this. Again, forgive me for my cynicism love all the excellent work you guys have done over the years. Keep up the great work!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

We do get excited sometimes. People also don't understand why we get excited with most of the other bikes we look at. I guess we just love seeing new bikes and what we are going to do to them. I think the "strangely off" you were noticing was from us getting along and not bickering.🤣

[@upstatecre8]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS I am such a fan boy of your subject matter and how y’all lead us through and to it. Without y’all a lot of us wouldn’t know how to hit the trails with the equipment we have. We all you a debt of gratitude. Thank you for entertaining my criticism.

[@Phantom096]

@@upstatecre8I think they were excited thinking of how Dicks stores lower their prices. These bikes are on sale at the moment.

[@jackiegammon2065]

Unfortunately, the sad part is that you still have a department store bike.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Why is that sad? The Tick smokes people on the trails with "department store bikes" all the time.🤷‍♂️ It only matters if you are concerned with impressing others with an expensive bike. Ride what you want or can afford or whatever. The point is to go out and ride.

[@barfo281]

As of 20 May 2024, the Mongoose Switchback Expert is $549. But it is NOT worth it. The GT Avalanche 1X is a superior bike to the Mongoose Switchback.. The Mongoose is made of a lower grade tensile strength aluminum (T1). The GT is T6, which is about 4x more durable. Hard pass on the Mongoose.

[@MrDstnyw]

Definatly not better than the avalanche frame spec everything not far off tho

[@RockMumbles]

IMO both bikes seem to be priced $100-$150 too high

[@davegravitt210]

You need a Salvo to review. 😂.