Firefox Target 21 - Speed (2015): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The Firefox Target V 21 Speed is equipped with a strong hardtail alloy frame. This frame is built to take the beatings of moderate flatter trails. The frame’s top tube was shaped neither cylindrical nor squared but rather with neat slicks on the sides of the tube. This tube shape has made sure there is no excess material used. This bicycle comes in 3 frame sizes- 18 inch, 19.5 inch, 21 inch which is great for a bicycle at this price.

The Target V 21 comes with a front suspension fork. The SR Suntour fork has 63mm of travel according to the spec sheet and this was evident during the test ride. On minimal climbs and bumps this suspension fork turned out to be useful.

The Firefox Target V which I test rode had yellow as the primary colour and blue as the secondary colour. The banana yellow colour was bright and flashy and the ink blue shade added a nice contrast to the bicycle. The silver coloured side stand near the bottom bracket does look a little out of place but is functional. This bicycle also comes in a black colour variant.

Gearing is important for any MTB as it helps you control the speed on rigorous trails. The Target V is powered by Shimano Acera M360 at the rear and Shimano Tourney T50 at the front. Shimano Acera at the rear on a hardtail MTB at this price is a good deal. These derailleurs worked efficiently throughout the test ride. When ridden on softer mud these gears helped increase and decrease cadence quickly. The Shimano EF500 21 speed trigger shifters were at a comfortable hand position and were also easy to use.

The Sparkle V-brakes on the Target V 21 Speed were put to test at various speeds and turns during the test ride. These V-brakes weren’t the best for quick stops on the trails and also when braking on turns without having to keep our feet on the ground. Mechanical disc brakes would have definitely improved the braking experience of this bicycle.

The Zoom alloy MTB handlebars on the Target V 21 speed was wide and perfectly suited for controlling the bicycle on the trail. The 640mm wide handlebar made sure the riding posture was open chested.

The Firefox Target V 21 speed rolls on a pair of Kenda 26 inch x 2.1 inch tires. These tires were treaded well with rubber patterns on both the middle and sides. These treads helped the tires have good traction on muddy surfaces on the trail. The wheelset with alloy rims were also not heavy which made sure high speeds and turns were safe.

The stock saddle was padded well and ergonomically designed to make sure the sit bones were placed at the widest points of the saddle. The overall ride quality was comfortable on flatter trails.