Raleigh USA Bicycle Company Supercourse

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Red River Cyclery

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Solo in the Hills

Bike Setup:
Raleigh Supercourse, Tiagra & 105

Summary:
The Carbon frame offers the stiffness of higher priced bikes and superior comfort. Tiagra shifters combined with a Shimano 105 rear derailleur makes for good shifting. The out of saddle performance is so unbeleivable.

Strengths:
The frame.

Weaknesses:
Shimano 550 wheelset.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 2000

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
climbing................. again.

Bike Setup:
Full mix of Dura-ace & ultegra drive/brakes. Bontrager Race-X-Lite bars,stem,post,saddle. Mavic 08' Aksyums.

Summary:
Not a feather weight, But not a pig either. Very stiff and responsive for a frame in this price range. Lots of available torque when you get out of the saddle and hammer it... Worthy of any and all component upgrades you can think of. It climbs like a pack mule on red-bull, and looks like its going 100 mph even in the garage...

Strengths:
All of the above.

Weaknesses:
Hmmmmmmmmm.

Price Paid:  $900.00 at BikeWorks

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
anything local

Bike Setup:
Mix of 105/Ultegra, upgraded seat to San Marco Arami and wheels to VeloMax Circuits.

Summary:
For my first road bike this has been a great one. I am able to keep up with several local hardcore roadies on their bikes that are way more expensive. The Alex wheels suck. Back wheel was destroyed after less than 500 miles of less than stessful riding. Upgraded to VeloMax Circuits which roll better. Everything else I love for the price and it has given me a real sense of what I want in my next bike.

Strengths:
Great first road bike with good 105/Ultegra mix to learn the sport. Helped me drop from 230 to 185lbs.

Weaknesses:
Alex wheels are crap. Go for an upgrade.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $700.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Long, flat, back country roads.

Bike Setup:
Stock.

Summary:
Great bike for the price. I researched a bunch of bikes at and around the $1,200 price point (Trek, Giant, Fuji, etc.) and found the Raleigh to offer the best ride and components for the money. The bike is fast, Shimano 105 STI shifters are quick and precise, 105 and Ultegra derailers work perfectly, stock seat is very comfortable, and bike is responsive without being jittery.

I hit a storm drain at 35 mpg and blew out both tires, but the Alex wheels stayed perfectly true! Frame does flex and creak a bit under hard uphill pressure, but not so much as to be a problem

Strengths:
Stock components. Don't really have to change a thing.

Weaknesses:
None so far

Similar Products Used:
1981 Motobecane Super Mirage

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Rails to Trail Bike

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
62 cm frame. Shimano ultegra pedals (look style)

Summary:
I love the bike, but the wheel set and brakes have plagued me since I bought it. The alex wheels are not strong enough and I blew out 5 spokes just riding on the road, no crashes or anything, had to replace the rear wheel and both tires wore out relatively fast (after about 1200 miles). The tektro brakes seem to be cheap, they get bumped easily and rub on almost every ride, I would prefer shimano brakes that are much more solid. Saddle feels great. I toasted the bottom bracket after about 1000 miles, but it got replaces for free under warranty - dealer said he'd never seen that before. Overall a great bike, but some corners were cut to save on price..thinking of upgrading to the competition.

Strengths:
Good frame - great aluminum and carbon blend for smooth yet powerful feel. Comfortable saddle, both derailers never fail or rattle.

Weaknesses:
Horrible wheels, not strong at all. Cheap tektro brakes that rub on almost every ride.

Similar Products Used:
First road bike - I still love it.