Raleigh USA Bicycle Company 2001 CT300

Price Paid:  $375.00 at Std Cycle

Favorite Ride:
Streets and paved bike paths

Bike Setup:
Kenda Tires, Tool bag, carryable pump, tail light that mounts to tool bag, headlamp.

Summary:
I got this bike in 2002 and got a heck of a deal because it was the previous years model. Over the last several years i have abused this bike pretty hard and it still works like a top even though several coponents have needed to be replaced.

After about 9 months I got into an incedent where my rear wheel was hit by another bicycle. This involved replacing that. Shortly there after I hit a bump and went over my handle bars, this caused my front wheel to be bent over on itslelf. About a year afterward, my handlebar grips wore out and I bent one of the plastic pedals. So i decided to go ahead and replace the pedals with aluminum ones, and I have had no complaints since and my handle bar grips have since been replaced. About 13-15 months after that the front wheel was bent again after avoiding a car and hitting a curb at high speed. I also noticed my tires were worn down considerably and the rear tube had a punture. I had the narrower original tires replaced with some knobbier Kendas and lined the tires with kevlar thorn gaurds. I then decided to purchase spare tubes and a patch kit a carryable pump. Then when my commuting started carrying itno the night I sprang for a tail light that mounts to the tool bag on my seat post, and a headlight that mounted to the front handle bars. I have ridden my bike hard but I love everything about it. I am now starting to look into a more comfortable seat to replace the original, because my riding distance has increased so I am looking for something with more comfort, also the original isstarting to deterate

Strengths:
I have never had a problem with the shifters or brakes on the bike. The frame has a lifetime warranty, very smooth and pleasant bike to ride.

Weaknesses:
The original handle bar grips were uncomfortable and wore out after a year of use. The original pedals were made of plastic and failed after a year of hard riding. The front and rear wheels are a little more frail than I would like, but thats a drawback you deal with if you like skinnier tires.