26" Mongoose XR 200

xr200

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Aug 10, 2006 | 4 out of 4 found this 26" Mongoose XR 200 review helpful

Pros: near perfect frame

Cons: no aftermarket lightweight parts support

walmart assembly aside (very poor, and no cable stretch support) gusseted aluminum frame ought to be nearly indisructible (one time 16 foot drop w/ 200# weight proved no change to aluminum frame geometry). front disk wont lock up, could be a control ...issue to some. also, comfort issues for large adult riders (6'2" long) can be fixed by offering offset seat posts and matching handlebars. i use a steering tube extention. the stock seat is no good for enduro/commuter, i use an aftermarket full padded gel. the stock seat is only good for the end of short competive race victory cruse. I keep the stock seat in a spare parts locker. stock rims didnt bend with 1g #200 load. once, this bike managed a full flight of concrete stairs without a failure of mechanicals or change of geometry. the top end gears could be better on flat tracks, but that is the speed freak talking. i use aftermarket (bell) slick road tires to save the stock Kendas for winter conditions. the weak spot in the frame, in my opinion, is an ungusseted rear suspention mount lug. that issue will be corrected by this owner with a visit to a commercial metals fabrication company. i also plan to have that company make a rear suspention assembly in titanium at a later time. this stock bike, after cable break in, and dealer (walmart) upgrades, for the average build consumer makes a bike that will, in my opinion, either out live the interest of the owner, or that of the next owner. it may be heavy, but that makes it a good trainer. with upgrades, a durable, amature racer. Read more Less