Strengths: Stiff, but not harsh, very stable at high speed, more than lite enough for me.
Weaknesses: Decal's. I've thought about having the frame painted just to get rid of downtube lettering along with the Campy decal on the top tube (I set up the bike with 9 speed Durace.)
Bottom Line:
Nice, smooth, stable frame and fork. Yes, the frames steel and that is what I wanted. I ride the 62cm frame which fits me great at 6'6" 230lbs. Despite the steel, the bike weighs in at a little over 19lbs(no carbon on the bike with exception of the fork). I could do without the VERY large Raleigh lettering on down tube though, other than that a great value
Strengths: ~ Great build, finish, & geom.
~ Good value if bought OEM with the Chorus group, etc.
~ Very nice Columbus "Link" CF fork.
~ Strong frame with decent low-weight.
~ Good drop-outs.
~ Braze-on front derailleur.
~ Not a "me-too" bike; you won't find many of these in your local club rides.
Weaknesses: ~ Fairly short head tube might annoy some.
~ Could do without the "Columbus", "Campagnolo", and "Raleigh USA" script on the top tube.
~ Not generally available as frame-only.
~ No longer made.
Bottom Line:
I test rode this bike at a dealer's with the factory OEM components and liked it a lot. Since I wanted to spec my own components I decided to see if I could find the frame separately and build my own rig. Found this one on eBay hardly used for $225. Incredible deal for a full Columbus 'Nivacrom' Zona tubeset!!
I've ridden this for about 4 months now, (approx. 2000 miles) and it's one of the best handling, smoothest riding frames I've owned. A noticeable improvement over the aluminum CX/road frame I had previously as far as ride comfort, and the geom is less twitchy but still responsive compared to the Litespeed Tuscany I had.
As far as weight, I don't feel the Professional is too heavy, especially since I weigh around 200 lbs. I like frames that are light enough but also will hold up to some rough terrain. This particular build (56 cm.) weighs in at 20 lbs. with a Brooks Pro saddle + the parts listed in "Bike Setup". Not bad at all. It could easily get to 18 lbs. and maybe less with different components.
Though I seldom race anymore, this IMO is a very raceable frame with the geometry it has. I was able to get 28c CX tires on for a 'cross race in October - but just barely. The geom is also good for work-out rides, or just general recreational riding.
One thing though: some non-racers might wish for a taller head tube, but the good thing is you can get a low bar position without a radically angled stem. If you want an ultra-comfort or touring frame, look elsewhere!
The paint finish is very good, as are the TIG welds. To nit-pick, I would have liked a smaller "Raleigh" logo on the down tube, and a different color than the "Champagne" with the black. But the panel scheme itself is quite OK.
I'd rate it Overall a "4.5", because of course there's always something better, (like a custom Pegoretti or Sachs). Value is "5+", considering what I paid.
Strengths: smooth ride. Great components for the $$$. Lots of Raleigh dealers to choose from. Not many people own this bike.
Weaknesses: Tires are "training" quality only. Frame made in Taiwan.
Bottom Line:
Great bike! I work in a shop and was able to get this bike for a great price. Components alone are worth the price of the bike. If you're looking for steel, like I was, and want Campy Chorus, you simply can't go wrong with this bike. I've put about 1,000 miles on the bike and have done 5 races. Not the lightest bike out there, but very comfortable. Handling is very confident in cornering. Doesn't have the best "jump" when sprinting, but nothing less than I'd expect from steel at this price point. Try to find a Columbus Zona steel frame from any company for less than $1,000 for the frame only. If you can still find this bike, since the '04s have been out for months and '03 was the last year for the Professional, take a serious look at it before you get your Whopper With Cheese Lemond Zurich or Trek 2300 (which happen to be great, albeit very popular and plain).
Submitted by
schnitzengrueben
a Road Racer
from plymouth, nh, usa
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Strengths: Value, strength, stiffness, ride of steel, components, wheelset.
Weaknesses: A bit harsh in the tail.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike for the money! Stiff and strong, maybe a bit harsh in the tail for steel, but we'll see how it breaks in. Maybe a bit heavy for a high-end rig, but I'm a taller, heavier rider (6'4",195lb) so I appreciate the beefy steel tubing. Great for heavy duty training.
Similar Products Used: Bianchi Reparto Corse XL Boron - this is definitely a lighter, livelier bike, but having cracked a weld once already, I'll save the heavy training for the Raleigh.
Bike Setup: 59cm - Columbus Zona steel tubing - Camp. Chorus 10spd drive, Centaur brakeset - Camp. Proton wheelset
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