Buy Firefox at your own risk!
I really wanted to title this post "Don't buy Firefox", but it hasn't come to that yet.
I had recently purchased the Viper from Firefox Bikes. See my earlier post about the same.
Firefox says that its cycles are "designed in UK and manufactured in Taiwan to the highest international standards". That seems true. So where are the flaws ? One word : Service! I was always wary of the service that I would get once I purchased the bike - and recent developments have proved that my gut feeling was right.
In a recent email to me, Vivek Sharma (of Firefox Bikes) had claimed that "our mechanics are well trained for these imported bikes". Blatant lie, that. When I purchased the bike, Hemant Shah (?), the propreitor(?) of Firefox Bike Station (CMH Road, Bangalore) had assured me that I would get spares in a week.
One thursday, about two weeks ago, I noticed that the front gears weren't shifting to my satisfaction and decided to investigate. In all these three years of cycling, I hadn't played mechanic. I disengaged the gear wire from the shifter and turned the screws a bit. When it came to connecting back the gear wire, I was at a loss. I hadn't noticed how it was fastened in the first place - a cardinal sin for a mechanic. I ended up cutting a majority of the strands of the gear wire - making it close to unusable. It was time to get a replacement...
So on saturday, I dutifully went to CMH Road (12 kms away from my home). I asked the mechanic to change the gear wire. He said it wasn't available and asked me to come on sunday. Next day, when I went there he said "did you say you will come today". I wasn't happy but told him to keep it ready as early as possible. He promised to have it ready on monday. Another futile trip!
I had other work - so I couldn't go to Firefox bikes till last friday. This time he had the gear wire ready. At 300 bucks, the gear wire was pricey. The "trained" mechanic made several futile attempts at pushing in the new gear wire. Sensing his problem, I suggested that maybe he should remove the front grip shift and try. He needed an allen key to remove the front grip shift - which he didn't have!!! The mechanic resorted to hammering the grip shift, with no results. I was shocked at this. On close examination, I found that the covering of the shifter was torn. I was livid at this. I pointed this out to Gautam (who was running the show at Firefox) and demanded a replacement for the grip shift. He didn't seem very keen to solve the problems and was concentrating on his other potential customers. He placated me saying that he would have everything ready, come tomorrow. So I rode back home. Next day, I was back. To my chagrin, they still didn't have an allen key to do the job! Gautum asked for "two minutes" to fix the issue. I pointed out that there was no way that was possible - since they didn't even have the tools for the job! I even told him that, if this state of affairs continued, I might be forced to speak to his other customers about this kind of service. He placated me saying that he would have everything ready, come tomorrow. So I retuned back home - without the cycle... Next day I came back again and the cycle was ready - but surprise - the grip shift was still torn! Not to be undone, Gautam has promised me a replacement in a few days. Don't know how many days that will take.
Overall story : 5 visits (over 5 days) to the Firefox shop to get a gear wire replacement. Gear wire replaced, grip shifter torn. Awaiting replacement for that now 🙁
I intend to approach the consumer court for further such deficiency of service occurences.
These guys sell bikes priced in the range 10k-25k and don't even have the basic tools to repair the bikes! And any fool can make out that they haven't even cared to give basic training to their mechanics. Just imagine, a mechanic at a shop selling pricey bikes who is unable to change even a gear wire! I don't even want to talk about the professionalism of the company. It is high time we consumers take note of such things.
Moral of the story : if you are planning to buy a Firefox, think again...
NB: Service is improving. Have a look at this too : http://www.shreekumar.in/?p=18
February 18th, 2007 - 03:00
i have bought oyama[taiwan] full aluminium alloy size 26 folding bike,from firefox station,fully loaded with front and rear discs,shocks, shimano tourney gear 21 speed.compared to firefox the bike is great value for money ,maintenance free,and best of all folding from the middle ,so you can carry in car boot.the price is more or less same as firefox.
March 8th, 2007 - 15:30
Hi Folks,
Thanks for the host of info. I find myself confused now. I was “this” short of signing up for FireFox – Viper, before I came across this blog. I am now quite confused. The question still lingers on me – shud I or shud I not buy a Viper? Many thanks for the info and it will be helpful if I can get some replies.
March 8th, 2007 - 16:34
Hi Dinesh,
Well – the choice is upto you! I have kept all relevant comments on this page intact so that readers get to see diverse perspectives. I suggest you try remembering the reasons why you wanted to buy a Viper in the first place.
For my last spare part need – replacement of a brake lever – I asked Firefox directly – and they couriered these to me.
Regards
— Shree
March 13th, 2007 - 19:04
hi!
I stay in delhi.
This page has been really informative, but still i dont have the answer:
I have a budget of around 10k, wud do some serious mountain biking, regular cycling to office, home.
so considering the need of after sales service, which wud be the best brand and the shop to bye the cycle
thanks a load for ur help buddy
suprio
March 17th, 2007 - 11:01
hi i just want to know how much the viper costs??
iam looking for a good quallity bike.I had a bad experience
with hero thunder i think its because of the dealer(the pedal keeps breaking)
March 17th, 2007 - 16:01
Hi,
I recently purchased Hero Octane DTB1. The bile is without any frills (no career, mudguards etc). The bike is aluminum frame and 21 speed, I use this bike Off road and so far I haven’t had any problems. It cost me 5500/- in Goa.
Have a look at the photo on my blog mtmyndd.blogspot.com
April 6th, 2007 - 15:07
Hi again! the temptation took over and I switched to TREK 3700 mountain bike. The bike is all aluminum 21 speed, has quick release system and it cost me 13,500/-. The bike is excellent in comparison with the OCTANE. The gear ratios are much better and brakes are powerful.
April 13th, 2007 - 15:18
Hi Guys
Just wanted to say that I am sixty years old and have been mountain biking in H.P. for the last 12 years. My first bike here was a Hero “LE” with 18 spd. I have gone through about 5 mtbs. and I now own a 3 year old western Specialized Rockhopper with no suspension. Because of my age and the fact that I have spent most of my sixty years trashing my body I feel the need to go to a mtb. with front or full suspension. I am considering the Firefox Viper but I am a bit concerned with what I am reading on your blog. I am an expert bike mechanic with just about all the necessary tools so that isn’t a problem. I am just concerned with the quality of materials and components. Does anyone have any experience with the quality of the components and materials of Firefoxes?
April 20th, 2007 - 15:43
hi Craig
u do not have to worry about the viper though its heave look i ride in kulu region with Firefox Target it is amazing just amazing i had a viper but i againg purchaged the Target it too good.
go ahead you can buy Viper
April 20th, 2007 - 15:50
i do not prefer a disc break esp. in down hills that why i stick to buy a firefox target bike.its has integrated head tubes for the smooth movement of handle,it has got shimano revo shifter,v type break.
viper is an excellent bike what is your weight? i feel the net weight of the bike would be around 16-17 kg,its is attached with sram 3.0 for 21 speed with grip shifter.
craig i have a great faith in firefox really they are the best in India.
April 30th, 2007 - 12:46
Hello Friends…..
I am Bobby, a 17 yrs old buddy from Bangalore…… I read all the blogs posted on this site. I am really happy to read the useful articles.
But…. Do you guys know onething?? Whtever money you are paying for the MTBs in Bangalore is too high !! Actually these dealers are getting the cycles from the Local Cycle Manufacturers from Ludiana, Lucknow etc…… and they are telling that these bikes are from UK, USA, Finland etc…… Its all Fake.
May 18th, 2007 - 20:07
Craig,
If you’re not sure about a Firefox, why dont you buy a Trek? It’s available in Delhi with the same guys who deal with firefox.
ravi
May 26th, 2007 - 05:59
Hi guys
Well, I have been frankly through the roughest patch from what I seem to have gone through. I love off road cycling and trust me, all cycles work best when maintained by oneself. Be it a firefox or a thunder. Firefox sells that swiss knife type toolkits, extremely convenient and useful.
And if you need help, take advice from the local cycle repair shops, the more senior the guy, the better. trust me they come up with the weirdest but cheapest and most permanent fixes to some problems.
Have broken the viper and just survived on the trek, and I must say, not seen anything like a trek yet.
ciao
May 28th, 2007 - 00:06
Hi Guys,
I am in Hyderabad. I wanted to buy a bike and recently saw Forefox bikes displayed in our office. Subsequently went to the showroom in our city, (it was a bit difficult to find it out and has no parking) and saw the remaining models too there. While speaking to the guys there came to know that they also realized the problem and are planning to shift their show room some time soon to a better place.
Normally before buying anything I do some research, kick the tyres and your blog site is really helping me in this. Thanks a lot for running this. After going through the service related problems, yes, we have a long way to go, mainly to fix our mechanics’ attitute. I am really worried about this.
I checked Trek 4300, Reloaded 2.1 and the Viper. Viper seems to be a very popular model in these discussions. A quick comparison by me is as follows:
Reloaded – front suspension, adjustable suspension spring for the seat
Both wheels detachable. I like this and looking for this feature to carry the bike in my car trunk. Any comments on this feature? Front disc brake; no cover for the free wheel
Trek 4300 – both wheels detachable; only front suspension, no disc brakes
Viper – no rear suspension, no detachable wheels
Trek is more expensive by about Rs. 4k. I am more inclined to Reloaded, but Trek seems fine and probably better built. Any suggestions please..
Bhanu
June 7th, 2007 - 15:40
HI
Bhanu,
u need to set the purpose first. it u really want to have a city ride then go for reloaded its a good city bike. viper is heavy but good bike.gross weight is abot 20 kg,
what do you want in a bike do u need dual suspension or dual disc brakes?
that u need to decide that what is your purpose,
Trek 3700 is priced lower than the Firefox Viper it is 13500 only
June 8th, 2007 - 16:56
hey bhanu!! dude, its totally wrong that the viper weighs 20 kgs !!!!!!! dude, i have a viper and a professional level downhill mountain bike. the viper is waaay lighter than the downhill mountain bike. my dh bike weighs 20kgs!! the viper is somewhere close to the 13-14kg mark.
June 11th, 2007 - 09:48
the above messages if for utti not bhanu, sorry !!!
June 17th, 2007 - 12:17
i bought a fire fo cycle for my son and to my utter disbelief the cycle is in shambles in less than 3 months
the seat has come off, the tyres are out and worn, the handle does not work well..
i wonder how and why they should be alowed to fleece customers in india
July 10th, 2007 - 19:54
Hi All,
I called the Firefox Bangalore today. Mr. Hemant Shah responded to my queries properly but he was not knowing the exact price so he gave me the number of Indiranagar center. The person on the other side of the phone was not willing to answer properly and he was speaking in a rude way also.
I think, all the above comments regarding Firefox bad service are valid.
Overall result – Dropped the idea of buying Firefox.
July 16th, 2007 - 15:46
i bought myself a firefox toxin (BMX) in May. around fifteen days later :
1.the chain came off . the first time i put it back on but it happened quite a few times so i took it to the ‘bike station’ on CMH road, Bangalore (where else?). well, the rear tyre had infact become loose from its hub! this happens on a regular basis and i take the bike to them quite often.
2.a nut on my front brake set-up broke for which i had to take it to them again. i rode without the front brakes for a week(!) which made me realise that the rear brakes are not particularly effective on their own.
3.the pedals make a creaking noise everytime i pedal hard.
4.my handle was loose. it shakes back and forth and also from side to side.
5.the seat wasn’t set properly which i set right at home.
after all this i grew a little frustrated and went on to the frefox website to look for some contact information which i got but i also found out that i had been charged 7300Rs for a bike whose retail price was Rs 5590 on the website. another first from the hemant shah stable!
6.during this time the central axle or the front gear crank became loose which meant that if i was pushing the right pedal the gear would come out to the right and if i pedal to the left the gear would come out on that side.the entire set-up would move in and out. this took away all the joy in cycling and owning a BMX.
i showed this to our very own mechanic on CMH road. on two occasions he tightened the nut, but the problem would resurface the same day. the third time he told me that the ‘threading’ inside has probably worn out and asked me to leave the cycle there in the morning the next day assuring me that i’ll get it in the afternoon at 3.
i went there on a friday morning and he told me that it would cost me 200Rs.
in the afternoon he did have the bike ready with a brand new front gear. wow! in the meantime i had called up firefox cycles in noida about the excessive pricing and the plethora of problems i had encountered. Mr Sinha attended my call with patience and politeness. he assured me that my money will be refunded and in this process i also found out that the cycle was under warranty and i didn’t have to pay anything.
well that took care of things for then but then after i rode for ten kms on the same day the problem resurfaced, this time a little aggravated. i haven’t ridden my cycle since then. when i took it back to the mechanic he blatantly refused to work on the bike until further orders from Mr Shah. i contacted mr shah asking him for the refund and the bikes repair to which all he said in a very crude manner was – u have your bike dont you? – and disconnected.
Mr Sinha did call me again to know the state of affairs and i did tell him.
Mr shah is never in the showroom and the mechanic mangaes it complete with the other cycles and electric scooters. makes me wonder.
well firefox does have very good cycles but unless they take care of these issues it isn’t gonna do them any good. a couple walked out of the showroom after hearing the problem i was facing and also citing that both had been quoted different prices for a few cycles.
this is my ph no – 9886404653.
i did like it if we cyclists could get together to know our cycles better with the help of firefox and also cycle around together.
thanks shree. i was contemplating starting a blog only for this.
August 3rd, 2007 - 10:36
whew….what a read….!!! hey guys I am looking for a bicycle for myself through which I can transport myself within the city…..and do some off road once in a while. I checked out the Firefox station in MGF Plaza, Gurgaon, which I think was earlier in Ghitorni, Delhi. I am looking for an aluminium frame, front and back shockers, 6 gear sytems bike. Could any one of you advice me on what to buy….How is Hero cycle’s aluminium range as an option….and howz the MGF Plaza shop after sales service for Firefox???
August 10th, 2007 - 20:17
I think, the mechanic who attend to these bikes in these shops are not well educated/trained mechanic. They apply rude force which creates problems for aluminum frame bikes. The aluminum has low tensile strength than steel, and if you apply brute force, it will certainly ruin your bike. The parts which are used in bicycle are really good. You get Kenda tyres, and Shimona gears, and other parts which are of really good quality. It is shame that it is ruined by bad workmanship.
That said, when I bought my viper, it was not very well assembled. I had to go to each adjustment, and do it. I had to adjust disc brakes for the proper clearance. I had to adjust seat to submerge its minimum insertion point. I also had to adjust stop screws on rear gears. It’s been 3 months now and everything is really smooth.
August 16th, 2007 - 10:40
Hi bike lover friends,
I am Kanchan staying at New Mumbai. Like you, I am also a bike lover. I strongly believe that Cycling is the best exercise in today’s life style.
I am really proud of such bike lover people across the country, irrespective of age group. Ours collective effort in this direction will make a lot of difference steadily.
I am planning to buy a new bicycle with in a month.
But while going through all above comments, I am really confused whether I shall go for an Indian or an imported one. I am interested in Sturdy Roadster Bike. Can any one suggest me any dealer of TREK brand in Mumbai.
Your opinion about TREK brand & their model will be highly appreciated.
With warm regards, Kanchan.
August 18th, 2007 - 20:46
Kanchan! Firefox is the dealer of Trek in India. So visit any firefox bike station to get the models of trek. Trek i known to be the world’s best cycle brand
Anyways, I am also having a not good experience with my firefox bike- edge. I purchased it through the noida bike station an they couriered it to me via DTDC to Guwahati as I live in Guwahati. The bike was poorly packed and when I opened the packet, I saw that the warranty card, toolkit and instruction manual (they supply with every model) were missing. I had another firefox bike with me so somehow I could assemble my edge. But after riding it I found that the gears were not working at all. They simply refused to change. I called Santosh Dahal (manager of bike station Noida
) and talked to their mechanic. He said that any good local mechanic would be able to repair my problem. So I contacted one of the good cycle mechanic and he repaired it perfectly. But after few days, the same problem arose. The rear gears refused to change. I sent a email to the bike station of noida and they said that you please show it to your previous mechanic. They also said that during the time of repair, if I called their mechanic it would be better. I replied to them asking the number of their mechanic as somehow I could not find the number which I had. Almost 15 days have passed but no reply till now. I also said to them that please send the toolkit and warranty card as soon as possible but they haven’t sent it till now. I gave them a reminder also but in vain. I also wrote to the company asking them that if spare shifters were available or not. But no reply of that also. Around a year back, I had purchased another firefox directly through the company and that time I did not face any problem. But this time I purchased it from a showroom and lots of problems have arisen. The first thing is that they did not pack it properly and that is the main reason for my problems. You sometimes can’t rely on these people.
August 18th, 2007 - 20:53
The bike quality is good but such problems should not arise
August 18th, 2007 - 21:00
I don’t have problem with the dealer or the mechanic or the company. my only grudge is that they have not yet responded.
August 30th, 2007 - 22:09
heh guys anyone out there to sell a fire fox racer?
To my budget am plannin to buy a hero thunder (am a roadie, long distance) wat do u guys advice?
Sree was ur kushalnagar trip by bicycle too?
August 31st, 2007 - 23:08
Hey Guys,
I am planning for Firefox Target. Want feedback. Please share your exp… 🙂
September 6th, 2007 - 11:31
Hi sunil,
Nice to here that u have planned to but Firefox target. it is really a god bike.do not worry about anything .yes i know bangalore dealer. I spoke to sandeep sinha(09910952220) he is heading operations for Firefox in India.He seems to be great man….trust me… u can call him and ask your questions he wil help you in all fields……
i have reloaded and i am planning to buy Trek’s Fuel 30 only beacuse of sandeep .They have introduced Trek in India and new models have come in
cheers
amar
September 6th, 2007 - 11:36
hi sukreet,
u can speak to Firefox comoany manager mr. sandeep 09910952220 i am sure hw will help you. by the way whcih bike did u buy
amar
September 6th, 2007 - 11:41
Hi, kanchan,
nice to see all the above comments
you can contact newly co-owned showroom in Navi mumbai contact no is 022-65164595
they keep trek too
ravi
September 6th, 2007 - 11:54
hi prabhakaran
viper net weight is 20 kg and gross is 15.5
pls note
utti
September 6th, 2007 - 12:13
Hello To All,
I am Sandeep Sinha (HOD sales and operations for Firefox In India). This is my first comment on this blog,I have read all the positive and negative comments on our brand and esp. service and repair only from Bangalore showroom. Belive me guys only for this service issue i went to Bangalore form Delhi. I have given all your feed back to Jayant cycles. He assured me for the best service.
now guys let me tell you we have four company owned showrooms.
Delhi,Gurgaon,Chandigarh and Navi Mumbai.
Delhi-011-41728067
Chandigarh-0172-4610088
Gurgaon-0124-4384900
Mumbai-022-65164595
we are palnning to expand more with all your help and support.
Guys, as a co-owned showroom we have a very strict control on all the sales aspects. we take care or each and every customers.
we do not appoint franchisees like this.we do not want to open like other reputed bicycle brands in the country. Our marketing team selects good franchisees who can really do business with us. yes i do feel that some franchisee may not able to slove some technical problems of some bikes and the individual gets irritated. I REQUEST ALL OF YOU TO PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR HEAD OFFICE IN NOIDA AT-0120-4357301-02.
I ASSURE YOU ALL THE BEST SUPPORT.
AT LAST I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT APART FROM SELLING THE CYCLES WE ARE TRYING TO INHANCE AND ENRICH THE CYCLING CULTURE IN INDIA.
CHEERS
SANDEEP KUMAR SINHA
September 9th, 2007 - 21:28
Hi all,
Regarding the Firefox cycles, I went through the blog.I went to the CMH Rd showroom today to buy a bicycle. I was interested in Reloaded 2.1, Hornet and the viper.Could someone who has reloaded tell me how good the cycle is? Does it have any problems? Is Viper better than the Reloaded? Someone was telling that Cycles in Metro are cheaper…Will we get the service we need? Why cant Firefox open a company owned showroom in Bangalore where there are so many bicycle enthusiasts? Please let me know if Reloaded 2.1 is a good piece to buy asap.Thanks.
September 10th, 2007 - 16:13
hello Ony
nice to hear from you. yes Reloaded is a good bike. you need to know what is your purpose.if u need a good mountain bike then Viper the best. Reloaded has dual suspension for s smooth ride on a bumpy road.reloaded has been changed ans the disc is not attached with the new 2.1 model.
U need to decide where do u want to ride a bike.if u want a real mountain bike pleasure then go for viper other wise reloaded is good one.
sandy
September 10th, 2007 - 16:14
hello Ony
nice to hear from you. yes Reloaded is a good bike. you need to know what is your purpose.if u need a good mountain bike then Viper the best. Reloaded has dual suspension for s smooth ride on a bumpy road.reloaded has been changed ans the disc is not attached with the new 2.1 model.
U need to decide where do u want to ride a bike.if u want a real mountain bike pleasure then go for viper other wise reloaded is good one.
uti
September 13th, 2007 - 12:53
need help,
i recently brought firefox target to ycle out to the gym and take the weekend trips to national park -borivali -mumbai. i stay close by. can someone help me with the gear usage. like while climbing it should be low gear ( the one on the left handle) and no7 ( on the right handle). there are 3 gears on the left and 7 on the right. I am a bit confused on the usage
cheers
manoj nair
September 13th, 2007 - 13:07
HAi guys,i recently bought trek attitude bike a newly one ,i tell you seriously tell bike is oosam,it is too good to ride,a class look,good gear system,i am apsolutely satisfy with the bike and enjoying it.If you want to have some thing good in the lifestyle go and have a look to attitude bike it is realy,a Male bike.
September 13th, 2007 - 14:38
Hello Mr, Nair
Since you got a call from our company i hope this answers all your queries.
if u have more query then pls feel free to call us anytime during working hours.
cheers
Sandeep Sinha
Firefox Bikes
September 28th, 2007 - 16:32
Hi ,experienced bikers please let me know build ,quality,and worth of la-soverign make bikes ,I am intending to buy one good MTB and recently had visited some shops in bangalore and liked the design of a la-soverign bika
sathya
September 29th, 2007 - 16:01
Hi,
Wanted advice on which is a better choice: Firefox Fusion or Hero Thunder MTB. Also wanted to know about other alternatives for a medium priced bike in the Rs.4000-6000 range.
Can anyone also share experiences with the Firefox shop at Malad, Mumbai.
Many Thanks,
Anosh
October 7th, 2007 - 13:08
Hi !
I am a cadet at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune. I learnt cycling when i was 12 years old, and have never looked back since then. But after coming to AFMC, my Hercules MTB OVERSIZE 9000 was stolen. Then, our college decided to go green, with cumpulsory cycles for all cadets. No motor biking. What we got from the college was Atlas Viper. If you have a look at the cycle, you’ll know its quality. It sucks. So i want to buy a good, mountain bike, as i go on local trek to sahyadris around pune. Something like Trek 3700 or the Forefox Viper/Reloaded. Would anyone tell me the address of Firefox dealer at Pune?? I’m still doing research on these bicycles. I’d appreciate your help.
October 7th, 2007 - 13:25
I have two more questions.
How many speeds does the Trek 3700 and the Firefox Viper and Target have??
October 7th, 2007 - 19:01
Planning to buy a Firefox fusion. Is it worth it?
R
October 8th, 2007 - 14:26
Hi, Swayam,
Nice to here form you. I am giving you Pune Franchisees number
He is Mr. Raja –9881129469
If you want a good mountain bike then go for Trek 3700.
cheers
Sandeep Sinha
HOD
Sales and Operations
Firefox Bikes (India)
09910952220
October 8th, 2007 - 14:28
Dear Rajesh,
Fusion is a good price bike in Firefox range. It is a hot selling bike.
But i need to know the purpose of your purchase?
cheers
Sandeep Sinha
October 8th, 2007 - 14:30
Hi swayam,
Trek 3700 is 21 speed
Target is 21 speed
Viper is 21 speed
cheers
Sandeep Sinha
October 8th, 2007 - 14:33
Dear All,
If you have any query regarding Firefox bikes then pls mail or write to
Info@firefoxbikes.com or write to The Manager @ sandeepkumar@firefoxbikes.com
thanks
Ravi
October 14th, 2007 - 10:52
Hi all!
Viagra online
http://www.karaganda.kytranet.com/
Thanx and enjoy!
Bye
October 14th, 2007 - 15:01
Hi Sandeep !!!
Thanx a lot for the info. I’ll check out the bikes.