I recently purchased the Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Mountain Bike, and I must say, it’s an absolute steal for the price. Having covered over 60 miles in the past couple of weeks, I can confidently assert that this bike delivers a fantastic riding experience. Here’s my comprehensive review:
The Mongoose Malus stands out as an excellent fat tire bike, especially considering its unbelievably low price point of less than $250. Riding it has been an absolute joy, and I’m genuinely impressed by its power and torque, particularly when conquering hills. Despite initial concerns about its weight on steep inclines, this bike surpassed my expectations. Climbing the first steep elevated trail bridge, I effortlessly outpaced riders on multi-geared road bikes. The bike’s ability to accelerate from a standstill with minimal effort is another notable highlight.
Perfect Fit for Suburban and Trail Biking
My initial quest for a bike with a smooth ride for suburban and trail biking led me to the Mongoose Malus, and it has proven to be the perfect match. It’s the least expensive bike I’ve ever bought, yet it stands out as the most fun to ride. While higher-end fat tire bikes in the $2,000 to $6,000 range might offer superior performance, the Mongoose Malus impressively over-delivers at its affordable price point. It handles well on both paved and gravel paths, and the reactions from those unfamiliar with fat tire bikes add an extra layer of enjoyment to the ride.
While the Mongoose Malus isn’t flawless, the primary recommendation for improvement is the factory seat. In my experience, the stock seat is uncomfortably hard for rides exceeding a few miles. A small investment of $45 in a quality replacement seat transformed my riding experience, allowing for comfortable rides of 20 miles or more with no complaints.
Pros:
- Low cost with solid quality
- Enjoyable and thrilling to ride
- Impressive power and torque for hill climbing and quick take-offs
- Relatively easy to assemble
Cons:
- The factory seat is uncomfortably hard; upgrading is recommended
- Minor inconvenience with missing nut for front tire assembly
Final Verdict
If you’re seeking an introduction to fat tire biking without breaking the bank, the Mongoose Malus is the ideal choice. Its unbeatable value, coupled with its thrilling performance, makes it a purchase you won’t regret.