Why the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99 Became My Favorite Kid-Friendly Ride

I’ll admit it — the first time I saw the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99, I wasn’t even shopping for a bike. I was wandering the kids’ section at Walmart, sipping a cold iced coffee, when the bright black-and-orange design caught my eye. 

My nephew, who was barely four at the time, had just mastered balancing on his scooter, and I thought, This might be his next big adventure.

What I didn’t realize then was that this little BMX-style bike would become more than just a cute birthday gift — it turned out to be one of the best ways to build confidence, coordination, and outdoor fun into his day. And the price? Around $79 on sale (regularly $99) — a total win for a quality starter bike.

What Makes the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99 Special?

The first thing that grabbed my attention was how tough this bike looked for a kids’ model. It’s not one of those flimsy plastic-feeling bikes that tips over if you breathe too hard. 

The Mutant is built with a Hi-Ten steel freestyle frame — a smaller, scaled-down version of what you’d see on a full-size BMX — which makes it durable enough to handle every curb jump, driveway race, and unexpected tumble a preschooler can throw at it.

The 16-inch wheels with 2.125-inch sidewalk tires are perfect for little riders just starting out. They offer a smooth ride on sidewalks and driveways, and they’re wide enough to feel stable. 

My nephew felt instantly secure on it, even when wobbling through his first few rides.

And here’s what I really appreciate: it grows with your child. The removable training wheels give them the confidence they need at first, and when they’re ready to pedal like a pro, you can take them off without fuss. That built-in flexibility makes this bike a keeper for at least a couple of years.

Is the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99 Easy for Kids to Learn On?

Absolutely. If there’s one thing I’ve learned watching kids learn to ride, it’s that simplicity matters. The Mutant comes with a single-speed drivetrain, so there are no confusing gears or extra levers to worry about. Just hop on, pedal, and go.

The braking system is another win for beginners. It features a rear coaster brake (that classic back-pedal brake) — perfect for little riders who haven’t mastered hand brakes yet. 

But Mongoose doesn’t stop there: it also includes front and rear caliper brakes, giving kids a gentle introduction to the “big kid” braking style they’ll use later on more advanced bikes.

This combo made a big difference for my nephew. He started by back-pedaling to stop, and once he got more confident, we practiced using the hand brakes. It’s a smooth learning curve — one that builds real biking skills.

How Does the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99 Look and Feel?

Let’s be real: kids care about how their bike looks. And this one looks seriously cool. The black and orange color scheme gives it a bold, energetic vibe without being too flashy. It’s the kind of bike that makes kids want to show it off to their friends.

Mongoose adds extra style points with color-matched rims, a full chain guard to keep little legs safe, and even a laser-printed seat and handlebar pad with fun graphics. 

These small touches make the bike feel more “real” — more like the grown-up BMX bikes they see at the skate park — and less like a toy.

And because of its sturdy build, the Mutant feels substantial too. When I picked it up to load it into my car, I was surprised by how solid it was without being heavy. 

It’s clearly designed to handle the chaos that comes with a 3- to 5-year-old learning to ride.

Where Can You Find the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99?

Here’s the thing: the Mutant isn’t the newest model on the block, which means it’s not always front and center in stores. 

But that also means you can often score it at a great price — like that sweet $79 sale price instead of the usual $99.

Here are a few places I’ve found it available:

If you’re hunting for a deal, I recommend checking Walmart first for local pickup or delivery. But if you’re outside the U.S., Desertcart and Ubuy are both reliable online options. 

Occasionally, you’ll even find lightly used versions on eBay, which can save you even more money.

How Do You Set Up the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99?

One of my favorite parts of gifting this bike was how quick it was to set up. Even if you’re not a “tools and assembly” type of person, you’ll be fine. 

It usually comes about 85% assembled right out of the box, so all you’ll need to do is attach the handlebars, front wheel, pedals, and training wheels.

Here’s how I did it:

1. Unbox and lay everything out. Make sure you’ve got all the parts and tools (most are included).
2. Attach the handlebars and front wheel. Tighten them securely with the included wrench.
3. Install the pedals. Remember, the left pedal screws in counterclockwise!
4. Add the training wheels. Adjust them so they’re even and stable.
5. Check the brakes and tires. Make sure everything is functioning before your little rider hops on.

The whole process took me about 20 minutes, and I didn’t need any special tools beyond what was in the box. 

If you’re still unsure, most retailers include a simple instruction guide, and there are plenty of quick setup videos online.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99?

To help you decide if this bike is the right choice for your little rider, here’s a quick breakdown:

Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons — especially when you factor in the price and quality.

FAQs About the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99

Q1: What age is the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99 best for?

It’s designed for kids ages 3 to 5, typically those between 38 and 48 inches tall. If your child is younger or smaller, you may want to start with a 12-inch bike. If they’re taller or more advanced, consider an 18-inch model as the next step up.

Q2: Can the training wheels be removed easily?

Yes! The training wheels are designed to be taken off quickly once your child is ready. I removed my nephew’s after just two months, and the bike still felt balanced and manageable for him.

Q3: Is this bike good for beginners?

Absolutely. Its single-speed design, coaster brake, and optional hand brakes make it perfect for kids just learning to ride. Plus, the sturdy frame and sidewalk tires provide extra stability while they’re getting the hang of it.

Q4: How long will my child be able to use this bike?

Most kids will comfortably use the Mutant for 1 to 2 years, depending on their growth and skill level. Once they outgrow it, transitioning to a larger 18- or 20-inch bike is usually the next step.

Pedaling Into the Sunset – My Final Thoughts on the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99

If I had to sum up the 16 Mongoose Mutant Boys Bike 79 Reg 99 in one sentence, I’d call it the ultimate starter bike that doesn’t feel like a starter bike. 

It’s built tough, rides smooth, and looks awesome — all while helping kids gain real confidence on two wheels. 

And the fact that you can snag it for around $79 (instead of the regular $99) just makes the deal even sweeter.

Watching my nephew go from hesitant pedaler to full-speed driveway racer on this bike is one of my favorite uncle moments. It reminded me that the best gifts aren’t just fun — they’re stepping stones to independence. 

If you’re looking for a first bike that balances quality, safety, and style without breaking the bank, this one is a ride worth taking.