Raleigh USA Bicycle Company 2000 R700

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at County Cycle

Favorite Ride:
Any ride

Summary:
Being a student with a limited budget I was looking for a good deal on the bike. I couldn't find anything that compared to R700. Having a full Ultegra component group, carbon fork, and a decent frame it was definitely worth the money. I have been warned of the harshness of an aluminum bike, but this is one isn't that bad. One of these days when I do have cash I am going to upgrade to a carbon seatpost to help out more. Have had a few problems (see weaknesses) but overall pleased with the performance of the bike.

Strengths:
Good entry racing bike for those of us on budgets. Can't argue with full Ultegra for less then $1500.

Weaknesses:
Had problems with the seat making noise, tried greasing it but didn't help. Shop replaced it after I brought it in. Around 1500 miles started breaking multiple spokes. Ended up having the wheel rebuilt.

Similar Products Used:
Test road Univega, Jamis, Trek.

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at UCSD Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Swami's

Bike Setup:
Ultegra gruppo w/ 105 BB, Chris King headset, Prima 199 handlebar, Campy Record seatpost, flite tran

Summary:
This is a great bike for a beginning racer who has very little money to spend on a racable/durable bike. The bike comes w/ full Ultegra components with the exception of the BB (105). The welds are nice and sanded smooth.

The R700 shines on the climbs and sprints due to the stiff frame. the shoots forward as soon as the pedals are pushed. the classic geometry is stable on fast and technical downhills. The shimano 535 wheels are also as good as advertised. They require one initial truing after 1000K or so and they remain straight.

Strengths:
Price and stiffness. this bike is a steal for the price. the Ultegra grouppo alone retails for 1000 dollars. After wheels and control items, you're almost getting the frame for free. It's a fast racer and is good enough to get most people to the podium.

Weaknesses:
Stiffness. while it's a great bike for heavier/taller riders, the combination of straight Al tubing and smaller frame sizes produces a harsh ride for light weights. And if you're a gram counter, this bike will require some upgrades. the control items are all on the heavier side, but overall the bike weights around 21lbs, which is great for the money.

The stock headset is hard to adjust, either too tight or too loose.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R1000, KHS Team, Raleigh 2000 R700

Price Paid:  $1250.00 at Bills Bike Co.

Favorite Ride:
AMI, Hilltop

Bike Setup:
Stock w/specialized comp.

Summary:
Great bike for the price. I started to look for a road bike to help train for mountain biking. I am riding the R700 alot more than I thought. I would recomend it to anyone that is looking for a "race worthy" bike to get a start in road cycling. I did not find the frame to be to harsh for my liking.

Strengths:
Good looks, all Ultegra except BB, Carbon fork, smooth weld frame.

Weaknesses:
Stock tires wear fast. Easy to fix. Just replace.

Similar Products Used:
Canondale, Trek

Price Paid:  $1449.00 at the BICYCLE SHOP in Hartville

Favorite Ride:
Anytime I'm riding

Bike Setup:
Stock bike + Flite Deck computer

Summary:
REVIEW IS FOR THE 2001 R700---I'm kicking myself for not grabbing this bike earlier in the Spring/Summer--riding is fun again. My old ride was a 10 year-old C-dale...the R700 is light years past that bike. I'll be the first to admit that over the past couple of years I got caught looking at the bikes with the more well-known names. Once I got past that little hang-up of mine I found this little gem. If you're looking to get the most bike for your $$, try this one on for size. Stop paying hundreds more for a name (Trek/Cannondale) and go for the value. Add it up yourself and you'll see.

Strengths:
2001 R700 1. Bang for the buck!! I priced this bike out piece by piece before making my decision, then ran to the shop to grab the last one before it was gone. It was too much of a deal to pass up. Ultegra, carbon fork & 535's for less then $1500 - Get Real!! 2. The ride. Really. People talk about how unforgiving an aluminum frame is but I had never ridden one with a carbon fork before. Sure the roads of NE Ohio leave much to be desired, but this bike "smooths" them out pretty well.
3. Looks. This thing looks fast leaning against a wall.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Budget

Favorite Ride:
Paoli

Bike Setup:
Profile aero bars, Terry Saddle (must replace stock saddles, duh!) Stock 9 speed Ultegra

Summary:
2000 9 speed Ultegra groupo cost $1100 at the time we purchased the bike! bike caost $1000... hello? need I say more? Throw in an sleek looking aero frameset for free and whats the question here?

Strengths:
Cost/Value Frame is stiff, aero tubing, and looks

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
name it