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1985 Mongoose Californian

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Old 06-22-18, 12:11 PM
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Hoopdriver
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1985 Mongoose Californian

Bought new for my son in 1984. I've been keeping for him for too many years and he has now agreed to let it go. Clean, but not perfect. Everything original except that wheels were rebuilt with stainless spokes. Pads not shown in the pic, but I do have them. I've checked ebay sales and other sources and prices are all over the map. Anyone here have some idea of a reasonably fair price? Thanks much in advance.

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Old 06-22-18, 12:38 PM
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Condition is everything and rust is a value killer. Those Mongoose Pro Class wheels alone have good value. Probably $600, maybe a little more as it sits.

Last edited by wrk101; 06-22-18 at 12:44 PM.
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Old 06-22-18, 07:53 PM
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One year too late for the more sought after Mongeese. Still a nice bike but I’m thinking more in the realm of $500.
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Old 06-23-18, 06:45 AM
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Originally Posted by plonz
One year too late for the more sought after Mongeese. Still a nice bike but I’m thinking more in the realm of $500.
Hmm ... I'll have to check the SN!

Thanks
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Old 06-23-18, 02:34 PM
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1984

Originally Posted by plonz
One year too late for the more sought after Mongeese. Still a nice bike but I’m thinking more in the realm of $500.
A check of the S/N indicates that it is indeed a 1984.
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Old 06-23-18, 05:58 PM
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I had already assumed yours was an 84 when I alluded to it being 1 year too old. In my observation, any Mongoose 20” BMX bike after the early 80s Supergoose era just do not have the same following, nor bring the elevated values. Not completely sure why since Pro Class and Californians seem to be fine bikes. I think they just came about toward the end of the BMX craze.
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Old 06-23-18, 06:24 PM
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Are you listing it?
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Old 06-24-18, 08:47 PM
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There is a site that documents the history and evolution of the Mongoose BMX frame. Vintagemongoose dot com. Click on frame ID, then serial #. Sorry, I don’t have enough posts to share the url.

Somewhere around mid 1983 production shifted to Taiwan and I think these became a bit less desirable compared to the US made frames. I generally think of the double gusset frames as US made and the no gusset frames as Taiwan made, but it seems that some early no gusset frames were made in the US. Wondering if these pull values similar to the double gusset frames?
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Old 06-24-18, 08:49 PM
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Oh, and according to vintage mongoose dot com, if your serial number starts with a M it was made at the Marida factory in Taiwan.
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Old 06-25-18, 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by POTB
Are you listing it?
I'll probably put it on Craigslist for a local sale.
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Old 06-25-18, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Alman67
Oh, and according to vintage mongoose dot com, if your serial number starts with a M it was made at the Marida factory in Taiwan.
Thanks. I had already browsed that site - some good history.
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Old 06-05-20, 10:15 PM
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Still available?

Any chance you still have this bike? If so would you be willing to sell it? I had one when I was a kid and would like to have another one
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Old 05-17-21, 07:05 AM
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I will try and get some pictures up but I have one of these (serial # M5E17881) and am wondering if anyone might be interested?

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Old 06-09-21, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by tdubbs26
I will try and get some pictures up but I have one of these (serial # M5E17881) and am wondering if anyone might be interested?
Hello. I would be interested. Had one when I was a kid. Please let me know. Thank you.
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Old 06-09-21, 07:44 PM
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While a bit high I can see $500-600 local sake also.
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