Raleigh USA Bicycle Company R600

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Craigslist Rochester

Favorite Ride:
Raleigh R600

Summary:
Wanted to test the waters with a road bike being heavily recruited by me Eastman School of Music colleagues. Have some MTN bike experience and began looking around at the local shops and Ebay / Craigslist venues. Found this incredible value for an entry level rider, the 2000 Raleigh R 600 with Shimano 105 group.

Strengths:
Light! Seat was already replaces with crotchless road seat. the shifters are smooth and the added Shimano Flight Deck computer is great to see what gear I am in w/out looking behind me. Bike is quick, smooth and will be perfect as I grow into this sport

Weaknesses:
None in my opinion. the rear shifter was damaged when I bought the bike but I have replaces both 105 shifters with the 105 Flight Deck version (w/ computer) Alao I replaced the tear drop stem from Raleigh with one the has a 35 deg rise so I can ride a little more upright. Had my shop go over the bike completely and I am ready to ride

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Specialized Sequoia, Lemond

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Eriks Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Ride to Stillwater via the Gateway Trail in St Paul, MN

Summary:
This bike was a great upgrade from the hybrid that I was riding. The bike handles great and looks great. I have had few mechanical problems even after 1300 miles.
It is a great bike for an entry rider looking for performance, but not willing to put a lot of money into a bike he is not sure how many miles he will be able to get in during the season.

Strengths:
The price was a big reason I bought this bike espicially since I got the 105's. The shifting is great even on the hills. The frame is light and the ride is not rough.

Weaknesses:
The seat is terrible and was replaced after a 30 mile ride with a body geometry seat. The tires did wear out after 1200 miles.

Similar Products Used:
The only bikes prior to this were mountain bikes (DiamondBack) and (Specilized).

Price Paid:  $850.00 at Ride Away Cycle Sale

Favorite Ride:
Raleigh R600

Summary:
Awesome bike for the money. The 105 componentry is silky smooth and the paint job is easy on the eyes. The seat on the other hand is for people who must have callused behinds. The absence of welded beads all over the frame give it a really nice finish.

Strengths:
The frame is really light and strong. The 105 shimano components are great!Paint scheme is better than R700.

Weaknesses:
The seat!

Similar Products Used:
I am used to American made TREKs.

Price Paid:  $999.00 at Hawley's

Favorite Ride:
Hill repeats anywhere

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace BB (best upgrade for the money), Selle Italia Gel Lite saddle. I will probably go to an aftermarket carbon fork at the end of the season. Everything else is stock.

Summary:
First off, my "cyclist type" should be more "Wants to race but just likes to ride fast and hard while working out." But that's not an option. I bought this bike because it was the most bike I could get for the money. I used to race back when the 105 group first came out. I loved it then and still do. The frame is stiff and responsive. I'm a light rider so the little extra weight of the 105 group doesn't bother me. I just love taking this bike out and putting it through its paces. And it seems to have a good time too.

Strengths:
components for the money. Customer support in replacing a wheel with defective bladed spokes. Knowing I can upgrade as I see fit and still be way under the cost of other bikes.

Weaknesses:
Initially, a couple of the bladed spokes would break in the rear for no reason. BUT Raleigh (through Hawley's, the LBS)simply gave me a better wheel without the bladed spokes--in less than a week. The spokes are a bit gimmicky for a basic road bike. The brutal Selle Italia Oktavia was traded for a gentle Gel Lite.

Similar Products Used:
An 80's era Canondale with full 105, Brooks saddle and Cinelli stem--which was stolen. An 80's era Trek chromoly. A Nishiki chromoly.--like I said, raced back in the 80's.

Price Paid:  $969.00 at Mike's Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Any ride is better than no ride

Bike Setup:
Being that I commute, I have a Cateye blinker light in the back and Cygolight Night Rover in front P

Summary:
I picked up this bike in June. And put 2000 miles on it by the end of October. I picked the R600 becouse of the 105 drivetrin. Very reliable. The wheel set was a concern. Equation hub Alex rims 16 spoke front and 20 spoke rear. I'm 215 pounds and I wasn't sure how well they would hold up. 2000mi later they are tru as the day I got them. I do tru them myself so an ounce of prevention may be helping here. They are very light and the roll is great. The paint job is very nice (blue and pearl white) The price for what the component package it came with was a big deciding factor.

Strengths:
The 105 groupo has been flawless. The Equation wheel set has performed better then I had expected. Sealed bearings and smooth as silk. With all I hear about alum. frames being harsh on the road I have to say I haven't notice The harshness of the roads. I'm very happy overall.

Weaknesses:
The seat was brutal. I replaced the Selle Italian Okteria with a no name saddle (with the crotch cut out)and was much happier. I had to replace the tires (Michelin Axial Kevlar) after only 1100mi. I thought they should have lasted longer but maybe I'm wrong. A carbon fork would have been nice but for the price beggers can't be choosers.

Similar Products Used:
1999 R300 RSX 24speed drivetrain.