Butch5

What are your thoughts on Raleigh bikes. I am considering the Raleigh Route 2 but I have no experience with Raleigh and I can't find and reviews on YouTube. I am also considering the Trek Dual Sport 2. The two aren't that much different.

MikeyMK

Used to be a local company, building bikes locally, that people wanted. Now all gone, just a mumsy brand name slapped onto random east-asian bikes.

livedarklions

Raleigh is being used on bikes that have good specs for the money. I can't really speak to the differences between the two bikes, but I don't think the brand name is that important.

shelbyfv

I bought a Raleigh Tamland gravel bike a couple of years ago and found it to be a very nice bike, especially for the price. However, when I decided gravel wasn't for me, I learned that it had virtually no resale value. That may or may not matter to you. You also may want to think about whether you need a heavy suspension fork on a hybrid. I don't see the point.

biketampa

I got a raleigh Tamland 1 two years ago. I got it for more than half off normal price so it was two hard to pass up. It’s been a solid bike. It’s a bit heavy but overall good.

BobbyG

How will you use this bike? Commuting? Weekend fun rides? MUP? Trail? Competition?

Butch5

Thanks for the replies everyone. I plan to use the bike for exercise and some light trail use. They're really more dirt roads than trails.

Wilfred Laurier

If you aren't familiar with the brand Raleigh then you should not be under any illusion that you are familiar with bike industry in general.

It's one of the oldest and most well known brands in the world. Yes, the company is merely an importer of Asian bikes now, as opposed to eons ago when they were mass produced in Nottingham, England, but that's true of almost every bike company, and in the case of Raleigh, the Asian made bikes are much nicer than the English made ones - part of that is just the technology that has come in the interim ~30 years, but even in the 70s and 80s, Raleighs were kind of dinosaurs compared to many other brands.

Many of the bikes with the Raleigh name today are clearly 'inspired' by Raleigh of old, 'road sport' and city bikes, some even have the classic names - Superbe (I had a 1963 Raleigh superbe that I loved), and Carlton. It might depend on where in the world you are because the Raleigh name was previously owned by different companies in different regions.

I found the Route2 on Raleigh Canada's website and it looks fine, but I personally don't like hybrids and road-centric bike with suspension forks. Although the SR Suntour one on the Route is probably pretty decent. If you have the option, look at the Detour models... similar intent but with a rigid fork for lighter weight and less maintenance.

Wilfred Laurier

Reply2: Just saw your comment that you will be using the bike primarily on dirt tracks/roads... my comment about suspension forks stands. For that type of riding (which is my primary type of riding too) I don't think you need a suspension fork.

livedarklions

Agree on the Detour--I bought one of those for my son.

My impression is there were several years in the previous decade or so where the Raleigh name was being slapped on some pretty crappy bikes, but that they've started carving a niche for themselves as a budget-conscious bike store brand.

alloo

I own a Raleigh Retroglide IE, a good entry level ebike for the prices. The bike is stiff when going over bumps or pot holes. I have installed a suspension seat post. My first ebike, I've replaced the chain after 1500 miles. I commute about four times a week at 24 miles round trip. I'm considering getting a Electra Townie Go 8i next year. To cut out the derailer.

restlessswind

Raleigh was just until recently a staple at many LBS's. They've changed their marketing to Amazon sales now. Same bikes, but no pro assembly. Just so you know, bikes shipped to your door in a carton are subject to abuse from the chain of carriers that transport the bike. They lay the boxes flat and distort wheels, scratch frames, etc.
Anyone can put the bike together, but with my experience, the bearings are usually too tight, steerer tubes and seat tubes aften need honed, spokes need adjustment, etc.
Just keep it in mind. It's not a terrible bike, it's just now the consumer's responsibility to make it right.

livedarklions

Around New England, it's a mixed strategy. Several lbs in the Boston area carry Raleigh, and you can order assembled bikes off the Raleigh website for pickup at the stores.

chas58

Yeah, Raleigh changed their focus once again about 2 years ago. The Tamland, Willard, Rokker were great bikes - but that designer now has his own brand. Today's Raleigh is not that company any more.

I have a friend who has a mobile repair shop. He has the contract to build Raleigh bikes when they are shipped and delivered (for people who need that). Those 3 bikes mentioned above often seemed to be delivered with bent derailer hangers - that's not too good...

Butch5

Thanks for the replies. I have a question though. It seems that a lot of people don't like suspension forks. Is this just because of the weight or is it that a ridge fork is just better?

phughes

Suspension forks are great, if you need it, like on a serious downhill bike, or something like that. On other applications though, they really are not necessary, and they are heavy, unnecessarily complex for the application, and rob energy.

Speedway2

Butch5.....for your use a rigid fork is all you really need. The $$ saved on a "cheap" fork can be used towards better components, accessories, etc.
At your price point, I don't think one Brand name is really better than another. You're better off basing your choice on colour and fit......

Be sure to post a pic of your bike!

Gresp15C

A note about Raleigh -- there are rumors that you can get a deal on Raleigh and Diamondback bikes if your employer is signed up for their employee discount program, which is apparently quite widespread.

bruce19

I had a Raleigh cross bike that was painted in that kind of Army green (Olive Drab). I liked it a lot. I ended up giving it to my son because he needed a bike and I was hot for a Colnago World Cup CX. Found a pic.

tclong03

So who was the designer' and what is the brand he has now?

chas58

His name is mark, and his brand is Noble bikes

https://www.noble-bikes.com/