Mongoose Dolomite vs Dolomite ALX - An Unscientific Comparison
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2024
- 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 - Sport
What a timely video.. i'm in the predicament of choosing one over the other and this was very helpful. I appreciate the suggested improvements and prices. I haven't owned a bike in decades.. now I'm 40, 380lbs and I need a durable and comfortable bike to get back out there!
As much as I enjoyed the Dolomite, the Dolomite ALX is a big improvement over the original. Off hand I don't know the rider weight ratings but I expect the Walmart website has them. Good luck!
This is the video I needed....thank you sir
Enjoyable clip as always. Upgrade the ALX to a X1 drive and hydraulic brakes and you will have an amazing fat bike. Cheers
Thanks!
I like how your length measurement is in metric and your weight is in pounds. Made me chuckle. Thanks for the review I was interested in what the price difference was about. This is an excellent comparison.
Well, I am an American, LOL.
I thank you Jimmy, for making such an informative video of the Dolomite's you have!! I've had my Malus 4 over 3yrs now, and have changed just about everything on it, what would you recommend for a new bottom bracket, looking 2 change my crank set??
I Thank you for your time kind Sir. 🙏✌
Thanks. The stock bottom bracket is a sealed unit on the ALX, and cup and cone on the steel Dolomite. I suspect the malus is also cup and cone. If you are planning to upgrade the crankset, it would make sense to upgrade to either a sealed unit (for square taper cranks) or external bearings (for Hollowtech style). Just be sure that in either case, you get the correct width.
hi, good video! do you know by any chance the diameter of the original handlebars on the ALX? is it 25mm?
Hi, thank you. The bar was 31.8mm diameter and 720mm wide.
Another difference is the ALX has the newer bigger style head tube, allowing you to mount a high level suspension fork with a tapered head tube.
Yes, it does. Maybe someday I will. 🙂
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder I, was thinking about it when you could get a RockShox or Manitou for $500ish, now there closer to $9, a little ridiculous
@@mjsmjs7905 yup, there comes a point where you get diminishing returns for the cash. :)
Have you noticed any frame twist as I would call it on the ALX? On the gravity fat bike which is similar to the alx, I’ve noticed If you sit on the seat and put pressure on one pedal, you can twist the frame to the side quite a bit. I’m wondering if either Dolomites do this.
Hi. I have not experienced that with either version of the Dolomite. That actually sounds disconcerting.
I have an ALX 2021 and it does have more flexibility than I’m used to. It has been a concern, but after quite a bit of abuse the frame shows no signs of failure.
will the rear wheel from the ALX fit the old Dolo? I want the cassette on my old dolo.
I believe so but I sold the Dolomite so I can't measure to be certain.
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder its ok i ordered wheels with a cassette from china. lol
do you know the dropout size of the alx? 190mm?
That sounds about right, off the top of my head.
is this suitable for a 6'3" man that weighs about 250? oh and 48 years old. just want something decent to kick around in the back yard dont need anything expensive .
I would think so, if you got a large frame.
The old dolomite isn't exactly a 2019 model because it has been the same since like 2013 or so
I remember when these use to be so much cheaper back then when they were on clearance.
@@kjohns1413 now theyu are only 20 dollars less than the alx
impressive u lost 5 pounds off the bike with these minor tweaks. seth bikes hacks said this bike weighs 48 pounds which is a quarter of my weight
I probably could have dropped more weight with light weight tubes or going tubeless. :)
I don’t get buying a knock off Chinese product when the original company did all the R&D into the product. Plus when the original product is $45…
Sadly, most affordable products are made in China.
@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Yes but your example of the RF Chester’s are already cheap. So spend the extra few dollars and support the industry rather than China.
@@HUKIT. or save the extra money for grips and get the same level of performance on the cheaper pedals.
People usually buy what they can afford.
Aluminum bikes are excellent bikes when it comes to weight but the experts say that the lifespan of the frame of an aluminum bike is only between 5 and 10 years and repairs on a aluminum frame is limited and challenging.
If you weigh over 300. The steel frame would probably be better.
Possibly, but I'm 180 pounds so it really wasn't an issue for me. I ended up selling the Dolomite and kept the Dolomite ALX.