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Got the itch - Classic Mongoose 1988?

Old 04-19-19, 09:27 AM
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TurnerIII
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Got the itch - Classic Mongoose 1988?



I really like the classic older bike - esp the mountain bikes Here is one locally that caught my eye

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/w...856499995.html

Your thought on it, its quality and its price?

Thanks
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Old 04-19-19, 10:32 AM
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$75 is a good price for a clean working bike almost everywhere.
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Old 04-19-19, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by katsup
$75 is a good price for a clean working bike almost everywhere.
I would agree! Good point

I also have the opportunity for a Trek 950 for $80 - that I am considering ..... ? Cant really do both ... Your thoughts?


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Old 04-19-19, 11:14 AM
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Buy both, resell the one you like the least for $100. The mongoose is cleaner, but I can't tell if the Trek's top tube is scratched or just dirty.

The shifters are different on each, and I can't tell if the mongoose is a freewheel or cassette. The Trek has a cassette.
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Old 04-19-19, 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by katsup
Buy both, resell the one you like the least for $100. The mongoose is cleaner, but I can't tell if the Trek's top tube is scratched or just dirty.

The shifters are different on each, and I can't tell if the mongoose is a freewheel or cassette. The Trek has a cassette.
Thank you! I have an apt to check out the Trek tomorrow (first) and then I may also check out the Mongoose. Sadly for any down the road re-sell I do not think many ( around here for sure - bikes are for kids outlook) understand the value of a classic mountain bike - but the usually do know the Trek name

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Old 04-19-19, 12:37 PM
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Which one fits and which one needs the fewest updates to be roadworthy?
Sounds like $$$ are a consideration here, so figure that into the equation.
I have a 950 up at the cabin with full XT.
Nice bike.
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Old 04-19-19, 01:17 PM
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Mongoose is in better shape, Trek has more value. You decide.

The more recent connection of Mongoose with Wal-mart has artificially depressed Mongoose values.

Last edited by wrk101; 04-19-19 at 01:47 PM.
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Old 04-19-19, 04:05 PM
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Whichever fits you best and is in better condition is what I'd get.
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Old 04-20-19, 03:52 PM
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Those were both very nice MTBs in their day, both Deore quality I think. The Mongoose name has been badly smeared since the days of that bike, of course, and it does have the finicky Ubrake. I'd be thrilled to find either of those bikes on one of my bike hunts.
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Old 04-22-19, 11:14 PM
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Originally Posted by TurnerIII
Thank you! I have an apt to check out the Trek tomorrow (first) and then I may also check out the Mongoose.
Which bike did you end up getting?
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Old 04-25-19, 07:14 AM
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Hi - sorry I was away

I got the Trek and am quite please with it. ( He took $70 for it) A couple of age spots but she works very well and rides like a dream!

I will try and post cleaned up picks of her tonight

( and of course the Mongoose is still out there!)
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Old 04-25-19, 07:38 AM
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I have found polishing compound (you can buy at Walmart or wherever) will do wonders removing age spots/random marks/whatever. The rest is "patina". Enjoy it! I had a very similar 950. Enjoyed the heck out of it. $70? Steal!
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Old 04-25-19, 11:06 AM
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I'm late but... Get the 7 speed and put on Shimano rapid fire shifters. Those work far better than thumb shifters (on the Mongoose), thumb-thumb shifters (on the Trek now) or grip shift or any of the grip shift clones. You can buy new Shimano M310 shifters (replacement for the slightly better but discontinued MC40) for pretty a good price.

Those pre-walmart Mongoose bikes are okay to pretty good depending on the model.
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Old 04-25-19, 01:55 PM
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The Trek 9xx are great riders and make great city / cruiser bikes. Here is how my 950 is setup currently.


I hope to repaint the seat post soon which was my fault.

If you want to replace the shifters, Shimano has 3x7 EF500 and EF51 models that are compatible with cantilever brakes. Just make sure you are not buying the V-Brake only model.

Last edited by katsup; 04-25-19 at 01:59 PM.
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Old 04-25-19, 02:03 PM
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IME, those thumb shifters on that Mongoose are awesome. The later shifters were pretty crappy, prone to sticking and failing.

I'd buy the Mongoose just for parts. Save the crankset, derailleurs, and shifters, and donate what is left.
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Old 04-26-19, 07:38 PM
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Well I am just going for the Trek for now and am really enjoying the ride! I have been out 4 times already with her and it’s been a smooth fairly fast pace 18 - 20 miles each time. And I have surprised myself by really liking the bull horn grip additions. Makes the hills and inclines much easier - who knew?!



.
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