Mongoose Dolomite ALX 9 Speed Upgrade – Like A Charm!

The last time you saw my 2021 Mongoose Dolomite ALX, I had attempted to upgrade it from the stock 2 by 8 Microshift drivetrain to a wide ratio 2 by 9 setup using items from my parts bins. I used a Microshift 11 to 42 tooth cassette, a Microshift Advent 9 speed clutched derailleur, and a Shimano Altus 9 speed trigger shifter. Long story short, the shifter pull ratio didn't match the derailleur, not did the other trigger shifters I tried. I ended up with a 7 speed for all practical purposes.

So, I went with plan b and bought a curated kit from JG Bikes, via Amazon.com. The kit included a new Shimano Altus 9 speed shifter, a Shimano Alivio derailleur, a Sunrace 11 to 40 tooth cassette, a KMC chain, and Shimano SIS outer cables. So, here I go again. Removing existing components and installing their new counterparts.

I am pleased to tell you that this time, the process went off without a hitch. In fact, the only thing I had to do was turn the barrel adjust out about a half a turn, and the indexing was done. I could not have asked for this to have worked any better.

The ALX still looks as sharp as it ever has. The semigloss silver frame and black trim has a nice, understated look that I like. But best of all the bike still rides like a dream, and when I took it or a ride, the 40 tooth low gear with the 22 tooth small chain ring made climbing super easy. Granted, the shifters don't match, with the Altus display being under the handlebar and the Microshift being above. But so what? It doesn't matter at all when I'm riding.

One thing I need to address is the seatpost. I had a KS dropper on the ALX but it broke. I actually went “poink” and slammed while I was riding a couple weeks ago. I reinstalled the stock seatpost, but I really want another dropper if only to make getting on and off the bike easier. My hips aren't as young as they once were.