As a mountain bike journalist, I often get asked for bike recommendations from friends and neighbors. The challenge is that mountain bikes can be a significant investment, and for someone new to the sport, it’s hard to see the difference between a budget-friendly option and a high-end model. Many wonder if a more affordable bike, like the Mongoose Switchback Expert from a local department store, could be a good starting point. This review is for those casual riders and beginners who are currently in a store like Dick’s Sporting Goods, considering the Mongoose Switchback Expert and wondering if it’s the right choice, especially when compared to the slightly cheaper Switchback Comp. If you’re an experienced mountain biker, this review probably isn’t for you, as this bike is designed for a different rider in mind.
Mongoose Switchback Expert: Key Specs and Features
The Mongoose Switchback Expert is designed as an aluminum hardtail mountain bike, featuring 100mm of front suspension travel. Let’s delve into the core specifications:
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
- Wheel Size: 29er (27.5″ for size small)
- Front Suspension: 100mm coil spring fork
- Seatpost: Fixed
- Drivetrain: 8-speed
- Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
- Tires: 2.25″ wide
- Price: Around $549 (check Dick’s Sporting Goods for current pricing)
This Mongoose mountain bike aims to offer a modern hardtail experience with features like 29-inch wheels for better rolling efficiency and hydraulic disc brakes for improved stopping power compared to mechanical brakes often found at this price point. However, hydraulic brakes can be slightly more complex to maintain for beginners.
Aesthetically, the Switchback Expert presents a clean look with internal cable routing and contemporary components like a short 40mm stem and medium-width 720mm handlebars. The geometry is also reasonably modern for a department store mountain bike, boasting a 66.5° head tube angle and a 75° seat tube angle. On the XL size tested, the reach measured 500mm, suggesting a fairly roomy cockpit.
Reviewer Specs:
- Height: 190cm (6’3″)
- Weight: 75kg (165lb)
- Testing Location: Southeast, USA
One notable aspect of the Mongoose Switchback Expert is its size range. Unlike many bikes in this price bracket that come in just one or two sizes, the Switchback Expert is offered in four sizes, from small to extra large. Smaller sizes utilize 27.5″ wheels, while larger sizes roll on 29er wheels, a feature usually seen on more expensive mountain bikes. To ensure a proper fit, it’s recommended to check for adequate standover clearance and ensure the seat can be adjusted to hip height when standing next to the bike. The reviewer, at 6’3″, found the XL size to be a reasonable fit, although the saddle height was slightly limited even at full extension.
Weighing in at 33.9lbs for the XL size with flat pedals, the Mongoose Switchback Expert’s weight is comparable to some higher-end full suspension mountain bikes, which might be surprising for a bike in this category.
Upgrade Potential? Not Really Recommended
One advertised advantage of the Mongoose Switchback Expert over the lower-end Comp model is its tapered head tube. This suggests the possibility of upgrading the fork in the future. However, realistically, upgrading components on this bike is not a financially sound approach. The SR Suntour XCE coil fork is very basic. While it does absorb bumps, it feels heavy and less refined compared to air-sprung forks found on higher-end bikes.
Beyond the cost of a better fork, the Switchback Expert’s fork uses a 9mm quick-release axle and is non-Boost, meaning a fork upgrade would likely also necessitate a new front wheel.
Similarly, while tire upgrades are often a worthwhile way to improve a bike’s performance, it’s not advisable on the Switchback Expert. The bike comes with narrow 18mm rims, even narrower than many modern gravel bike rims. This limitation makes running wider tires, despite frame clearance, impractical. The stock 2.25″ WTB Trail Boss tires are adequate for the bike’s intended use, and sticking with them is recommended. The rims are also not taped and use Schrader valves, making a tubeless conversion more trouble than it’s worth.
For more experienced riders, a dropper post could be a worthwhile upgrade. The frame features internal routing for a dropper post, and aftermarket options can be found for around $200. This could be a meaningful enhancement for some buyers, although it’s a significant percentage increase in the bike’s overall cost.
If you’re considering the Mongoose Switchback Expert with the idea of upgrading components over time, it’s better to look at other mountain bike options. However, if you want a bike to ride as it is for a good amount of time, the Switchback Expert might be a suitable choice.
The test bike was shipped partially assembled, requiring some final assembly. (Bikes purchased from stores like Dick’s are usually fully assembled). The review unit had a minor issue with the front brake hose routing, which needed correction.
Riding the Mongoose Switchback Expert
Testing the Mongoose Switchback Expert involved riding it on moderate trails at a comfortable pace. It performs best on smoother trails rather than very technical or aggressive terrain with many rocks and roots. The coil fork is not very responsive and lacks adjustability for rider weight and riding style, unlike air forks. Maintaining a controlled speed is necessary to keep the front wheel tracking predictably. For riders looking to push their speed on trails, the Switchback Expert will likely be outgrown relatively quickly.
However, for casual riders who want a bike for road riding with occasional light off-road use – the type of rider who might ask a bike journalist for recommendations – the Switchback Expert is a reasonable option. The drivetrain is generally quiet on smooth surfaces, though it can become noisier on rougher terrain or at higher speeds.
The Mongoose Switchback Expert can handle small trail features like roots and rocks and has shown decent durability on landings. To mitigate the risk of flat tires, slightly higher tire pressure (20-25psi) than typically used on more capable mountain bikes is recommended.
The 8-speed drivetrain with a single front chainring simplifies operation. However, some riders may find the gear range limiting, especially on steep or extended climbs. The chain did come off on one particularly bumpy descent during testing, but otherwise, it performed adequately, despite lacking features like a narrow-wide chainring or a clutch derailleur.
Conclusion: Is the Mongoose Switchback Expert a Good Beginner MTB?
The Mongoose Switchback Expert is a decent entry-level mountain bike, particularly for casual riders who are new to mountain biking and are looking for an affordable option from department stores. It offers hydraulic disc brakes, a modern frame geometry, and a reasonable size range. However, it is not designed for serious mountain biking or for significant component upgrades. It’s best suited for light trails, recreational riding, and riders who prioritize simplicity and value over high performance or future upgrades. If your mountain biking aspirations are more ambitious, or you foresee wanting to upgrade components down the line, investing in a more capable bike from a bike shop might be a better long-term strategy. But for its intended purpose as an accessible and affordable introduction to mountain biking, the Mongoose Switchback Expert is worth considering, especially if you find it on sale.
