Price Paid:
$650.00
at Eki Cyclery, Honolul Bike Setup:
2008 Raleigh Detour 6.5, added Avid BB7 disc brakes, new rotors (Avid 160mm) and new wheels (Weinmann 519s). Shimano PD-M324 pedals. Added Planet Bike fenders and rear rack with pannier bags. It's a commuting machine! Summary:
I commute about 2-3 times a week from Hickam AFB to Pacific Command -- about 7 miles each way. PACOM is up a monster hill and traffic is plentiful along the route. Rains somewhat often, especially up on the hill. Few bike lanes. Wanted a bike with 700c tires for speed in traffic and disc brakes (or mounts so I could add them) for the rainy weather & big downhill...especially when combined.
I went to every bike store here on the island and rode everything I could -- Trek Soho and Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra appealed to me, but the Raleigh was a lot of bike for the money, and what I saved paid for all the add-ons with room to spare. If I had unlimited funds, I would have gone with the Cannondale and upgraded the components.
Overall, the Detour 6.5 is a solid bike and does the job with few complaints. Yes, there are a few times I have wished for a front shock while riding on poorly maintained Hawaii roads, but the overall package meets my needs very well. It can take a beating and the aluminum frame means I don't feel hindered by weight.
My average speed on the flats is 16-17 mph, so it's not going to keep you up with your road bike buds on longer weekend trips. I may try more narrow road-type tires eventually, but the tread on the stock tires seems to work well in rain and they probably give me some cusion I would miss on the rough roads.
BL: It's a solid commuter that does everything well, but nothing super-well. It's not super-fast, nor is it super-comfortable. It can take abuse, has good components, and plenty of room for upgrades at a great price. I paid more than what you'll see online, but everything here is more expensive. Strengths:
It's a lot of commuter bike for the money. Good, solid components, able to be upgraded. Gearing is perfect for slow climbs up long hills and for keeping up with traffic on the downhills. Weaknesses:
A simple "lock-out" front shock system would have been nice. Seat could be a little cushier -- you're not going to take it on long trips where you'll do a lot of hard pedaling anyway. Similar Products Used:
Haro Heartland LTD
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