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Firefox Raptor: Relive The Cycling Adventure!
True Blue enthusiasts like all of us here always discuss about everything on wheels in our forum but there is one thing we often don’t discuss in detail. It’s the first set of wheels that we owned. i.e Bicycles. I do know many of us here are avid cyclists and at any given opportunity wouldn't mind cycling all the way to our offices and colleges. In today’s time when traffic has started to take a toll on our health and we waste a lot of time just waiting for the jams to clear off, here comes the most viable solution of all times: Bicycle!
My first cycle that I got was the Paramount brand when I was in Class-II and then after 4 years finally graduated to Hero Ranger Gearless Cycle which stayed till I was in Class 10th. After that, I got another Bicycle for next 2 year that too was a Hero and non-geared one. After 2004 my love for cycling took a back seat, but, after a decade, today I finally got an opportunity to review a Bicycle, called Raptor launched by Fire-Fox Bikes in India with 7 Speed Shimano Gears at INR 24,850/- all inclusive.
Really thankful to Vibhor for entrusting me with the responsibility to officially reviewing this Bicycle for our forum Moreover, he did inform me that it is the 1st ever official Bicycle Review for The Automotive India, thus, it became all the more special for me to review this enticing and rugged Bicycle.
The Raptor is a Bicycle which is surely the best companion for the adventurous souls who look forward to living the unparalleled cycling experience every single time. I took this Bicycle for a run in my sector only and every single time I paddled it, I was reminded of the good ol’ days of my childhood and schooling. Honestly, no matter how many swanky bikes or cars we may have at our disposal but nothing can be a substitute to the joy of riding a bicycle.
Fire Fox Bikes, which is a name of repute in the Cycling world with the launch of this adventurous bicycle i.e Raptor, now adds yet another jewel to its crown. In the line-up of several racing bicycles, the Raptor does carve out a distinct niche for itself all because of excellent engineering, design and comfort that have been the forte of the Fire Fox Cycles always.
When I first saw the Raptor at my place, I was really surprised to see how in a span of decade the looks of the bi-cycles have enhanced and have become so very contemporary and at the same time its design is very pleasing to the eyes and symmetrically designed with no unwanted edges and curves. The Black colored rims, Black Handle bar altogether provide the Raptor with an aggressive look. It is one of those rare Bi-Cycles which can stand out of the rest simply because of its distinguishing looks and the bold contrasting graphics. The Color Blue definitely accentuated the overall looks of the Bi-Cycle there by making it a perfect balance of killer looks and adventurous riding.
If I talk of the riding comfort, then Raptor won’t leave you craving for more. It scores full marks in the ride too. The foremost equipment that shall assure the rider of the comfort is the seating on the cycle. The Seat is slightly narrow yet comfortable and can be adjusted as per requirement with the lever provided next to the seat. I rode this Bi-Cycle for a distance of 3 km up-down and during that it passed on some rough patches on road but I was surprised with grip of the Tyre(s) i.e Kenda 26*2.1 Tyre. The scientifically designed tread-blocks give superb grip on rough patches too and even when I braked the Cycle did not skid and Tyre(s) did their job really well along with the front and rear disk brakes. The air pressure to be maintained in Tyre is min 40Psi at all times and Max up-to 65Psi. The Tyre’s rubber quality used by Fire-Fox is very decent and one shouldn't be bothered about them developing cracks in first 2-3 years of its ownership. Overall, I can say the USP of the really comfortable ride of Raptor is undoubtedly the good quality Tyre(s).
Another point worth mentioning about the Raptor-full suspension bicycle is that, if by chance it may ride over the speed bumps, the rider can be assured of minimal jerks thanks to the ergonomically designed handle bar which insures that the rider shall not lose control during jerks. The handle bar wrists are properly cushioned to give the rider comfort of riding for a longer time without any strain and sweaty feel on the palms.
