Firefox Tailwind - Review

The Firefox Tailwind has been made using a hardtail alloy frame. This makes the bicycle lightweight and durable. The bicycle has a downward sloping top tube which makes it specifically suited to women riders. The geometry of the frame ensures a comfortable, upright riding position. Additionally, the women specific frame design enables easier mounting and dismounting. This bicycle comes equipped with a Zoom suspension fork with 5mm travel. This suspension is adequate for usage on rugged city roads and on mild flat trails. The frame does not have a provision for a bottle cage mount. The bicycle is available in a single frame size, corresponding to about 17”.

The Firefox Tailwind is a 6-Speed bicycle that comes equipped with a 6-Speed Shimano Tourney rear derailleur and Shimano RS35 grip shifters control the shifting. The shifting was crisp and precise, and the shifters were smooth and easy to use. This is a plus point in this department, given that grip shifters can sometimes require excessive efforts to shift. A 6-Speed drivetrain is just enough for urban commuting and flat trail rides. However, with a 6-Speed drivetrain there is a limit to speed gains and climbing on flyovers.

The bicycle we test rode came in a glossy bright pink with neon yellow and white decals. The glossy paint job appeared to be of good quality; however the decals seemed slightly sub-standard. The welding on the edges of the frame looked simple and neat. This bicycle is available in two colour options - Pink and Blue.

The Firefox Tailwind comes equipped with V-Brakes at the front and rear that offer adequate stopping power for city usage. The brakes were powerful enough for abrupt stopping, even on muddy and slightly wet surfaces. The handlebar on the Firefox Tailwind is a 58mm which allows for superior control and maneuverability in crowded riding conditions. The positioning of the handlebar ensures a comfortable, upright riding position. However, the handlebar grips were on the harder side, which might affect cyclists using the bicycle on longer rides and on bumpy roads and trails.

The Wanda 26” x 2.1” MTB tires were treaded uniformly and closely with thick patterns. The 26” circumference tires were fast rolling and the treads helped gain good traction on rough surfaces. The front wheel is fitted with a quick release, which makes removing and putting the wheel back on much simpler. The thicker width of the tires makes the bicycle more stable and balanced on bumpy surfaces, additionally the well-spaced, defined treading on the tires offer a superior grip while on rugged and wet surfaces. This bicycle comes equipped with a comfortable saddle that is wide enough to comfortably accommodate one's sit bones. Additionally, the seat post has a quick release option, making adjusting the height of the saddle easier while on the go. The overall ride quality smooth and comfortable.