2006: Our C6 FT (Fusion Technology) carbon/aluminum frame features carbon fiber top and down tubes and carbon wishbone rear end mated to an Atomic 13 butted aluminum seat tube assembly. The result is a frame platform that provides exeptional stiffness and comfort. For racing, group and event rides, the Competition delivers performance beyond expectation.
Strengths: Stiff, responsive, light when custom build. The wheels are great for heavier riders, the frame holds up well. Good value for the money.
Weaknesses: For me...none.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, I bought the frame on closeout and built it up with components I purchased by shopping around for deals. I've got it right at 16 pounds, not that I worry much about weight since I'm a bigger guy. This is probably the best bike I've owned, and I was able to build it to my own preference and save a couple of thousand dollars in the process. The ride is comfortable, but stiff enough for short sprints and out of the saddle climbs. I'm a big guy, 225-230lbs and the frame has never protested...EVER...!! The only thing I would have done differently would have been to get the EC90 Fork over the EC70, but besides a weight penalty it performs fine. The frame is the same as the Prestige and Team frame Raleigh used at the time, just the fork is different, so I am happy with that. On top of all that, I like the lines of the frame. I was hesitant about a frame made in China, but the quality, paint and workmanship is top notch, so I don't see anything to complain about an imported frame.
As a beginning yet very committed rider, I have been thoroughly impressed with the 2006 Raleigh Competition bike. It's a very smooth ride with very acceptable components.
Strengths: Ultegra rear derailleur, 105 front derailleur, 105 shifters, easton ec70 fork, value, mavic aksium wheel set
Weaknesses: Cheap Sram Elita crankset, heavy seat post, handlebars
Bottom Line:
Overall the bike is a steal for the price. I searched for a long time to find a bike that fit me (6'2", 200lbs) and had what I wanted, and I came across this bike at an amazing price. The bike rides very nice, climbs well, and is very quick. The Selle San Marco saddle is terrible, swapped it out for a Selle Italia SLR and my butt thanks me. The seat post is rather heavy and the handle bars a bit wide for my tastes. I've had to adjust the front 105 derailleur several times, the cable keeps loosening. Whomever taped the bars did a terrible job as the tape is loosening and needs to be redone. The Vittoria Zaffiro tires ride very nice and corner very well. Overall, the bike is a dream, and I couldn't be happier with it now that the saddle has been swapped.
Strengths: Good mix between stiff and comfortable. Ultegra drive train, including brakes and rear cassette.
Weaknesses: Wheels
Bottom Line:
I happen to be in the right place at the right time when I got this bike. I got it in Jan of 06, and they were clearing out the 05's. It was cheap, and I wanted something that was mostly carbon. It has a full ultegra drive train that works nicely (including ultegra breaks, cassette, and a 105 chaing I think) Anyhow, its smooth and fast. The handling is very nuetral, but good enough for mock races, and the bike is comfortable enough for long rides. I have upgraded the wheels though to Mavic SL's and it made a HUGE difference. I also put a shorter Specialized Stem on it, and I am in the process of changing out the stem, bars, and seat post to Ritchey WSC stuff cause its light and stiff. The cranks seem ok for now, but just like the rest of the bike (Minus the drive train) they will be upgraded too (prolly to ultegra cranks). Its a good bike stock, but I am really picky and have made (am going to make) a lot of changes to it. For the casual rider though its pefect. The new 2007 modle has a complete carbon frame (no more aluminum carbon mix) and is a good choice for anyone looking for a rec. bike.
Bike Setup: Ultegra drive train, Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels, ritchy WCS carbon seat post, changed to an 11-23 real ultegra cassette, specialized alias 143 width Body Geometry Seat
Strengths: Good component value, Frame seems well made and finished even though it is built in Taiwan. Drivetrain is pretty solid, great front fork and the color grows on you
Weaknesses: I wasn't a fan of the cranks included. I swapped them out for Ultegra 10sp. Fortunately the included shifters work for either double or triple setups.
Bottom Line:
Picked this model out of Raleigh's lineup because of the components for the dollar. Some people complain how the 2005 had Full ultegra, but the 2006/2007 have 10 speed 105 which I prefer over the old 9 speed. Rides great and has a good geometry for non-race riding, but works pretty decent for racing too.
If you think it is no important the warm up, then do not read this article
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