FAQs:
Bike not on website
Parts/warranty for department store bikes
Why buy at a bike shop?
Raising handlebars
Limited warranties on select models
History of Mongoose
Does the Mongoose have a name?
What is it?
Buying bikes online
Selection at sporting goods stores
Customer-direct sales
Mongoose-branded electric scooter
Replacement decals
Corporate donations
Bike weights
Vintage BMX
Touch-up paint
Rider weight limits
Derailleur hangers
Sponsoring riders
Built-to-order bikes
1978 Reproduction BMX
Becoming a Mongoose dealer
International bikes in the U.S.
Disagreement with distributor
Model not available (outside U.S.)
Frame sizing and bike fit
Catalogs
Owner's Manuals
BMX racing - getting started

Q: I can't find the XR-100 I just bought on your website. Why not? How do I get more information about it?

A: The Mongoose website is only set up to advertise the bikes sold through independent bike dealers. Mongoose makes a separate line of bikes that are sold through department stores, and you can generally find information about those bikes on the retailers' own website. If you need more information about a Mongoose purchased at a department store, please contact our Mongoose service team at 1-800-626-2811 prompt 1. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: Wal-mart says that I have to contact you to get a new derailleur for my bike. Will you send it if I give you my address?

A: For parts purchases or warranty claims concerning bikes purchased at Wal-mart, Target, or Toys-R-Us, you'll need to contact our Mongoose service team at 1-800-626-2811 prompt 1. You'll need to have your model number and date code (found on a small sticker near the bottom bracket) for them to be able to process your order. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: What's the difference between the Mongoose bikes at department stores and the ones at bike shops? Should I pay more bike shop bike?

A: Bikes found at your local, independent bike shop are different than the bikes found at a department store. Frames and components on bike shop bikes are of higher quality and are assembled by trained professional mechanics. A bike shop can offer high quality service after the sale, as well. In addition, bike shop models are typically available in a range of frame sizes to accommodate a much wider variety of riders. Bikes found in department stores are generally fine for recreational use, and the frames and components reflect that. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I can't seem raise the handlebars on my bike. I loosened the little bolt on the top, but the clamp thing just spins and doesn't seem to raise up like I thought it would.

A: Your bike is equipped with a threadless headset and stem, which is stronger and lighter than traditionally quill-style stems, but is not as easily adjustable. There are several ways to effectively raise the handlebar on your bike, although all require the addition of new parts, or the replacement of existing parts. (BACK TO TOP)

1.) Riser bar. This option can seat the grip portion of your bar 1-5" higher. You can use you're old stem, shifters and grips.

2.) Riser stem. This option can raise your bar 1-3" and bring the bar back towards the rider. You can get a variety of angles and lengths of stems, so this is the best option for a custom fit.

3.) Steer-tube extender. This device clamps onto the steer-tube of your bike, and tapers to allow your stem to clamp onto it. This will raise your bar approximately 2-3".

All of these options may require the replacement of brake and/or derailleur cables, as they will need to reach further because of your new bar height. Please visit your local bike shop for more information about the cost of these options. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I heard that some of the older Mongoose bikes didn't have lifetime warranties. Do you have a list, and what the original warranties were?

A: Here is a list of the Mongoose models with limited warranties

1997 VRS Series - expired
1997 Comp SX - expired
1997 Pro SX - expired
1997 RM 1.0 - expired
Aftershock - expired
Carbon BMX - expired
1996 Amplifier - expired
1995 Amplifier - expired
1994 Amplifier - expired
1993 Amplifier - expired

The Mongoose Pro Ti frames were guaranteed for five years from the date of purchase.

All of these bikes are outside of their original warranty periods, though they would all be eligible for our crash replacement program. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: What can you tell me about the history of Mongoose?

A: With humble beginnings in a Southern California garage, Mongoose Bicycles has grown into an exciting and progressive brand, challenging its bicycle-industry competitors for the number one position.

Originally known as BMX (Bicycle Motorcross) Products, Inc. Mongoose Bicycles took off in 1974 in Simi Valley, California by motor sport enthusiast and entrepreneur Skip Hess. The cast magnesium Motomag wheel was the first product designed by Skip when he saw the need for a strong, light wheel for BMX racing. The forever-famous Mongoose bicycle was introduced in 1975 and set the high standard for the industry.

BMX products first created a cast aluminum wheel called the Motomag to take the punishment of a fledgling bicycle event called BMX. By 1976, BMX Products was producing not only wheels, but also bikes called Mongoose; a name Hess trademarked after a trip to Australia, where he became aware of the mongoose, a small animal quick and tough enough to kill cobras.

Throughout the 1980s Mongoose continued to grow and thrive. The company promoted its line with a strong BMX racing team, which quickly began to dominate all classes of the sport. Mongoose was the first company to support BMX racing and continues to support most categories within cycling. In 1980, Mongoose introduced the Expert model and in 1984, the company introduced its first mountain bikes.

By 1986, the sport of BMX had reached new heights, allowing Mongoose to sponsor the Tri-Star Pictures film, Rad, directed by Hal Needham, starring Bart Connor and Talia Shire featuring three time world champion, Mongoose rider, Travis Chipres. Mongoose received a great deal of exposure from this cult film within the bicycle industry.

In '87, the mountain bike craze had taken hold in the American sporting goods marketplace. Mongoose played a large role in developing the sport by creating and introducing the Tomac Signature model named for Mongoose rider John Tomac, one of the most dominating and successful mountain bike racers in the world.

The '90s saw Mongoose grow and develop its BMX and mountain bike products. In 1992, Mongoose pioneered the full-suspension mountain bike frame market with the Amplifier, one of the most successful suspension models ever made.

As Mongoose grew, so did its reputation for sponsoring great riders. Incredible champions from the '70s such as Jeff Kosmala, Bryan Cornell, Kenny Nachman, John George, Tinker Juarez inspired famous riders into the 80's such as: John Tomac, Eric Rupe, Travis Chipres, and Shelby James. During the '90s Tim "Fuzzy" Hall, Brian Lopes, Leigh Donovan, and Dennis "DMC" McCoy set the stage for the riders that were about to embark into the new millennium. Eric Carter (#1 Pro MTB '00) Simon Tabron ('02 Gravity Games Champion) have all worn the Mongoose colors.

Today, after merging with Pacific Cycle in 2001, Mongoose continues to grow and prosper with more than 40 models of BMX, trail, freestyle, jumping, mountain and road bikes. The Mongoose line of products also includes skateboards, bags and packs and bicycle parts and accessories.

The Mongoose Pro line is a higher end product line that is sold through independent bike dealers. With quality frames and a higher standard of components and shocks, the Mongoose Pro line offers bikes for all different kinds of experienced riders looking for higher end product.

The basic Mongoose line is sold through department stores and sporting good outlets. With high quality frames and components, these bikes come equipped with starter-level components that are perfect for the beginning or occasional rider. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: Does the Mongoose character in your logo have a name?

A: Yes. It's Maurice. Maurice the Mongoose. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I don't have a Mongoose dealer anywhere near me - where can I buy your bikes online?

A: We're sorry to hear that we don't have a convenient dealer for you. Keep in mind that our dealers are independent businesses, not subsidiaries or franchises of Pacific Cycle. We wish we had a dealer in every city in the country, and although our dealer network is growing very quickly, that's not the case yet.

We do not allow dealers to sell new bikes online. We believe your new bike should be assembled, tuned, and inspected by a trained mechanic before you ever put its tires on the trail or road. This provides an additional layer of safety and quality for your bike and riding experience. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: The only dealer in my town in Sports Authority. They don't have the bike I want and they're trying to tell me that they can't special-order it. Is that correct?

A: Sporting goods chains carry a number of our beginner-to-mid level models, but the higher-end bikes are only sold through independent bike shops. To answer your question, then, it is correct that they do not have access to the full line of bikes shown on www.mongoose.com. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: My dealer doesn't have the bike I want - can I call you to get it factory-direct? Do the prices online include shipping?

A: Sorry, but we're not set up for customer-direct orders. Many dealers can place special-orders for models they do not currently have on their sales floor, but you'll need to speak with your dealer to find out their particular policy. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: The throttle on my Mongoose electric scooter seems to be sticking - can I get parts directly from you?

A: Thank you for your question, and we're sorry to hear about the trouble you're having with your electric scooter. Unfortunately, our company, Pacific Cycle, is not the manufacturer or distributor of these products. Currie Tech, the company that produces these items, has licensed the Schwinn, GT and Mongoose logos from Pacific Cycle for use on their products. If you're looking for any type of information, parts, or service for your scooter, you must contact Currie at 800-377-4532 or visit their web site at www.currietech.com. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: How can I get replacement decals for my bike? I'm repainting it and I want it to look like new -

A: Unfortunately, original frame decals and stickers for older bikes are no longer available, and all new products come clear coated from the factory, eliminating the need for replacement decal sheets. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I'm organizing a silent auction to benefit my son's school - would Mongoose be willing to donate a bike for the event?

A: Thanks for thinking of Pacific Cycle! Unfortunately, due to the large number of requests for donations that we receive, there is only a small percentage that we're able to help with. If you'd like to submit your proposal for consideration, please send the request on your organization's letterhead to the address below. (BACK TO TOP)

Pacific Cycle
Attn: Sue Isaacs
4730 E. Radio Tower Lane
Olney, IL 62450

Q: I see you list everything but weights online - could you send me a breakdown by model?

A: Sorry, but our product development department doesn't publish weights. Other companies release misleadingly low weights, which would make our true weights look heavy by comparison. We encourage you, though, to have your dealer weigh any of our bikes on-site. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I used to race BMX on a Mongoose back in the day, and now I'd like to restore my old rig for my son. Can you give me specs and sell me decals?

A: Unfortunately, Mongoose does not have any specs from old school BMX bikes. If you are interested in trying to rebuild your Mongoose BMX bike from the 1980s, I would suggest checking sites like www.bmxmuseum.com or www.vintagebmx.com for information about where to purchase parts, how to restore classic designs, where to find replacement decals, and for other helpful tips. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: Where can I find touch-up paint for my frame?

A: Thank you for contacting us. Unfortunately, we do not have any touch-up paint available. The paint that is used on the bikes does not work well in a brush on application. The best option for touch-up paint would be to use an enamel-based model paint like Testors brand. There is a very wide array of colors and tones available with these types of paints, and they work very well for this type of application. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: Please update your online bike specs to include weight limits. I'm a heavier guy and I'd like to know what bikes of yours I'm allowed to look at.

A: We do not set weight limits on any of our bike due to differences in the purpose that people have for the bike. A 14 year old that weighs 120 lbs could easily destroy one of our bikes if he abuses it by jumping it or similar unintended uses. However, a 400 lb rider could be perfectly content with the durability of a bike if he uses is solely recreationally and avoids impacts such as curbs and pot-holes. We can't specify a weight limit on a bike because failure is caused by impact, not static loads. A 1000 lb rider may buckle the frame of the bike when they sit on it, but aside from a static weight limit, any other number we specify would be arbitrary as it would depend solely on the type of use the bike experiences. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: A shop told me that you're not making hangers for old bikes anymore. What am I supposed to do?!?

A: Fortunately, the dealer you spoke with was incorrect. Any Mongoose dealerr can order replacement hangers by contacting their Mongoose rep, or you can order hangers customer-direct at www.derailleurhanger.com. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: Hi Mongoose - I'm only 14 but I can already do almost 12 tricks and all my friends say I deserve to be sponsored. Can I just send you a video of me doing tricks or what?

A: At this time, Mongoose only sponsors professional riders. If you race ABA, NBL, or NORBA events, however, you may be eligible for partial support through our Grassroots Racing program. Your local Mongoose dealer can get you the paperwork and application for this. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I really like the Fireball, but I want it with disc brakes instead of linear-pull brakes. Can I place a special-order for one?

A: If you would like to purchase the bike with a different brakes, you'll need to contact your local Mongoose dealer about this option. Mongoose specs the whole bike, which we sell to the dealer. The dealer can order aftermarket disc brakes through their parts distributor and install them for you. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I heard that Mongoose has a special reproduction BMX bike - what can you tell me about it and how can I find one?

A: You can find information about the 1978 Replica at your local Mongoose dealer or in our 2006 catalog. The bike features a cro-moly frame/fork, double-clamp stem, block-tread tires, '78 decals, and comes with a replica box and owner's manual. Production is limited to 500 worldwide and each bike is individually-numbered. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I have a bike shop and we're interested in becoming a Mongoose dealer. How do we start the process?

A: For more information about becoming a Mongoose dealer, please contact our sales office at 1-800-843-2453. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: The bike I want is only in the international section, but I live in the U.S. Can my dealer place a special-order to get one for me?

A: Sorry, but the only bikes that U.S. dealers have access to are those that are listed on the U.S. page. The only way to obtain an international-only model is to arrange a purchase through an international distributor and import the bike yourself. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: My country's distributor refuses to honor a warranty claim that I believe is valid. Can I go over their head and file the claim with you?

A: Sorry, but distributors are the final arbiter of warranty decisions within their territory. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: The distributor in my country says they're not going to carry the model I want, which doesn't make sense, since there's clearly a market for it. What can I do?

A: Our distributors have discretion over which models they order and have available for sale. Your best course of action would be to make a phone call or write a letter expressing your position to the distributor's headquarters. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I see that your bikes are sized using S/M/L/XL - what is that in traditional sizing, and how do I know what size I need?

A: S/M/L/XL, often called t-shirt-sizing, is often used for frames with compact geometry (a slightly sloping top tube). Compared to a frame with a horizontal top tube, these sizes are roughly equivalent to 15"/17"/19"/21", although you'll find that the seat tube length these measurements refer to is actually shorter than that (again, due to the compact geometry).

Your dealer is best equipped to provide an accurate, in-person fit assessment, but in general, you'll want a small if you're 5'2"-5'6", a medium if you're 5'6"-5'-9", a large if you're 5'9"-6'1", and an XL if you're taller than 6'1". These are rough estimates, and you may find that your body proportions lend themselves to a frame size other than the ones indicated. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: If I give you my mailing address, can you send me a catalog of your new bikes?

A: Print catalogs are available through your local Mongoose dealer, but you can find all the same information on the Product page at www.mongoose.com. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: How can I get a replacement owner's manual for my bike? I'd like to learn more about it - how the shifters work, what size all the parts are, the best way to maintain it, etc.

A: You can download a Mongoose owner's manual at http://www.mongoose.com/hub/manuals.php. You should be aware, however, that we don't print model-specific manuals, so it won't contain information about your specific model of Mongoose. The manual is only meant to be a basic safety and operational guide, not a comprehensive overview of your particular bike. (BACK TO TOP)

Q: I'd like to start racing BMX - what bike do you recommend and how do I get started?

A: You can race any mechanically-sound bike, although unfortunately, the Mongoose line doesn't include a dedicated BMX race bike. However, your local bike shop that carries Mongoose can provide you support through our Grassroots Racing program, which provides discount bikes for competitive riders. Your local Mongoose dealer can get you the paperwork and application for this.

The governing bodies of BMX racing are the ABA and NBL, and you can find tracks, schedules, entry information, and other FAQs at www.ababmx.com and www.nbl.org. (BACK TO TOP)