Raleigh USA Bicycle Company Grand Sport

Price Paid:  $475.00 at The Bicycle Exchange

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
yes

Bike Setup:
You can set it up with a basket for commuting and multiple bottle holders.

Summary:
This is an awesome bike for the cyclist looking for a way to get into road cycling. I am a commuter cyclist and a recreational road cyclist on the weekends and during the week. This bike has held up against long 30+ mile rides in all sorts of wheather as well as several falls and accidents. I recommend this bike to anyone that gets their hands on it. It was a steal of a deal.

Strengths:
Many people think aluminum bodies are a weakness. Actually if you wiegh more than 170 pounds this bike holds your wieght better than any carbon fiber model. The wieght of the bike does not affect the speed, it is a very fast bike (I have wipped up on some Cervelos and Biachis with it). The shifters and deraillers are shimano sora and are streamlined into the bike for seamless shifting. Tecktro brakes are the same used in high end road cycles.

Weaknesses:
No weaknesses. Not even the stock pedals. I have never used clip pedals and I will tell you that it doesn't matter.

Similar Products Used:
This is my first road bike.

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Local Bike Shop Clos

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Raleigh Grand Sport

Bike Setup:
Stock with Shimano SPD pedals.

Summary:
Did my homework and decided that this was the best bike for the price. So far no regrets. Great bike.

Strengths:
Smooth, quick and responsive.

Weaknesses:
The stock pedals. Definately get a new one before you leave the store!

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Freewheel bikeshop

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Raliegh Grand Sport

Summary:
Great bike for the money. I purchased this bike and rode 1300 miles on it in 3 months, didn't have a problem. It is a an extremely tough bike and has been a joy to ride almost daily.

Strengths:
Like I said it is a tough bike. I had a accident where I went through a fence. I got right back on the bike and finished the ride. Front forks diffently held up during the accident.

Weaknesses:
The pedals that came with the bike.

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
A1A in Lauderdale

Bike Setup:
Stock except, I have combo pedals for SPD or street shoes.

Summary:
Great bike for the money. I keep this at a vacation home and it is a joy to ride. If your not going to do century rides or be a dihard, this bike will do everything you could want. The adjustable angle stem sure helps my older back. The triple shifts smoothly.

Strengths:
Price for performance. Carbon Fork.

Weaknesses:
Snob appeal

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi 928 Carbon which I love.

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
A1A in Lauderdale

Bike Setup:
Stock except, I have combo pedals for SPD or street shoes.

Summary:
Great bike for the money. I keep this at a vacation home and it is a joy to ride. If your not going to do century rides or be a dihard, this bike will do everything you could want. The adjustable angle stem sure helps my older back. The triple shifts smoothly.

Strengths:
Price for performance. Carbon Fork.

Weaknesses:
Snob appeal

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi 928 Carbon which I love.