Raleigh USA Bicycle Company Competition Triple

Price Paid:  $850.00 at Private Party

Favorite Ride:
McKenzie View Drive (Oregon)

Bike Setup:
All stock (including cheesy pedals, soon to dissappear) except for smaller (13-21) 9-speed cogset on the back.

Summary:
My last really good bike was a 1974 Raleigh Pro. Which I bought new. And wish I still had. Now that my children are in their teens, I am getting back to cycling, but not as regularly as I would like.

I was hoping to find a full Ultegra ride for a reasonable price, and this is it. The original owner tweaked his knee in a motorcycle accident right after he bought this bike, so it had virtually no miles on it. Still had nubs on the tires. The equipment was exactly what I wanted, Ultegra everything. I've noticed that the Raleigh bikes (and maybe many brands) often switch components around from year to year, so I doubt the new Competitions are so nicely built.

The frame looks good and is clean and straight. I am used to a springier ride (on a steel bike), so I found myself cutting corners a little sharper than I should at first, but got used to it. Flys very straight, and very fast.

The gearing was wider than I wanted, so I swapped the cluster for a 13-21 set. Who needs a 118-inch top gear anyway? With the triple chaingrings, it is still more range than I need. If a climb is too steep for this bike, it is a motor problem, not transmission.

The combination shifters/brake controls also took some time to master, but I am getting more confident. In a panic stop, who really cares if you accidentally shift, anyway? And it makes for a nice clean set of controls.

I recently bought my son a 2005 Trek 1500, which is also a nice aluminum bike, but it is mostly 105 components. By comparison, the Raleigh is better equipped, but they ride similarly (other than the fact that he and his bike are quite a bit taller).

If I were buying new, I would have opted for a double crankset instead of a triple, but for my use (not quite Olympic caliber) it makes no real difference. Shifing on all gears is quick and positive. I just have no need for the little chainring.

I am very happy to have found this bike. Raleighs used to be one of the great marques, and I understand that is not the case any more. Still, dollar-for-dollar and piece-for-piece, this is a great bike!

Strengths:
Excellent equipment (except the cheap demo pedals), nicely finished frame and plenty of stiffness. Very nice package overall.

Weaknesses:
Yes, its a RALEIGH, DAMMIT! You got a PROBLEM with that?

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1500 (2005 model).

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at Somerville Cycles

Favorite Ride:
Canal Road

Bike Setup:
stock 27 speed Ultegra...

Summary:
I tested seven road bikes prior to purchasing my Raleigh. This is my first "serious" road bike. It is light, fast and handles well. I feel safe on this bike. The Ultegra components shift flawlessly and the 27 speeds mean I can climb hills with ease. The black and white colors of this bike are really attractive. I am 6'ft 2 in and about 207lbs. and the wheels and frame provide me sturdy support. I like the responsiveness of aluminum frame over steel. The ride is very comfortable. The bike does not have the name recognition of a Trek or Lemond but if you are looking for a great bike at a reasonable price look no further.

Strengths:
Ride, comfort, speed, look

Weaknesses:
When you tell other road bikers you bought a Raleigh their face cringes. But that is their problem.

Similar Products Used:
Univega touring bike

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at lBS

Favorite Ride:
Any road

Summary:
This is my first true "road" bike. I have a mnt bike but thought I would get a roadie to improve my endurance. So far this bike fly's down the road. The components work flawlessly and while most reviews I read state to NOT purchase an aluminum frame (harshness) I am totally satisfied with the ride quality. (My mnt bike is a FS) I was lambasted on a bike forum for sticking up for this bike, but I find it interesting that many of the major "name" brand manufactures are building alum frames. The same material these so called experts distain. Go figure!

Strengths:
The components! Price vs value is what I was looking for and I truly believe this is a great package. Ride quality is excellent, along with the handling.

Weaknesses:
The name! Seems unless your riding one of the "name" brands you bought an inferior bike. (aka: attention K-Mart shoppers) The only other possible drawback is the weight - 20lbs. I am not a weight weeny so the extra 2-2.5 lbs for an Ultrega bike doesn't bother me. My suggestion - pedal!

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Criss Cross (not the same but a hy bred), Cannondale Caad 5 (hype, hype, and more hype)

Price Paid:  $1400.00 at LBS

Summary:
I just picked up this bike and it is too early to speak about it's ride performance. I am really impressed with the joints and finish of this bike. I will write a follow up once I put some miles on this. So far two thumbs up!!!

Strengths:
Fit and finish of the frame. Ultrega compontents.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Similar Products Used:
No road bike, but a Yeti Kokopelli disc.

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Embry's Bike Divisio

Favorite Ride:
Raleigh Competition

Bike Setup:
I ride the 2003 Raleigh Competition, I have Profile Design Aerobars, Profile Drink System, Flight Deck Computer, Ultegra and Shimano 540 wheels (are stock) My seat is slightly forward and totally comfortable on my Profile Airstrike Aerobars

Summary:
Wow! The Raleigh Competition formerly the 700 is a sweet ride! The 2003 colors are great. It immediately knocked time off of my bike split. A friend rode my bike and immediately ordered the Raleigh Prestige because he was so impressed with Raleigh. Sorry Trek 5200!

Strengths:
The price for Ultegra and Shimano 540 wheels, nice frame and carbon fork. Incredible. I literally feel like I am flying up hills. Colors are better than last years.

Weaknesses:
The weight of the bike is 20lbs. But I still can fly! I can't wait to do my next triathlon.

Similar Products Used:
Test road Cannondale Multisport, Giant Ocr 1