SB739

Just wondering what everyone thinks of Raleigh today, I'd really like one of their bikes if I have to replace my Norco but I know they're not as top notch as Trek and Specialised are anymore.

I like the brand a lot, but something tells me they aren't what they used to be and they only charge the premium price due to the name and its legacy :[

And not many 'real' bike shops here in the UK stock them anymore either, only the big box store 'Halfords' that we have!

Considering a Pioneer or Strada model, lower down in the range!

RonH

Have you asked in the United Kingdom or Europe regional subforum? Perhaps someone can help you locate a shop.

fietsbob

They havent been Made in Nottingham England for Many years ..

UK had Regional frame batch making shops in the back of Retail shops making their own frames and building bikes ,

they're mostly Gone now too ..

Mercian is still making Classic frames and forks though, at last search.

Most Bike are coming from Taiwan , Raleigh USA Comes across the Pacific to Seattle,
So Does Specialized and Trek. thru west coast Ports

ramzilla

Made in Taiwan by robots. If you like the ride buy it. Just get the best price possible and, free tune-ups for first year, etc, etc, etc........

ping jockey

If you compare Raleighs of the same price point to Treks, Specialized, Giants or any other make I think you'll find that they are of equal quality. We've had 4 Raleighs in the family fleet in the recent past (down to just one at the present time). I, we, have been happy with all of them. I think the frames for all of them came out of Taiwan and they all have had Shimano components, just like the other makes.
Look for the best price on a bike that fits from a shop that makes you happy and don't worry.

PepeM

If it's good enough for Jezza then it is good enough for you.

AlexCyclistRoch

Like most old brand names, today's Raleigh is just another Asian-sourced company. Generally you can count on Taiwan-built versions to be better than China-built models. The brand name, however, means essentially nothing anymore.

jbell_64

However, I think their quality has been increasing the last few years. They are owned by a large conglomerate now that also owns LaPierre. LaPierre is more of their racing/higher end brand while Raleigh is a good solid "working man/woman's" bike.

ramzilla

I just did a quick Google search on bicycle manufacturers. According to the Bicycle Market Research Institute over 32 million bikes have been produced so far this year (as of today March 21). And, the Peoples Republic of China produces 60% of the worlds bicycles. Taiwan now makes most of the mid to high end bikes. Can't seem to find exactly how many bikes come from Taiwan but, it's probably close to the remaining 30% or so of all bikes made. SO - make sure you get a good deal. You know they're marking this stuff up at least 100% every step of the way.

cyclintom

As was said elsewhere - Raleigh is not a bad bike but Mersian is all hell and gone better. I've no doubt that you can pick one up for a reasonable price.

Bikelyf

Yes as everyone else is stating, many of the large cycling brands have begun production in asian markets. This does not hurt quality although some suffer on the low end. There have been numerous indie companies starting up that are making their bicycles in house ( USA, UK, ITALY, Ect)

Camilo

There's nothing more top notch about Trek or Specialized compared to Raleigh, except for marketing budget.

AlmostTrick

This.

Competition ensures that all manufactures offer comparable products at each price point. Those who don't won't be around long.

I'd rather have a Raleigh (and I do) than a Trek or Specialized.

dkmatdrum

I have a 2014 Raleigh Tamland which has a Reynolds 631 frame made in China-not Taiwan. Every thing else on the bike is 105 Shimano except for the crankset and headset which are FSA. The quality control on welding and paint is very good and everything is straight and correctly assembled. I bought the bike because of its engineering and geometry. I'm happy with it and the country of origin is less important than who spec it out. Apple stuff is made in China under Apple supervision and the Tamland is similar.

clydeosaur

Alot of Raleighs and Diamondbacks seem to share frame likenesses. This I'm guessing impart because they are owned by the same conglomerate. So, you might want to check out both. Nothing looks bad, you just aren't going to turn heads. So, if that's not a concern, go for it.