Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)You have to consider the overall value in terms of price vs. benefit. Is this bike a good deal? Depends on how much you pay.
Depending on the mood and timing of Amazon, I have seen this bike (brand new Smith and Wesson Tactical including shipping) range from 830 to the 330 price I got just before Christmas 2007.
I rank it a reasonable buy at up to 500. Most of the bike is great quality from the frame to the components, so I'll mention the disappointments:
-The rack is some 3rd party cheapy with enough adjustments to fit about any bike out there...to some degree. Because of some interferences on the S&W, the rack has to be adjusted to a higher position than should be necessary. The net result is a high center of gravity, cargo height limitations with the seat, and many adjustment joints to work loose.
-The seat must be off of a tractor.
-The pedals have pseudo toe clips that are useless. They actually have no provisions for straps, just a plastic tow piece that is too flimsy to pull up on.
-The tires are fat street tires with enough cosmetic features on the sides to trick the eye into thinking they're mountain bike tires.
-The initial adjustments were far off on both deralures and the disk brake. It took me a couple of extra hours to get it working right (it does works very well after the adjustments).
I'm happy with it considering the price I paid. I wouldn't pay more than 500. Shopping around will give you better deals above that price.
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The Smith and Wesson Tactical Mountain Bike was developed with input from police officers in the field. The performance and reliability features they asked for translate into years of dependable service for mountain bike riders. The Tactical features a rugged aluminum frame, SRAM X7 drivetrain, SRAM X7 trigger 27-speed shifters, and a Rock Shox Judy J1 front suspension. With disc brakes on the front and Avid SD-5 linear-pull brakes on the rear, you'll have all the stopping power you need. The Tactical also sports an ergonomic padded saddle, 24-inch alloy wheels, and bar ends.
Specifications:
Bike Type: Aluminum police mountain bike
Type of Shifter: SRAM X7 trigger
Brakes: Front disc brakes and rear Avid SD-5 linear-pull brakes
Fork Type: Rock Shox Judy J1
Rear Derailleur: SRAM X7
Handle Bars: Wide flat
Saddle: Ergonomic padded saddle
Rims: Alloy
Bar Ends: Yes
Assembly of the Bike: This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide Finding the Right BikeTo really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:
The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:
Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.
Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:
Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:
Helmet (this is a must!)
Seat pack
Lock
Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
Spare tubes
Portable bike pump
Gloves
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