Raleigh USA Bicycle Company Sport

Price Paid:  $487.00 at middle ring cycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
by the beach

Bike Setup:
mostly shimano 2200 pieces or equivalent. Sora Shifters

Summary:
My third road bike in 3 years. sigh
I'm horrible at picking road bikes My first two were department store bikes. At $150 and $450
This was the first bike that I've gotten from an LBS. Yeah they overcharged me and sold me a year old model. But whatever they're out to make money too. Anyway the bike is decent for commuting and what not but... I'm beginning to race for my college cycling club and well it just doesn't cut it any more. It is to heavy and has a very creaky headset, did I mention it was heavy 26lbs or there abouts.

Strengths:
Should be cheap and
probably could go threw a brick wall.

Weaknesses:
Terrible handlebar mount.
Heavy very heavy
rear hub went bad after 4 months.

Similar Products Used:
GMC Denali (good for cost)
Schwinn Varsity Carbon Fiber. (piece of crap)

Price Paid:  $500.00 at Roy's Sheepshead Cyc

Model Year:
2007

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
I got the 2008 model, the one that is in Team Yellow and can currently be found on the site. So far, it's been holding great for me. This was my first bike in 5 years, and despite quite a number of crashes during my early rides, the bike pulled through to me.

Though I've only been biking for 3 months recently, I think I've been doing decently. The longest single ride I did was about 120 miles with many hills, and I'm surprised that with stock components this bike was able to take me to Bear Moutain, upstate New York.

This bike is just simply fantastic. It's been with me for many experiences. I've had my fair share of crashes (including a head-on collision with my friend at 20 MPH) and the bike is still going on strong, with minor scratches. The wheels are only slightly out of true, which can easily be fixed.

In heavy rain, this bike performed well. Now, I'm not the most athletic guy, so I can't say how good this bike is at climbing since I tire easily, but this bike did it for me. Going downhill was also great, and I didn't die going maybe 60 MPH!

This is still my only bike, and I've never ridden anything on a higher tier. I can't really say how good of a climber this bike is, or how smooth the ride is since I have nothing to compare it to. All I know is that I've done great on this exceptional bike.

The bottom line is if you want to get into road biking, this is the bike for you.

Strengths:
Really sturdy bike
Great for beginners

Price Paid:  $400.00

Model Year:
2005

Summary:
For what it cost, it's a good bike. Brakes are well-made and smooth. Shifting is usually accurate.

Strengths:
Low cost. Adjustable stem lets you get the handlebars up higher.

Weaknesses:
Adjustable stem (the gizmo that clamps the handlebar) creaks when you get up off the seat for power.