Correction the Expert is on sale for $549 so even better! Check them out using our affiliate links here: Mongoose Switchback Comp: dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/zNMbLW Mongoose Switchback Expert: dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/baXNZb
Found your channel about a week or so ago, after buying the Switchback Comp. You guys have been super helpful and entertaining. Keep up the good work. I am just getting into riding trails again after almost 15 years. I live in Florida where its mostly flat and sandy. I got the comp for 399, and then got 250 back from my insurance for buying a qualifying health related piece of equipment. So essentially i got the switchback comp for $149. What a steal if you ask me.
67°-69° headtube is more cross country or good for mellow green and blue trails, 64°-66° headtube is more for enduro or blue to double black trails, 64° and slacker is usually reserved for downhill bikes. Reality is most people just need an xc bike but think they need an enduro
Also it comes with Microshift AdventX, so no need to upgrade the drivetrain. I have been eyeing these myself for a while, fun Hardtail to upgrade over time.
These bikes are great for someone who's just getting into the hobby of trail riding. However someone like me, who would want to upgrade their wheelset, will run into a big problem: the rear dropouts of the frame is still quick release. A lot of wheel and rim dealers, for example CyclingDeal on Amazon, are now abandoning quick release hubs in favor of thru axle. I was looking for a front WTB STi25 wheel a couple weeks ago with a 9 x 100 QR hub, but I found none with CyclingDeal. Quality Wheels had an ST i23 with a QR, but that one had a generic hub with ball bearings; my previous one was a Novatec with sealed bearings. Great hub. I was pretty much forced to buy the i23. If my now out of commission bike had thru axle holes as opposed to QR dropouts, I would have been able to buy an st i25 or better. So the deal breaker for me is definitely the dropouts. I wouldn't buy any big box bike until they start manufacturing their bikes with thru axle compatibility.
Great video! Is there much difference between a S and a M size? I’m 5’6 and stocky and bought a M switchback comp and it seems a bit sluggish and a hard to ride up hills. I ended up returning the bike and was wondering if I should try the expert in a S size and see if it’s a bit more comfortable/manageable and easier to ride. The expert is currently $699 where I live and hopefully drops down soon.
Yes, the size small is a 27.5 so should be a lot less sluggish and the wheelbase will be shorter as well. Def a big difference in climbing but will be a noticeable difference in top end speed.
@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS thank you for the advice! If I pull the trigger on the expert I would mainly use it for urban riding and exercise. My plan is to eventually get on some trails..the whole MTB thing is new to me and I appreciate your guys channel, I’m learning a ton!! Thanks again!!
For $150 more you get a bike that blows the Walmart bike out the water is what you're saying. So if you're looking for a new bike. Might as well be patient because eventually these companies are going to be competitively selling a better bike than the other.. And now we have Costco stepping in as well. Looks like a good year for the new beginners who want to get into the sport
Great review really think of me think about the among us sounds good man I may consider it. I mean Bike looks nice. The price is good and upgrades really nice.
I would pick the Expert personally, having a freehub and tapered head tube are big deals for being able to upgrade, and shorter chain stays would help it feel more lively. I think they would have nailed it with a larger cassette, Microshift Advent 9 or 10, or Shimano Cues for better gearing. Cool that they are teaming up with DSG and exciting to see what the future holds. Thanks for the fun videos and Cheers!
You confirmed what I’ve been saying, you can’t get a better bike store bike for the same or similar price. These bikes are great values and with a few upgrades, like a dropper and an Air Fork on the Comp Expert, you would probably have to pay 200-400 more (than the total price with upgrades) to get an equivalent bike store bike.
@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS if for some reason I had to replace my Axum DP, I would go for the Expert, replace the fork and pedals, add a dropper and call it a day. I refuse to pay for a brand. It does nothing to improve my ride other than to make my pockets lighter.
Living outside the states I have to be able to bring in a bike that's cheap enough to ship out the US plus 38.8% duty on the US price of the bike. belize 🇧🇿 the only country in the world that has mountains but no mountain bikers just road bikers and beach cruisers....😂😂😂
I agree that the expert is definitely the better deal. I'd pick it over the comp just on chainstay length alone. Like Wolfman said "can't change geometry"
LBS are not always pleasant to deal with. I drive past 6 to deal with one that's 40 min away. Dick's are closer and might be more convenient for some people. Plus not everyone are into ordering online.
Ehhhhh,,,,, go with the medium I guess lol. It should do just fine, it is a 29er but the standover is were it's at. He's gonna love it!! Please send us an update 🙏 new message preferably. Gonna be sweet!
Good thing i watched this because i just assumed they were a different component package. Never in a million years would i have thought to check geometry on two bikes both called the Switchback.
Son without going thru numbers....let's see. Axum:$598 Expert:$549 Dropper Hydraulic Brakes 1x Axe groupset. Acolyte Tapered. Tapered I guess it comes down to geo wich we are not sure of the axums and wether you want a dropper put of the gates or hydraulic brakes?? Good honorable mention!
Hearing you guys say the original price was this and that just makes me wonder why Dick’s claims the bikes original price is 749.99 and 949.99 for the comp and expert respectively. Either they are lying to make it seem like the sale is better than it is or after the sale they are raising the original price.
Where did you get the specifications/dimensions. I downloaded the charts from Dicks site, and it shows the only frame difference in the tapered head tube, otherwise the dimensions are identical.
Tryng to find a new hard tail to replace my gt avalanche is a total knightmare i just want boost through axles and shimano parts good xc that can handle trails everything ive looked at is sram and large or xl gt sensor carbon pro is half price but yet again sram
The seat tube angle is why the top tube/seat tube lengths are different comp was 73.5 Expert is 75. The Expert definitely has the better frame, much more capable generally. Really impressive that mongoose didn’t just produce one frame and upgrade the bolt on parts to move up a model! Very unusual! Credit to them! Pity I can’t get an mongoose expert here in the UK 🇬🇧 😢
Clearly some bicycle engineering went into these new bikes but you will always have the people that complain about everything. The T1 Aluminum is not strong enough this that and the other. Like Tick and Wolf say the best ability is availability. Great job by Dicks and Mongoose in my opinion.
Really good comprehensive video. Great job guys. In my opinion $549 is what the expert should be sold at for what you’re getting. This leaves room in the budget to help this bike live up to its potential. Just a fork would make a world of difference.
It’s OK dad if you had a little bit too much to drink you were on vacation. Makes me feel like a kid again huh? I know I’ve been there. I’m 58 years old. I’ve been there.
Correction the Expert is on sale for $549 so even better!
Check them out using our affiliate links here:
Mongoose Switchback Comp:
dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/zNMbLW
Mongoose Switchback Expert:
dicks-sporting-goods.ryvx.net/baXNZb
How do you think the experts stands up now at $700?
Found your channel about a week or so ago, after buying the Switchback Comp. You guys have been super helpful and entertaining. Keep up the good work. I am just getting into riding trails again after almost 15 years. I live in Florida where its mostly flat and sandy. I got the comp for 399, and then got 250 back from my insurance for buying a qualifying health related piece of equipment. So essentially i got the switchback comp for $149. What a steal if you ask me.
Go Bills !!
I was at DSG the other day saw the Expert on sale $550 Great price for what you get.
Agreed
67°-69° headtube is more cross country or good for mellow green and blue trails, 64°-66° headtube is more for enduro or blue to double black trails, 64° and slacker is usually reserved for downhill bikes. Reality is most people just need an xc bike but think they need an enduro
Should really try the Posieden Norton, currently $699, awesome geometry, thru axles front and rear, 1x, hydraulic brakes
Also it comes with Microshift AdventX, so no need to upgrade the drivetrain. I have been eyeing these myself for a while, fun Hardtail to upgrade over time.
I just scored some Shimano Deore 6100 hydraulic brakes for $80 front and rear (no rotors) on Aliexpress. Putting them on my OG Axum.
These bikes are great for someone who's just getting into the hobby of trail riding. However someone like me, who would want to upgrade their wheelset, will run into a big problem: the rear dropouts of the frame is still quick release. A lot of wheel and rim dealers, for example CyclingDeal on Amazon, are now abandoning quick release hubs in favor of thru axle. I was looking for a front WTB STi25 wheel a couple weeks ago with a 9 x 100 QR hub, but I found none with CyclingDeal. Quality Wheels had an ST i23 with a QR, but that one had a generic hub with ball bearings; my previous one was a Novatec with sealed bearings. Great hub. I was pretty much forced to buy the i23. If my now out of commission bike had thru axle holes as opposed to QR dropouts, I would have been able to buy an st i25 or better. So the deal breaker for me is definitely the dropouts. I wouldn't buy any big box bike until they start manufacturing their bikes with thru axle compatibility.
I agree wholeheartedly. Both of these are on my radar as my next whip, and this seems like a limitation.
Worse case, you buy a rim and all components separately...you'll end up with a better build for same or less
Great video! Is there much difference between a S and a M size? I’m 5’6 and stocky and bought a M switchback comp and it seems a bit sluggish and a hard to ride up hills. I ended up returning the bike and was wondering if I should try the expert in a S size and see if it’s a bit more comfortable/manageable and easier to ride. The expert is currently $699 where I live and hopefully drops down soon.
Yes, the size small is a 27.5 so should be a lot less sluggish and the wheelbase will be shorter as well. Def a big difference in climbing but will be a noticeable difference in top end speed.
@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS thank you for the advice! If I pull the trigger on the expert I would mainly use it for urban riding and exercise. My plan is to eventually get on some trails..the whole MTB thing is new to me and I appreciate your guys channel, I’m learning a ton!! Thanks again!!
For $150 more you get a bike that blows the Walmart bike out the water is what you're saying. So if you're looking for a new bike. Might as well be patient because eventually these companies are going to be competitively selling a better bike than the other.. And now we have Costco stepping in as well. Looks like a good year for the new beginners who want to get into the sport
So would you say either of these bikes are better than the ozark trail ridge?
Expert definitely is better imo
Great review really think of me think about the among us sounds good man I may consider it. I mean Bike looks nice. The price is good and upgrades really nice.
BDE: Big Dig Energy
👍
Thanks
Ah ha, first!
🫣
🏆🥇👍🏼 You barely beat Keo! That's not easy to do.👌😄
I would pick the Expert personally, having a freehub and tapered head tube are big deals for being able to upgrade, and shorter chain stays would help it feel more lively. I think they would have nailed it with a larger cassette, Microshift Advent 9 or 10, or Shimano Cues for better gearing. Cool that they are teaming up with DSG and exciting to see what the future holds. Thanks for the fun videos and Cheers!
I’m glad you went over the geometry numbers, it does change my opinion a little bit there is more to it than what it seemed.
We just aren't that into the numbers, but you are right. In this case, the numbers tell part of the story. Thanks
You confirmed what I’ve been saying, you can’t get a better bike store bike for the same or similar price. These bikes are great values and with a few upgrades, like a dropper and an Air Fork on the Comp Expert, you would probably have to pay 200-400 more (than the total price with upgrades) to get an equivalent bike store bike.
Hey, you called it first!
@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS if for some reason I had to replace my Axum DP, I would go for the Expert, replace the fork and pedals, add a dropper and call it a day. I refuse to pay for a brand. It does nothing to improve my ride other than to make my pockets lighter.
Living outside the states I have to be able to bring in a bike that's cheap enough to ship out the US plus 38.8% duty on the US price of the bike. belize 🇧🇿 the only country in the world that has mountains but no mountain bikers just road bikers and beach cruisers....😂😂😂
38.8% is outrageous.
I agree that the expert is definitely the better deal. I'd pick it over the comp just on chainstay length alone. Like Wolfman said "can't change geometry"
I think it has to do with the dual reflectors on the seat stays..... unacceptable... LOL Good talk guys! I like it.
LBS are not always pleasant to deal with. I drive past 6 to deal with one that's 40 min away. Dick's are closer and might be more convenient for some people. Plus not everyone are into ordering online.
Hey now, I work part time at my local bike shop and I'm mostly pleasant 😁🤙
Totally agree.
The comp is similar to a specialized rock hopper geometry
The expert is closer to a specialized fuse geometry
Man, love this channel. Keep it up
I’m torn between the M or L for my teenage son who is 5’7. What do u recommend?
Ehhhhh,,,,, go with the medium I guess lol. It should do just fine, it is a 29er but the standover is were it's at. He's gonna love it!! Please send us an update 🙏 new message preferably. Gonna be sweet!
Good thing i watched this because i just assumed they were a different component package. Never in a million years would i have thought to check geometry on two bikes both called the Switchback.
I still think the Axum DP at that price point is the better choice. Thoughts?
Son without going thru numbers....let's see.
Axum:$598 Expert:$549
Dropper Hydraulic Brakes
1x Axe groupset. Acolyte
Tapered. Tapered
I guess it comes down to geo wich we are not sure of the axums and wether you want a dropper put of the gates or hydraulic brakes??
Good honorable mention!
@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS Axum DP is now $499.... not too shabby!
I'd get Expert between the two, but right now can get the Carbox X MOD verision for $849 after discounts so I'd pay the premium and get that instead.
Hearing you guys say the original price was this and that just makes me wonder why Dick’s claims the bikes original price is 749.99 and 949.99 for the comp and expert respectively.
Either they are lying to make it seem like the sale is better than it is or after the sale they are raising the original price.
Where did you get the specifications/dimensions. I downloaded the charts from Dicks site, and it shows the only frame difference in the tapered head tube, otherwise the dimensions are identical.
How come no body has done the target exclusive bike Kent Enclave 29er yet?
Really want to see a geo comparison vs the Trouvellie
Never drink pipe water 💧 😒 😅
Or bull milk
Montezuma's Revenge
🤮😆
Tryng to find a new hard tail to replace my gt avalanche is a total knightmare i just want boost through axles and shimano parts good xc that can handle trails everything ive looked at is sram and large or xl gt sensor carbon pro is half price but yet again sram
Those tourney derailleurs are a crap shoot. I don’t like them.
I still want a medium with 27.5
The Tick was just telling me he thinks that they should have offered the medium in 27.5 or 29er.
You should start doing reviews on the Gravity bikes bikesdirect sells and compare it to some of the budget ones you already own.
Their full suspension was eh
The fat bike was great
Haven't tried their hard tail
I found a set of them Nutt brakes, i want a set just to mention it to people. "I have them Nutt brakes!"
🤣🤣 Always gonna think about you when we mention them lol. I remember you asking if someone could just sell there set! 🤣🤣🤣
@@WOLFTICKVIDEOSLMAO Imagine overhearing someone talk about selling a set of Nutts...
The seat tube angle is why the top tube/seat tube lengths are different comp was 73.5 Expert is 75.
The Expert definitely has the better frame, much more capable generally.
Really impressive that mongoose didn’t just produce one frame and upgrade the bolt on parts to move up a model! Very unusual! Credit to them!
Pity I can’t get an mongoose expert here in the UK 🇬🇧 😢
Clearly some bicycle engineering went into these new bikes but you will always have the people that complain about everything. The T1 Aluminum is not strong enough this that and the other.
Like Tick and Wolf say the best ability is availability. Great job by Dicks and Mongoose in my opinion.
Really good comprehensive video. Great job guys. In my opinion $549 is what the expert should be sold at for what you’re getting. This leaves room in the budget to help this bike live up to its potential. Just a fork would make a world of difference.
It’s OK dad if you had a little bit too much to drink you were on vacation. Makes me feel like a kid again huh? I know I’ve been there. I’m 58 years old. I’ve been there.
I have about $600 for a first bike. What is the best bang for your buck in that price range?
Mongoose Switchback Expert. It's $549 at Dick's right now
Trek marlin is pretty good
How would this compare to the Giordano Intrepid 29 , I have seen them on sale for about $571 at times.
I really like the wtb brand and the trail boss is excellent all around but I find it best as a rear
Nice episode guys!