Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 Review
- Price: $1,519
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1 × 12
What we like about it: The FFT suspension system provides the rider with a soft and comfortable damping sensation.
What we don’t like about it: The monotonous color scheme may be distressing to some people.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The steep and rugged mountains put bicycles to the test, and when I saw the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 priced at just $1,519, I had my doubts.
However, my expectations grew when I saw many positive reviews about it. So, how does it perform? Let’s find out together.
In the following analysis, we’ll examine the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29.
In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to a few top bicycle models. If you want to learn more about bicycle reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
When I received the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29, I thought it looked incredibly cool. Although having only one color option, pure black, might frustrate some people, it perfectly matches my aesthetic.
Without delay, I hopped on the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 and headed to a nearby mountainous area. I was eager to thoroughly test this full-suspension mountain bike that had sparked my anticipation and see how it would perform.
Climbing
For me, compared to the thrilling downhill sections, climbing can be a bit dull and requires both effort and time. Fortunately, the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29’s 1×12 speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain allowed me to easily and accurately shift gears, saving a lot of energy.
Additionally, thanks to the Tectonic T2 aluminum frame, the bike is relatively lightweight, reducing overall weight. However, it would be even better if the steel steerer of the front fork could be replaced with aluminum alloy.
Overall, my hands didn’t feel noticeably heavy during uphill sections, and the geometry design, including chain stay length, was well-balanced, with no instances of the front wheel lifting off the ground.
However, I was a bit disappointed with the 2.25-inch Kenda Nevegal tires on the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29, as they tended to slip slightly on softer terrain. Switching to wider tires would likely improve traction further.
Descending
Finally, I arrived at the terrain I had been eagerly anticipating—descending. The Mongoose Salvo Comp 29’s full-suspension design filled me with confidence.
As I sped down several steep slopes, the SR Suntour XCM 100mm travel front fork and 190mm length x 40mm stroke X-Fusion 02 Pro RXL rear shock performed exceptionally well.
Even when seated, I didn’t feel significant impacts on my body. And when I stood up, the Mongoose nylon pedals provided good support.
Furthermore, mountain biking inevitably encounters various obstacles, but thankfully, the Shimano BR-M201/BR-MT200 hydraulic brakes with 160mm rotors performed admirably, offering excellent braking power.
The 760mm width of the Xposure double-butted handlebar was easy to maneuver, with responsive feedback, preventing me from colliding with the mountainsides.
Although the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29’s tires still lacked some traction, the speed performance was quite impressive, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sensation of the wind whizzing past me.
Specification
The Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 is available in three sizes (SM, MD, LG), catering to riders of all sizes, including those with a smaller stature, without feeling difficult to control.
Furthermore, the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 is uniquely tuned to provide a comfortable riding experience on rugged XC trails.
The excellent Free Floating Technology suspension features an SR Suntour XCM 100mm travel front fork and is paired with a 190mm length x 40mm stroke X-Fusion 02 Pro RXL rear shock, allowing for easy adaptability to most riding environments.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the 29″ x 2.25″ Kenda Nevegal tires on the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29.
Although the narrower tires don’t provide strong stability, they deliver impressive speed performance. Additionally, the WTB-i35 aluminum double-wall rims contribute to the durability and sturdiness of the wheels.
This bike also boasts unique geometry. The Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 comes with a shorter stem, providing more responsive steering without compromising reach.
Overall, I believe the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 is a lightweight and forgiving riding product that helps riders navigate technical terrains without sacrificing climbing performance.
Video
Other Versions
The Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 is a powerful full-suspension mountain bike. However, if you are a beginner rider and prefer to purchase a similar type of product with a lower budget, we have recommendations for other models.
Mongoose Salvo Sport 29
Compared to the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29, the Mongoose Salvo Sport 29 is $350 cheaper. However, both bikes share the same frame, featuring a 29-inch trail geometry and the Tectonic T2 aluminum material.
In terms of suspension, although both have 100mm travel, the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29’s 15mm x 110mm thru-axle SR Suntour XCM fork outperforms the Mongoose Salvo Sport 29’s 9mm x 100mm HL 525AMS fork.
Additionally, the main differences between the two bikes lie in the components.
The Mongoose Salvo Sport 29 comes with a Shimano Altus and Alivio component set, which is sufficient for entry-level riders.
However, if you have higher requirements and aim to tackle more challenging trails, then the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29, equipped with the superior SRAM SX Eagle groupset, is more suitable for you.
What do we like about it?
- SRAM SX Eagle 1 x 12 drivetrain can tackle various terrain
- Tectonic T2 aluminum not only reduces weight but also improves strength
- The FFT suspension system provides a soft and comfortable damping sensation for the rider
- Shorter handlebars provide more responsive steering
- High-quality SRAM SX Eagle gives the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 a competitive edge
What don’t we like about it?
- Only one color option
FAQ
- What kind of tires does this bike have and what is the size of the tires?
It comes with 29″ x 2.25″ Kenda Nevegal tires, offering good speed performance.
- How about the frame of this bike?
The frame utilizes Tectonic T2 aluminum. Compared to T1 aluminum, Tectonic T2 aluminum offers a 50% increase in strength and a 30% weight reduction, providing an excellent riding experience.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
It is friendly to riders of all heights, with three size options available. The size chart below can serve as a reference, but it’s normal if it deviates from your personal preference. The best way to find the most suitable size is to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 158cm – 170cm | SM |
| 168cm – 179cm | MD |
| 176cm – 187cm | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Tectonic T2 aluminum, 29″ trail geometry, rocker link suspension, internal cable routing, 9 mm x 141 mm QR dropout convertible to 12 mm x 148 mm thru axle. replaceable hanger, tapered headtube, 110 mm travel BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCM, 29″, steel steerer, hydraulic lockout, 15 mm x 110 mm thru axle, 100 mm travel |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM Powerspline, cartridge, 3-piece, threaded 73 mm shell |
| Headset | Threadless, ZS44/ZS56, retainer bearing |
| Stem | Xposure 3D forged aluminum, threadless, 60 mm, 6°, 31.8 mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Xposure, double-butted aluminum, 760 mm width, 15 mm rise, 31.8 mm clamp |
| Saddle | Mongoose steel railed |
| Seatpost | Xposure, aluminum, 350 mm, zero offset, 31.6 mm |
| Pedals | Mongoose, nylon |
| Grips | Xposure Kraton, lock-on |
Wheels
| Rims | WTB ST-i29, aluminum double wall, 29 mm ID, 32H, tubeless compatible |
| Spokes | 14G, stainless steel |
| Front Hub | Shimano HB-MT400B, aluminum, ball bearing, 15 mm x 110 mm, 32H, CENTER LOCK |
| Rear Hub | Shimano FH-MT200B, aluminum, ball bearing, 9 mm x 141 mm QR, 32H, BRANTA Strive |
| Tires | Kenda Nevegal, 29 in x 2.25 in, wire bead |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Crank | SRAM SX Powerspline, aluminum, 30T |
| Shifters | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM SX 12spd |
| Brakes | Shimano BR-M201/BR-MT200, hydraulic, aluminum, 160 mm rotor |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 | Click View | Maxxis Ardent Race 29×2.35” | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5 | Click View | Fast Trak Control 2Bliss Ready T5, 27.5×2.35″ | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Liv Tempt 0 | Click View | Kenda Booster 29×2.4″ | 1×12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
| Orbea ALMA H30 | Click View | Maxxis Ikon 2.20″ | 1×12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 vs Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2
These two bikes have slightly different styles. The first one is more suitable for experienced riders conquering rugged mountains, while the latter is more suitable for budget-conscious entry-level riders.
Firstly, the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 comes with a 100mm travel SR Suntour XCM fork, which is comparable to the 80mm RockShox Judy suspension on the Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2.
However, the soft tail design of the former is more friendly for riders who frequently tackle larger drops in mountainous terrain.
The Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 also features the same SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain as the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29. This was a pleasant surprise for me since SRAM offers smooth shifting performance.
Therefore, when comparing these two bikes, the Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2 offers up to six different sizes, which can provide a better riding experience for riders with smaller or taller statures (190cm+).
For off-road enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures, the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 is a better choice.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 8 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 8 Review]
Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 vs Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5
The internal cable routing design, paired with the Specialized A1 premium butted alloy frame, gives the Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5 a clean and tidy appearance. Similarly, it eliminates some cleaning and maintenance tasks.
If you’ve ridden the Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5 on rugged mountain trails, you would develop a liking for it.
The combination of the 9-degree backsweep alloy Stout Mini Rise handlebar and Specialized MTB Grip allows you to have great control over the bike. The Bridge Sport saddle is also well-suited for off-road riding.
However, the braking feel of the Shimano BR-M201/BR-MT200 hydraulic disc and SRAM Level hydraulic disc may vary from person to person. I lean towards the former, which is also one of the reasons why I chose the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29.
Additionally, the Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5 does not come with a rear suspension. Therefore, for riders who engage in more aggressive riding, the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 can provide a more comfortable experience.
Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 vs Liv Tempt 0
When it comes to the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 and Liv Tempt 0, two mountain bikes with similar front suspension travel, they each have their characteristics.
However, I can’t discern any significant differences. The Liv Tempt 0’s SXC32-2 RL fork features an air spring, which effectively mitigates some of the bumpiness.
The SR Suntour XCM fork on the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 also doesn’t give me a feeling of air leakage.
However, in terms of stability and traction, the Liv Tempt 0’s 27.5x29x2.4″ Fast Trak Control 2Bliss Ready T5 tires are slightly superior to the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29’s 29×2.25″ Kenda Booster tires.
Overall, both bikes provide me with a good riding experience. The handling and speed performance are also satisfying to me.
If you have a limited budget, you may consider the Liv Tempt 0. If you desire better suspension performance, then the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 would be more suitable.
Learn More: Is Liv Tempt 1 a Good Choice? -[Liv Tempt 1 Review]
Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 vs Orbea ALMA H30
What initially caught my attention about the Orbea ALMA H30 was its slender top tube. My first thought was whether it could withstand the rough terrain of the mountains.
However, the practical experience proved that I was overly concerned. The dynamic structural design of the Orbea ALMA H30 allows the lower spine of the frame to bear most of the torsional and lateral pressures.
Furthermore, the internal cable routing of the bike reduces friction and eliminates any noise during riding. This is quite important for mountain biking.
Otherwise, you might worry if there is a problem with any crucial component. Such concerns can be quite dangerous when faced with steep terrain.
Compared to the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29, the Orbea ALMA H30 has a shorter chainstay length. This brings the rider closer to the rear wheel, making it easier to lift the front wheel.
If you have great confidence in your biking skills and prefer a more agile bike, the Orbea ALMA H30 will better suit your needs. If stability is your primary concern, the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 will not disappoint you.
Learn more : Is Orbea LAUFEY H-LTD Splendid – [Orbea LAUFEY H-LTD Review]
Summary
Above is our review of the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29, which features impressive aesthetics and excellent suspension performance. In our opinion, the Mongoose Salvo Comp 29 is a bicycle worth purchasing.
Taking all of the above into consideration, we have given it a high rating of 4.7. If you are interested in trying out higher-end full-suspension mountain bikes, feel free to check out our related tests.
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