Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike

This bike is awesome. First of all, this isnt some $1500+, lightweight fancy pants bike. If that is what you are looking for then why are you looking at a $300 bike in the first place. This bike is sturdy and tough, it has some weight to it but that is because its solid. I ordered this bike on a Sunday morning and it arrived on Tuesday morning. Talk about fast shipping. The box had some dings and small tears but nothng that worried me. Taking the bike out of the box, it was nice to see is was very secure. No loose pieces, everything tied and wrapped together. Assemble was a breeze. The rear wheel is already on. Installing the front wheel was easy but take your time. This was the first time I ever worked with disc brakes on a bike and it took a second to get everything to line up. The handle bars just needed aligning and tightening, pedals were properly marked with arrows indication which side and way to tighten, and the seat was quickly installed. FINE TUNING. The rear gears and rear brake were already perfect and didnt need any adjustment. The front wheel did. The rotor was dragging against the pads big time. It took me about 5 minutes to loosen and adjust the front caliper to get the proper alignment and then adjust the pads so the wheel turned freely. No big deal, you can figure it out if you have an inkling of mechanical knowledge. Now ready to air the tires. Make sure you have an electric pump. I put 30psi in each tire with an hand pump and was exhausted. These tires are huge. FIRST RIDE. The brakes will need some adjusting afterwards. Just because they are disc brakes, you will not stop on a dime but the brakes are very effective and a lot better than the old style. There is a lot of road noise from the tires. Wasn't expecting that but can totally understand it. Twist gear shift works great, uphill climbs are a piece of cake in high gear, mid range is great for cruising. Easily completed 6 mile trip first time out with no issues. WHAT I'VE NOTICED. I am 6'4. 295 pounds. The bike says its rated for 250 pounds but it does not mind the extra 45 pounds at all. I felt the hand grips were too small, not big enough around to grip comfortably. The right grip is also a half grip because if the shifter. I did inadvertanely shift grears a couple of times by accident because my hands are big. A trip to the bike shop and a new pair of larger grips with paddles on the end fixed that. Rolled the factory grips off and install the new ones. I loosened the right brake lever and gear selecter and moved them further in so now both handles are full size. Changing gears and braking is no problem and the new grips are much more comfortable. The factory pedals felt very small to me, not wide enough. Bought some BMX pedals which were about an inch and a half wider and now have a very firm platform when pedaling. There are two reflectors on the back frame. My right foot kept hitting one. It had to go. The only thing I think I might do now if see if I cant get handlebars that come up a little higher. Since I ahd the seat so tall, I am leaned over more than I like. Just a comfort thing. I changed out the seat with a wider one cause my butt is wider too but the factory seat is very nice. PUBLIC REACTION. Get ready to answer questions when you go out. THis bike gets the stares from everyone. I've had people pull up next to me in cars and ask me what it is. It draws a crowd so do not leave it unsecure. I even had a discussion where one of those people who spend all the big money on road bikes and wear the bike shorts and race jerseys was criticizing my bike as not being a real bike. He left in a huff when I pointed out my bike didn't cost a house payment, I can go any place he can go but he cant do the same and I get more of a workout making those big ass tires move compared to his skinny ones. I have not seen another Fat Tire Bike where I live, it very unique. I think you will love the bike if you buy it. Just know you are buying a Mongoose and not a Cannondale. Ride it and have fun, like it was designed for.