Mongoose Dolomite vs Dolomite ALX - An Unscientific Comparison

The 2021 Mongoose Dolomite ALX is a great fat tire bike in my opinion. For just under $500.00 US you get an aluminum frame fat bike with quick release wheels, a modern 720mm alloy handlebar with 31.8mm clamping diameter, an 85mm stem, a Microshift 2x8 drive train, an 8 speed cassette, and even a replaceable derailleur hanger. All things considered, this is a remarkable entry level bike in terms of features and content. As good as it is, any bike bike can be improved. To that end, I added ESI silicon grips (my favorites), Rockbros alloy pedals, and a Wake 45mm stem.

Since I also own a 2019 Mongoose Dolomite, I thought it might be interesting to compare the original (although not stock) steel frame Dolomite with the new aluminum frame Dolomite ALX. The biggest differences are the frame materials and associated weight, and the use of a freewheel on the Dolomite versus a free hub and cassette on the Dolomite ALX.

Having ridden them both separately on the same local trails, I can attest that that the descending and braking of both both models are pretty close. But climbing is a different matter. I decided to ride them back to back on a short climb on my own backyard trail. Not only was the ALX faster (13.5 seconds vs. 14.9 seconds), it was a lot easier. Weight is surely a factor but so is gearing.

Basic Measurements
Dolomite Dolomite ALX

Bottom Bracket Height 315mm 290mm
Wheelbase 1150mm 1135mm
Reach 410mm 460mm
Stand-over 745mm 735mm
Weight 43.6 lbs 36.0 lbs
Head tube 142mm x 40mm 125mm x 50mm

Costs

2021 Dolomite ALX
Initial Purchase, $498.00 delivered from Walmart.com
ESI silcon grips, $15.99, Amazon.com
Rockbros alloy pedals, $21.99, Amazon.com
Wake 45mm stem, $11.97, Amazon.com
Total: $547.95

2019 Dolomite
Initial purchase: $279.00 USD Walmart.com
Rockbros pedals: $19.95 USD Amazon.com
Shimano Acera 8 speed trigger shifter: $0.00 USD already owned
Rockbros locking grips: $8.95 USD Amazon.com
Wake 720mm aluminum handlebar: $22.19 USD Amazon.com
Wake 45mm aluminum stem: $9.97 USD Amazon.com
RockBros lock-on grips: $9.99 USD Amazon.com
SRAM 8 speed chain: $19.97 Dick's Sporting Goods
Shimano Altus 8 speed rear derailleur: $38.15 Amazon.com
Sunrace Megadrive 13-34 freewheel: $16.86 Amazon.com
Total: $425.03 USD

Видео Mongoose Dolomite vs Dolomite ALX - An Unscientific Comparison канала Jim's Obsessive Cycling Disorder