Houston company offers a variety of options

by Jeffrey Brown, PCI #487/EMSCI #64
IPMBA Industry Relations Committee
Dayton PD (OH)

Over the past 12 months, I have had the opportunity to test the Patrol Cycles LLC "Enforcer" bicycle. Based in Houston, Patrol Cycles builds custom police bicycles that can be outfitted with the components of your choice. They also offer custom graphics for your department.

After speaking with a Patrol Cycles representative at the 2002 IPMBA Conference in Ogden, UT, I made arrangements to test one of their bikes for my department. I did not make a request for any specific components. After the usual departmental red tape, I received a 19-inch bike with the components listed in the below table.

As soon as the bike was delivered, I completed a quick inspection and began the basic assembly process. The fork was one of the first things I noticed while assembling the bike. The bike was equipped with a RockShox Pilot XC. Since I had never used an air-assisted fork, I decided to do a little research. According to RockShox website, the fork should have 80/100 mm of travel. The fork is equipped with a single-sided coil with air assist. The adjustments are made through positive air pressure via schrader valve. I found that unless you weigh less than 120 pounds, you need to add air pressure to the shock.

After a few minor adjustments to the drive train and brakes, I was on the road within 30 minutes.

As soon as I hit the road, I headed for the local community college, where I started riding down stairs. I found that once I had made the proper air adjustments to the front fork, it was able to absorb a great deal of the shock.

The "Enforcer" frame is made from 6000 Butted Aluminum. The frames are manufactured in Mexico, by Alubike, and then shipped to Patrol Cycles LLC for customization and assembly.

The "Enforcer" model has a base price of $450, which increases based upon the components and graphics you select.

Although the bike I tested was equipped with the base level components, I experienced only one problem. Within the first three months, the bottom bracket started to go out. I replaced the factory-installed bracket with a Deore XT model and it has been fine ever since.

I have used this bike as my duty bike and I have found it to be very dependable. I have also allowed other officers to ride it during their shifts and have received very good reviews. The bike has held up well against the use and abuse of the typical public safety cyclist.

If your department is in the market for new bikes, I would recommend considering the Patrol Cycles LLC "Enforcer" bike.

Patrol Cycle is an IPMBA Corporate Member. Visit www.patrolcycles.com or call 713-472-0894 for more information.

PART	DESCRIPTION
FRAME	Patrol Cycles' ALLOY MTB FRAME - 6000 Butted Aluminum
SEAT POST	Patrol Cycle Alloy - Black.
SADDLE	Patrol Cycle Ergo - Black padded.
SEAT CLAMP	Patrol Cycle alloy with Quick Release
HANDLE BAR	Patrol Cycle Alloy double butted black, sand blast finish, 630 mm width, 30mm rise
SHIFT/BRAKE LEVERS	Deore shifter pod with separate brake lever. 3 speed + 9 speed
GRIPS	Patrol Cycle Black cushion
HANDLE STEM	Patrol Cycle Alloy black, sand blast finish, 130mm extension, with 15 degree rise.
HEAD SET	TANGE AHEADSET STL/ALLOY CUPS, BLACK, CARTRIDGE BEARING 28.6MM
FRONT FORK	RockShox Pilot XC - Air Shock
FRONT and REAR TIRE	26 X 2.0 BLACK Continental Town and Country.
TUBE	26 X 1.90/2.125 w/ Presta
SPOKES	2.0 X 265 MM Stainless Steel
RIMS	Velocity Cliffhanger, black, double wall, 36 spoke
BRAKES	SHIMANO DEORE - V-BRAKES
FRONT HUB	SHIMANO NEXAVE 36H
REAR HUB	SHIMANO NEXAVE 36H Silent clutch
CASSETTE SPROCK	SHIMANO 11-32
REAR DERAILLEUR	SHIMANO DEORE
CHAIN	SHIMANO 9-speed black/gray
CHAINWHEEL	SHIMANO DEORE BLACK W/CHAIN GUARD
B.B.SET	SHIMANO DEORE
PEDALS.	ALLOY BODY & CAGE, BLACK
KICKSTAND	Rear Mounted
FRONT DERAILLEUR	SHIMANO DEORE

Jeff has been a police officer for 10 ½ years and has been assigned to the Dayton Police Departments Bicycle Unit for 4 ½ years. He can be reached at daypoblue@yahoo.com.

© 2004 IPMBA. This review first appeared in the Winter 2004 issue of IPMBA News.