Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #129774 in Sports & Outdoors
• Size: One Size
• Color: Slate Grey
• Brand: Mongoose
• Model: R4732
• Released on: 2006-10-07

Features

• Features a Shimano EF29/TX30 trigger shifting system
• Lightweight alloy dual-suspension frame
• Promax front mechanical disc brake
• Alloy forged three-piece crankset

Amazon.com Product Description
Be the master of the trail or tough urban terrain with the Mongoose Theory Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike. The Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters enable you to make the quick shift to get moving or climb the hills ahead. With a Suntour M2000 front suspension fork and rear coil suspension, the Theory is ready to take on whatever is ahead. Making a stop is quick and easy on the Theory with a strong alloy rear brake and front ProMax disc brake.

Key Features:

• Alloy dual-suspension frame is more lightweight than a standard steel frame and provides good shock absorption on bumps, rocks, and rougher terrain
• MTB rise bars with stem offers comfortable riding position options
• Forged-steel three-piece crank offers better pedaling performance and is much more lightweight
• 21-Speed Shimano EZ-Fire shifting system offers efficient and precise shifting
• Alloy rear brake and front ProMax disc brake provide sure stopping power
• 36-spoke alloy rims are lightweight and rustproof

Specifications:

• Frame: Alloy Dual Suspension Frame
• Fork: Suntour M2000 Fork
• Handlebar / Stem: MTB Rise Bars with Ahead Stem
• Shifting System: 21-Speed Shimano EZ-Fire, TX30 Rear Der.
• Brakes: Promax Disc (F) Alloy V-Brake (R); Alloy Levers
• Crankset: Alloy Forged 3-piece Crankset
• Wheels: 36-Spoke Black Anodized Alloy Rims

Assembly of the Bike:
This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.

About Mongoose
In 1974, BMX Products, Inc., later to be known as Mongoose Bicycles, launched from a humble garage. The first of its kind, the BMX bicycle was named after bicycle motocross and was designed to fit the needs of the rough-and-tumble dirt-racing pastime that took its toll on wheels and bicycles. The heavy-duty, one-piece cast-aluminum Mongoose Motomag wheel was soon born, and it was the first competition-ready BMX bicycle available. Skip Hess, while in Australia pursuing his motor sports passion, came into contact with a strange and unusual cat-size animal--the mongoose. Known for its passive nature while unprovoked, yet vicious and aggressive enough to kill a threatening Cobra twice its size, the Mongoose impressed Hess, who quickly registered the Mongoose trademark for his new bicycle racing frame.

The Expert BMX bicycle model, which is still a cornerstone of the Mongoose BMX line today, was introduced in 1980. Shortly after, Mongoose captured the first ever ABA National #1 Cruiser Title. Previously known for the 20-inch bicycle, this title signaled the re-direction of Mongoose bicycles to larger-wheeled, adult-sized models. Several years later, Mongoose continues to dominate the cruiser racing circuit with six National No. 1 Cruiser titles, leading to the introduction of adult-sized Mongoose all-terrain bicycles (ATBs).

In 1992, Mongoose pioneered the full-suspension market with the introduction of the Amplifier. This design is still the most-copied suspension design in the market. Several year later, Mongoose launched the Newman adult bicycle frame, which is proven to be 15% stronger than any other bike frame in the market. The design, while functionally sound, also raised eyebrows because of its distinctive look.

In the next few years, Mongoose increased its marketing focus to dominate the bicycle industry, and more important, extend beyond it. The Mongoose brand marketing initiative makes more than 100 million impressions. Mongoose’s brand awareness increased by over 130% in 1999 and solidifies the No. 2 market share position in units and dollars. Mongoose was acquired by Pacific Cycle, LLC, and continues to grow and prosper with more than 40 models of BMX, mountain, trail, freestyle, jumping, comfort, road, and cyclocross bikes.

Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide

Finding the Right Bike
To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:

The Right Ride
In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:

• Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
• Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
• Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.

The Right Price
A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.

• Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
• Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
• High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.

The Right Size
Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:

• Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
• Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
• Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.

The Right Accessories
When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:

• Helmet (this is a must!)
• Seat pack
• Lock
• Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
• Spare tubes
• Portable bike pump
• Gloves

Customer Reviews

Good Bang for the Buck
This review will focus on the specs since there is minimal information available unless you buy the bike.

First off, this is my second Mongoose. I started out on a crappy low end Cruiser model, so anything even half a step up from that model is a vast improvement.

The Theory weighs about 38 lbs and is actually light grey in color despite the image on this website. I thought I was getting a white bike, and I'm a little ticked it's actually grey, but, whateva.

Assembly isn't too bad as long as you have half a clue as to what you're doing. The documentation is adequate, but don't expect to be able to assemble this bike correctly if you haven't done it before. The documentation will frustrate you. But the average person can probably install the pedals and the saddle, and maybe even mount the handlbars correctly assuming the brakes don't arrive screwed up like mine did. The front cable had to be relocated because when it was assembled at the plant, it was threaded immediately under the fork and the tire was rubbing against it so it had to be removed and resituated, which entailed messing with the front cable. Simple enough, I suppose, but this assumes you know what you're doing.

I couldn't install the front tire correctly because of the disc brake, and, wanting to be safe instead of stupid, I took the bike to an LBS and had them install it. It was then that I found out one of the disc pads was missing. No problem. I just went back home and found it in the box. Apparently it had become dislodged from the housing on the front tire during transit. I didn't even know it was there because I haven't worked with disc pads before. It was a good thing I didn't toss the box right away otherwise I would have been SOL. Just be advised, however, that if you are missing one or both disc pads and do toss out the box before you realize one of the pads is missing, depending on where you are, you may or may not be able to find replacement pads. You may end up having to upgrade to a better brand disc brake.

Now onto the specs. The front disc brake is Promax brand, DSK-400, which in the world of mtn biking, is the generic low end. I had to do some digging around on the web to find the following site because you won't find a "[...]" website. It wasn't really all that much more helpful and did not help me to understand disc brakes any better, but at least you'll have a better idea what to look for. The documentation on the site have color images vs the black and white images that come enclosed with the bike. Go here instead: [...]

I wouldn't call the Promax disc brake crap, but, close enough. Note: If you plan on doing any kind of semi-serious mtn biking, as in on a trail considered "intermediate" level, then upgrade the disc brakes. And if you're planning a real mtn biking trip with rocks and logs and the whole nine, then the Theory can probably handle it, just don't expect miracles.

As to the gears, there are 21 Shimano flavored and they work flawlessly. They're a pleasure to have because there isn't the usual slipping and dragging you see on lower end Mongoose mtn bikes. The only problem I had was the upper gears don't seem to want to shift into any gear definitely unless you downshift say, to 2, then upshift to 3, for example, and so forth for the others. If you want 6, then go to 5, then upshift and vice versa. This may or may not be because the cogs need to be lubed.

As to the ride, the Theory is a dual-suspension bike and you can really feel the difference vs a hard-tail bike. Wow. Just riding on the street and going over speed bumps and rain gulleys is amazing. You have very little to no shock at all because the suspension absorbs it.

Overall, this bike is good bang for the buck, but I wouldn't pay over $300.00 tops for it. If you're going to go that high, you can get something else with higher end parts. Oh, one last thing. If you value your reproductive organs, and don't want to find yourself numb from package to exit and/or sitting on a bag of frozen peas for a week after using the bike, then do yourself a favor and switch out the saddle. The one that comes with the Theory is horrible. Get a thicker padded, gel lined, split saddle instead.

Good quality at a reasonable price
I have to be honest... I was not really sure IF I really wanted to get into mountain biking, or not as I have always been a road bike kind of a person. I wanted to find a good quality bike, but inexpensive... something that, had I decided it was not for me, I would just give it to the nearby Good Will store without a severe case of guilt of having spent money on something I thought I knew I did not like.

The bike arrived in a pretty large box and general construction time was about 15 minutes in my garage. I did not care much for the quality of the saddle... `seat' to anyone wondering... It just looks and feels cheap...

After the first, or second ride, I may change this out, but the rest of the bike looks and feels fine.

WARNING!!! WARNING!!! >>> This product DOES NOT come with HEX drivers... so either you are a tool and gadget nut like me who happened to have to right size HEX wrench, or you will end up going to a SEARS, or WAL-MART and get one. IF you are going out to get one, might as well get a long arm one as you will need to torque the bolts in tightly and properly. Otherwise, your bike falls apart after the first big bump...

HA HA... Hmmm...

The bike went together relatively easy, but to those hoping to just hop on and ride, you will be disappointed... EVERY cable needs adjusting... and yes... that includes the brakes as well... Front disc brake took a little time to perfect, but the rear is the traditional type and this was a quick job. Don't worry about the suspension spring adjustment. This may be tough for most to adjust, but factory setting seems nearly ideal.

Gearing took some time... I have to say it was a bit finicky, but again, I wanted to try to see if I can really like this form of biking, so its fine. Those of you who are mechanically dysfunctional may need to seek advice when putting this bike together, BUT do not let me scare you away from the end-product... a very well made bike that is inexpensive... well... at least when I brought it anyway... $170 with free shipping from Amazon. In general... I LIKE IT!!! A LOT!!!

I have not taken it on a severe beating yet... Here in Ohio, there is a massive bike trail that I will be testing this thing on in Spring and will post an update if requested.

I rate this bike a 4 and would recommend it to those road bikers looking for a different way to break tibs and fibs (medical terms you might want to know before showing up in ER), but doing it on a budget. I would also recommend it for those X-Gens who wants to rupture a spleen, or two, but want to do it by sticking to a tight budget...

Hope it was good for you as it was for me to review this bike.

YAY ME!!

Not For Tall Men
I really like the look of this bike but in the end I had to return it. It went together pretty easily but was missing one of the front brake pads for the disk breaks. Unlike the other reviewer mine was not in the box. In order to get the pad I would have had to order it online because I could not find a bike store that sold it. The reason I had to return this bike was because I am 6 foot so I needed to bring the handle bars up but they do not rise at all. The seat ended up being higher then the handle bars making it to uncomfortable to ride and putting way to much weight on the front of the bike. I did by a piece to adjust the handle bars for about $25.00 but it made the bike weak around the neck. I feared that the bike would break during a rough ride. Also the front axle was thinner then a pen. I think the frame and gears of this bike are pretty reliable but everything else on it is junk and would not withstand a rough ride through my back yard...the Colorado Rockies. I would say this bike would be prefect if I were about 15 years old but if your older I would look else where.