Full Version: Californian/expert
I am going to be restoring a Mongoose Californian and I keep comeing across a lot of the old Experts.....what are the differences between the two bikes and most importantly are the frame's identical....??
The geometry is the same, but some of each were full chromoly and some of each were chromoly mainframe only. The main difference between the two was in the components installed on the frames, with the Californian getting the higher end parts.
QUOTE (Motor City Mongoose @ Jan 28 2008, 11:44 AM) 
The geometry is the same, but some of each were full chromoly and some of each were chromoly mainframe only. The main difference between the two was in the components installed on the frames, with the Californian getting the higher end parts.
What exactly would full chromoly and mainframe only chromoly change ? Would it affect only strength or other things too? I am looking to have a frame completely re-chromed.....will this affect it as far as appearence....? Or will either types take well to some new chrome...? Thanks agin for all the help.......I apologize I am a complete novice here.........................John
It's just for strength. It will re-chrome the same and everything will interchange between the two.
Hey John, Just wondering if you have a bike or still looking for one?
I'm not sure about 84' but hopefully someone can verify that 85' models where full Chromolly for both Experts and Californians.
The distinction, besides parts put on, are that the serial Numbers started diff. Experts started as M5E, Cali's started M5C. Having said that they may have pumped out Expert frames as Cali's anyway and vis-versa.
In 84 the serial number did not distinguish between Cali's or Experts. The original sticker on the top front of the top tube tells you if it is "Frame and Fork full Chromoly" or "Main Frame full Chromoly"
Again, just going on what I remeber but you can verify by looking at old threads. If it was not winter I'd be able to look at some of mine.
Who is going to do the chrome work? Where?
I'm not sure about 84' but hopefully someone can verify that 85' models where full Chromolly for both Experts and Californians.
The distinction, besides parts put on, are that the serial Numbers started diff. Experts started as M5E, Cali's started M5C. Having said that they may have pumped out Expert frames as Cali's anyway and vis-versa.
In 84 the serial number did not distinguish between Cali's or Experts. The original sticker on the top front of the top tube tells you if it is "Frame and Fork full Chromoly" or "Main Frame full Chromoly"
Again, just going on what I remeber but you can verify by looking at old threads. If it was not winter I'd be able to look at some of mine.
Who is going to do the chrome work? Where?
The `85 Mongoose catalog says the Experts were chromoly mainframe only and the Cali's were full chromo, but I have seen/owned many full chromo `85 Expert's.
If original, the Expert/Cali sticker on the seatpost tube will also state whether its "Chromoly Frame" or "Chromoly mainframe".
There's too much variance in the serial numbers to state that the Experts had E's and the Cali's had C's in the serial number and be accurate. It may have been wishful thinking, but it didn't happen consistantly enough to be called a rule.
If original, the Expert/Cali sticker on the seatpost tube will also state whether its "Chromoly Frame" or "Chromoly mainframe".
There's too much variance in the serial numbers to state that the Experts had E's and the Cali's had C's in the serial number and be accurate. It may have been wishful thinking, but it didn't happen consistantly enough to be called a rule.
Also in `85 the M1 was thrown into the looptail mix, and it was just a hi-tensile steel frame. Looked identicle to Expert's & Cali's but was the entry level bike that year.
QUOTE (J. Sanzone @ Jan 28 2008, 07:29 PM)
Hey John, Just wondering if you have a bike or still looking for one?
I'm not sure about 84' but hopefully someone can verify that 85' models where full Chromolly for both Experts and Californians.
The distinction, besides parts put on, are that the serial Numbers started diff. Experts started as M5E, Cali's started M5C. Having said that they may have pumped out Expert frames as Cali's anyway and vis-versa.
In 84 the serial number did not distinguish between Cali's or Experts. The original sticker on the top front of the top tube tells you if it is "Frame and Fork full Chromoly" or "Main Frame full Chromoly"
Again, just going on what I remeber but you can verify by looking at old threads. If it was not winter I'd be able to look at some of mine.
Who is going to do the chrome work? Where?
I'm not sure about 84' but hopefully someone can verify that 85' models where full Chromolly for both Experts and Californians.
The distinction, besides parts put on, are that the serial Numbers started diff. Experts started as M5E, Cali's started M5C. Having said that they may have pumped out Expert frames as Cali's anyway and vis-versa.
In 84 the serial number did not distinguish between Cali's or Experts. The original sticker on the top front of the top tube tells you if it is "Frame and Fork full Chromoly" or "Main Frame full Chromoly"
Again, just going on what I remeber but you can verify by looking at old threads. If it was not winter I'd be able to look at some of mine.
Who is going to do the chrome work? Where?
J.......no bike or frame yet........I am still searching and just weighing all of my options...... Every mint condition bike I see for sale I seem to get no replies from the owners....... I also feel that if I piece something together and totally overhaul it then it might feel more like my own....even if it cost me a few extra bucks.......thanks again and I will keep you guys posted........
Motor City........thanks again for the charts and pics.........once again you are a big help........
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