Issue: February 2002, pg. 90
Price: $425 (frame and fork)
Purpose: Rigid freerider
Contact: Firemans Texas Cruzer (877) 843-2853
D Value
D Weight: 29.8 pounds
C Frame design
NA Fork performance: Rigid
NA Rear Suspension: Hardtail
B Component selection
D Climbing performance
A Cornering ability
D Descending prowess
Test highlights: The Cruzer's slack, 66-degree seat angle, oddball 177mm cranks and single speed appears more old-school BMX cruiser-like than mountain bike. Set the bike up with a low saddle height. The chromoly frame uses an ultra burly rigid fork with 1/4" dropouts. This combined with the bolt-on Sovos front hub gives it razor-sharp handling. The stiff frame and fork provide the Avid vee-brakes a sturdy base for exceptional braking. Because of the low saddle and 42/20 gearing riders are forced to stand on climbs. The frame's stiffness requires a take-caution approach on descents. We had to replace the standard 1.75" Cheng-Shin tires with real mountain bike knobs.
Best quote: "The Firemans Texas Cruzer is a great second bike for the rider who wants a cool bike to get around town in style. It's overbuilt by single-speed standards, so it can handle riders who want to hop off of the occasional staircase or dabble in dirt jumping.
MBA's Bottom line: The Firemans Texas Cruzer is one more way to have fun on a bicycle. It might be unique to Texas, but it makes a great playbike for the rest of the world.
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