Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 Review
- Price: $769
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29″ Aluminum
- Gear: 2 × 9
What we like about it: Free Floating technology provides good shock absorption for a comfortable ride.
What we don’t like about it: The steel fork may adds a little weight to the bike.
Rating: (4.7/5)
People always ask me what kind of mountain bike a novice should choose.
The answer I always give is the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29, which in my opinion is a good size for riders of all heights, with excellent climbing and descending ability. I will continue to analyze why it is a good value bike.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 has a nice geometry for a hardtail mountain bike that is perfect for XC trail riding. It also uses Free Floating technology.
For this reason I booked a ticket on Skyscanner to Whistler, Canada. Whistler Mountain Bike Park has a wide variety of trails that offer not only interesting riding challenges, but also enchanting natural scenery.
I decided to ride the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 to experience a moderately difficult trail.
Climbing
Yes, I was starting my challenge! Looking forward to it!
As I rode uphill, I didn’t feel too much weight thanks to the lightweight Tectonic T2 aluminum frame.
And with the right rear fork length, I was able to maintain a stable center of gravity and the front wheel didn’t come off the ground.
In addition, it uses Shimano FC-MT101,36/22T aluminum cranks with Sunrace, 9-speed, 11-36T rear gears, which were enough for me to handle the hills on this route, and the Nylon pedals provided good support.
However, Shimano’s entry-level Acera SL-M2000 transmission was mediocre on some overly bumpy roads, with a slight lag when shifting.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Kenda Kadre, 29 in x 2.20 in, wire bead tires. I was a little worried when I rode on some loose dirt, but it had good grip and didn’t slip.
Downhill
After a tiring climb, I rode the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 up to a long downhill terrain.
I didn’t expect the start of the trail to be rocky, and the overly bumpy road made me leave the Steel railed saddle for a while, which, frankly, provided good support but rather mediocre damping.
However, the 100mm travel Xposure fork protected my arms effectively.
The bike also used an FFT suspension system that involved both chain stays and rocker links in the damping, so overall the bumps were well within my tolerance range.
When descending into the winding trails, I needed to use the brakes frequently to reduce speed.
Luckily, the Tektro HD-M290 hydraulic brakes had good braking performance, allowing me to avoid any accidents, even when rocks appeared out of nowhere.
However, the lack of dropper design is what I regret about this bike.
But as an introductory mountain bike I think this is acceptable, and the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 has good climbing and descending performance that I am satisfied with.
Specification
The Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 is available in three frame sizes SM to LG, and all feature a 29-inch wheelset and a 2.2-inch outer tire that provides good speed and grip performance.
The Xposure double-butted aluminum 740 mm width, 15 mm rise handlebar is also easy to handle and thus provides a good riding experience.
100 mm travel steel fork offers comfortable damping, but also increases the weight of the body.
The Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 also features FREE FLOATING technology for a softer and more progressive feel.
Compared to T1 aluminum, the Tyax Sport 29 uses Tectonic T2 aluminum, which is 50% stronger and 30% lighter, improving the riding experience without compromising overall frame stiffness.
I have to say that the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 is a lightweight bide that is very novice friendly.
Video
Other versions
The Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 is a good starter mountain bike, but we’ve made recommendations for other models if you’re looking for more out of your kit.
MongooseTyax Comp 29
Although it has the same 100mm travel, the SR Suntour XCM of the MongooseTyax Comp 29 has better damping than the Xposure fork of the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29, with equally good rebound sensitivity as well as good support.
The biggest difference between the two bikes is the kit.
The Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 comes with a Shimano Altus, Alivio combo kit that is not so good as the Shimano Deore SLX kit that the MongooseTyax Comp 29 comes with.
While the former’s 2×9 drivetrain can handle more complex terrain in the eyes of some entry-level riders, the latter’s 1×12 is actually more than adequate and lighter.
In short, if you’re on a budget and want an entry-level mountain bike, then the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 is more than adequate.
If you still want to challenge more complex terrain, then the MongooseTyax Comp 29 may be more suitable for you.
What do we like about it?
- Tectonic T2 aluminum frame is lightweight and durable.
- The 2 x 9 Shimano Acera drivetrain can handle a lot of difficult terrain.
- 29″ x 2.20″ Kenda Kadre tires have good grip performance.
- Xposure 100 mm travel fork effectively reduces bumps from the road.
- Tektro HD-M290 hydraulic disc brakes are great for your safety.
What don’t we like about it?
- The use of the entry-level kit is sufficient but in the face of difficult terrain it’s still a bit of a struggle.
FAQs
- What kind of tires does the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 use and what are the tire sizes?
It uses Kenda Kadre 29″ x 2.20″ tires, which provide good support and grip when off-road.
- What about the framework of Mongoose Tyax Sport 29?
Tectonic T2 aluminum offers improved strength and reduced weight without compromising overall frame stiffness, providing a good riding experience.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
The bike is friendly to riders of all heights, with 3 sizes to choose from. Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 158cm – 170cm | SM |
| 168cm – 179cm | MD |
| 176cm – 187cm | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Tectonic T2, aluminum, 29″ cross country geometry, internal cable routing, 9 mm x 141 mm QR dropout convertible to 12 mm x 148 mm thru axle, replaceable hanger, tapered headtube BB Standard: BSA, 100mm, Threaded |
| Fork | Xposure, 29″, steel steerer, hydraulic lockout, 9 mm x 100 mm, QR, 100 mm travel |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB-UN100, cartridge, 3-piece, threaded 68 mm shell |
| Headset | Threadless, ZS44/ZS56, retainer bearing |
| Stem | Xposure 3D forged aluminum, threadless, 60 mm/70 mm, 6°, 31.8 mm clamp |
| Handlebar | Xposure, double-butted aluminum, 740 mm width, 15 mm rise, 31.8 mm clamp |
| Saddle | Steel railed |
| Seatpost | Xposure, aluminum, 350 mm, zero offset, 31.6 mm |
Wheels
| Rims | WTB ST-i29, aluminum double wall, 29 mm ID, 32H, tubeless compatible |
| Spokes | 14G, stainless steel |
| Front Hub | Xposure, aluminum, ball bearing, 9 mm x 100 mm, 32H, 6-bolt |
| Rear Hub | Xposure, aluminum, ball bearing, 9 mm x 141 mm QR, 32H, 6-bolt |
| Tires | Kenda Kadre, 29 in x 2.20 in, wire bead |
| Rims | WTB ST-i29, aluminum double wall, 29 mm ID, 32H, tubeless compatible |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Altus RD-M2000 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano FD-M4020, side swing, direct mount |
| Crank | Shimano FC-MT101, aluminum, 36/22T |
| Shifters | Shimano Acera SL-M2000, 2 x 9 |
| Chain | KMC X9 |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-M290, hydraulic, aluminum, 160 mm rotor |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Altus RD-M2000 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano FD-M4020, side swing, direct mount |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Kits |
| Diamondback Overdrive 29 1 | Click View | Kenda Kadre, 29 x 2.20″ | 2 × 8 | Aluminum | Shimano Altus |
| Kona Lava Dome | Click View | Vee Rubber Mission Front 29×2.25″ / Rear 29×2.1″ | 1 × 9 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Advent |
| Rocky Mountain Fusion 10 | Click View | F: WTB Ranger Comp 29 x 2.25″ R: WTB Ranger Comp 29 x 2.25″ | 1 × 9 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Advent |
| Norco Storm 5 27.5 | Click View | WTB Starflight 2.25″ | 3 × 7 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney, Altus |
Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 vs Diamondback Overdrive 29 1
The first thing that surprises me is that the hand-built aluminum frame gives the Diamondback Overdrive 29 1 a lightweight body that won’t give you too much of a hindrance on hills.
Compared to the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29, the Diamondback Overdrive 29 1 has a steeper head tube angle, so the fork protrudes down to the underside of the front of the bike, bringing the front wheel closer to the rider.
As a result, the latter is quicker and more responsive when steering.
However, for riders who want a more stable vehicle at high speeds, the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 with a looser head tube angle might be more appropriate.
The Diamondback Overdrive 29 1 also has a slightly shorter wheelbase, which further enhances its handling.
If you’re looking for a more agile mountain bike that can handle winding trails, consider the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29; or if you prefer a more stable ride like downhill, the Diamondback Overdrive 29 1 is obviously more suitable.
Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 vs Kona Lava Dome
First of all, Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 and Kona Lava Dome both have a very complete range of frame sizes.
However, the color scheme of both is rather monotonous, and I personally prefer the red and black paint of the former.
Still, the Kona Lava Dome gives me a good experience when riding off-road.
In particular, its 100mm travel Suntour XCR 32 fork is slightly better than the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 steel steerer Xposure fork in terms of damping.
In addition, the Kona Lava Dome has a longer rear lower fork length, which improves its stability.
Especially when going uphill, it does a good job of avoiding situations where the front wheel comes off the ground.
But with enough weight to carry, some riders may prefer the more dynamic Mongoose Tyax Sport 29.
Learn More: Is Kona Lava Dome Worth Buying? – [Kona Lava Dome Review]
Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 vs Rocky Mountain Fusion 10
I had a hard time choosing between the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 and the Rocky Mountain Fusion 10, both of which are excellent.
First of all the Rocky Mountain Fusion 10’s 1×9 drivetrain is lighter than the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29’s 2×9 drivetrain.
However, the latter’s semi-ergonomic locking Xposure Kraton grip makes it more comfortable for me.
It’s hard to tell the difference between the two in terms of damping, as both have 100mm travel forks and similar tire sizes.
Secondly, the microSHIFT Advent kit used in the Rocky Mountain Fusion 10 is slightly stronger than the Shimano Altus, Alivio combo kit used in the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29.
So the Rocky Mountain Fusion 10 tends to give me some better feedback when riding in some of the harsher terrain.
However, it should not be overlooked that the Rocky Mountain Fusion 10 is $140 more expensive, so if you are on a budget, the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 is a cost-effective option.
Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 vs Norco Storm 5 27.5
Thanks to the relatively low stand-up height, the Norco Storm 5 27.5 is easier to get on and off, which is very friendly to some shorter riders.
Besides, the internal wiring not only makes the whole bike look fresher, but also saves time on cleaning and maintenance.
For some riders looking for stability, the Norco Storm 5 27.5 has a 27.5-inch wheelset that effectively lowers the center of gravity.
However, I value a bike’s passability and therefore prefer the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29, which has a larger 29-inch wheelset.
Another point I have to mention is that the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29’s Tektro HD-M290, hydraulic braking system is more sensitive and effortless than the Storm 5 27.5’s C-Star Mechanical Disc braking system when going downhill at high speed.
However, considering the cheaper price of the latter, I think it is acceptable, and you can also choose according to your actual needs.
Summary
These are our tests of the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29, and it’s a great value for money.
In our opinion, the Mongoose Tyax Sport 29 is a bike worth buying. All together we gave it a high score of 4.7.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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