Weaknesses: Regular rack had to be filed to fit on low rack holes. Specialized makes a rack with bent legs which would fit but $75.00 at lbs.
Bottom Line:
This is my first new bike in 20 years. I've been riding an old cruiser for the past 4 months and finally bought this for my birthday. What a great bike. I test road several flat bar road bikes and finally bought this year old new stock in December. This rides great. Smooth, easy shifting, quiet, quick handling comfortable with the 35c tires and fast enough for me. most of the time I keep it on the center (42t) chainring and if the front derailler would let it traverse all cogs I don't think I'd need the smallest or largest chainrings. I like the adjustable stem which allowed a great fit. Though I've been told the wheels are entry level they work really well for me so far (230 lbs) though I don't ride really agressively. The SORA shifters, though lower end are great, if I didn't know they were "cheap", I wouldn't have guessed it. If you are looking for a nice entry level bike give this one a shot. I like the ability to have wide tires. I really like the dark gray paint also.
Similar Products Used: Test road , Scwhinn flat bar, Raliegh Route 1 and Jamis Coda. Coda was great too, LOVED the steel frame, but the Raleigh shop is local and (Jamis) Coda isn't.
Bike Setup: Rear rack, fenders, front and rear lights.
Strengths: Touro crank, flatbar rapidfire shifters and front derailleur, the tektro brakes worked quite well
Weaknesses: Sora rear derailleur, very stiff alloy fork which along with aluminum frame makes for a VERY stiff feeling ride. Tires fatter than I would prefer.
Bottom Line:
This bike really isn't that good of a deal compared to what else you can get for the same price. For instance, a Jamis Coda Sport has a better rear derailleur (Deore), a better frame and fork (both steel), a suspension seat post, faster tires with extra safety features, and all for the same price as this C500. Marin and Specialized also have better offerings at this price point. Raleigh probably realized this was the problem and discontinued this model (I was told it didn't sell well). In 2006 they replaced the C500 with the Route 24, and it is a better deal for the money. Hopefully the Route 1, 24, and 66 models will sell better for Raleigh. If you find a closeout C500 for less than ~$400 then you're getting a better deal (although ride it first to make sure you're alright with the way it rides). Otherwise, keep looking.
Strengths: Large size range of frames, solid construction, quick feel of bike, lighter than other hybrids of similar size, quick responses.
Weaknesses: Ride is a bit rough, seat is a bit small.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike! It's quick, relatively light, and very sporty. It's far quicker than my previous bike, and much easier to ride. The ride is a little stiff, due to no suspension, but the bike is solid, the shifters work well, and the matte platinum finish is beautiful. Also, I got the 62cm bike which fits great with my 6'8" body. :)
