Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mens Mountain Bike

Been wanting a bike for a while now, for exercise. Wanted a fat-tire bike because I learned they exist and I think they're cool. The extra drag from fat tires when on a road isn't a significant issue since I'm riding for exercise, no touring or racing or w/e. When I got it, it wouldn't go into the lowest gear so I had to tune it a little bit. Not too difficult but the first time I've done it (never really had a gear bike before). I changed the brake levers, seat, pedals, added a rear rack and a bottle mount. Am probably going to change to a speed shifter before too long, as I don't like the grip shifter all that much. Oh, I also contacted mongoose support about handlebar diameter (for brake levers, grips) since my calipers didn't measure it at exactly a standard size (7/8 or 22mm parts fit though). I didn't learn much from that, but I was impressed that they got back to me basically immediately, so I thought it was worth mentioning.

While in Salida, CO last week I visited one of the many bicycle shops and became very interested in a well-appointed fat tire bike (Giant Momentum, $620.) sitting in the window. Having been a life-long bike fan (have owned many) I studied the construction, components, etc., and took an instant liking. Bicycles were all over town and I saw a few fat tires, but only a few, and I continued to evaluate whether I would pursue another bike or not. This was especially difficult due to the fact that my wife had just given me a very nice, new 21-speed Electra "Towney" ($650.) for my birthday about 60 days ago, which is currently parked next to my older Raleigh Chill mountain bike that I used to race as an amateur, and on which I have had countless excursions in pursuit of the "first blood" trophy with my firefighter co-workers. I am obviously now more interested in "cruising." While enjoying Salida a gentleman came along on a fat tire bike and after I complimented him on the bike he almost forced me into riding it, which I did, followed by him explaining that it was a $200. Mongoose with a couple of inexpensive upgrades for additional comfort.Following the gentleman's advice I located the Mongoose on Amazon and decided to indulge. I also took Amazon's "people who bought this item also purchased..." advice and grabbed the Sunlight Cruiser Retro Handlebar and the Sunlight Cloud-9 Suspension Cruiser Saddle. Although I believed I ordered a black version of the Mongoose, to match my new Electra, somewhere in the process it was changed to dark blue. The bike arrived today in a single box, damaged in three places including one significantly dog-eared corner with metal immediately behind it which made me a bit nervous. After unpacking the unit I confirmed that fortunately no damage had occurred correlating to the box damage, and after a close inspection I found only 3 or 4 very minor scratches. Considering the condition of the box I was quite relieved.I took my time putting the bike together, including the installation of the new handlebars and seat, all of which took about 90 minutes. I had to install the handlebar three times, mostly due to my own lack of attention, but also because the rear brake cable was just barely long enough to accommodate the new handlebar when turning hard left. This is not a defect of the bike or cable, just a challenge for the addition of the longer handlebar. By adjusting the angle of the handlebar and brake lever a bit I was able to get a good fit. The remainder of the project went very well including the test ride which as some of the other reviews mentioned, drew some attention from the neighbors.I made this purchase after having read almost all of the many reviews. After receiving my own bike and putting it together with the simple modifications noted, I have to say that I am completely satisfied and would recommend the process to anyone interested in accomplishing the same outcome. I anticipate adjusting the brakes and derailleur tension after a few miles, as is the case with any bike, but all parts fit nicely, all threads were good, all brackets adjusted easily and I experienced no problems in any aspect of putting the bike together. In regard to the negative comments expressed by others: Yes, it is a heavy bike. If you want something lighter you can expect to be lighter in the wallet as well. Yes, the stock seat was a bit narrow so if you are interested in a cruiser with style that is easy on the back-side, as was the case for me, buy a different seat. For the fit - I am 6'3" and weigh between 210 and 215 pounds and just turned 59, and I have no problem with the comfort level of the bike or proper leg extension and distance from the saddle to the ground. My toes don't hit the front tire when turning (even if I don't have the pedal in the proper position under the ball of my foot) and the pedals are wide enough to keep me from losing my footing. If interested in a more luxurious ride, take a look at the three-wheelers with a basket, but I personally prefer the fun I'm having on this one. Yes, upgrades of virtually any component are possible, but for the approximate $250 I have invested, I am quite pleased with the results-Manage your expectations and be realistic, this bike is a lot of fun, has some great basic features, but is not on the upper-end of component quality. Being heavy it will not be a power house and despite its fat tires, it will still be a bit challenging in sand or mud, although some flotation is provided. Don't expect it to perform like a high-dollar bike, enjoy the savings and have fun!

This bike is awesome. First of all, this isnt some $1500+, lightweight fancy pants bike. If that is what you are looking for then why are you looking at a $300 bike in the first place. This bike is sturdy and tough, it has some weight to it but that is because its solid. I ordered this bike on a Sunday morning and it arrived on Tuesday morning. Talk about fast shipping. The box had some dings and small tears but nothng that worried me. Taking the bike out of the box, it was nice to see is was very secure. No loose pieces, everything tied and wrapped together. Assemble was a breeze. The rear wheel is already on. Installing the front wheel was easy but take your time. This was the first time I ever worked with disc brakes on a bike and it took a second to get everything to line up. The handle bars just needed aligning and tightening, pedals were properly marked with arrows indication which side and way to tighten, and the seat was quickly installed. FINE TUNING. The rear gears and rear brake were already perfect and didnt need any adjustment. The front wheel did. The rotor was dragging against the pads big time. It took me about 5 minutes to loosen and adjust the front caliper to get the proper alignment and then adjust the pads so the wheel turned freely. No big deal, you can figure it out if you have an inkling of mechanical knowledge. Now ready to air the tires. Make sure you have an electric pump. I put 30psi in each tire with an hand pump and was exhausted. These tires are huge. FIRST RIDE. The brakes will need some adjusting afterwards. Just because they are disc brakes, you will not stop on a dime but the brakes are very effective and a lot better than the old style. There is a lot of road noise from the tires. Wasn't expecting that but can totally understand it. Twist gear shift works great, uphill climbs are a piece of cake in high gear, mid range is great for cruising. Easily completed 6 mile trip first time out with no issues. WHAT I'VE NOTICED. I am 6'4. 295 pounds. The bike says its rated for 250 pounds but it does not mind the extra 45 pounds at all. I felt the hand grips were too small, not big enough around to grip comfortably. The right grip is also a half grip because if the shifter. I did inadvertanely shift grears a couple of times by accident because my hands are big. A trip to the bike shop and a new pair of larger grips with paddles on the end fixed that. Rolled the factory grips off and install the new ones. I loosened the right brake lever and gear selecter and moved them further in so now both handles are full size. Changing gears and braking is no problem and the new grips are much more comfortable. The factory pedals felt very small to me, not wide enough. Bought some BMX pedals which were about an inch and a half wider and now have a very firm platform when pedaling. There are two reflectors on the back frame. My right foot kept hitting one. It had to go. The only thing I think I might do now if see if I cant get handlebars that come up a little higher. Since I ahd the seat so tall, I am leaned over more than I like. Just a comfort thing. I changed out the seat with a wider one cause my butt is wider too but the factory seat is very nice. PUBLIC REACTION. Get ready to answer questions when you go out. THis bike gets the stares from everyone. I've had people pull up next to me in cars and ask me what it is. It draws a crowd so do not leave it unsecure. I even had a discussion where one of those people who spend all the big money on road bikes and wear the bike shorts and race jerseys was criticizing my bike as not being a real bike. He left in a huff when I pointed out my bike didn't cost a house payment, I can go any place he can go but he cant do the same and I get more of a workout making those big ass tires move compared to his skinny ones. I have not seen another Fat Tire Bike where I live, it very unique. I think you will love the bike if you buy it. Just know you are buying a Mongoose and not a Cannondale. Ride it and have fun, like it was designed for.