If you’re a beginner looking to have a great cycling experience, you’ll need a bike from a reputable manufacturer. Raleigh offers endless alternatives from the road and mountain bikes to children’s bikes and e-bikes, which begs the question: Are Raleigh bikes good?
Raleigh bicycles are good buys because they are available in different frame styles at different prices. In addition, they use unique designs complemented by excellent warranties. There are also many models to select from, including specific versions for women and children.
Despite these impressive indicators, the brand has a few worries. This Raleigh bike review intends to assist you in making an enlightened purchase.
In the 1990s, Raleigh made history, becoming the first British bicycle company to manufacture suspension MTBs in mass.
Raleigh now owns both Raleigh and Diamondback Bicycles, evidencing its market dominance. Mountain bikes, road bikes, urban bikes, adventure bikes, and e-bikes are among the manufacturers’ bicycles.
Raleigh Bikes’ History
In 1885, the Raleigh Bicycle Company began as a bicycle store on Raleigh Street in the United Kingdom. Paul Eugene and Richard Morris were the brains behind the operation.
The brand grew exponentially, and by springtime, it advertised its products on local papers. Finally, it caught the attention of a British inventor called Sir Frank Bowden, who took up riding and bought one bicycle from the brand.
Sir Frank Bowden’s fascination with the bikes propelled him to buy the company and renamed it The Raleigh Cycle Company between 1887-1888.
Raleigh had become a global leader in bicycle production by the 1920s, averaging over 100,000 bicycles each year. Raleigh maintained robust sales and production increase despite other wartime difficulties, producing 5400 bikes each week.
Raleigh contracted Reg Harris as a professional cyclist in 1948, and the business released its iconic Chopper cycle to the market in 1969, selling an unprecedented 1.5 million bikes.
The Grifter bike came in 1976, trailed by the Burner series in the 1980s. The company was also interested in promoting cycling activities at this time.
Are Raleigh Bikes Good Quality? (An In-depth Look)
The Strengths
Raleigh bicycles are worthwhile acquisitions for the following reasons:
1. Innovative Designs
This benefit is most noticeable in Raleigh’s high-end cycles. Its e-bikes, for example, have a Bosch motor that provides up to 275 % pedaling support and can reach speeds of 32 mph.
Consequently, the motor system enhances your cycling enjoyment by making pedaling more convenient.
The brand employs a cutting-edge welding technique in making frames to ensure rigidity and uniformity. Additionally, the suspension provides shock absorption and improved bike control.
2. Value For Money
Raleigh offers excellent value for money due to its high quality and vast bike selection. However, the bike’s price depends on its model and, subsequently, the design’s intricacy.
A mountain bike, for example, would be more pricey than a road bike since the mountain bike requires more gears and tires with better traction.
Raleigh bikes can easily handle different terrains thanks to their quality components, which are also affordable.
3. All Frames Are In Stock
Raleigh bicycles feature a variety of frame styles to provide you with maximum cycling possibilities.
Many Raleigh bikes sport aluminum frames due to their lightweight and affordability. They can withstand minor bumps and accords you with complete control of your bike.
Alternatively, you can consider steel frames. They are less expensive and embody an incredible tensile strength coupled with absorbing severe bumps.
You won’t go wrong with carbon, either. Carbon builds the most expensive Raleigh bicycle frames.
The carbon frames are light hence ideal for MTBs and racing cycles.
4. A Diverse Selection Of Bicycles
Raleigh has something for everyone, whether a starter or a seasoned rider, a commuter, or a mountain biker. The brand makes bikes for both kids and adults, making it ideal for teaching youngsters to ride or enjoy riding as a family.
5. Dedicated Women’s Bikes
The brand has models for women, so they don’t have to rely on men’s bikes. You can land feminine-specific alternatives such as road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, and recreation bikes, among others.
6. Wide Price Range
You can buy a bike from Raleigh at any price bracket, with the cheapest options going for $200-$500. Such models don’t promise elite performance, but they suit casual cyclists.
If you’re craving quality from Raleigh, expect to pay at least $500, depending on the bike model you desire.
7. Durability
A bike’s lifespan is contingent on the quality of materials used to design it. Consequently, a bike featuring robust, resistant components can handle tricky trails without compromising its quality and longevity.
Raleigh bikes demand minimal care and come with lightweight frames, which help minimize mishaps that result in dents or scratches.
Additionally, the bikes can withstand any weather conditions, ensuring that the exteriors remain pristine.
8. Excellent Warranties
Raleigh provides outstanding warranties to first-time buyers; for instance, rigid frames come with a finite lifetime assurance. Full-suspension frames, on the other hand, enjoy a five-year guarantee.
The warranty cushions the frames from faulty materials and poor craft. The bike finish and the decals come with a one-year warranty.
Having looked at the goodies to expect from Raleigh bikes, let’s look at the different models you can buy.
The Downsides
While Raleigh bikes are generally decent and sold at affordable prices, they are not flawless. For instance, recreation and urban bikes have extra-wide handlebars, thus not the best for long-distance commutes.
Moreover, the road bicycles have relatively uncomfortable seats, making you vulnerable to saddle numbness. In addition, the seat post and wheels’ quick-release function makes them susceptible to theft.
What Types of Bikes Does Raleigh Make?
Raleigh manufactures mountain, road, electric, recreational, kids, and urban bikes. It also makes bikes specifically made for women.
a) Raleigh Mountain Bikes
Raleigh MTBs boast the most advanced geometry and high-performance elements to meet various cycling demands. These bikes incorporate resilience and lightness to provide unrivaled climbing performance.
They’re tough enough to handle bumps, dirt, and rocks.
b) Raleigh Road Bikes
Raleigh road bikes blend strength with a lightweight build, qualities that make them faster than other bikes. They feature either aluminum or carbon frames which makes them extremely light.
Raleigh roadies are a perfect fit for pro cyclists since they deliver elite performances.
c) Raleigh Electric Bikes
Raleigh sells many e-bikes, including road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, and beach cruisers. The e-bikes blend mid-range and high-end accessories, making them a decent buy.
They use Shimano drivetrains, Kenda wheels, and SR. Suntour suspension forks, all of which are good. These bikes are appealing to both recreational and commuting bikers.
d) Raleigh Urban Bikes
The brand retails a variety of urban bike models, such as commuter bicycles (Raleigh folding cycles), heritage bikes, street bikes, and exercise bikes. These bikes feature laidback designs that won’t compromise your riding posture.
e) Raleigh Recreational Bikes
If you enjoy exploring the city or riding on a beach under a hot sun, then Raleigh recreational bike would easily fit your need. They are also ideal for family outings and doing errands on friendlier routes.
Here, you have the option of riding either a tricycle or a comfort bike. Raleigh tricycles are popular due to their capacity to handle big loads.
f) Raleigh Kids’ Bikes
The brand looks out for the young population’s cycling interests by manufacturing unusually high-quality bikes for children. Toddlers can ride these bikes on dirt, parks, or sidewalks.
Raleigh sells children’s bikes in sizes ranging from 12 to 26 inches.
Parents and guardians should consider Raleigh Rowdy Kids Bike (View on Amazon) for boys and girls. It’s available in 16-inch, 20-inch, and 24-inch wheels and a lightweight, durable aluminum frame.
It also has V-brakes for easy stopping and speed control, and it’s a single-speed bike, making it easy for kids to ride.
g) Raleigh Women Bikes
Raleigh has a women’s bike collection, including mountain, road, urban, and leisure bikes.
The low swooping frame of these women’s bikes makes them ideal for female bikers. They also have a vintage design that makes them fashionable.
They are also safe because they are robust and trustworthy over various terrains.
Are Raleigh Bikes Good? (Pros And Cons)
Here are the strengths and weaknesses of Raleigh bicycles.
Pros
- They offer great value for money
- The bikes have excellent warranties
- The bikes feature innovative designs
- The brand has women and kids’ collections
- The manufacturer caters to both budget and high-end customers.
Cons
- They have extra-wide handlebars
- Most Raleigh road bikes have uncomfortable saddles
- The quick-release function on the seat posts and wheels poses safety risks
FAQs
1. Is Raleigh A Good Bike Brand?
Raleigh bikes match other bikes in the market in terms of excellence in quality. In addition, Raleigh has superior features at the same price or matching components at a lower cost compared to Cannondale, Specialized, and Trek.
2. Are Raleigh Bikes Made In China?
China manufactures Japanese Raleigh bikes, while the U.S., U.K., and Taiwan assemble the rest.
3. Is Raleigh Better Than Schwinn?
Schwinn is your best bet if you want a bike with a more comfortable frame and a massive cockpit. However, Raleigh is the way to go if you like tighter frame angles.
Raleigh provides excellent weight, flexibility, and durability blend. On the other hand, Schwinn features an electro forged frame, making it durable and considerably heavier than necessary.
4. How Much Do Raleigh Bikes Cost?
Budget Raleigh bicycles vary from $200 to $500, while medium-priced versions range from $500 to $1,000.
5. What Happened to Raleigh Road Bikes?
Raleigh used to manufacture road bikes in a wide range but shifted its attention to kids, electric, and hybrid bicycles. However, you can still find vintage or second-hand Raleigh roadies.
6. Are Vintage Raleigh Bikes Good?
Raleigh makes high-quality bikes with robust frames and outstanding components. Therefore, a vintage Raleigh bicycle can be an excellent buy but ensure you assess its conditions or are equipped to restore it.
In Conclusion, Are Raleigh Bikes Good?
From the post, Raleigh is one of the few companies that blend performance, comfort, and longevity. As Raleigh has, few businesses can likewise claim to have been around for over a century.
The brand is excellent based on its rich history and decent bikes.
Also read:
- Are Schwinn Bikes Good?
- Are Giant Bikes Good?
- Is Nashbar A Good Bike Brand?
