Mongoose Malus Upgrades | Making a better fat tire bike for cheap
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- The Mongoose Malus fat tire bike is a fun bike to ride. That said, a few small and affordable upgrades can make it even better! In this video I add a few select components which were all chosen based on low cost or recycled from other projects. The end result is, IMO, a better Malus and how I think the bike (and bikes like it) should be equipped from the factory.
What do you think? Better? Waste of my time? Comment below and tell me.
Links to the parts used in this video:
Wake 720mm Handlebars: amzn.to/2KcVkFM
Wake 31.8mm Stem: amzn.to/2Mh4q6X
FSA Poly Spacer: amzn.to/2HIfN3E
Shimano Trigger Shifter: amzn.to/2Mgvvr4
Brakes discontinued - here's a better set: amzn.to/2YWEcZ8
AIKATE Seat: amzn.to/2MeqcbB
Shimano Megarange Freewheel: amzn.to/2MvjcYb
Grease for Freewheel Install: amzn.to/2QA2GnR
Freewheel Removal Tool: amzn.to/2Me0O5P
RockBros pedals: amzn.to/2EGxwXb
note: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Malus on Amazon: amzn.to/2QyVyYO
Malus at Academy: www.academy.co...
Thanks for watching another KevCentral bicycle video. Want more content? Check the links below:
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Music credits:
Coupe by The Grand Affair courtesy of the YT Audio Library
its a neat little bike and your right about small upgrades making this bike feel a lot better
I upgraded the stem and handle bars on my bike, and needed a spacer, which I didn't have, so I broke out the calipers, took some measurements, and then 3d printed a spacer that was a perfect fit the first try.
Measure twice, print once! Nice. That's my kinda idea, but I can never make it work.
Glad you're putting that mega range to good use! It was going to sit in a box otherwise.
I’ve done the same upgrades to my Malus. It made me love this bike. I can’t wait to upgrade it some more. ✌🏾
Can you make a video with a chinese carbon frame? Like a bike build and a review?
EEvo 😂
Other people have done it.. and I don´t think it is a great idea. Some of them are defective, and the quality control is way worse.
I would certainly buy a carbon frame, but that kind of risk is not for everyone.
Aitor Bleda, Its 2019 and the problems your describing just dont exist IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR LOOKING AT. The anti Chinese carbon crowd are more than welcome to purchase what they want, but T1100 frames are T1100 Frames no matter where you get them. Thats as good as it gets in the world of carbon. I have seen 400 dollar frames that put 2000 to 4000 dollar frames to shame from Chinese carbon. Too many sales worldwide to say its junk anymore.
@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 not to mention those 4 thousand dollar frames are made in the same damn factories with very little difference, if any at all in some cases. Must feel good paying an extra few grand for a logo and paint job.
Or a Ali expres build
Thanks for doing this! I got the Malus, rode it a week, then began the upgrades. I couldn’t pop wheelies or bunny hop without accidentally twisting the shifter, so I got the rapid fire shifter and mega range freewheel (as well as some sweet grips). My handle bars have bent downward a bit so that’s next. Then the hydraulic brakes you’ve suggested will round things out nicely.
Exactly how i set mine up...all for under $50. And since i only paid $150 for mine anyway, can't complain at all.
Your videos are getting soooo much better with the time. Keep on going
johny ersdel r u saying his first videos were crap
@@stinkypodracer7210 nah they're just getting better
I bought my Malus about 7 years ago from Academy Sports for $199. I did many of the same upgrades you did. Recently I stripped down to the frame, powder coated it metallic green, converted it to a BBSHD ebike, swapped in a 27.5 inch wheelset, 2.75 street tires and a set of ape hangers. It looks awesome, very happy with the results. The only original part is the frame. I got my money's worth.
Idea: Build a bike with Aliexpress frame/wheels and parts.
Wont happen on this channel. Totally Amazon sponsored. Amazon feature Alibabas stuff for a higher price frequently.
hellishHAYDE would be interesting definitely. But we all know the outcome of the project = 💩
Metrowolf, have you actually seen any of this in person? The deals are sick IF YOU KNOW WHAT TO BUY.
@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 pretty sure NOBL wheels are Light Byclcle Brand wheels with an exclusive 36 mm ID. So basically half the wheelset on Ali
I could go all day talking about the deals i got from there.
Yayyyyyyyy my bike made it on the video
Sooo cool
(Its the poorly sticker bombed moongoos stat 4.2)
I just bought a used Dolomite and you are so right brakes need to be at the top of the list along with the mega range.
Congrats
I wanted to get bike, more for exercising than serious cycling, and I saw your review of the Malus. The next day I went and brought it home and I loved it!! Now I see this video and it left me thinking my lovely fat bike can be lovelier!! Thanks for the great videos!!
For being a in expensive bike to begin with ,I think that you made smart choices the hydro brakes were a smart improvement on your part and a seat exchange . I Purchased a Moogoose Vinson and looking forward to upgrading it ,if you have the experience to do the upgrades then by all means do the upgrade it does improve the performance in the long run and you wind up being happier with the purchase .
i just ordered one of those 34t mega range freewheels to replace my 28 on my ancient mtb
very exited to be able to spin up hills
perfect for a fat bike too
Exactly what I did to my Mongoose fattire!! Budget friendly and a must do on these bikes!!
Thanks for the upgrade links… I’m in the process of upgrading my Malus 💪🏽💯
Almost a year later but here it goes. I have the Malus with the red wheels. I did the same upgrades but the most important one was a new square taper bottom bracket 110mm with sealed bearings (15$). Then I was able to upgrade cranksets and install narrow-wide chainring to keep the chain from dropping. I also bought a 36 hole 190mm rear hub with a freehub instead of a freewheel. The rear hub, bottom bracket, and the 34t narrow wide chainring were purchased from AliExpress and the rear wheel was rebuilt to the new hub for $40 at my local bike shop. The seat post clamp was making noises because it was weak. There is a Corky seat post clamp on amazon which solves the problem.
big improvement. I actually don't care about the bar and stem upgrade that much, but the hydro disks and trigger shiters are a real plus.
Glad you're replacing those grips, they have slipping problems, even when really tightened down. The Wake handlebars and stem make a great combo for cheap, I tested them out on my gf's bike, taking it on rough trails and over small jumps with no problems. She rides a lot less aggressively than me, so if they survive my riding (a raceface nw chainring didn't, along with one of my ribs, the skin on my elbow, and a helmet) they should work great for her. One of my riding buddies also got that bar and stem combo and has had no problems so far, except with the Lyacon grips, one of which came off and almost sent him into a ditch.
Beautiful Malus, I have a light blue Dolomite that is completely upgraded, swapped to a 1x8 setup, BB7s, rapid shifter, lightweight Jumbo Jim tires and tubeless! These bikes are heavy from the factory yes, but i like that it's a steel frame, just feels way more heavy duty in terms of sturdiness, after my upgrades it flys, I paced with my buddy's car at 25-28 mph on a heavy fatbike!!! lol I don't race with it, but took it on some decent trails, beaches, parks, around the neighborhood, it's a very nice cruiser for the price & is the most fun and comfortable bike I have - I get compliments everywhere I go!
What freewheel did you use for the 1x8 setup?
55 years old and new to biking or at least I have not rode a bike since I was 15 or so, that being said I bought a Mongoose Malus and love it. Can you give me a detailed list of the upgrades thanks for any help to an older new biker
Good upgrades to the Malus for sure.
Thanks for showing my alien green Diamondback Response on the beach 👍. Have actually now replaced that with a real fat bike, a Phat Cycles Rogue 7-speed! With cruiser style bars it's a blast to ride along the Pacific Ocean. Best Regards!!
Great vid. I especially like the freewheel. Just added this vid to the "Malus Upgrades" section of my website!
I have one just like this one but in color red. I did the exact same upgrades on mines except for the hydraulic brakes. Now I want to add them on my bike now. Tnx for the video!
Hey Kev, love your channel. Based partially on your review of the Malus, I picked up a Dolomite from Amazon during their last sale... $186 - I couldn't refuse 😊 What a fun bike! Just the thing for riding the dirty, sandy, muddy, roads where none of my other bikes will go. And not too bad on pavement - rolls along about 12mph without too much effort. Out of the box, I was impressed. Well packaged, shifter indexed, the brakes needed some fussing, but not too bad. I did repack the hubs, head set, and bottom bracket. All were lightly greased, probably good enough for a while, but all the cones were a little on the tight side. From my spare parts bin, I swapped out the shifter for a trigger type, added a bar end mirror, swapped the saddle for a Bikeroo comfort type, changed the grips, and I've got a YST "sealed" bottom bracket waiting to go in. (Sealed is a stretch. It has a rubber washer to help keep the water out). I might do a little more, but right now, it's great fun.
Wow thats cheap !
They're going for 450 nowadays
I like the Mongoose Hitch version. Hope to add it to my collection with these upgrades.
Great video, as usual. Nice upgrades. Perfect choice of budget parts. I personally like the wake bars. Those are the exact bars I have on my Giant and My Son's Diamondback. Hope to see more upgrades on this bike. Again, thank you for keeping your videos family friendly.
Great upgrade Kev,,,the shifters and mega range cassette,,,looks cool....greetings from Australia.
Finally!! I have this bike too and I was waiting for an update thanks😁
Hey Kevin!
I have lost count of how many times I watched this video 😆👌🏾.
Yes this is an improvement 👌🏾! The simple upgrades make sense and the bike looks way better.
I have the Schwinn Equivalent same colour too.
I have a few components already to start my build. I have handlebars, grips, shifter brake lever combo ( to replace that annoying twist shifter lol ).
I need the 31.8mm stem and probably will change the seat post. And will definitely do the Mega-Range upgrade.
Is it a cassette or freewheel?
My recommendation next is to de-badge it. And remove the reflectors on the wheels. I did on mine.
Appreciate the videos!
Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦😊
Thanks for watching. The wheel reflectors are already gone 😊. This bike has a freewheel.
Dude!!!! Masterful video! I love the way that you mounted the camera on the bike to show the rear derailleur shifting live. Wow. Really cool. Great job! I just bought one!
Liking the look of the fat tire bikes! Might have to add one to the garage! Thanks for the videos
Kev the only change I disagree is the Shimano trigger shifter. Have few leftovers brand new Shimano trigger shifters that I have remove from bikes at purchase, if you’re interested, to replaced them with SRAM grip shifters which provide more accurate and responsive shifting. Trigger shifters are hard on my thumbs and not so responsive (too hard to operate for me). I agree the twist shifters provide by Mongoose are not very good. But with the SRAM Grip Shift I can shift, brake and keep good hand grip on bumpy surface all at the same time. Some thing I cannot do with trigger shifters.
Excellent Kev! Used Wake bars and an Aliexpress stem on my Dolomite. Now go ghetto tubeless!
Great video! I have a Mongoose Malus as well. I love the bike and just upgraded the shifter as well.
Thanks for putting me onto the video i was wanting to see Kev.........great video.......want more now! Keep up the great videos
I got that same saddle when I moved my Brooks to my longer distance bike. It is surprisingly comfortable.
Agrees
The cost of any upgrade is the price of the original part plus the new part. Did the stem and bar make a big enough difference? The hydraulic brakes over cable? A proper bike would have those things, but we're assuming that the original bike was worth the cost *missing* the replaced parts.
Works for me
Thank you for the video. I have question: what is the difference between my Malus freewheel and the Shimano? Thank you!
Hello. I think you’re asking what’s the difference between the factory freewheel and the Shimano megarange. Megarange has a 34t low gear that makes for easier pedaling in low gear
Thanks for the vid just picked one of these up and definitely want to up grade the shifter I hate it. I like the mega gear u put on it. That would definitely help climbing. Thats the main draw back on the single front sprocket is the low gear isnt as low a other mountain bikes and the step hills with a heavier bike make for a workout with the factory freewheel
I love the upgrades. I am rebuilding a mongoose fat tire . I didn't see the parts list?
We use a 1 inch socket and a breaker bar with the park tool socket as the rear group set rarely comes off that easy.
The twist shift was the #1 thing that had to go for fat biking. The thing that will radically transform a fat bike is light wheels and tires. Of course this would eliminate your new megarange.
Unfortunately you've likely come to the point where the next sensible upgrade would be to unload it and buy a slightly higher grade bike.
You did very well with what was available here.
On this bike most people are going to upgrade the freewheel and shifter, i think its better to go with the 8 speed 13 to 32t freewheel. You get a 32 instead of a 34 you get on the 7 speed mega rage, but you get to keep your 28t which is very useful and don't have such a huge gap between 1st and 2nd gear.
What's up fellow bike enthusiasts. I'm new here and am just stopping by to say hello. As well as get some help with a recent used bike purchase (Mongoose Malus R5714A fat bike) issue. I'm looking to grease the headset, hubs, bottom bracket, etc. I know I'll need a freewheel/cassette puller, adjustable wrench, cone wrench, standard wrench(s), socket wrench(s), allen key(s), crank puller, pin spanner, etc. What I really want help with is figuring out which size tools I need? Or which bike repair tool kit(s)/set(s) are recommended for this bike model? I'm starting out with zero tools but only want to start my collection with these specific tools.
P.S. I believe the bike to have all its original parts (as per the first and only owner).
Why did the bag for the new saddle have "testicles" written on the sticker tag? Lol
Poor Chinese to English translation of relief groove.
I had to pause it...like..wait, what? Lol
@@KevCentral Gotta get that nut relief described accurately in Google translate I suppose, lol
You certainly improved this model, It's actually very appealing!
Those WAKE stems are great. I've got them on two of my bikes. I love the position the put the bars at...and, of course, the price!
Good upgrades for better control. Fat bikes are abit heavy. How long do you ride them? Is it more comfortable than regular bikes?
How long do I ride fat bikes? More casually than my others for sure
I think maybe they mean how long are your rides generally on a fat bike. Like 15 min or 2 hrs?...
Mega range makes mega sense,
Shimano brakes are indestructable and i have to say, it now really is one cool looking bike Kev!
I still have my Shimano M465 disc calipers from 14 years ago. They still work...
Concise and complete video sir. May I ask where are you out of?
Thanks. Alabama
Hey kev there is an alternative with upgrades from mongoose it's the Juneau, it can be found on Amazon as well as the mongoose website.
Loved the sting ray, whoever shared.
I thought you didn't want to upgrade it but glad you did.
If you actually come to Philippines, within a $250-500 budget, you can buy a FatBike with FD and RD being Altus, Tourney, Acera, and Alivio. And with a Shimano Non-Series Cranks. It would also include a Coil Fork (some even air) and some may have a Shimano Non-Series Hydraulic Brakes. Some come with Chaoyang tires. Also, they come with decent saddles and pedals. Not trying to promote going to the Philippines but you may find a decent Bike or FatBike for cheap. Btw im a Filipino Viewer.
I like this bike. The upgrades you added make it worth buying.
@KevCentral is there a difference between the Shimano Sl - M310 vs Sl - M315??? Bought my fat bike yesterday and just ordered everything except the shifter (having trouble finding)
Great video as always. I've got those exact wake bars and stem.
All that megarange costs going on my mongoose fatbike now looks great for what u got it it for sure bout to build another one maybe ill figure out how to send u a pic of my build
That is a cool bike right there and yes the upgrades are definitely worth the time
Next time you're working on the cockpit, try setting the brake levers to the inside of the shifter. This will place the shift controls within reach and align the brake lever for single-digit braking with the index finger right at the hook on the end of the lever. Any decent brakes will stop with one finger anyway. I tried this 10 years ago with my first hydraulic brakes and have never gone back.
An old injury keeps single finger braking out of my ‘reach’
Good looking bike! I plan on putting hydraulic brakes on my Aggressor Pro soon as well.
Great video. I used the same bar and stem on my Hyper SpinFit and find them a lot more comfortable than the tiny stockers.
What is the size of the BB? I’ve got a Dolomite and would like to upgrade the crank set. I’m looking at the CYSKY from Amazon what you think?. Great channel by the way👍
Nice! FYI: I put that same saddle on my Kijote with low expectations. Turns out, it’s been a perfect fit for that type of riding, part road, part gravel.…
I too found it surprisingly comfortable
love it. been looking forward to this build's progression. thrilled it went the cheap rout as it's likely going to be something i pick up second hand, for a winter bike come end of the year.
A interesting build would be a aftermarket ebike kit on the Slada or if you are worried about messing up the Slada, some other bike.
Excellent video love the bike keep up the excellent work that you do
Glad to see this bike with some new upgrades,loved the vid
Wake seem to make surprisingly good stuff for the price. In fact, I'm amazed at the kind of stuff that's out there for so little, like these Deckas floating rotors I picked up that outperform the stock Tektro by miles and Tektro have come a long way. It could be quality control or branding increasing overall cost to the consumer or even trade agreements, but it makes me wonder on the price variation between kitting out a box bike with typical box bike parts versus using stuff from Wake, Snail, Sunrace, Deckas, Bolany, Jankun, Stout, DNM and such at a manufacturing level.
Can’t wait to get this bike and have on season be year round!
idk if you can but can you make a video on how to install all these upgrades?
It's amazing those bars are already out of stock
Wow! That was quick.
@@KevCentral what do you recommend as a good alternative
Theyre on ebay
This really make me want a decent cheap fat bike
Worth the upgrade.
I have a mega range, not a fan of the big step between 1 & 2. I feel the mega range should have a little bigger 2nd gear cog.
4:41 WAIT! I saw this exact photo of this exact bike with someone asking if this is a good bike! What a coincidence.
Comfort grips are the solution, so the palm rest. Walmart carries very good ones. Good short vid.
Thanks. Already have some ESI Xtra Chunky for it. They just didn’t make it in time for me doing the video.
debadge it and change the crank sproket
Thanks for making these videos! I always enjoy them! I’m wondering what you think about sizing. My trek is a 19.5. I’m right at 6’ tall. seems like everywhere I read online the Malus is an 18” frame. Do you think it’s too small for me?
My friend rented one at a greenway and I rode it a little, seemed sort of ok, but it obviously needed some upgrades etc..
I’m just wondering if it’s totally too small for me to even bother upgrading.
Do you have trouble with the sizing?
6’ would be at the max I would think. I’m 5’10” and it’s just right for my tastes.
Thanks for replying! Several months back I asked you for some advice on buying my first mountain Bike, it was really helpful!
Like I said seemed ok, my feet didn’t hit the wheels or anything. Do you think if you could put a longer seat post it’d throw anything out of whack?
@@ryanwhite7615 I'm really late to this hahah but I'm 6'4 and fit pretty good on it
Have you ever heard of the SAIGULA Fat Tire Bicycle, and if so, what do you think about it, good or bad? Its an Amazon buy
Hi! I'm looking to upgrade the bike seatpost to something lighter, but I'm not able to find the exact measurements for the width. Is it 28.6mm by any chance?
Cool!
Its like project ripsaw..
Without the cool name
So how do you like the bike with all these mods? I priced everything you did and with the bike($256 on amazon) the total is around $446. You think this will make a pretty good bang around bike?
Bike looks fantastic! Great job!
So whats the difference with the upgrade with the mega range? Does it help climb hills better? I have the hardest time in first gear going up hills?
I did come prejudiced this were a video I needed to watch to get it off the 'unwatched' list-but I am impressed how good the bike turned out! I'd probably hunt for a better crankset and (used?) Selle SMP TRK saddle, but a bike is like software: rarely ever finished. :-)
Do you know the rear dropout of the malus? I have one I’m going to convert to a rear hub motor ebike. Everything I’ve read says 185mm or 190mm. I measured with the tire still on so I was kind of eye balling it but it looks more like 8” / 203mm to me if I’m measuring correctly.
Hey my name is chris I just got the Mongoose Dolomite fat Tire bike I want to change the Shifter should I take it to a bike shop and let the them do it. Which shifter should I get.
I like the grey wheels mine came with the maroon. That build is almost exactly the same as mine. I added a crank set and narrow wide, also went with 8 speed. Those grips are terrible mine wore out in less than 50 miles on trails
Great Video. What brand silicone grips are you using on the Malus now. Thanks.
ESI silicone grips
I am a biking noob who wants to get one of these and upgrade it, but I am very nervous i am going to mess my bike up any suggestions on learning how to make these changes?
sweet video and build so far, any chance of setting it up tubeless with the split tube method?
I don’t trust these rims for a tubeless setup.
For the mongoose fattire i have the juneua mongoose fattire. Do you know what length of skewers for the front and rear wheel?? Im having trouble scouring the internet to find out which ones i need for my bike
i love your channel, keep it up bud
What is the weight limit on these bikes, would you recommend one to someone over 300 pounds?
I just went to a "big box" store last night to look at this bike. I noticed that the rims have holes in them but your's doesn't. Did you change out the wheels or did mongoose change the wheel?
Some have the drilled wheels, some don’t. If I had to pick between the two I would take the drilled version. Saves a little weight.
Definitely a big upgrade!
you should put the sram parts from the ripsaw onto this
Definitely an upgrade and I love it