Mongoose, one of several bicycle brands owned by Dorel Industries Inc. of Montreal, Canada, consists of three lines of bicycle-motocross (BMX) bikes and four lines of mountain bikes. Each of these lines in turn includes several 2010 models (the prices quoted are current as of 2010). Some models are sold by both chain department stores and individual bicycle shops; however, Mongoose notes that the quality of some parts used in models sold by the former can be inferior to the quality of those sold by the latter.
Team (BMX)
BMX cycling ranges from organized track racing---an Olympic sport since 2008---to informal street riding, which often features tricks and maneuvers similar to those of skateboarding. Compared to mountain bikes, BMX bikes are generally lighter and faster. Designed with input from Mongoose-sponsored professional riders, Team bikes are intended to be used in BMX racing competitions, which are typically held on dirt or dirt-and-pavement tracks featuring numerous slopes and turns. The line's three models are the Legion (about $600), the Shield ($630) and the Fraction ($650).
Freestyle (BMX)
Mongoose's Freestyle models are street bikes designed to enable riders to perform tricks and demonstrate skills, from airborne twirls during half-pipe jumps to feats of balance on level pavement. The line's five models include the Subject (around $240), the Capture ($290) and the Diagram ($420).
Dirt Street (BMX)
Dirt Street models are multipurpose bikes built to be ridden, as the company states, "from dirt trails to steel rails"---a reference to the handrail "grinding" that some BMX bikers, like their skateboarding cousins, seem to enjoy. The line's five models include the Logo (around $220), the Culture ($320) and the Chamber ($450).
Dual Suspension (Mountain)
While ordinarily limited to races and solo rides over rough, natural terrain, mountain biking---like BMX cycling---includes a subgroup of street-based showoffs and tricksters. Regardless, mountain bikes are generally heavier and sturdier than BMX bikes, and Mongoose's Dual Suspension line caters to mountain bikers riding the roughest terrain. The line's 16 models include the Otero Comp (about $650), the Teocali Elite ($2,000) and the Boot'R Team ($4,000).
Jumping (Mountain)
Mongoose states that its Jumping bikes are "designed to be as smooth as a buffed-out rhythm section and tougher than the mall cop eyballin' you at the top of that stair gap," indicating that they are intended for use in both natural and man-made environments. The line's four models include the Fireball 24 (around $400), the Ritual Dirt ($700) and the Ritual Dirt-Hi ($1,200).
Hardtail XC (Mountain)
The company's Hardtail XC is a line of traditional cross-country bikes with no rear suspension, generally used on mild terrain. The line's three models are the Tyax Comp (about $470), Tyax Sport ($500) and Tyax Super ($670).
Commuter (Mountain)
As the name indicates, Mongoose's Commuter bikes are made to be ridden mostly on pavement, such as in cycling to school or work. The line's three models are the Sabrosa SS (around $700), the Sabrosa 3x8 ($800) and the Sabrosa Ocho ($1,100).
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