Mongoose is one of those names that carries with it a lot of history, but it’s also one that can elicit mixed opinions. The brand has certainly changed quite a bit over the years, but for their 2018 line up, Mongoose isn’t trying to be something they’re not. Using the brand’s storied past as a building point, their goal these days seems to revolve around staying relevant to current industry trends, but above all keep things affordable and accessible. As Matt Prest, the Senior Product Manager for the IBD side of Mongoose, puts it, “the new Mongoose line is about being able to have fun, but still being able to afford it as well.”
For their full suspension line up, that equates to a new suspension design and incremental improvements in frame construction to hone in on modern levels of performance without breaking the bank…
The biggest improvement to the Mongoose full suspension range would have to be their new Free Floating linkage design. Looking something like a Trek Full Floater and a Horst Link suspension system had a baby, the lower shock mount floats in a similar way to the Trek and other floating shock designs. The rear pivot however, is located below the rear axle which Mongoose says will aid in suspension performance under braking. Along with the move to Metric rear shock sizing with standardized hardware, the suspension system is said to improve small bump compliance while keeping the plush feel through larger hits and limiting pedal and brake influence on the system.
Even though the new frames weren’t quite ready for the launch, a few of the (taller) editors got a chance to ride a prototype of the system. Speaking with those who had ridden both the Free Floating bikes back to back with last year’s non-floating suspension design, it seemed that almost everyone felt it was a big improvement.
Suspension tech is the big story, but the frames feature other small details like their new Adaptable Dropouts. To keep prices down, many bikes will ship with quick release wheels using the QR Boost 141mm spacing that we’ve seen on bikes from Marin and others. That allows the same frame to adapt to Boost 148mm thru axle dropouts by replacing the inserts so riders can upgrade in the future.
The full suspension frames also get upgraded to T2 Tectonic aluminum tubing over the previous T1. The advanced hydroforming process is said to improve frame strength by 50% and reduce weight by 30% when compared to the T1 aluminum frames.
Additionally, the Teocali, Salvo, Salvo Supa, Tyax, Tyax Supa and Argus get ‘Refined Geometry’ with longer top tubes and shorter stems for a more modern fit.
Offered only in 27.5 x 2.3/2.35″ tires, the Teocali is still their flagship all mountain machine with 160mm of travel front and rear. At the top of the heap you’ll find the Teocali Pro which sells for $2,999 with a Shimano 1x drivetrain, Fox DPS suspension, a dropper post and WTB wheels. A complete medium without pedals and tubes in the tires came in at 31.68lbs.
We also weighed the Teocali Expert with tubes, and without pedals at 32.72lbs.
Available in four builds, pricing ranges from $1,599 for the Teocali Sport, to the $2,999 Pro.
Considered more of a Trail platform, the Salvo runs 130mm of Free Floating suspension for the 27.5″ bikes or 110mm of travel for the 29/27.5+ Supas. When it comes to the frames, the Salvos also see new T2 aluminum, internal cable routing, Boost spacing, Refined Geometry, Adaptable Dropouts, and more 1x drivetrain options. Actual weights came in at 34.74lbs for a Salvo Plus in a medium frame with pedals and tubes.
As the deepest product line of the 2018 Mongoose full suspension line, the Salvo is available in 11 different builds with either 27.5″, 27.5+ Supa, or 29″ wheels and tires. Salvos start out as little as $999 for any of the Sport models, up to $2,399 for the Salvo Pro.
The last bike to get the Free Floating upgrade is the Mongoose Boot’R. A standout in the Mongoose line for awhile now, the 8″ travel DH bike has been gradually improved with input from Mongoose team riders like Greg Watts. Featuring a Metric X-Fusion Vector Coil R rear shock and 200mm of Free Floating suspension, the frame is paired with a 200mm Manitou Dorado Expert inverted fork. Rolling on 27.5 x 2.35″ tires, the Boot’R includes a 1×10 Shimano Zee drivetrain with a Samox crank to help keep the price down. The result is a truly capable DH bike for $2,499 that weighs in at 39.51lbs for a large with legit flat pedals and tubes in the tires.
Available soon through local bike shops, but also direct through Amazon.
