I rode a 26" MTB to work for a time and tires made the biggest difference. I put 26x1.5 slicks on it and it was a lot easier to keep it going, if you're riding on roads and paths I think that's a good upgrade. All the sound the tires make, that's your energy being used to make it.

Sorry, I normally don't post novels on youtube/social media, but I was looking at buying this bike last year. I am in Newcastle and saw that bike for sale last year on gumtree, but passed on it due to not wanting to drive down and get it (regional rules etc). My plan was to turn it in to a BMX cruiser with landing gear forks because they do 1" threadless forks for 26" wheels, and they are essentially a BMX fork. I would have used and old threaded headstock from one of my old Mongoose bmx. I was also going to lace up some Alex DM18s, go Single speed, use an FSA crankset I have (which looks similar to the old takagi cranks) and slap some old bear trap pedals I have laying around on it. The idea was to ride it around the local park with my young bloke. I don't need it though, it was more that I like that frame, was bored during all the restrictions, and those forks would serve as spare too my 90s Mongoose Maneuver. My Mongoose Maneuver is almost identical (mine is green, and has v brakes). It was given to me by a family member who was going to throw it, but I held on to it for similar reasons to you (I grew up with a chromoly mongoose menace bmx in the 90s, and loved it until it was stolen). Over the years, I have taken it from completely stock, to a single speed (because I bmx'd until my mid 20s), to a SS ebike. Now I have it dialed in as a 9 speed ebike. I laced a 1000w rear hub motor to a Alex dm18 rim(front wheel also a DM18, I really like these rims for old bikes of this era, they are tough and cheap). I was reluctant to do so at first due to rim brakes.. but the stock v brakes are amazing. I have put over 1000ks on it since the conversion and have no regrets. Hold onto that bike mate. Those old mountain bikes are super easy to work on, and are a good platform to build something fun. The biggest draw back is finding 1" forks, so the bike will have to remain rigid (which suits me) unless you want to spend dumb amounts of money on clapped out old school forks. I hope this gave you some ideas.

Loving the new bike, it looks awesome, especially with the new tyres and matching stem. Personally, I reckon you're better off with the flat bars for bikepacking considering you seems like a bit of the rough tracks, but you may as well chuck on some drops and see what you think of them, they might be perfect for you. Worst case, just put the flatbars back on, or even try out some alt-bars. It's the versatility of these old 26" mtbs that makes them so great, that you can pretty much customise them to whatever you like.

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Next trip is definitely on the Raleigh because it’s got the new drive train and it will most likely be on rough trails so you’re spot on there with the rough tracks, I love it! I also wouldn’t mind doing a gravel type ride where I can stop in at pubs, cafes, bakeries etc. this is where I think the drop bars might come in handy. I also don’t want it to be too similar to the Raleigh! I just need to find some cheap drop bar shifters and then I can swap and play with it until my heart’s content 😂😂😂 I’ll probably drill some holes for racks or more bottle holders, love that it doesn’t matter with cheap bikes!

@PatientGreg

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds awesome mate :) yeah I reckon that's the way to go, just go ham on it haha. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

Beautiful Mongoose. My first bike was a bmx mongoose as well. I’m picking up a Mongoose HillTopper tomorrow. Excited keep up the great work you do 🤙🏼

@advanturest

Жыл бұрын

Awesome mate! The Mongooses are cool! I love mine, it rides so nice! Any plans for yours? Commuting, bikepacking, just a bike for fun etc? I was going to say I’ve done a few trips on mine now but I’ve just noticed you’ve watched one of them! Enjoy the bike mate!

Insane cinematography. Love your vids

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate!

Single Speed! . I had the Mongoose Hilltopper SX(chrome) that I paid $10 for from the tip shop :D Had fun with it and upgraded it then sold it to a mate

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Haha, I’ve never thought about a single speed but just last week I realised I was standing to pedal up hills and rarely changed gears! It could be an option! Oh and Tip finds are the best! Back in the day I would always go to the tip with my Dad just to look for cool stuff to bring home 😂

Man those tires look good! Totally change the look of the bike!

Bloody love watching your vids mate

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Haha, this one was pretty random! Kept me entertained in lockdown though 😂

Never seen tubes like that! or tubes filled with mud either. Great video and a fun bike (my first and only BMX was a mongoose too)

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate! I’ve got thorn resistant tubes in another bike that are 2.5mm thick and I thought they were super thick. They’re nothing compared to these ones I found. And yeah, no idea how so much muddy water got in there! Still wish I never threw out my old BMX 😂 I am a bit of a hoarder though!

Dropbar conversion 😁👌

@advanturest

Жыл бұрын

That has been the dream since making this video. Still yet to do it though. I’ve been riding another bike with Surly corner bars in a drop bar type position and I’m loving it! Very keen to buy some drops for this! Very very keen! 😁

Ride it for a bit before deciding. I will say that a good pair of flared gravel drops can be awesome and super comfy.

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

I saw a sexy pair on new gravel drop bars and I was so close to buying them, I had to hold myself back from wasting money on an old bike! Definitely going to keep an eye out for some used gear! So many people ride gravel bikes these days I think I just need to try it 😀 Super keen for the flared gravel drops!

I used to have a 1994 Mongoose Switchback and I really miss it. It got stolen in the late 90s. I would like to find another one. I need a 20"-21" frame though.

@advanturest

Жыл бұрын

I don’t think the switchback was anything special but I still can’t get over how much I enjoy riding this bike. The last trip I did (video not ready yet) I rode the Mongoose. 140km around the Canberra Centenary Trail, and it performed flawlessly. I had such a good time on it. I’ve seen the odd one for sale on marketplace and I’ve nearly bought a 2nd. I’ve needed strong will power to stop myself 😂 Cheers mate. Thanks for watching. 👍

@thatcarguy1UZ

Жыл бұрын

@@advanturest a lot of times it's the ones that "aren't that special" that turn out to be the most special of all because they just reliably and quietly do what they're supposed to do day in and day out without giving you any trouble.

Great video. Your editing is top notch. Maybe a surly moloko or velo orange crazy bar could be what you're after

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate! And I think you could be onto something. I saw Path Less Pedaled did a review on the Velo Orange crazy bars recently and I’m genuinely interested. looks to have what I want without needing different shifters etc. I haven’t seen the Surly Moloko, I’ll be googling them tonight. 👍👍👍

Try holding in the drops of drop bars for climbing hills, it's a gamechanger!

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Good tip! I actually noticed a roadie going up a steep hill just the other day with his hands in the drops and thought it looked like good positioning! Thanks for the confirmation 👍

I got a bike from mitre 11(redcross dump shop) it has 700x 25 wheels plenty of gap for larger tyres. I won't talk about what I need to upgrade in front of my wife either. Lol. Yep your Josh's brother (wheelies)

Looks like a fun toy :)

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

The best $25 I’ve spent in a while! It’s kept me entertained for months! 😀

You got the bug, be carefull!!

Just ride it my man. It obviously brings you a lot of joy.

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

This is very true 😄

@rhyssbennett

2 жыл бұрын

@@advanturest I'm guessing and hoping the natural evolution of your videos will lead you to try bikerafting next

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

@@rhyssbennett hell yes, I’d love to give it a try. I’ve got a canoe but it just doesn’t work with the bike. I did watch a video last week where they got into a bit of trouble which is scary but it’s definitely on the bucket list. I paddled the Hawkesbury Classic in 2017 so definitely keen to get the paddles out again! Check this out if you haven’t seen it! kzread.info/dash/bejne/f3aHy7yqhMa3hJc.html

@rhyssbennett

2 жыл бұрын

@@advanturest I've been putting off buying one for a while. I saw that video earlier this week and it made me finally bite the bullet so now I'm just waiting to get out of lockdown before trying my hand at bikerafting. Check out Dean Parker Adventure for some quality bikerafting content. He's based in NZ.

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

@@rhyssbennett Awesome! Got any good rivers to explore in mind? I just found Deane’s channel. I’ll check it out! I’ve got a list of so many things I want to buy, I think I’m about to add to the list 😂

Nice video!

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

I have mint Rockadile (Deore LX / Exage) - looking forward to trail riding.

@advanturest

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Just last week I did another bikepacking trip on this switchback and it honestly surprises me how well it rides every trip I do on it! Enjoy the Rockadile 👍

leave itt as is looks good..

Stick to the straight bars, way cooler.

Lmao 🤣 you are funny 😂

I found a really nice IBOC PRO Mongoose! It’s light blue.

@advanturest

7 ай бұрын

Nice! Any idea what year? I’d love to google it.

@djkenny1202

7 ай бұрын

@@advanturest it’s blue! Black straight fork. IBOC Pro. I think a 90? Deore DX components. I paid $35 😂 it’s Mint!

@advanturest

6 ай бұрын

@@djkenny1202 that’s awesome mate. I just found some blue ones with the straight forks. If that’s what you got that’s so good. $35 too. What a score 🤙

@djkenny1202

6 ай бұрын

@@advanturest seriously?! It was amazing! Advert was $65. I just sent my offer. I was amazed that it was near mint condition. Bummer it doesn’t have original Thumbies. But new Rapid Fire Shimano isn’t bad!

Hey..nice video Which mtb is better Raleigh or decathlon rock rider?

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

I love my old Raleigh but I think all bikes are up to personal preference. I’ve never heard of the Decathlon Rock Rider so I can’t help you there!

Dropbars are Great to for it youll be surprised

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Drop bars are at the top of my list. Super keen for them as I’ve never used them and a change will be fun. I’m hoping to start making some changes to this bike soon. I just got a frame bag for the bike so it’s time to start 👍

Maybe put on a bullhorn handlebar on it, it would look really sick!

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Just had a look online and this is probably the easiest and cheapest option. The way I’ve been holding the bars kind of pokes into my palms. I think this would resolve this issue! Mmmmmm, you might be into something here!

I suggest riding it a whole heap and then deciding.

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll take your advice 😀 Sitting in the saddle right now 👍

Nah leave the stem, I use a 120 on hybrid it’s perfect, then angle is too slack on the front for drop bars. Maybe look at getting a lighter seat and seat post, and rims

steel frame?

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, Chromoly! 👍

I might look at an IBOC model.

@advanturest

Жыл бұрын

That would be awesome. This Switchback is a low end model and I love it. The Tange Chromoly frame rides really well. I’d love to go for a spin on an IBOC. My last trip I did on this mongoose, I haven’t made the video yet but there was some awesome single trail decents and the old Mongoose loved it. I had the best time 😂

@djkenny1202

Жыл бұрын

@@advanturest thats so cool. I have several Bridgestones I ❤️. A Trek 950. A Mongoose Sycamore. I have issues 😆

@advanturest

Жыл бұрын

@@djkenny1202 haha, if you have issues then so do I 😂 I have a question, what year is your trek? Do you like it? A few weeks ago I saw a cheap old trek with no stickers. I liked the look of it but told myself I don’t need another bike. Curiosity got the better of me so I started googling them. I found out it was a 1995 Singletrack 930. I’ve seen a heap of people do them up on KZread and they look popular. I messaged the guy and it had sold. I was devastated. Since then I’ve been searching for one online everyday 😂 I don’t need another bike but I can’t stop thinking about it.

@advanturest

Жыл бұрын

This is the bike I saw and in this video he mentions it’s the last of the true temper Chromoly. Not sure what that means but it got me keen 😂 kzread.info/dash/bejne/lXqstpqFfrrOmag.html

@djkenny1202

Жыл бұрын

@@advanturest the USA made frame is real nice! Id go 950-970. Better components. 930 is still a lovely bike if one comes up. Probably not drastically different than your awesome mongoose, though ;) I’m attempting to narrow down to 5-6 bikes.

You could try bullhorns instead of dropbars

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently and I think I’ve decided that I want to try drop bars, I like the thought of bull horns but they would be relatively similar to what I already have. I think drop bars will be a different experience. I just got a frame bag for this bike so I think it’s time I make the changes. I’m excited about it!

I buy a moonose mongoose hilltopper, I m not shure what year is, but i m in the way to make ride well, the was 45 dollars, I m think is 1993 model.

@advanturest

2 жыл бұрын

Very nice, I just had a look at google and it looks very similar to the switchback! You should have plenty of fun on it 😀

Refurb-O-Tron.

Please tell me why you wear a this damn mask when riding trails . Beautifull bike ;-)

@advanturest

Жыл бұрын

Haha, I honestly can’t remember. I think the idea was to point out the whole covid lockdown situation. I also think there was some lockdown rules where we could only leave the house to exercise. I wasn’t really exercising, just out playing with cameras 😂 18 months later and I now ride this bike all the time and love it!

@list1278

Жыл бұрын

@@advanturest dont do this again 🙂. These where crazy times. Greetings from Austria . Love your bikepacking videos

Лик ставља маску у шуми......🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

Watched until i saw a mask while riding by yourself

nice face diaper.