Can’t place year exactly. ‘91? Was riding my Klein back to the city from poaching trails on mt tam. Going down an asphalt road that paralleled the freeway right before the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s a guy pulling a bike out of his station wagon, a ti mongoose with black rear triangle. I u turned and rode up started talking. He let me take it for a spin. I coasted down the hill, realized I’d probably scared the crap out of him by disappearing on his new bike, I turned then sprinted back up. Bike was really firm at the pedals, felt like good steel in the back, but front was light and airy like ti. Rigid steel fork. The two sections were glued together. Was difficult to see details with the paint and filler. Man that guy was happy to see me coming back with his bike!
Supposedly made for mongoose by Merlin, for when tomac was still racing for mongoose, but I think Raleigh had just hired him when I tried the bike. Was an epically great ride, damn stiff, really liked it. Fit me well.
A year later I was back in sf with cash. Wanted one. Called mongoose factory and they were all sold. They had a paint damaged they’d have sold me without warranty but wanted like $1k or something for the frame. Too rich for my blood.
Anyone remember these? Ridden one? Own one? Neat thing. Never even saw a review of one, a ghost bike.
Supposedly made for mongoose by Merlin, for when tomac was still racing for mongoose, but I think Raleigh had just hired him when I tried the bike. Was an epically great ride, damn stiff, really liked it. Fit me well.
A year later I was back in sf with cash. Wanted one. Called mongoose factory and they were all sold. They had a paint damaged they’d have sold me without warranty but wanted like $1k or something for the frame. Too rich for my blood.
Anyone remember these? Ridden one? Own one? Neat thing. Never even saw a review of one, a ghost bike.
