2006 Mongoose Teocali Comp
My thoughts on the Mongoose are slightly different now that I've attained a level of fitness than means I can go out all day on it.
My first point would be the Manitou Splice forks. They turn into rigid forks after about half an hour of the black run at Glentress, which is a real bummer. I think the forks are abysmal, tbh. Secondly, I had to fight with the set up for weeks to get a ride position I was comfy with. I ended up putting Easton Lo-rise bars and longer Kore stem on it before I was happy. Thirdly, the Hayes Sole brakes have a real 'cheap' feel to them, which is even more noticeable after having a go on my friend's Trek Fuel 80, which was the same price as the Mongoose, but comes with a much higher groupset spec.
On the positive side, the goose takes any and all manner of hits in it's stride with out complaint. Despite its weight, it climbs well and is surefooted on the technical ascents at Glentress. It didn't like the Double X timber trail at GT, though I suspect any bike with less than 8" front and rear would be less than happy to try to pick a path down it.
The Mongoose's strength lies in its jumping. It seems to be very well balanced for getting air and I find the weight distribution very good for mid air 'steering' where you jump from a tabletop into a berm and need to switch direction quickly.
I don't mean to be as negative about the bike as this initially reads, because I'm quite pleased with the old girl really, but I do miss the climbing and well behaved nature of my old Zaskar LE.
Would I have another Teocali? Probably not, I'm afraid. P.B.
My first point would be the Manitou Splice forks. They turn into rigid forks after about half an hour of the black run at Glentress, which is a real bummer. I think the forks are abysmal, tbh. Secondly, I had to fight with the set up for weeks to get a ride position I was comfy with. I ended up putting Easton Lo-
On the positive side, the goose takes any and all manner of hits in it's stride with out complaint. Despite its weight, it climbs well and is surefooted on the technical ascents at Glentress. It didn't like the Double X timber trail at GT, though I suspect any bike with less than 8" front and rear would be less than happy to try to pick a path down it.
The Mongoose's strength lies in its jumping. It seems to be very well balanced for getting air and I find the weight distribution very good for mid air 'steering' where you jump from a tabletop into a berm and need to switch direction quickly.
I don't mean to be as negative about the bike as this initially reads, because I'm quite pleased with the old girl really, but I do miss the climbing and well behaved nature of my old Zaskar LE.
Would I have another Teocali? Probably not, I'm afraid.
Rating:
Mountain Bike Borders
