Okay, so it came out of the box weighing 47 pounds and the gearing is silly high (36x18), but it cost only $200 including shipping.
New tires have been ordered that along with new tubes will drop 7 full pounds from the bike. How else can you spend about $100 on an upgrade and drop 7 pounds of rotating weight?
I switched out the 18 rear cog to a more manageable 22 and added a few parts I had in the garage already (bars, saddle, stem).
My plan is to use it in the snow and at the beach as well a slow errand/commuter.
It makes easy trails hard and getting to the trail harder.
Play with google if interested - there are many long detailed threads on MTBR and other sites. Look up “Manuel Beastly” for some fun video.
You know, I was thinking about getting one of these and doing some inexpensive modifications on it, just to cruise around. Couple questions…
(1) Could you use the same chain for the 22 cog or do you need to buy a new one?
(2) Did you have to buy a quill stem adapter to put that stem on it?
(3) Is that the stock seatpost, or did you have to get another one (like a 400mm)?
I’ve read some of the forums and alot of people flat-out hate people who buy this bike (I think these are the people with the moonlanders, etc), its pretty funny. But I like it.
I originally added the 22 with the existing chain but it seemed too tight so I ended up adding a $6 chain and a quick link. I would like to swap out the crank but have not found the right fit in my old parts bins.
I did purchase a stem adaptor and a new seat post (400mm) and used a 110mm stem with Bontrager Big Sweep Bars.
I would like to get a bit more setback on the saddle and may look for another post. Actually, I am intrigued by the idea of adding a narrow banana seat.
Lastly, I have purchased Devist8ers tires and some downhill tubes. Really looking forwad to see how different it feels with new tires and tubes.
I have looked over many many online reviews and posts and also love that this thing is getting so much hate.
It is a true beast - its hard to handle and extremely heavy - but for $200 (well, about $340 after add-ons) its very fun. It helps offset the cost that my 3 sons are all about my size and have been taking it out to play in the snow numerous times. If it works on sand then I will feel very justified in making the purchase.
Did you debate swapping the fork instead of the tires? Just based on the fat-bike review, it sounds like the handling could use an overhaul. Although, thats a more involved upgrade(figuring out current offset, axle to crown and headtube angle, and then trying to find a fork that “fixes” whatever the current problems may be.)
No, did not think about changing out the fork. I figure I can adapt to its poor handling and that changing tires and tubes might improve the handling. The odd heavy handling is part of its charm. David K
“It feels like riding an asthmatic child”
“I thought I was a strong rider but this made me feel weak”
“No wonder everyone who buys a Walmart bike thinks riding is hard”
“The front end must be broken”
“I feel like it wants me to crash every time I turn a corner”
.
Without riding one, I think it would be like a mini-bike stuck in first gear uphill, and in neutral downhill. Both frustrating and incredibly fun at the same time. I bet once you learn how to use the tires for what they are best at, you can ride over all kinds of crap… which is awesome.
I want to change the crankset on mine, any suggestions? I already put on FSA bars and Bontragger quill stem. I need to change to a 22 sprocket because up hill on my beast is a really good workout.
I’m going to dig up a >1yr old thread here, but my 5yo can finally ride a bike by himself! Now I need something to ride with him. This Mongoose Beast is basically exactly what I want in terms of features, but would rather have something higher quality. Is there any competing products out there? (fat bike + single speed + coaster brake are the defining features for me).
Mongoose Beast, will these wheels accept 1 1/8" or 28mm Outside Diameter sealed bearing in them? I’m looking build a custom cart with them and need to install bearings with that that od bearing to accomate a 1/2" axels.
Sorry, I have no idea. The answer is probably out there though via google. Lots of upgrade and modification chatter relative to Moongoose’s fat tire bikes including the Beast. Good luck.
I still ride this bike. It’ll go through snow in the winter and is perfect for going back and forth to our neighborhood pool in the summer. But, I may end up spending more of fun bike time on a recently built up Little 500 bike.
