Raleigh USA Bicycle Company C700

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Big Shark

Favorite Ride:
Kirkwood

Summary:
Nice riding flat bar road bike

Weaknesses:
pedals

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
I've changed to Continental Top Touring 2000 700x28 tires.

Summary:
The C700 is a nice "fast" hybrid -- it's relatively light (the carbon fork and Equation Comp wheelset are pluses in this regard), and feels quick. The 27-gear set is nice for a hybrid, and the shifting is relatively smooth (though the Shimano Tiagra front derailleur is a bit balky going to the highest gear). The WTB Rockey V-Race saddle is comforatble even over long stretches. For someone like me, riding much of the time in the streets and parks of New York City, it is a good fit. On the other hand, it's far more functional on pavement than off road, especially given the puncture-prone Kenda 700x35 tires. Given the fact that this is a hybrid leaning towards a road bike, I have actually gone to 700x28 tires (Continental Top Touring 2000s), and have found them to be both more durable and a bit faster.

Strengths:
Reasonably light for a hybrid; faster than most bikes in this category.

Weaknesses:
The Kenda tires were consistently problematic. The suspension for the saddle sometimes feels a bit oddly sprung.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 7300; Trek 7500