Raleigh USA Bicycle Company International

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Local Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Rocky Raco Century (its a 'berg thing)

Bike Setup:
Campy Centaur throughout with exception of Volace brakes and BB; Aviner Equation wheel set (never he

Summary:
I was looking for a steel bike with Campy, and my LBS recommended this bike. I got a great deal because it was a leftover. I have over 500 miles on the bike now. Centaur has replaced the Daytona line in name only; otherwise, its identically equipped as the previous review - that is, all Centaur with the exception of Volace brakes and BB. Great ride. Reasonably good climber. I had to replace bars because I am more used to 40cm (comes with 42 cm) and I replaced stem with a greater rise. The bike comes in 53 and jumps to 56cm; I am in the middle so to bought the 56cm, which is a bit of a stretch but the bars and stem accomodate well. Better than being crimped.

I was also a bit worried about the wheels, and for me the jury is still out. Each has been out of true twice. I still need to make mid-ride adjustments, sometimes reseating the wheel. Shifting was a bit messy for the first 100 miles or so, but 2 adjustments later its as smooth and tight as my other bike (Chorus). Nothing like Campy, if you ask me.

Strengths:
All the good characteristics of steel; Campy throughout; great finish; great ride; great price (value).

Weaknesses:
The wheels will probably be my first upgrade; I wish they had something between 53 and 56cm

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale XR-800; Litespeed Tuscany

Price Paid:  $1499.00 at Carolina Cycling Gea

Favorite Ride:
Any day on the bike is better than a day off.

Bike Setup:
Stock with exception of Campy Athena seatpost.

Summary:
This is an update from the review written at the first of the year. Now have almost 2000 miles on this bike and I continue to be very impressed. The wheelset (my only concern previously) has proven to be light, reliable and well-built. They remain true and have required no maintenance (my previous worries have long disappeared). I have completed two long distance group rides without failure. After break in of 800 to 1000 miles, the shifters and derailleurs are smooth and deadon with shifts. The 10 speed cassette is a dream - Use 12-15 for everyday and switch to 13-29 for mountains. The finish has held up extremely well with some wax and occasional wash. The frame continues to be true to a steel bike - not the absolute lightest but what a dream to ride after 4 hours in the saddle. The saddle contiiunes to be my favorite.
This continues to be a great bike for those long fast rides with the club. Not a criterium bike but an exceptional value for the traditionalist that wants a good everyday ride.

Strengths:
Campy 10 speed gruppo.
The frame and finish of the bike - beautiful white and blue with red accents. Decals that are well placed and covered with clearcoat.
Ride quality - comfortable after 100 miles.

Weaknesses:
Broke Veloce Bottom Bracket after 1200 miles. Replaced with Record and have had no problems since.
No other weaknesses.

Similar Products Used:
Bottechia TSX with Athena/Chorus; Trek 2100 with Ultegra.

Price Paid:  $1499.00 at Carolina Cycling Gea

Favorite Ride:
301 S From Orangeburg to Ga stateline and back

Bike Setup:
Stock with exception of seatpost (switched to old style Chorus aero post I had) and new Cinelli tape

Summary:
Stock with exception of new Cinelli Tape and old aero style Campy seatpost (replaced cheap stock post). Columbus Zona frameset is very different from previous traditional round tubes - teardrop down tube (oversized) and top tube with diamond shaped stays. Have not weighed but it feels as light as Carbon Trek. Campy Daytona grouppo with Veloce brakes and BB. Alex DA28 wheelset. Beautiful blue and white paint with red trim and excellent decals (clearcoat over decals:). Decals on top tube and seat stays - Campy Columbus, International, one more I do not remember - very cool esp Columbus on seat stay. Vottoria Rubino tires and Sella Italia Prolink saddle.
Have put almost 200 miles on this bike in less than a month and find the ride stable and smooth. Ride a variety of roads from glassy to pebbles and tar. Have yet to feel excess vibrations. Corners very well and is limited only by my nerve. Downhill has been very stable with no frame vibration. Did notice some slight shimmy when riding hands free at > 20 mph but this was not cause for panic. Sprints are limited by my legs but this is not a twitchy bike. It is more of a comfortable crusier. The one real sprint I tried seemed to need a long windup - or was that my legs again! I do not believe this is a bike to do criteriums with. Campy shifters did need some break in and adjustment but after third ride were smooth, fast and precise. Selle Italia saddle is great - better than Specalized Pro Ti I was riding. I will definately keep it on for now. Wheelset (Alex 28)is only questionmark. Areo profile with 16 bladed spokes front and 20 rear. No flex and looks way cool but will wait to pass final judgement. So far spokes continue to be tight and rims very true. I have noticed some up and down oscillation when spinning front wheel only off bike (told by LBS this was weight at weld point). Not a big issue but wonder how it will act at high speeds (42 mph is max so far and this was for short interval). Will check it out next week in Blue Ridge mountains of NC.
Overall, if you are looking for a modern looking steel bike for comfort on those long double centuries, this is it. Finish is excellent and you can't do better than Campy Daytona/Centaur for the price. For the money, this bike rides and looks like bikes $500 to $700 more - I know I looked. It is nice to see Raleigh return to its roots with this excellent ride.

Strengths:
Paint and finish - This bike is beautiful. Campy Daytona/Centaur grouppo -nuf said. Stable, comfortable ride for those long days in the saddle.
LBS (Carolina Cycling Gear) is the best Took time to answer questions and help with set up - and I am picky!

Weaknesses:
Alex DA28 continues to be a question mark. Not familiar with company so I will report back at a later date. No other weaknesses. Because of the rims, I gave the bike a 4 for overall rating. This may change with time.

Similar Products Used:
Over the years - Cilo Europa, Bottecchia TSX, Trek 2100. Compared with Lemond BA, and Marin. Have always been Campy fan.