Roadeo Fugitive 29 DD (2019) - Review

The Fugitive 29 DD is built on a full Steel frame. The slanting top tube gave extra standover clearance for the rider. The frame also has a higher ground clearance to roll over bumpy terrains. The geometry is an ideal mix of comfort and aggressiveness. Even though this Steel frame is heavy, the positive is that it can take in a lot of hard hitting from rough surfaces. The threadless Steel front suspension fork comes with a minimal working travel of 5-6mm which was sufficient for minor bumps.

The Fugitive 29 DD (2019) comes equipped with Shimano Tourney TZ at the front and SIS at the rear as derailleurs. These are entry-level gearing components in Shimano's MTB hierarchy and they performed to their limits during the test ride. On rough and smooth roads riding amidst traffic, these derailleurs were ideal for quick and short gear changes. Some amount of gear tuning would be required from time to time. The EF41 Shimano trigger shifters were easy to use and in easy reach from the handlebar grips.

The Fugitive 29 DD which I test rode came in a full Black frame with a Blue and Grey as the secondary colours for the graphics and text. The slit top tube design is different from the 218 model and makes it look sleek. The matte finish paint job was of good quality with a smooth finish. The flat and lengthy handlebar with heavily treaded tires gave the bicycle all the physical design attributes an MTB needs.

This 29er MTB's stopping power is handled by a pair of Logan Mechanical Disc brakes at the front and rear, same as the 26” and 27.5” variants of the Fugitive. These brakes were powerful, safe and balanced to use when used on rough and smooth roads. Both interval and jamming of brakes felt in control when used during the test ride.The XMR Alloy 62mm handlebar on this bicycle was wide enough to make the riding posture a bit aggressive and giving optimum control for the rider on fast turns.

This Fugitive rolls on a pair of Wanda King 29” x 2.125” MTB tires that are fit onto Double Walled XMR Alloy rims. The treading on the tires was bulky and evenly spaced which enables the bicycle to roll over rough surfaces with ease. The XMR PU Saddle was padded enough to keep the rider comfortable and was also filled with colour coded graphics which made it look aesthetic.