BMX bike riding is one of the best ways to get exercise while having fun at the same time.
Not only does it require a high level of physical fitness to sustain fast periods of pedaling between jumps and tricks, BMXing is also one of the most skilful and adrenaline-fueled sports you’ll find anywhere in the world.
However, there’s little hope of successfully completing some of the exhilarating tricks and stunts if you don’t have a high quality BMX bike that’s equipped with all the important safety and performance features.
Whether you’re attempting a flip through the air with a blind landing or a gravity-defying trick where your hands temporarily leave the handlebars of the bike, it’s important to understand that BMXing can be an extremely dangerous sport if you don’t have a suitable bike to ride on.
This guide will take a detailed look at some of the key similarities and differences between two of the biggest providers in the BMX market – Diamondback and Mongoose. We’ll also look to answer some of the frequently asked questions related to BMXing.
Handlebars And Grips
When it comes to BMXing and grip, a solid grip is essential for effective steering and braking. A good grip can also help to alleviate the tension on your body – especially when riding on rough terrain.
BMX bikes from Diamondback come equipped with Hi-tensile steel 2-piece handlebars, DB icon grips, and nylon end plugs.
If you’re looking for a bike with smooth and comfortable handling, the flanged grips of Diamondback bikes are constructed of soft Kraton rubber, while the end plugs are made of soft Krypton for a more stylish look.
On the other hand, Mongoose BMX bikes have 8.75” Hi-tensile steel handlebars featuring a rotating hub which allows you to perform handlebar spins – one of the most popular tricks of freestyle BMXing.
Furthemore, the raised handlebars also provide soft rubber grips for top-notch steering performance and precision riding on all types of terrain.
Brakes
Diamondback BMX bikes have rear Rush alloy linear pull brakes along with front U-brakes and a coaster hub. This provides them with all-weather stopping power.
Not only is this brake set a low maintenance option, it’s also incredibly lightweight. What’s more, the front brakes allow riders to experience rim brakes – a feature found in many top-end BMX bikes.
In contrast, Mongoose BMX bikes come equipped with aluminium front and rear U-brakes which provide riders with impressive braking control and a fair amount of confidence across a wide range of terrains.
As mentioned previously, Mongoose bikes also have a rotating hub at the front of the bike. This helps to control cable routing as well as handlebar spins.
Wheels And Tires
Diamondback BMX bikes have 36 spoke 20” black wheels with 2.1” tires and alloy rims. These are ideal for street, dirt, park, and flatland BMXing due to the fact that the tires have knobby treads to provide additional grip and traction when performing freestyle stunts.
The bikes also come equipped with a couple of trick pegs fixed at the front wheel and on the rear axle. This enables the rider to pull off a wide range of advanced tricks.
Like the Diamondback models, Mongoose BMX bikes come with 36 spoke black alloy wheels, as well as smooth tires that are great for freestyle BMXing. These tires also have a tread that’s well-suited for pavement riding.
The wide tires provided by Mongoose bikes allow riders to enjoy enhanced grip and stability on all types of terrain. What’s more, pegs are installed in both the front and rear hub, allowing bikes to display plenty of versatility when performing grinds, stalls, and much more.
Durability
When it comes to durability, a high quality BMX bike needs to be able to cope with the demands of complex, high speed jumps and tricks. In other words, there’s no point investing in a BMX if it’s going to fall apart after a few tumbles.
Both Diamondback and Mongoose BMX bikes are excellent in terms of their durability and resilience to falls and crashes.
While the construction and feel of the bikes may not be to everyone’s liking, there’s no denying that Diamondback and Mongoose models are well-designed for strong performance and long-lasting use.
So, if you’re looking for a BMX to last you a number of years, both providers are pretty safe bets.
Value For Money
Diamondback BMX bikes are typically a little bit cheaper than Mongoose bikes which cost in the hundreds of dollars range. Generally, the more a BMX costs, the better they are, due to the fact that lighter bikes cost a greater amount of money to construct.
This is important to keep in mind because aerodynamic qualities are vital to safely flying through the air. If a BMX is too heavy, this can make it significantly more difficult to get the bike off the ground in order to perform various tricks and jumps.
A Direct Comparison
To further explore some of the strengths and weaknesses of Diamondback and Mongoose BMX bikes, we’ll now take a closer look at two of their most impressive models – the Diamondback Viper 20” Freestyle and the Mongoose Legion L40 Freestyle.
The Viper 20” Freestyle from Diamondback is the perfect bike if you’re looking for some freestyle fun. It’s one of the best-selling products from the popular brand and with good reason.
The bike comes equipped with a sturdy steel frame, front and rear U-brakes for enhanced control, and a micro-drive drivetrain for top-end performance.
What’s more, the bike also comes with a micro-adjust seat post that can fit the weight and height requirements of all riders. Just keep in mind that while the performance and durability of the Viper 20” Freestyle is excellent, the bike does come with plastic pedals which puts many riders off.
On the other hand, the Mongoose Legion L40 Freestyle is an ideal choice for entry-level riders that want to enjoy a high quality riding experience.
The bike provides a range of top-end features, including alloy pedals, rear and front U-brakes with a rotating hub, and a 3-piece tubular pair of crank tubes.
Despite these impressive features, it’s worth noting that the bike is a little heavier than most BMX bikes. So, this isn’t the best for trying to get air on big jumps and stunts.
So… which Is Better?
Taking into account the various features of Diamondback and Mongoose bikes and the customer reviews for each company, there’s very little to separate the two in terms of the quality and consistency of their products.
However, if you’re looking for a slight advantage to tempt you towards one brand over the other, it’s reasonably fair to conclude that Mongoose BMX bikes have a slight edge in terms of design and quality, while Diamondback BMX bikes are marginally better when it comes to getting value for money.
Nevertheless, it’s a good idea when making a decision to discuss the options with an experienced rider or with knowledgeable staff from the store that you’re purchasing the bike from.
Not only will they be able to explain the differences in greater detail, they’ll also be able to help guide you towards the bike that best suits your specific needs.
Although Mongoose models may have the edge when it comes to quality and design, there are new models being produced on a regular basis. Therefore, it’s a possibility that Diamondback may be on top in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Difference Between A Regular Bike And A BMX Bike?
BMX bikes are primarily used for short-distance rides on flat, human-made tracks. They’re designed for performing a wide range of tricks and jumps, so not the best choice if you’re looking to go on a long ride on rough terrain.
In contrast, regular bikes are designed with functionality in mind. Therefore, they can be used for several different purposes such as fitness, commuting to work, long-distance off-roading, and much more.
How Can I Decide Which BMX Bike Is Best For Me?
When choosing the ideal BMX bike for your individual needs, there are a number of factors to take into account. Listed below are a few of the most important.
- Make sure you choose a bike that suits your body frame
- Consider which style of BMX riding you’ll be doing on the bike (classic, jumper, or freestyle)
- Research the pros and cons of using either an aluminium frame or a steel one (aluminium frames are significantly lighter)
- Select a bike with wheels that suit your riding style
Is Mongoose A Good Brand For BMX Bikes?
Mongoose is a globally-recognized brand of bicycles with a solid reputation of producing high-quality bikes for all types of riders. This is particularly the case with their BMX bikes, which are durable, reliable, and high performing.
Is A 20-inch BMX Suitable For Adults?
Yes, adults can safely ride a 20-inch BMX bike. However, it’s particularly important for them to wear the appropriate safety gear as this type of bike can be a little more challenging for them to ride than other types of bike.
This is because they’ll need to display a higher level of balance and coordination to keep the smaller wheels safely in control.
What Size BMX Do Professional Riders Use?
The vast majority of professional BMX riders usually have a bike with a top tube measuring somewhere between 20.5 and 22 inches in length. Therefore, most pro bikes you’ll find on the market are designed with this specification.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that shorter BMX riders and young pros may opt instead for a top tube of around 18 to 20 inches in length.
Are BMX Bikes Still Popular?
While BMXing was incredibly popular during periods of the 80’s and 90’s, it still remains one of the most popular cycling sports in both the US and across the world. Not only has BMXing managed to create a culture that continues to transcend decades, it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down.
This is reflected by the fact that it recently made its Olympic Games debut at Tokyo 2020, providing the historic event with a fresh and youthful injection of energy.
Is A BMX Bike A Good Choice For Cruising?
If you’re looking for a bike to take cruising with the primary purpose of getting from point A to B, a BMX isn’t the best option. This applies whether you’re on a long-distance ride through the countryside or just looking for a bike to use on your morning commute to work.
BMX bikes aren’t designed for cruising or for rides that last over an hour in duration. Instead, they’re perfectly created to perform a wide range of tricks, jumps, and stunts.
Are BMX Bikes Fast?
BMX bikes can be incredibly quick depending on the skill level of the rider and the type of terrain.
For instance, the average top speed of a BMX race bike is around 35 mph when riding down a starting race ramp. By comparison, the average top speed of a mountain bike when travelling downhill is slower at 30 mph.