I bought a Mongoose Detention just over a week ago so I can't talk about it's longevity. I ordered mine from Wal-Mart online so it came in a box, the packing was excellent and the bike was well protected. After assembling it I needed to adjust the front and rear derailleurs, after which the gear changes were smooth and quick. It's not a bike that I would do jumps with, (SR Suntour XCT V3 Fork) but then again I wouldn't do jumps or dropoffs with any bike no matter who made it. The bike feels very robust and solid, absoulutly no rattles or weird noises but then again I use it on very easy local trails, it looks like a quality built bike as the finish and the way the parts fit seems excellent for the money. Depending on what your expectations are, and where you plan to ride it, it could be a great bike. For me I ride it 6 miles every mornong to get my fitness up and hopefully loose some weight, and to eventually ride it on some easy trails like Lake Somerville Tx. It's not a light bike as it weighs around 35lbs and it certainly dosent feel fragile, but the weight issue wasn't/isn't a problem for me unless it's around my waist. For the Money it's reasonably equipped, Altus R.D, Promax DSK 400 disks front and rear and Shimano Trigger shifters.

For me it's just what the doctor ordered and it gets me out of the house and into the fresh air. As I said depending on your expectaion of a $300.00 Mountain Bike, for the money it's good value.