I already bought my 26" Mongoose Durham ($249 at the time) without knowing what a replaceable derailleur hanger is (I wasn't into bikes at all when I got it), I could have bought an Ozark Trail Ridge for what I paid for it (Including all the parts to fix the Durham), but I don't hate the bike. I've never bent or broke the hanger, although I replaced both derailleurs with Shimano Altus derailleurs (including new cables), cause I snapped two Shimano "flat-face" rear derailleurs, and stripped out the tightening bolt for the front one, I definitely recommend upgrading those, I also had issues with my left shifter refusing to go to 3rd speed on my front derailleur, so I replaced both shifters with some cheap twist shifters I found on Temu, they work okay, but I'd definitely go with a smoother left twist shifter, and a better trigger shifter on the right. Also bought some cheap mechanical brake levers and funny short lock-on ergonomic grips from Temu, they're OK, but I'd definitely get some thick sponge grips instead. The brake levers work, but are fairly floppy, also considering putting hydraulic disc brakes onto it soon. I still run the original freewheel, bottom bracket and cranks, they've been working good, even with a bend on the front largest gear, not sure what to upgrade those parts with. I had to replace the tubes (and rim strips) cause I managed to tear the front tube right at the valve (should've went tubeless instead), the rims are still pretty straight, despite never truing them (I don't have the correct tools). The front shock gets insanely stiff after a while (sometimes doesn't even try to go down cause it's really sloppy and gets jammed), I had no idea how to maintain the fork, so that's why it "failed". I'd recommend switching that out for something else either way, might try to go for an SR Suntour fork. (I haven't gotten that far yet, despite owning the bike for 2-3 years now?) Basically recommend: Better front fork, stronger derailleurs, replace left shifter with something stronger, going to tubeless?, hydraulic disc brake system, getting better lock-on grips, or just go buy a GOOD $600 bike. Lol Any other parts I don't mention are still original lol.
I was on reddit a little while ago asking about a few upgrades to my big box bike, most so just a rear shock to make the ride a little better, and was universally told not to ever bother with ever doing anything to a big box bike. Though every time I watch your videos I still think it's worth trying. I'm not looking to go balls to the wall and try and turn it into a full downhill, nor do I want to spend the 3 grand for a full on downhill bike.
I have this Durham too. Like Kevin's, nearly all have been swapped out to higher-end Shimano, Manitou, Diamondback, and Prologo. Only the frame and wheels remain, although the wheels are now wrapped in Schwalbe studded tires. But the OEM wheels are gone too come snow melt. So then....just the frame. Fun bike BTW.
It's so gaudy and golden, but it works. I live your bikes Man, keep up the great work. I love the humility of your shows. It's not all, if it's not D2 electric shifter $600 fork it sucks. Keep it up!
Incredible I believe you have outdone yourself this time this is one beauty I'm working on a mongoose project myself I can't think of but a handful of components that didn't need going over and different adjustments it will be ready to ride after I make a parts run anyway congratulations on the project it looks fantastic I like gold digger
Congrats on the build Kevin, it looks great. I got the himalo drift 32 160mm and I was kind of scared of using it at first, but they are definitely a step above the other cheap forks like bolany and ztz.
I hate to say it *but* we need more of this kind of build 😄😂😂 Also I am ordering that fork right now! Don't know what I'll put it on, but atleast i will have it when the lightning strikes 😂
I ended up finding a 98 RS Judy XC XL, and i went with the same zoom brakes, but with a 203mm rotor up front and a 180 in the rear, great brakes, and very affordable
I have been looking at this bike and the ozark trail. I got three boys who are very active and like to rid. It seems like I could upgrade it and have plenty of fun. Without breaking the bank on a “better” quality bike like a giant or trek.
I want the option to fix it up and enjoy the casual riding and trails around my home town, but I don’t need a bike to Jump 12 ft berms or run mega steep trails.
Wow!!! I never thought you would bling up a project bike this much. Would love to see total budget for the bike and mods. Kind of reminds me of a Hodaka Super Rat.
Reminds me of the old Vertical brand dual suspension bike my brother had back in the early 2000's. It had a double shoulder front fork, it had the quil stem still though. I found a way to put two of the cheaper rear suspension shocks on it, it got ridden and then stolen a few times.
That thing looks sweet and the ride footage looked impressive! Honestly though, I live in the mountains of NE Alabama and have always thought of NW Alabama as being flat...looks like you guys have some pretty nice trails over that way. It is a shame that we can't have trails like that over here. SMH.
daaaayum! that bike looks rad man! definitely caught me by surprise. lovin' the gold digger vive because she's just going to want you to throw more money at her! 🤘🤑👍
I know it's nitpicking, but double shoulder is just a bad translation on the product page, it's supposed to translate to "dual crown" the same way a fox 40 or rockshox boxxer is a dual crown fork.
Project porkchop should be the name, it went from something? we smile at cause of the name, to something we smile at, for the looks and proformance, it is not an insult to the bike, it is a badge of honor, and who doesn't like porkchops?
The DH style fork...🤣🤣 Another great video Kev, I’m still not sure about the lack of a hanger on the Durham though! It almost look like a DH hard tail...if such a thing existed! (They kinda do, but they’re all custom built. No company, to my knowledge, makes a DH hard tail 🤣🤣) I was skeptical about project Durham, for the reason above (hanger), but I have to say, it looks sweet! I was wondering about the lack of a dropper...
They existed in the early 2000's, bikes such as the Evil Imperial, Banshee Morphine, DC Cock, so on. they were designed to be big crazy huck bikes. Weight didn't matter, only strength. they were designed for 200mm dual crown forks. They were absolutely sick!
I don't know about the US, but in the UK you can get any number of hardtails designed for 140mm / 160mm travel forks. I've got a Stanton Switch9er with a 150mm Pike up front.
![[TH] 2024 PMSL SEA Finals D1 | Fall | ยิงต้องโหด ให้เหมือนโกรธกันมาก่อน](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OnTdfGySmds/mqdefault.jpg)
That is such a beauty, great build! We need some factory Kev Central special editions!!
That looks sick, love the snail chainring bolt covers I will be researching them 👍
Love it! Looks like a vintage downhill bike.
I'd love to see those forks on a full suspension bike. Looks amazing
I already bought my 26" Mongoose Durham ($249 at the time) without knowing what a replaceable derailleur hanger is (I wasn't into bikes at all when I got it), I could have bought an Ozark Trail Ridge for what I paid for it (Including all the parts to fix the Durham), but I don't hate the bike. I've never bent or broke the hanger, although I replaced both derailleurs with Shimano Altus derailleurs (including new cables), cause I snapped two Shimano "flat-face" rear derailleurs, and stripped out the tightening bolt for the front one, I definitely recommend upgrading those, I also had issues with my left shifter refusing to go to 3rd speed on my front derailleur, so I replaced both shifters with some cheap twist shifters I found on Temu, they work okay, but I'd definitely go with a smoother left twist shifter, and a better trigger shifter on the right.
Also bought some cheap mechanical brake levers and funny short lock-on ergonomic grips from Temu, they're OK, but I'd definitely get some thick sponge grips instead. The brake levers work, but are fairly floppy, also considering putting hydraulic disc brakes onto it soon.
I still run the original freewheel, bottom bracket and cranks, they've been working good, even with a bend on the front largest gear, not sure what to upgrade those parts with. I had to replace the tubes (and rim strips) cause I managed to tear the front tube right at the valve (should've went tubeless instead), the rims are still pretty straight, despite never truing them (I don't have the correct tools).
The front shock gets insanely stiff after a while (sometimes doesn't even try to go down cause it's really sloppy and gets jammed), I had no idea how to maintain the fork, so that's why it "failed". I'd recommend switching that out for something else either way, might try to go for an SR Suntour fork. (I haven't gotten that far yet, despite owning the bike for 2-3 years now?)
Basically recommend: Better front fork, stronger derailleurs, replace left shifter with something stronger, going to tubeless?, hydraulic disc brake system, getting better lock-on grips, or just go buy a GOOD $600 bike. Lol
Any other parts I don't mention are still original lol.
I was on reddit a little while ago asking about a few upgrades to my big box bike, most so just a rear shock to make the ride a little better, and was universally told not to ever bother with ever doing anything to a big box bike. Though every time I watch your videos I still think it's worth trying. I'm not looking to go balls to the wall and try and turn it into a full downhill, nor do I want to spend the 3 grand for a full on downhill bike.
It's all about attitude and imagination...and rider skill. Have fun and go for it!
My best advise is to buy the best you can afford and enjoy. The most important thing is to enjoy!
I know I’m a little late kev but thanks for finally putting the dh fork in the video. I have been patiently waiting for it. 🙏
nice build. i just rebuilt a mongoose grudge. was gonna sell it....same deal, finished it with leftover parts....i love it now
I love how the b-roll on 3:00 have a spider crawling up the wheel valve and cap lol.
I have this Durham too. Like Kevin's, nearly all have been swapped out to higher-end Shimano, Manitou, Diamondback, and Prologo. Only the frame and wheels remain, although the wheels are now wrapped in Schwalbe studded tires. But the OEM wheels are gone too come snow melt. So then....just the frame. Fun bike BTW.
I'll definitely be checking out the Roadnado products, thank you!
Best looking hard tail I’ve seen and I love the down hill bike look
Very interesting build on an unassuming 26” frame. Personally the non replaceable derailleur hanger is a deal breaker for me.
Internal gear hub, if necessary
Honestly, a beefy derailleur and a derailleur cage seems to be working fine for me. I think hangers have gotten a bit over played.
Too late for me, I already bought one without looking at it thoroughly :p
It's so gaudy and golden, but it works. I live your bikes Man, keep up the great work. I love the humility of your shows. It's not all, if it's not D2 electric shifter $600 fork it sucks. Keep it up!
Incredible I believe you have outdone yourself this time this is one beauty I'm working on a mongoose project myself I can't think of but a handful of components that didn't need going over and different adjustments it will be ready to ride after I make a parts run anyway congratulations on the project it looks fantastic I like gold digger
😍 that looks amazing! Hopefully I can get some new upgrades to my sidewinder
Wow, that DOES look awesome! 😁 Project Good Digger is clever, suits it, and made me LOL 😆🤣✌️
Absolutely beautiful build keep it up
Congrats on the build Kevin, it looks great. I got the himalo drift 32 160mm and I was kind of scared of using it at first, but they are definitely a step above the other cheap forks like bolany and ztz.
Pretty rad looking build. Seems like a bike that fits perfectly with an 80s vibe.
The 26 still lives and looks great.........
People seeing this on the trail : ohhh that guy is rich
Kev : *dis from walmart*
I hate to say it *but* we need more of this kind of build 😄😂😂
Also I am ordering that fork right now! Don't know what I'll put it on, but atleast i will have it when the lightning strikes 😂
That’s soooo nice. You should sell your own pre-builds.
Your creation is absolutely AWAWESOME
Thanks for sharing this beautiful machine . You did so , so good .
Mark from Maryland
A Real makeover without going overboard in the H2O.
Thanks for posting another swell video.
Hah! I just foud this vid after watching and commenting on your original Durham review. Stay awesome!
I had to watch this video again and admire this beautiful bike build. You did such a great job on this bike Kevcentral. I love it bro!
All that Roadnado components and gold components really make this bike a beautiful beast….
Project 14k. That's dope 😎
You did a nice job decking that bike out.
Insane looks. Great job.
Project Phoenix it's reborn into something beautiful and the the colorway matches
Great build loving the bike kev keep up the great work 👍love a mongoose 👍
Aggressive hardtails are the best bikes! Definitely needs a better name for suck an over the top build
That Dual Crown fork really makes that goose look awesome! Still looking for a good one for my Homegrown 4 Banger
I ended up finding a 98 RS Judy XC XL, and i went with the same zoom brakes, but with a 203mm rotor up front and a 180 in the rear, great brakes, and very affordable
I'd be jealous to see anyone riding this! I really need to tune my bike up...
Project Golddigger. Nice job looks great!
Behold, Golddigger
Love it!!! This is the kinda of builds I love seeing. Making s big box bike (frame) with good upgrades 👍!
Must change the name to "Project Gold Digger" That's a winner!
Gold Digger sounds good!
Bike looks badass
I have been looking at this bike and the ozark trail. I got three boys who are very active and like to rid. It seems like I could upgrade it and have plenty of fun. Without breaking the bank on a “better” quality bike like a giant or trek.
I want the option to fix it up and enjoy the casual riding and trails around my home town, but I don’t need a bike to Jump 12 ft berms or run mega steep trails.
That's pretty sweet. Well done Mr. Central.👍
Wow!!! I never thought you would bling up a project bike this much. Would love to see total budget for the bike and mods. Kind of reminds me of a Hodaka Super Rat.
I put all the prices on screen as I mentioned them…and thanks for commenting 👍🏼
He-Man called. He wants his bike back!
By the power of Grayskull!
Never thought I'd see you rocking a DH fork! Looks great!
Very cool, I like the Goldigger name
The red and gold make it look like the original Iron Man suit.
I think it looks great man
Mr. T would approve of the chain. Still really wish the frame had derailleur hanger support.
Gold-Digger, perfect
0:18 Ya think?!?
LOL, this is great!
Mullet conversion with like a 2.5 in front, maybe a derailleur guard, dropper post and some sick videos sending it!!
Also, larger front rotor
Project Iron Man. It looks like Tony Stark's Iron Man suits.
Giving me Ironman vibes or Hot Rod vibes.
Color scheme and stance. I can see it 👍🏼
You can't beat red and gold
Gonna convert mine to a E-bike 1500w 52v battery, with a 40amp BMS, and a 40A speed controller.
Looking to go 45mph - 50MPH,
Looks great
You should drop the upper clamp on that fork, closer to the head tube, get rid of some spacers, and drop that stem/bar combo by like 2 inches.
I love gold!
Those grips look interesting
Mongoose Marvel, Ironman colours, Ironman is Marvel.
Awesome makeover!
Looks like project Ironman. I dig it!
Tony Stark would be proud
Tony Stark approved.
Beautiful build .
PROJECT GOLD HOG!!
What awesome looking project bike and love the Roadnado and octagon grips!!!
Reminds me of the old Vertical brand dual suspension bike my brother had back in the early 2000's. It had a double shoulder front fork, it had the quil stem still though. I found a way to put two of the cheaper rear suspension shocks on it, it got ridden and then stolen a few times.
Wow. Haven’t seen that
That thing looks sweet and the ride footage looked impressive! Honestly though, I live in the mountains of NE Alabama and have always thought of NW Alabama as being flat...looks like you guys have some pretty nice trails over that way. It is a shame that we can't have trails like that over here. SMH.
Very nice ride I like it
Holy cow, that went from zero to hero,Kev! Looks so DH. 👍👍
daaaayum! that bike looks rad man! definitely caught me by surprise. lovin' the gold digger vive because she's just going to want you to throw more money at her! 🤘🤑👍
This bike will get you in the next james bond movie: “ gold slinger”.
it looks so amazing you should design bikes for the stores.
Great job ! It looks insane !
Do a ride comparison between the durham and the XR Pro. You said he has both.
You know I would want to try it
Have you ever considered buying a budget frame and doing a top to bottom build?
Call it the golden goose.
Sharp !
I know it's nitpicking, but double shoulder is just a bad translation on the product page, it's supposed to translate to "dual crown" the same way a fox 40 or rockshox boxxer is a dual crown fork.
I hear people call them double shoulder/double crown all the time, but thanks.
The translation is good compared to those forks.
Great looking bike!
dope video bro!
It reminds me of the freeride hardtails from around 2005 like the Ironhorse Yakuza Chimpara or Waka Gashira.
Bike looks killer !
Thanks 👍🏼
Project mountain gold? Honestly I’d ride that thing any day. Looks awesome!
Project porkchop should be the name, it went from something? we smile at cause of the name, to something we smile at, for the looks and proformance, it is not an insult to the bike, it is a badge of honor, and who doesn't like porkchops?
Looks like a ripper! The Golden Goose!
Really nice build 🔥🔥🔥
Project Goldchop.
holy crap that is sweet
27.5 front tire/rim and i'm all in on Goldie Rocks
The DH style fork...🤣🤣 Another great video Kev, I’m still not sure about the lack of a hanger on the Durham though! It almost look like a DH hard tail...if such a thing existed! (They kinda do, but they’re all custom built. No company, to my knowledge, makes a DH hard tail 🤣🤣) I was skeptical about project Durham, for the reason above (hanger), but I have to say, it looks sweet! I was wondering about the lack of a dropper...
They existed in the early 2000's, bikes such as the Evil Imperial, Banshee Morphine, DC Cock, so on. they were designed to be big crazy huck bikes. Weight didn't matter, only strength. they were designed for 200mm dual crown forks. They were absolutely sick!
I don't know about the US, but in the UK you can get any number of hardtails designed for 140mm / 160mm travel forks. I've got a Stanton Switch9er with a 150mm Pike up front.
I have a question. What big box bike do you think needs the least upgrades overall? Which one is best out of the box?
I run the same wheels ( in black ) in my 26" Ironhorse Warrior 3.1 .
Just sold my Iron Horse Azure. Too many bikes and it was oldest. Still alot of fun with the dw-link rear suspension!
👍Gold Digger👍
That’s a nice bike I like it great job
Project Goldie Hawn.
Ha!
Amazing video 👍😎