MTB-type Deore derailleur

Velour rubberized seat, handlebar stem broke.

I sold all my other bikes, Dahon Jack, Specialized Expedition and Genesis(Wal-Mart) rescue before buying the Raleigh Detour 6.5 new. I retain a modified gear Dahon Speed D7 which I ride uphill.

I went to my regular haunt at Eki Cyclery, Honolulu, told the boss what I wanted in a bike and he sold me the Detour 6.5 on sale.

I ride recreationally with a friend slowly on city streets and sidewalks and alone for exercise uphill. I had to replace the handlebar stem after about 6 months of ownership because it cracked near a screw. I bought an after market alloy adjustable stem at Eki for $40. I have it adjusted all the way up. It was much stronger looking than the Raleigh model. I found the factory seat to be too sticky with a rubberized velour type of material so, replaced it with an old beat up Schwinn seat in my parts bin. Eki sold me a large sized bike so I cut the seat post 2". I'm 5'5". Seat post sticks up 4.5" above the seat tube top.

I had to adjust the brakes, front and rear derailleurs after 6 months. They were out of alignment. I notice a little rust under the bike so, sprayed it with rust inhibitor.

The bike coasts long distances in the flats and climbs hills and long grades slowly but surely. It is a quiet bike with no clicking sounds that other bikes have. It has a high tire inflation pressure with 700/38 puncture resistant tires which are good for curb jumping. This is not a high performance hybrid bike and not meant for speed. After all it weighs 30 lbs. It has sealed bearings. It has an upscale Deore derailleur which is quiet, smooth and fast.

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.

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.

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.

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Haro Heartland LTD