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Firefox is a brand that caters to all riding purposes, but its forte has always been making mountain bikes. The brand is known for them and has had MTBs for beginner, intermediate and even advanced riders, ever since it started operations in India in 2005. We've had a go at their entry-level MTB, the Crusador 29, which is aimed at people who are just getting into the mountain biking scene, but are also looking for an everyday city bike as well.
The Firefox Crusador 29 weighs 15.8kg and deploys a hardtail alloy frame. For an MTB this is a light bicycle, but don't mistake it to be fragile. Its weight is well distributed, so you don’t really feel it when you pick it up or when you’re riding it.
It feels solid and is built to take a beating when you're venturing into the wild. Right from the handlebar to the seat height lock mechanism, all its components are well-built and also look sturdy. Its frame is taller from the ground up, with a bottom bracket that's much higher than usual, for a higher ground clearance. This makes it a breeze to ride off the road, without worrying about hitting anything below.
The bicycle is available in two sizes — 17"- and 18.5" inches. We were sent the smaller 17" size, and in general, everyone at the evo India office (from 5ft 5inch to 6ft) was able to find a comfortable position on the bike. The bigger 18.5'' inch frame size then, is for the really tall folks.
The Crusador 29 which we test rode came in a primary blue colour with orange accents. The slanting top tube and the smaller front triangle makes the bicycle look taller than it really is and its matte paint job ensures a smooth finishing. The bulky treads on the tire along with the taller build profile makes it look much more expensive than it really is.
The Crusador 29 comes with a Microshift 21-speed gear system which is connected to Microshift TS38 3X7 S shifters. The system is operated by triggers on the handlebar, which takes a little getting used to especially if you have small hands like me. The trigger for the upshift is right where you'd expect it to be, within the reach of your thumb, but the trigger to shift down a gear is hidden a little on the inside. Moreover, this system doesn't like to be hustled with aggressive, quick shifts.
The most impressive part of the Crusador 29 though are its disc brakes. The bike gets them at both ends and the system offers good feedback through the levers, with adequate bite and feels balanced no matter what the terrain.
The Crusador 29 gets a wide 660mm steel handlebar which makes it a breeze to steer, even when the going gets tough on trails. It gets a 31.8mm riser, which makes the riding posture very comfortable. Its handle grips are thin and good even for someone with smaller hands, like me. One thing that you will have to upgrade though, is the seat. It is narrow and could surely do with more cushioning on it. The Crusador 29 gets a Zoom front fork with a 80mm travel. While this system does a fairly good job of absorbing bumps on smooth surfaces, it's on the trail where it really shines.It comes with a preload adjuster and dampens out the really big jumps very nicely.
This bicycle rolls on a pair of Jumping Hare 29-inch tread block tyres, which provide enough traction on slippery trail surfaces. The treads cover the tires evenly making sure even fast cornering is safe on muddy trails. Because of its wide handlebar and lightweight, steering the Crusador 29 is easy. It inspires you to push hard and will definitely make you a better rider at off-roading.
The Firefox Crusador 29 then is not only a very good entry-level MTB, but also a pretty good daily commuter. It has a strong frame, excellent brakes and good handling. Its Microshift gearing system being its only Achilles heel. This system just doesn't fit in with the Crusador's character. It needs a smoother and quicker shifting unit, which will make it even better to ride faster. The other little thing that needs improvement is the side stand placement. You see it is mounted right behind the pedals. So when the bicycle is parked and you need to move it around it tends to interfere with the pedals by locking out the rotation. It's also an issue if you’re trying to lubricate the chain and need to rotate the rear wheel. Other than that, it's a pretty capable little package if you ask me.
The Crusador 29 retails for ₹27,000 on the official Firefox website, but with little research you can buy it at a local store for as little as ₹22,000. But honestly, I wouldn't mind paying even the full retail amount for it as it offers superb build quality, and is a very good entry point to get into the world of off-road bicycling.
