Roadeo Fugitive 26 DD (2019) - Review

Roadeo's Fugitive models were newly released in 3 tire sizes last year. The Fugitive 26 DD this year is built on a Steel frame, same as the 218 model. But the frame geometry has changed this year with a sporty gradually slanting top tube. The joints are welded neatly and look robust and strong.This bicycle comes with a Steel Suspension fork. The suspension travel works around 5-6mm which is as minimal as it can get and is useful just to tackle the city speed breakers and potholes.

This bicycle is equipped with Shimano's Tourney TZ at the front Shimano's SIS at the rear as derailleurs. While Tourney is entry-level, SIS is the most basic version in the Tourney family. This 21-Speed drivetrain's shifting performance was sufficient for short rides. The Shimano EF41 21-Speed trigger shifters were basic with gear indicators.

The Fugitive 26” DD (2019), which I test rode came on a full Black frame with Red and White as the secondary colours for the graphics and text. Roadeo's logo design direction has been used on the frame which makes it look sporty. The matte finish paint job was smooth and definitely made the bicycle look much more premium. The flat handlebar and heavy treads on the tire gave this bicycle all the essential design characteristics of an MTB.

The Fugitive 26 sees an upgrade in the braking department. The 218 Fugitive 26 has a front Mechanical Disc brake and a rear V-brake. This 219 model has Logan branded Mechanical disc brakes at both the front and rear. These brakes were powerful and balanced in stopping on both rough and smooth roads.The XMR Alloy 62mm handlebar on this bicycle was fully flat making the handlebar posture a bit aggressive and giving optimum control for the rider on fast turns.

As in the name of this bicycle this Fugitive which I test ride rolls on a pair of 26” x 2.1” Wanda King MTB tires. These tires along with strong Alloy rims make this wheelset ideal to ride on the roughest of urban surfaces. The big treads make it safe to ride in both dry and wet conditions. The 218 Fugitive also had the same set of tires. The stock PU saddle from XMR wasn’t the most ergonomic but had enough cushioning which made sure the ride is comfortable on bumpy roads.