26er, Argus, Bike Press Camp, Fat Bike, Mongoose - July 16, 2014

First Look: 2015 Mongoose Argus alloy framed fat bike

Mongoose has been making budget fat bikes for the past year or so and it all started with their Beast model. The fact that one could buy a fat bike for under $200 (not at your local bike shop, but at “big box” store) was the subject of much debate. Was it trail worthy? Would it break on the first ride? Could you upgrade it? Could you race it? (Manuel Beastley, anyone?)

The steel framed Beast was cheap and heavy and its geometry was more suited for beach cruising than trail ripping. So Mongoose followed up the Beast with a new model earlier this year called the Dolomite. Again, much debate was waged. The Dolomite was also steel and still heavy, but with slightly better geometry, disc brakes, and gears (and a bit higher price). There is a good discussion (with photos) about the Dolomite in our forums here: https://forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/dolo-semi-wild-mongoose-dolomite-902410.html

Bike snobs still scoffed and enthusiasts on a budget took the (low cost) plunge and for the most part, if you didn’t ask too much of it (Manuel Beastley type riding aside), the Dolomite could provide plenty of fun in the snow, sand or dirt.

Building on the popularity of inexpensive fat bikes, Mongoose announced a new model for 2015 called the Argus. The Argus utilizes an alloy frame that is much lighter and more durable than it’s steel older brothers. The Argus can be called a legit mountain bike, sporting a 2×10 drivetrain, disc brakes, 100mm rims, 4″ Vee Mission tires. The Argus also provides a more upgrade-worthy base to build on, especially with the 0 stack headset that allows you to put in an aftermarket headset adapter so you can upgrade it to a tapered fork.

In this video, Matt Prest from Mongoose shows us the highlights of the 2015 Argus fat bike.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rfRVk-jaYQ

Another improvement over the Beast and Dolomite, is that the Argus will be offered in 3 sizes (SM, MD, LG). Only one color will be initially offered, the Teal Blue shown here. And what about the weight? The Argus weighs in at just under 35 lbs…not bad for a fat bike. Of course, their is a significant cost increase that comes along with so many upgrades. But there is no arguing that at $999.99, the Argus is still a great bargain and should be available Fall of this year. Bike snobs, you can stop scoffing now.