There are many bikes to choose from depending on your requirements and budget.
So then what do you look for in a bike? Its hard to have a bike team without one.
Almost every bike manufacturer makes a mountain bike. Many departments just take a bike either from a donation or direct purchase and stick a "Police" label on it, strap on a flashlight and voila they have a patrol bike. Well that is stretching it a bit but it happens.
Police and duty bikes need to withstand the vigorous daily use that bike team use can bring on. Carrying heavy EMS loads in their packs or riding the hills for use by the Border Patrol, there is really a lot to think about. The biggest is maintenance. Your investment of a bike will quickly dwindle if you settle for a lessor bike.
That's why you should always buy a bike from a maker or distributor of duty bicycles. Your components will be better and your maintenance officer or bike shop will thank you. In the long run you will be better off.
Almost every bike manufacturer makes a mountain bike. Many departments just take a bike either from a donation or direct purchase and stick a "Police" label on it, strap on a flashlight and voila they have a patrol bike. Well that is stretching it a bit but it happens.
Police and duty bikes need to withstand the vigorous daily use that bike team use can bring on. Carrying heavy EMS loads in their packs or riding the hills for use by the Border Patrol, there is really a lot to think about. The biggest is maintenance. Your investment of a bike will quickly dwindle if you settle for a lessor bike.
That's why you should always buy a bike from a maker or distributor of duty bicycles. Your components will be better and your maintenance officer or bike shop will thank you. In the long run you will be better off.
Manufacturers of duty bikes go through special care and they don't skimp on bike components. Of course bikes with lower cost have lower graded components but depending on your budget, they are just right for your department.
When pricing a bike remember too, that manufacturers will boast about their components. But look to the manufacturer of the components themselves. My example is SRAM: going from say SRAM X.4 to SRAM X.5 or from SRAM X.7 to SRAM X.9 there is a component upgrade and the higher one costs more. But when you check which one provides the most gear changes or cable pulls, before the system needs replacing or maintenance. You will see there is pretty much an even comparison. So check the components, certain bike configurations are better for certain areas. The most expensive and best shock on the market, may not be the deciding factor for a bike patrol that patrols flat streets and may only have a curb to jump every now and then. But would be perfect for a patrol in rural areas where pot holes, going down steps or jumping off cliffs will occur often.
So, Lets take a look at a few of the most popular. We will go from lowest cost to most expensive. Again the more expensive the bike usually the better components.
The prices that I will list are the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for their products. Then a couple resources on where to read about them specifically and some online places to purchase.
Check always year end pricing. This means savings on closeout of previous year bikes. Check with the dealers so you dont miss any savings opportunities. This is also from bike shops. The Mass Market bikes keep the pricing for a few years at a time.
Click on the name to go directly to the Manufacturer's website. Police and Duty bikes are from these manufacturers or distributors. Some are available for online ordering.
Force Patrol Bikes distributed by Cycle Force Group. They are the only company that also sells direct and competes with their dealers. You can buy directly, but the dealers will give you a better price. This is the reason a good bike is inexpensive.
Marin Bikes. They dont have a Police model but will give you free stickers for a mountain bike.
Fuji Police and Duty Bikes. Great bikes and good deals online for delivery to even the smallest town. No direct sales so use a online dealer listed below or a local Fuji Bike Shop.
KHS Bikes. Bike Shop sales only for the k9 model.
Cannondale Bikes. Bike Shop sales for the Law Enforcement 1, and 3.
TREK Bikes. Bike Shop sales for their Police model.
Kona - New in Late 2018 was the reintroduction of the Kona Shield Police Bike.There are now a few online dealers since missing small department sales. We have them listed in Where to Buy.
Haro - Haro has entered the Police bike market with two models. No reviews yet but they are available at 4Bike-Police.com
Volcanic Manufacturing. The frames are built in Washington State. So they are assembled in the USA, Good tough Bikes. Direct buys at Volcanic.
IForce Bikes. Specializing in government and large contracts with military experience. Currently direct buys from IForce with a few new online dealers linking you back to IForce.
Remember that purchasing from a bike shop usually carries dealer and maintenance support. Mass retailers like Amazon, Wal-Mart and non biking police stores wont carry the support you could be getting from a local shop maintenance team.
When pricing a bike remember too, that manufacturers will boast about their components. But look to the manufacturer of the components themselves. My example is SRAM: going from say SRAM X.4 to SRAM X.5 or from SRAM X.7 to SRAM X.9 there is a component upgrade and the higher one costs more. But when you check which one provides the most gear changes or cable pulls, before the system needs replacing or maintenance. You will see there is pretty much an even comparison. So check the components, certain bike configurations are better for certain areas. The most expensive and best shock on the market, may not be the deciding factor for a bike patrol that patrols flat streets and may only have a curb to jump every now and then. But would be perfect for a patrol in rural areas where pot holes, going down steps or jumping off cliffs will occur often.
So, Lets take a look at a few of the most popular. We will go from lowest cost to most expensive. Again the more expensive the bike usually the better components.
The prices that I will list are the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for their products. Then a couple resources on where to read about them specifically and some online places to purchase.
Check always year end pricing. This means savings on closeout of previous year bikes. Check with the dealers so you dont miss any savings opportunities. This is also from bike shops. The Mass Market bikes keep the pricing for a few years at a time.
Click on the name to go directly to the Manufacturer's website. Police and Duty bikes are from these manufacturers or distributors. Some are available for online ordering.
Force Patrol Bikes distributed by Cycle Force Group. They are the only company that also sells direct and competes with their dealers. You can buy directly, but the dealers will give you a better price. This is the reason a good bike is inexpensive.
Marin Bikes. They dont have a Police model but will give you free stickers for a mountain bike.
Fuji Police and Duty Bikes. Great bikes and good deals online for delivery to even the smallest town. No direct sales so use a online dealer listed below or a local Fuji Bike Shop.
KHS Bikes. Bike Shop sales only for the k9 model.
Cannondale Bikes. Bike Shop sales for the Law Enforcement 1, and 3.
TREK Bikes. Bike Shop sales for their Police model.
Kona - New in Late 2018 was the reintroduction of the Kona Shield Police Bike.There are now a few online dealers since missing small department sales. We have them listed in Where to Buy.
Haro - Haro has entered the Police bike market with two models. No reviews yet but they are available at 4Bike-Police.com
Volcanic Manufacturing. The frames are built in Washington State. So they are assembled in the USA, Good tough Bikes. Direct buys at Volcanic.
IForce Bikes. Specializing in government and large contracts with military experience. Currently direct buys from IForce with a few new online dealers linking you back to IForce.
Remember that purchasing from a bike shop usually carries dealer and maintenance support. Mass retailers like Amazon, Wal-Mart and non biking police stores wont carry the support you could be getting from a local shop maintenance team.
FORCE Perimeter 24 Speed
New FORCE Perimeter is the lowest Police Bike price on the list with a starter bike at a starter price tag.
MSRP is 489.00 and it comes from Cycle Force Group. There are no Minimum advertised prices and that makes it popular for cheap sales at various online vendors. It is the first line of built for Police Bikes from a nationally known company. It has a mixture of components that go from marginal to good. The low end pieces are in the area of stem, seat, twist shifters and shocks. The better values are the Sram X3 components and a really tough rear rack. But for the dollar to get your department started, its here with The Perimeter.
Available at 4Bike-Police.com, Patrol Bike Systems, Police Bike Store, Amazon, Cycle Force Group and a few other starter police stores.
MSRP is 489.00 and it comes from Cycle Force Group. There are no Minimum advertised prices and that makes it popular for cheap sales at various online vendors. It is the first line of built for Police Bikes from a nationally known company. It has a mixture of components that go from marginal to good. The low end pieces are in the area of stem, seat, twist shifters and shocks. The better values are the Sram X3 components and a really tough rear rack. But for the dollar to get your department started, its here with The Perimeter.
Available at 4Bike-Police.com, Patrol Bike Systems, Police Bike Store, Amazon, Cycle Force Group and a few other starter police stores.
Marin Police Bikes
Marin known for labeling their Mountain Bikes with decals for first responders doesn't have a built for Police model. They have good mountain bikes and a reputable name, so when ready just get a bike a put on a decal (free when ordering for a department). The prices range from Low 430's to High 1100's depending on your frame and options, but they carry an assortment of different configurations. They can only be purchased from a bike shop that sell Marin. For information check out their site. They have all their bikes listed there, then find a shop that carries them.
Fuji Patrol 24 Speed
Fuji Police Bikes have been a dominant force in the Police Bike Market. They carry their starter model the Patrol at a beginning MSRP of 690.00 but climbing with the release of the 2011 model.
When building these I am always impressed by Fuji. They take great care in boxing for shipment. This model boast the SRAM X4 and the first from the Fuji line to use trigger shifters. New with ergonomic had grips the bike is comfortable to ride. Drawbacks for dealers, but good for the consumer is the no MAP assigned pricing. You can find eager online retailers wanting to make a quick buck selling these fairly cheap. Other dealers are trying to help save the value of this great starter, don't drop prices them that quickly. But there are always some year end sales or volume discounts that can save you money.
Available at 4Bike-Police.com, Patrol Bike Systems, Police Bike Store, Patrol Bike Outfitters and a few other starter police stores.
When building these I am always impressed by Fuji. They take great care in boxing for shipment. This model boast the SRAM X4 and the first from the Fuji line to use trigger shifters. New with ergonomic had grips the bike is comfortable to ride. Drawbacks for dealers, but good for the consumer is the no MAP assigned pricing. You can find eager online retailers wanting to make a quick buck selling these fairly cheap. Other dealers are trying to help save the value of this great starter, don't drop prices them that quickly. But there are always some year end sales or volume discounts that can save you money.
Available at 4Bike-Police.com, Patrol Bike Systems, Police Bike Store, Patrol Bike Outfitters and a few other starter police stores.
KHS K9
KHS and their K9 hasn't really changed too much since 2009 according to their website. Still at a MSRP of 1099.00, The K9 features a Shimano Deore drive components and Truvativ hardware, the bike is ready for patrol. Also with your choice stickers to meet your department needs. Supply's are often limited and the bike is only available from a KHS Dealer.
Trek Police Bike 24 Speed
Trek Company has a Police Bike that is very popular that also is only available through local Trek Dealers in your town. It seems that departments are able to pick up the price tag of MSRP 1209.99. With Shimano derailleurs and a SRAM cassette and Bontrager components Trek mixes it all up with top specs and a quiet bike. Frame design closely resembles the Fuji's this year. Departments wanting to support their local shops are finding value with this one.
Cannondale Law Enforcement
Cannondale Bikes offer three models of Law Enforcement Bikes. MSRP range from 700.00 to 1400.00. Cannondale site doesn't price them and they only deliver through bike shops. The Law Enforcement 3 is the entry level 24 speed and has the RST Gila front fork and Sram X4 components. The Law Enforcement 2 steps up a notch with the DL50 Headshock Fatty front fork with optional lock out, disc brakes front and rear and Alivo and Deore groups for your 27 speed shifting needs. Topping the line is the Law Enforcement 1, again with the DL50 Headshock Fatty front fork and disc brakes front and rear but then raises to Shimanos SLX 10 speed rear derailleur. Just imagine the shifting through 30.
Fuji Police Special 27 Speed
Fuji Steps forward with its top of the line 27 speed. Leading off with the Fuji A2-SL custom butted Aluminum with PowerCurve down tube, and following up with Sram X7 components for easy shifting. Hitting high on the budget with this model also with an MSRP of 1330.00. But dont be alarmed the online marketers have made this a low value product as well. You can shop these down to under 900.00. Its a great bike and has Fuji reputation.
Available at 4Bike-Police.com, Patrol Bike Systems, Police Bike Store, Bicycle Patrol Outfitters and a few other starter police stores.
Available at 4Bike-Police.com, Patrol Bike Systems, Police Bike Store, Bicycle Patrol Outfitters and a few other starter police stores.
Volcanic Approach Patrol Bike
The Volcanic line offers three models as well for the departments. Components starting with SRAM X5 then X7 and topping off with the X9. The frames are built here in the USA. The components are added on at the manufacturer in Washington. Pricing per their website start for well equipped models at 1199.99 and go to 1499.99. They are a direct seller only and if you want these you must contact them. Time is the only factor here if looking for quantities. They pride them selves in building their "Tough Frames" as they are ordered. So if you aren't in a rush, you get a good bike. Very quiet company so go direct for all the current info. Please tell them you learned about them here.
Kona Shield Police Bike
Kona Shield Patrol Bike is is back after Safariland stepped out of the bike business. Built with the Kona 6061 aluminum frame that provides better durability. It arrives with Shimano Deore components throughout. Features include a sloping, padded Top tube with greater stand over clearance; integrated rear rack for superior payload strength; tapered oversized headtube for improved stability; internal cabling system for non-obstructive riding; 29-inch wheels for improved stability. Pricing begins at 1589.00 for the 29er.
You can get everything, Bike, Light, Siren and Bag for about 2200.00 Complete.
Available at 4Bike-Police.com, Bicycle Patrol Outfitters or through Kona dealers across the US. If your squad has a maintenance officer they can be delivered direct to your department. Else they have to be assembled by a certified mechanic.
You can get everything, Bike, Light, Siren and Bag for about 2200.00 Complete.
Available at 4Bike-Police.com, Bicycle Patrol Outfitters or through Kona dealers across the US. If your squad has a maintenance officer they can be delivered direct to your department. Else they have to be assembled by a certified mechanic.
iForce Completely Integrated Police Bike
This 29er has got folks talking. Also built in the USA the iForce police bike has a completely integrated lighting and siren system. The bike featuring Sram X7 components and big 29 inch wheels has all you want in a patrol bike. Ordering must be through the company. Here is a quick link to get you started on pricing at their Build a Bike Site.
Known Specials
I dont currently know of any specials.