Fixed Gear

Yeah, whatever…

Functional Mongoose finishing kit does the job

The Continental 25mm tyres do a bang up job of keeping things comfy and the frame feels more springy than you might think from looking at the burly stays.

The Velo saddle isn't bad but it's easily swapped if you don't get along with it.

Mongoose Maurice - rim

If you're not blessed (or cursed) with hills round your way then best to budget for a smaller cog at the rear.

The 65in gearing means it's quick away from the lights and it's easy to build up some pace, although obviously it limits top-end speed. On the freewheel side of the flip-flop rear hub it's a perfect gear for hilly Bath, riding fixed it makes the long descents a bit of a chore but other than that it's fine.

Mongoose Maurice - head tube badge, note all those little flakes of orange paint… wonder where they came from? Also wonder if the Maurice is named after the EM Forster novel of the same name. Nah! Probably not. Good if it was though.

Downhill style flat pedals offer plenty of grip though hipsters might prefer clips and straps

The Maurice is built around a tightly built Cromoly steel frame and fork. The main triangle is butted and the chunky plain gauge stays end in a cast horizontal dropout. The black and orange livery is continued in the kit which is dominated by the garish orange wheels (Weinmann Thunderbird rims on Formula hubs) and the similarly pungent crankset, a painted FSA number.