Quick Verdict
Yes – the Mongoose Dolomite is a great budget fat bike. For under $500 you get 26 x 4-inch tires, dual disc brakes and a tough steel frame that rolls over sand, snow and mud. The trade-off is weight: at around 48 pounds it is heavy, and the 7-speed grip shift is basic.
Thinking about buying the Mongoose Dolomite fat tire bike? Find out in this review whether this fat bike is a good choice for your needs.
Fat bikes have become quite an attraction recently due to the various health and fitness benefits they provide to both casual and professional riders.
In the sea of various fat tire bike manufacturers, you might feel overwhelmed when first trying to find the perfect one for yourself or a family member.
Well, let us offer you a review of a fat-tire bike that has been praised as a good model for all fans of biking: the Mongoose Dolomite fat tire mountain bike.
So before buying, give this review a read and find out if this model is the right one for you. Enjoy!
Overview
Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
In case you forgot, the fat tire bikes are specially designed for off-road riding. The wide tires and the stability it provides: easy to get used to but difficult to master, however, the Mongoose Dolomite should be the poster child for fat tire bikes altogether.
Like the majority of fat tire bikes, the Mongoose Dolomite ALX has the typical characteristics of a standard fat bike: expect the fat tires to overcome all obstacles, no matter the surface. Sand, mud, snow, uneven surfaces, smooth surfaces, this fat tire mountain bike will not stumble on any hurdle.
What is considerably commendable about this bike is the quality of the materials, which is not surprising, considering the fact that Mongoose brand is a part of Dorel Sports, one of the big bicycle manufacturers in Canada, known for their sturdy and endurable bicycles.
Having said that, let us take a closer look at the Dolomite Mongoose.
The Lineup
Mongoose Fat Bike Types
The Dolomite is Mongoose’s best-known fat bike, but it is not the only one.
Dolomite
The standard Dolomite in this review has a steel frame, a rigid fork and a 7-speed drivetrain. It is the cheapest way into the range and is built for casual riding on snow, sand and trails.
Dolomite ALX
The Dolomite ALX swaps the steel frame for aluminum, which makes it a bit lighter and easier to handle while keeping the same fat-tire comfort.
Other Mongoose Fat Bikes
Mongoose also makes fat bikes like the Malus and the Argus. They cost more but add lighter frames, better drivetrains and, on some models, front suspension for riders who want more performance.
Mongoose now also sells the Malus, a cheaper fat bike with a trigger shifter and Shimano Tourney derailleur. See our Mongoose Dolomite vs Malus comparison to find out which one is the better buy.
Build Quality
Components and Frames
Frames
The Dolomite uses a simple, strong frame built to take a beating.
High-Tensile Steel
The frame is made from high-tensile steel. It is heavier than aluminum, but it is very tough and keeps the price low.
Sometimes the frame design can make or break a deal with some customers. Happy to say that the Dolomite Mongoose frame is extraordinarily well-built, and above all, looks great.
There is something very soothing in the design of the bike frame, the not-too-complicated and simplistic aesthetic of it might deter some customers from buying it, but the design of the frame enhances the rider’s comfort, helping in stopping body position fatigue during long rides.
Design and Colors
In addition, there is a sense of greater control while riding, which is something that particular fat-tire bikes lack. And it comes in various colors which is a rarity in the world of fat-tire bikes. At the moment of the writing, available colors are red, light blue, and navy blue.
Components
Mongoose fits the Dolomite with simple, reliable parts that are easy to look after.
Drivetrain
The Mongoose Dolomite fat-tire bike is a 7-speed bike, equipped with a Shimano grip shift. Some professional riders dislike the grip-shift because oftentimes the accidental gear shift happens, as Shimano shifts can be delicate to even the slightest twist of your arm.
Although they perform great and other than accidental gear change, no problems arose.
Brakes
Mongoose Dolomite fat-tire bike offers good pieces of equipment for its price. Starting with brakes, one of the most essential parts of a mountain bike, the Dolomite has powerful dual disc brakes.
They are ideal for constant and fast stops without malfunctioning. The only downside of the brakes, as being reported, is the noise they sometimes make. While the Dolomite’s brakes were exceptionally good, the noise usually means that the brakes should be brought for a maintenance job.
Wheels
This fat bike has 26-inch wheels, with the wheel width being 4 inches. The width is the perfect middle ground when compared to other fat-tire bikes, and provides great stability and control when going for an off-road ride.
Another great advantage is the wheel itself. Its tad bit smaller size of 26 inches is great for wilderness riding, but the toughness and the looks of the wheels are a sight to behold.
The durability and toughness of the wheels are amazingly good that it simply has to be mentioned twice. The lightweight wheel rims of the Mongoose fat tire bicycle can take a pounding and still be able to go the distance without any visible damage, the same being said about the frame of the bike.
Tires
Coupled with the necessity to keep the tires on low air pressure levels (around 25 PSI is the optimal pressure), the Mongoose Dolomite fat tire mountain bike will not feel any crests, dips, bumps, or any other roughness on the roads ahead of you.
Additionally, the knobby tire design improves traction and further helps with conquering the off-road tracks that you want to overcome.
Ride Feel
Comfort and Performance
Comfort Features
Have no worries whether you will feel any aches because of keeping the same body position during rides, you will not have that problem with Mongoose Dolomite fat-tire bike.
The upright riding position and wide handlebar make the Dolomite easy to ride, even for beginners. With the fat tires at low pressure, the ride is soft and stable on rough ground.
Performance Features
The Dolomite uses a rigid fork, so the big tires do the work of suspension. They roll over sand, snow, mud and roots that would stop a regular mountain bike.
The trade-off is speed. At around 48 pounds, the Dolomite is slow to accelerate and hard work on long climbs and smooth pavement, so it suits relaxed adventures more than fast rides.
Specs
Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike Specifications
| Model | Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike in Review |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Steel Frame |
| Suspension Type | Rigid |
| Speed | 7 Speed |
| Wheel Size | 26 |
| Brakes | Dual Disc Brakes |
| Weight | 48 lbs |
| Frame Size | 17′ |
| Availability | Check price |
Value
Price and Value
As for the price, the Dolomite Mongoose is considered to be an excellent entry-level bicycle, which this price justifies. Costing less than 500 dollars, this fat bike, with these characteristics, is definitely a deal of the day for any bike enthusiast.
While you can spend extra money to customize it further with additional pieces of equipment, the Mongoose Dolomite fat-tire bicycle comes out of the box ready to go.
Who It’s For
Who Is This Bike For?
This bike is excellent for both riders who have been into biking for a long time and the people who want to start their journey into the world of biking. It offers great starter equipment for beginners, and it also offers a customizable canvas for professional riders.
Not set on a fat bike yet? Our Mongoose vs Schwinn mountain bikes guide compares the rest of the Mongoose trail lineup with Schwinn’s budget Axum hardtails and full-suspension bikes.
Video
Video Review of Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike
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The Verdict
Pros and Cons of the Mongoose Dolomite
The Dolomite gets a lot right for the price, with a few compromises to keep in mind.
Mongoose Dolomite
Pros of the Mongoose Dolomite
- Price: It is very affordable for a fat bike, at under $500.
- Sturdy Frame: The steel frame is tough and can take a pounding.
- Colors: It comes in several color options, which is rare for fat bikes.
- Brakes: Dual disc brakes give powerful stopping.
Cons of the Mongoose Dolomite
- Heavy: The wheels and steel frame make it heavy for some riders.
- Brake Noise: The brakes can make too much noise.
- Grip Shift: The grip shifter can change gears by accident.
- Slow on Pavement: The fat tires and weight make it slow on smooth roads.
Gear For Your Fat Tire Bike
Fat tires run at very low pressure, so a good pump and an accurate gauge matter more than on any other bike. These are picks we would put on our own bike.
Floor pump
Topeak JoeBlow Sport III
Correct pressure is the easiest way to prevent pinch flats and uneven wear. 160 psi, a large gauge and a head for Presta and Schrader valves.
View on AmazonPressure gauge
Topeak SmartGauge D2
A digital gauge for precise pressure checks before every ride – properly inflated tires last longer.
View on AmazonTubeless sealant
Stan’s NoTubes Tire Sealant
Seals small punctures as you ride – a must-have for tubeless trail, gravel and fat-bike setups.
View on AmazonTire levers
Park Tool TL-1.2 Tire Levers
Small, strong levers for swapping tires and fixing flats without scratching your rims.
View on AmazonMulti-tool
Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool
19 functions in one compact tool – hex and Torx keys, screwdrivers and a chain tool for roadside and trailside fixes.
View on AmazonBike lock
Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7
A compact hardened-steel U-lock with a cable for your wheels – easy to carry on rides to the shop or café.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, The Bike Magazine earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are shown on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions riders ask most about the Mongoose Dolomite.
I want to buy a fat bike for casual riding, should I buy the Dolomite Mongoose?
The Dolomite is a great fit for beginners because it is not as expensive as some other fat bikes, and it gets the job done. You can ride it anywhere, it is the same, if not better, than some other fat bikes, despite the lower price. Do not get doubtful about this bike because of the price, it is a great bike.
This bike does not look comfortable in the pictures, is it comfortable for neighborhood riding?
While this bike is specifically designed to be ridden on rough surfaces, it can be ridden casually basically anywhere, no worries about that. As for the comfort, it is definitely made to accommodate the rider’s comfort, as it is classified as a mountain bike. Comfort and safety is Dolomite Mongoose fat tire mountain bike’s middle name.
How much does the Mongoose Dolomite weigh?
The Mongoose Dolomite weighs about 48 pounds. That is heavy, but it is normal for a budget steel fat bike.
What tire pressure should I use on the Dolomite?
Around 25 PSI works well for most riding. Go lower for more grip and comfort on snow or sand, and a little higher on hard-packed ground.
