Raleigh, named after a historic street in the United Kingdom, is a household name in the bicycle industry. However, the selections are endless, which ranges from mountain bikes and road bikes to e-bikes and children’s bicycles. But have you ever thought about how good are raleigh bikes?
We will discuss the answer to this question in the latter part of this article. Before that, let us review the best Raleigh bikes for you so that you can take an informed decision about purchasing them.
Our Top Picks for Raleigh Bikes
In-Depth Review of the Best Raleigh Bikes
The list of Raleigh bike models is available in the market as outlined below. We have created an in-depth review of the best Raleigh bikes that you can rely on.
1: Raleigh Bikes Alysa Women’s Urban Fitness
| Wheel Size | 24 inches |
| Bike type | Road bike |
| Brand | Raleigh |
| Number of Speed | 7 |
| Frame | Aluminum low standover |
| Brakes | Alloy V-brake |
| Shifters | Shimano Revo 7-speed |
| Gears | Shimano tourney, 1 front & 7 rear gears |
| Weight | 22.1lbs |
If you’re seeking a fitness road bike for women, the Alysa bike raleigh is the best option. This incredibly suited bike is ideal for any woman, particularly those who need to travel far from home to do any specific tasks.
The bike’s high-quality build components have made it solid and durable, and it will last you a long time. Moreover, the frame of raleigh bikes is solid, strong, and remarkably lightweight.
Furthermore, the Women’s Urban Fitness Bike Alysa comes with 27-speed Shimano gears which are efficient in a wide range of terrain and activities, including short-distance commutes on city streets and climbing hills. Also, the mechanical disc brakes on this hybrid bike are unrivaled. They provide excellent braking power in a variety of riding circumstances.
2: Raleigh Cadent Hybrid Bikes
| Wheel Size | 24 inches |
| Bike type | Road bike |
| Brand | Raleigh |
| Number of Speed | 7 |
| Frame | Aluminum low standover |
| Brakes | Alloy V-brake |
| Shifters | Shimano Revo 7-speed |
| Gears | Shimano tourney, 1 front & 7 rear gears |
| Weight | 23.3lbs |
Being marketed as a bike for men, the Raleigh bikes cadent hybrid comes in different sizes, which makes them suitable for all riders. The cadent hybrid is built of aluminum alloy tubing which makes it lightweight and extremely sturdy.
Moreover, This bike is equipped with 24-speed gear combinations which enable you to ride from level roads too potholed roads and mountains without much difficulty.
Furthermore, the bike comes with a mechanical disc which provides tremendous and accurate stopping ability. In addition, these types of brakes require no or less maintenance.
3: Raleigh MXR 12”/16”/20” Bike
| Wheel Size | 12″ / 16″/ 20″ |
| Bike type | Road bike |
| Brand | Raleigh |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Coaster brake |
| Shifters | None |
| Gears | One speed |
| Weight | 19lbs to 21lbs |
The Raleigh MXR is an excellent bike for children who are eager to put power into the pedals. The sturdy steel frame can withstand the bumps and falls that come with learning to ride. However, training wheels can be used to teach balance and then removed when your child is ready to ride on two wheels on his or her own.
Moreover, it comes with coaster brakes which are simple to use. You need to simply press the pedals backward to slow the bike down. Furthermore, a chainguard protects the pant legs and skin from dirt and damage. In addition, this bicycle comes in both 12 inches, 16 inches, and 20 inches tire sizes.
4: Raleigh Bike Jazzi Kids
| Wheel Size | 12″ / 16″/ 20″ |
| Bike type | Kids bike |
| Brand | Raleigh |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Coaster brake |
| Shifters | None |
| Gears | One speed |
| Kickstand | None |
The raleigh bikes Jazzi is the budgeted bike for kids ages 5 to 9. It is best suited for beginner riders, as it has a comfortable, upright body position with a coaster brake. Also, it comes in 12/16/20 inches tire sizes.
Moreover, you can easily transition from 12” to 20” with the help of training wheels. In addition, the frame and handlebars are constructed in a way to provide the rider with a comfortable and upright position.
5: Raleigh Rowdy 16/20/24 Kids Bikes
| Wheel Size | 16″/ 20″/24″ |
| Bike type | Kids bike |
| Brand | Raleigh |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Brakes | Alloy V-brake |
| Shifters | None |
| Gears | One speed |
| Kickstand | None |
The Raleigh Rowdy is a well-made, mid-priced bike for teens and aggressive riders. It packs a lot of punch into its price tag, owing to its lightweight frame, lack of a coaster brake, and dual-hand brakes.
It is a mountain bike designed for young riders on a budget. Moreover, the Rowdy is best suited for ambitious riders because of its extended reach and extra broad handlebars. Furthermore, the Rowdy Raleigh bikes enable the young riders to grasp the motion of pedaling more quickly.
Raleigh Bikes: Overview
After walking through the top 5 Raleigh bikes, you should be aware of the establishment of the famous The Raleigh Bicycle Company, which began as a bike store on Raleigh Street in the United Kingdom. Richard Morris and Paul Eugene were the main men behind this stylish bike brand. However, the two individuals decided to call the shop Raleigh Bicycles after the street. Frank Bowden, a cycling enthusiast, and a medical professional, once visited the bike shop and fell in love with the concept. He decided to participate as an investor and eventually purchased one of the partners’ shares, thus allowing him to operate the firm.
Moreover, in 1889, they registered the bike store as a private limited liability business and advertised it in the local press. They were privileged enough to get a column in the Nottinghamshire Guardian, which increased their fame in the United Kingdom. In addition, a Raleigh cycle rider won silver in the Olympics in 1943, and 20 years later, Raleigh created the renowned Raleigh Chopper, which sold over 1.5 million copies approximately.
In 1965, the firm debuted the famed Raleigh RSW, a balloon tire casual bike, followed by other models. Also, this famous cycle brand started sponsoring motorcycle contests between the years 1970 and 198. Now, Raleigh owns not just Raleigh Bicycles but also Diamondback Bicycles, thus, demonstrating its market domination. They manufacture a wide range of bikes, which are as follows:
- Urban bikes
- Road bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Women’s bikes
- Electric bikes
- Kid’s bikes
- Recreational bikes
Pros and Cons of the Raleigh Bikes
If you are eager to know are Raleigh bikes are good, the below-mentioned pointers, both good and bad, will assist you in making an informed decision about purchasing them. At first, we will discuss the good pointers and then the bad pointers.
The Good Pointers or Pros
If you are really interested in purchasing the Raleigh bikes, the good pointers below will make you understand why these bikes are worthwhile to purchase.
1. Availability of all Frames
Raleigh bicycles are available in a variety of frame styles to provide you with the greatest cycling freedom. However, aluminum frames are the most popular as they are lightweight and inexpensive. They can withstand minor bumps and usually provide you with complete control of the cycle.
The steel frames, which are recognized for their great tensile strength and ability to absorb larger bumps, are another less expensive choice. Moreover, you can purchase the best bullhorn handlebars for aesthetics and performance.
In addition, there’s also carbon, which is used to build the most expensive Raleigh bike frames. The frames are extremely light, making them ideal for racing bikes and mountain bikes.
2. Unique Designs
This advantage is most noticeable on Raleigh’s high-end bikes. Their electric bikes, have a Bosch motor that provides up to 275 percent pedaling assistance, allowing you to reach speeds of up to 32mph. Thus, the motor system increases your riding experience by making pedaling easier.
Moreover, to ensure rigidity and uniformity, the frames are constructed using cutting-edge welding technology. Furthermore, the suspension is designed to provide improved bike handling and shock absorption.
3. Amazing Warranties
Raleigh provides outstanding warranties to first-time buyers. For instance, rigid frames have a limited lifetime warranty, and full-suspension frames have a five-year warranty. The frame warranty protects the frame against faulty materials and poor workmanship.
Moreover, other components, including decals and the bike finish, have a one-year warranty. All of these warranties demonstrate Raleigh’s faith in material sourcing and creativity.
4. Wide Range of Bicycles
Raleigh has about every range of bicycles that you can imagine. You can purchase anything from road bikes and mountain bikes to adventure bikes and recreational cycles, and that’s not all.
Raleigh sells bikes for people of all skill levels. It also sells entry-level, mid-level, and a few sophisticated bikes. Thus, they have an all-inclusive bike range.
5. Women’s and Children’s Lines
Raleigh has separate lines for ladies and children. Women no longer have to push themselves onto men’s bikes when feminine-specific solutions are easily available.
Women’s options include Raleigh hybrid bikes, road cycles, recreation bikes, and mountain bikes. Kids may also browse for bikes based on their age or height. Thus, the incentive to purchase a larger bike is eliminated.
The Bad Pointers or Cons
Given that the majority of Raleigh bicycles are low-cost options, it’s difficult to find fault. However, there are a few things that need to be improved, which are as follows:
1. Handlebars
The majority of handlebars are extra-wide, especially on urban and recreational bicycles. Thus, they are not suitable for prolonged journeys.
2. Seats
The road bike seats, on the other hand, are not the most comfortable. As a result, if you ride for an extended period of time, you may have saddle numbness.
3. Other pointers
The inclusion of a quick-release feature in some wheels and seat posts is also a safety concern. Someone might be able to undo and take them.
How to Purchase the Best Raleigh Bikes? Buyers Guide
If you need to purchase the best Raleigh bikes, follow the below-mentioned buyer’s guide. These bikes are tested by our experts, so you can rely on them without any doubt.
1. Classification of Bikes
Due to the availability of a large selection of Raleigh bikes, you must first categorize the bikes you require based on your needs. For instance, if you are looking for mountain bikes, you should first select the category of mountain bikes that best fits your needs.
Trail mountain bikes are ideal for leisurely rides on both paved and rugged terrains. On the other hand, a cross-country mountain bike is great if you want to ride on fast terrain while also being able to climb.
2. Suspension
Consider the brakes and suspension on your Raleigh bikes for a safe and enjoyable ride. Full or dual suspension, hardtail, and rigid are the three forms of bike suspension.
Among these, the dual suspension is the finest option. Shock-absorbing springs are used in the front fork and rear part of bikes with complete suspension. This enables stress absorption and cancellation from both ends.
However, hardtail suspensions are the most popular because they are both inexpensive and effective. The shock-absorbent system will only be in the front fork. Thus, while approaching rough areas, you will experience bumps. At last, the rigid suspension usually comes in the lower-priced bikes. Your bikes have no suspension springs on each end.
3. Size of the Tire
While selecting the preferred Raleigh bikes, you need to first consider your height and then the size of your bike tires. The proper wheel size for persons with heights ranging from 4 ft to 5’1′′ is 24′′. The most common adult mountain bike wheel sizes are 26”, 27”, 27.5”, and 29′′. Moreover, a 29-inch bike tire is best suited for those standing 5’7” to 6′ tall. So far, a 27.5′′ wheel size goes quicker and further than a 26′′ wheel size. Furthermore, riding on 27.5′′ bike tires gives you more control.
4. Bike Frame Material
If you’re looking for a less-priced Raleigh bike, you may expect it to have a stainless steel frame. With a stainless steel frame, you receive better corrosion resistance while being extremely durable. However, the biggest disadvantage of steel frames will be their heavier weight.
Meanwhile, different materials for your bike frame may be available, such as aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber bike frames are the most costly of these materials, followed by titanium bike frames. However, both are more lightweight and durable than aluminum and stainless steel.
5. Gear Shifters and Speed Controls
When comparing road and mountain bikes, the biggest difference will be their ability to traverse the terrain. Road bikes are intended for use on paved surfaces. On concrete and flat surfaces, they deliver quick and efficient rides.
On the other hand, mountain bikes, have the ability to trail on a variety of road conditions. They are designed to create an efficient path on both paved and off-road surfaces. However, mountain bikes feature various speed settings to do this.
You will utilize your gear shifters to modify your speed setting. These are the thumb gear shifters that attach directly to the front and rear derailleurs. Shimano F/R derailleurs are an excellent choice for most entry-level Raleigh mountain bikes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Raleigh a reputable bike brand?
Raleigh is of comparable quality to any bike shop-grade bike at a comparable price. When comparing Raleigh to top-tier manufacturers like Trek, Specialized, or Cannondale, you’ll discover that Raleigh has superior components at the same price or equivalent components at a lesser price.
2. Are classic Raleigh bikes good?
Raleigh has been in business since 1885, and the reason for their success is that they produce high-quality bicycles. Moreover, Vintage Raleigh bikes offer a classic aesthetic and standard vintage equipment like mudguards and baskets. They are of good quality as long as their former owners took care of them.
3. What are Raleigh bikes known for?
Raleigh is among the world’s oldest and most well-known bicycle manufacturers. However, it was founded in 1887 in Nottingham, England, and is currently headquartered there. Furthermore, they are well-known for legendary motorcycles like the Burner, Grifter, and Chopper, as well as cutting-edge bikes like the Raleigh- TI.
