Just put this rider together today........
Bought the 1984 Cali frame a while back cheap on ebay with the intentions of throwing some cheap bits on it to make another rider (used the "I'll build a bike for the wife" excuse for buying yet another frame ) but you know what it's like - a few late night bids on ebay and you spend more than you originally wanted to on your "bargain" frame

....ahh well here she is - I'm well happy how it's turned out considering it's a 100% rider !

Parts rundown:
F&F - 1984 mongoose californian M4J19069
Bars - mongoose Pro-Class (Cali/Expert rise - not the full size Pro-Class ones)
Stem - SR MS-422
Headset - NOS Nikyo
Pedals - NOS Victor DX
Crank - mongoose
Spider - mongoose/Takagi
Chainring - Takagi
BB - Modus sealed (just cos she's a rider)
Chain - Yaban
Wheels - Brand new sealed Tuff II's
Tyres - Comp III copies (can't bring myself to ride on proper 80's rubber )
Brakes - NOS DC 901's with Tech 4's
Seat - Kashimax Aero (restored by me )
Seatpost - Generic knurled layback
Seatpost clamp - NOS Suntour digital
Grips - mongoose (from Bill at BMX products)
Padset - Re-Pop mongoose
Decals - Re-pop mongoose













Took her for the obligatory "thrash around the block" after taking these pics.....
....and had a huge grin on my face

Mongoose Cali's are just so nostalgic. My first ever BMX bike, and of the three bikes I have (Patterson 24, Skyway TA, and Californian), it's the one that truly takes me back. Yours looks great! Black is a great choice with the Goose stickers. Classy. Glad to read you ride it as well. Kudos.

Thanks Keithandstef !

"Building for the wife." I love it! I have a very similar frame and fork in the works....for the girlfriend!



you goose looks great.

Nice build. Thats a great rider.

Great build!

Awesome build mate!!!

Here's mine I'm going to build up (1985 Californian)

Another one with the all yellow decals.
You guys think they came that way, or is this just due to fading?

I lived down the street from the Goose plant, pulled many boxes of decals from their dumpsters, and dont recall any of them being all yellow.

I think the multi colored decals are repops on the californians. My cali has all yellow and im certain they are factory and not faded.

Then why do all the Mongoose catalog shots and ads and my NOS decals have an orange/yellow fade?

.

.

Do you feel better?

Yeah.

Good, then perhaps we can end this silly game.

Fine with me. Everything is gone.

I definitely remember them being multi colored. Whether the cali's were disguished with all yellow I dont know.
My current Cali had yellow decals when I got it. They were thrashed though, so its multi now.

What silly game are you guys playing?
I like games! What are the rules?

We were playing pin the tail on the mongoose and Pete won. His prize is an apology from me. I'm sorry Pete

I dont like that game.
Back to the question?

Sometimes when I bring my dog to the dog park, there are so many other dogs to play with, that she goes into a frenzy and starts nipping a little too much...

That's similar to what happens to me when I go online to vintage BMX sites.

Bottom line, it's very exciting to interact with so many like minded people regarding a sport/hobby that I love. Sometimes I go into a frenzy.

At the end of the day, I usually learn something new and it gives me greater insight into something I cherish. For that I am grateful.

"BMX Products" certainly knows his stuff and has helped out more BMX fanatics - like me - than could possibly be counted. For that, he deserves huge recognition and respect...

Life is good and BMX rocks.

Oh yeah, I'm quite certain I've seen all Yellow Mongoose decals like those described. I believe that they were issued by BMX Products at some point on those bikes...

I could easily be wrong though... I certainly have been before!

I have no idea. In fact, i was basing my decision on a californian i just got. I honestly can't remember how they were back then. They both look familiar, so my next guess would be that they came with both. I was sure someone would chime in here that would know the answer for certain. I'm amazed it hasnt happened actually.

Great looking bike I also have a cali. Just one question though where do ya get repop pads for mongoose. I didn't know anyone was making these?

Sweet bike wish i had mine still

Here's one I own that was given to me and is a back-burner project. Well, here's the decals and I know they are originals.

This looks great. I had one just like this back in 84. Shoot me an email if you would let go of this one

Wow this is a blast from the past - I built this 2 years ago !

Still got the bike - It has freestyle tyres, a straight tange post and a padded Kashi RS on it now since I use it for ramp sessions (very very badly though ! LOL! )

I had a few Californians in the attic BITD. Nice riding bike for the cash. About the decals, I remember all the cool kids peeled there's off

Nice scoot. I am currently restoring the EXACT model and color scheme. I was out jogging about 5 years ago and saw the complete bike outside leaning against the trash bins (it was trash night) I walked up to the house and asked if they were throwing it out...they said "yes" and I asked if I could have it....and again, they said "YES!!" I just haven't had enough time (excuse) to get around to it...but this is my year!! Classic bike.

Awesome bike. I had one just like it in 84' with 180 flights. I did not like it for racing. It was to short. I just liked t for riding and looking cool. Love it.