As a mountain bike journalist, I often get asked by friends and neighbors for bike recommendations. The challenge is that for many, especially those new to the sport, the world of mountain bikes can seem overwhelming and expensive. A $400 mountain bike from a place like Dick’s Sporting Goods might look superficially similar to a bike costing ten times as much. This leads many to wonder: why spend more? Is a budget-friendly option like the Mongoose Switchback Expert, often found on sale at Dick’s Sporting Goods, a good starting point?
This review is specifically for the beginner or casual rider who might be browsing the bike section at Dick’s Sporting Goods right now, considering the Mongoose Switchback Expert. We’ll explore if this bike is a worthwhile purchase and if it justifies its price, especially when compared to even more affordable options like the Switchback Comp. (For experienced mountain bikers, a quick heads-up: this bike isn’t designed for you.)
Image: Mongoose Switchback Expert mountain bike in action, showcasing its capabilities for beginner trail riding.
Mongoose Switchback Expert: Key Features for Dick’s Sporting Goods Shoppers
The Mongoose Switchback Expert is designed as an entry-level hardtail mountain bike, readily available at retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods. It aims to offer a taste of trail riding without breaking the bank. Here’s a quick rundown of its key specifications:
- Frame: Aluminum alloy frame – Lightweight and durable for beginner trails.
- Wheels: 29er wheels – Larger wheels for better rolling efficiency over obstacles.
- Front Suspension: 100mm travel coil spring fork – To absorb bumps on the trail.
- Drivetrain: 8-speed – Simple and easy to use for new riders.
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes – Providing reliable stopping power in varied conditions.
- Price: Around $549 – A budget-friendly price point for mountain bikes at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
- Availability: Typically in stock at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and online.
These specifications suggest a bike that is intended for recreational riding and light trail use. The aluminum frame keeps the weight reasonable, while the 29-inch wheels help smooth out uneven terrain. The 100mm suspension fork is designed to take the edge off bumps, making for a more comfortable ride compared to a rigid bike. Hydraulic disc brakes are a welcome feature at this price, offering better performance than cable-actuated mechanical disc brakes often found on even cheaper bikes.
Image: Close-up views of the Mongoose Switchback Expert highlighting its modern frame design and components commonly found on mountain bikes at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The Switchback Expert presents a clean and contemporary appearance with internally routed cables, contributing to a less cluttered look. The cockpit features a short 40mm stem and 720mm wide handlebars, dimensions that are reasonably modern and should offer comfortable handling for most beginner riders. The frame geometry, with a 66.5° head tube angle and 75° seat tube angle, is also surprisingly modern for a bike in this category, suggesting an attempt to balance climbing ability with downhill confidence. The reach measurement of 500mm on the XL size tested indicates a reasonably roomy cockpit, important for rider comfort and control.
Rider Profile for this Review: Height: 190cm (6’3″) Weight: 75kg (165lb) Testing Location: Southeast, USA
One notable advantage of the Mongoose Switchback Expert, especially for a bike often found at Dick’s Sporting Goods, is its size range. It’s available in four sizes, from small to extra-large. Smaller sizes utilize 27.5″ wheels, while larger sizes come with 29er wheels. This size inclusivity is important for ensuring a good fit, which is crucial for both comfort and control, particularly for those new to mountain biking. To find the right size, a good starting point is to check standover height – ensuring at least an inch of clearance between yourself and the top tube. Also, verify that the seat can be adjusted to approximately hip height when standing beside the bike. The reviewer, at 6’3”, tested an extra-large and found it to be a reasonable fit, although the saddle height was slightly limited.
The weight of the Mongoose Switchback Expert, at 33.9lbs for the size XL with flat pedals, is comparable to some more expensive full-suspension mountain bikes. This weight is acceptable for a budget-oriented hardtail and shouldn’t be a major hindrance for recreational riding.
Image series: Detail shots of various components on the Mongoose Switchback Expert, highlighting features like the hydraulic brakes, frame welds, and overall bike aesthetics, aspects relevant for shoppers considering mountain bikes at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Upgrade Potential? Think Twice Before Investing More
One feature that sets the Mongoose Switchback Expert apart from the lower-tier Switchback Comp is its tapered head tube. This is often touted as a benefit, suggesting the possibility of future fork upgrades. However, realistically, upgrading components on a bike like this is rarely economically sensible. The SR Suntour XCE coil fork, while functional for basic trail riding, is very much an entry-level component. Compared to air-sprung forks found on higher-end bikes, it feels heavier and less refined, although it will absorb bumps on easier trails.
Image: Close-up of the SR Suntour XCE coil fork on the Mongoose Switchback Expert, illustrating a key component of mountain bikes available at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
A fork upgrade is not only expensive in itself but also potentially requires a new front wheel. The stock fork uses a 9mm quick-release axle, which is not compatible with most modern, higher-performance forks that typically use Boost spacing and thru-axles.
Similarly, while tire upgrades are often a worthwhile investment on many bikes, it’s less clear-cut with the Switchback Expert. The bike comes with rims that have a narrow 18mm internal width – narrower even than many gravel bike rims today. This limits the benefits of wider tires, making it impractical to go significantly wider than the stock 2.25″ tires, despite ample frame clearance. The included WTB Trail Boss tires are decent all-around tires, and for most casual riders, sticking with them is likely the most sensible approach. The rims are also not taped for tubeless setups and use Schrader valves, making a tubeless conversion more complicated and arguably not worth the effort for this level of bike.
Mongoose Switchback Expert internal dropper post routing
Image pair: Demonstrating the internal cable routing for a dropper post on the Mongoose Switchback Expert, highlighting a potential upgrade path for mountain bikes purchased from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
One upgrade that might be considered by more experienced riders is a dropper post. The frame does feature internal routing for a dropper post, and aftermarket options can be found for around $199. A dropper post significantly enhances downhill riding capability by allowing the saddle to be lowered out of the way. For some riders, this could be a worthwhile addition, although it represents a considerable percentage increase in the overall cost of the bike.
If you are considering the Mongoose Switchback Expert with the intention of upgrading components over time, it’s generally advisable to look at a different bike altogether. If, however, you are seeking a bike to ride as it is, for as long as possible, the Switchback Expert could be a suitable choice as an entry-level mountain bike from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The test bike received for this review required some final assembly, although bikes purchased from Dick’s Sporting Goods are likely to be fully assembled. Notably, the front brake hose on the test bike was incorrectly routed from the factory, requiring adjustment.
Image: Rider on the Mongoose Switchback Expert on a scenic trail, capturing the essence of recreational mountain biking achievable with bikes from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Riding the Mongoose Switchback Expert on the Trail
The Mongoose Switchback Expert was tested on moderate trails at a comfortable pace. It performs best on smoother trails, particularly when encountering rocks and roots. The coil fork’s responsiveness is limited, and unlike air forks, it lacks adjustability to fine-tune the feel based on rider weight and riding style. Maintaining a moderate speed is key to keeping the front wheel tracking predictably and maintaining control. Riders seeking to push their speed and tackle more challenging trails will likely outgrow the capabilities of the Switchback Expert relatively quickly.
However, for those who, like many friends seeking bike advice, intend to ride primarily on roads with occasional forays onto light trails, the Switchback Expert can be a good fit. The drivetrain operates quietly on smooth surfaces. However, as speed and trail roughness increase, more noise and chain slap become apparent.
The Mongoose Switchback Expert is capable of handling small trail features like roots and rocks and demonstrated reasonable durability on landings. To mitigate the risk of flat tires, slightly higher tire pressures (20-25psi) are recommended.
The 8-speed drivetrain with a single chainring simplifies operation, particularly for beginners. However, the gear range may feel limited on steep or extended climbs. During testing, the chain did come off the chainring on one particularly bumpy descent. While this was an isolated incident, the drivetrain lacks features like a narrow-wide chainring or a clutched derailleur that are designed to improve chain retention on rougher terrain.
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Have you ridden the Mongoose Switchback Expert? Share your experiences and thoughts!
