Volcanic Bikes

[tedgmcc]

My department currently uses Giant bicycles for bike patrol and we need to purchase another bike, but Giant apparently does not make a specific Law Enforcement bike. Several members were in La. for IPMBA and were impressed with the Volcanic Bikes.

Does anyone have experience with these bikes and if so, what do you think?

[cashton]

What is the difference between a "police bike" and a regular high quality mountain bike? Not being smart, I don't know.

Giant is a great name in Mnt bikes as is Trek and Diamondback and a number of others. I don't know anything about Volcanic though. I ride a Raleigh and like it a lot. Light weight frame but still heavy duty and life time warranty.

[tedgmcc]

I have only been assigned to the bike unit for a few months, but my understanding is Volcanic bikes are only made for LEO, security and EMS and are more durable.

[k9 max]

Can't say that I've heard of Volcanic bikes. I know our bike patrol has used primarily Trek over the years and have had pretty good luck.

[bikecop136]

I have been in Bike Patrol for 6 yrs, 3 in Oklahoma, 3 in Texas. I used to race BMX bikes so i know a little about bikes. Started in Oklahoma with Fuji bikes for patrol. Horrible, and would never want one again. We had guys take LEBA and IPMBA course and have to use 2 Fuji bikes to get through. Will not last a dime. Went to Cannondale and it slowed the problems down. Started to work here and went too Smith @ Wesson bikes. Very strong bike for LE and never have any problems. Was at the conference for IPMBA in 2006 in Dayton Ohio when Volcanic brought the bike out for LE. Looked good, and sounded even better coming from the Reps. Had a trial bike from Volcanic come to us for 1month this year. Came with cheap parts and was not worth the money that they charge.Yeah, it was the basic model but for $1400 dollars, come one. Volcanic has the best frames on the market. But the componets that the put on the bikes for LE arent worth a crap.

[PC Plum]

If you look on the website, i believe they will loan you a bike to try for a period of time.

[titan]

We have had a Volcanic since July. I can say that the bike is built strong! The frame, especially the seat stays and chain stays are built strong to hold up to the extra weight that the police bag and batteries carry. Going off curbs, stairs, ect with the extra weight really takes it's toll on the frame. I had (2) off the floor bike frames crack with the extra weight in the past. The handlebars, cranks, bottom bracket, stem, and headset are all heavy duty, similar to what is on a downhill or all mountain bike. We paid $1200.00 for the bike, which is a little more than Cannondale and Fuji, but thier customer relations and support have been top knotch. They are currently building a custom sized frame for our 6foot 7 inch bike officer and there is no extra charge. Overall, we are very happy.

[tedgmcc]

We purchased Treks. They are nice but I think I like the Giants better.