Raleigh XXIX Update and News!
June 27th, 2006 by Guitar TedJust recieved word that Raleigh XXIX bikes are going to start showing up at warehouses next month to be distributed to dealers on a first ordered-first delivered schedule. It’s interesting to note that the XXIX frames are being produced by only two gentleman, one of which owns the company that the frames are made by. Raleigh says that due to the popularity of the XXIX, availability will be limited. If you have an order in, be patient! They are on the way!
Speaking of “on the way”, Raleigh is also working on a geared only, 80mm front suspended 29″er hardtail to be here by the end of the year. The price point mentioned was $1200.00 No further details at this pont, but stay tuned. We will get you more info as it becomes available!
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Thank you for the update on the Raleigh XXIX. I put in an order for one about a week ago. I was told that there are 4 of them on the way to the new warehouse in Pennsylvania. They are supposed to be switching to a new distributer too.
Update to the Update! I just got word from Raleigh that the new geared bike will be steel just like the XXIX. The dropout insert will be different, having the necessary derailluer hangar, and I assume, the necessary cable stops. Othewise it will be the same frame. Look for it to be introduced at Interbike!
Rigid-only, geared, complete bike? Daring! Unless when sold as a quick but comfortable commuter.
….I was curious why the XXIX ss version has a replaceable drive-side drop out
…no cable stops…but I am assuming you could get the drop with the hanger & run full length housing.
I have a 07 Medium Raleigh XXIX which I’ve been riding (hard) for over 4 months now. In short, here is my take on the bicycle (rigid, ss version). By the way, I am 5-9 and 150lbs, and I ride the bike on flat twisty dirt trails which are usually dry.
1) It is sturdy, real sturdy.
no creaks or other nuisance sounds
2) The OEM grips are garbage - get Oury
3) The OEM BB(Ecc) needs tightening/adjustment, lock her down
4) The brakes are ok for flats, not hydro, might be bad for wicked descents
5) The OEM saddle is great actually - a bit wide but cush (I wear very lightly padded shorts)
6) The bike is a very good value for the $
7) The comments about it feeling a bit sluggish (wheelbase, rake) are true, on tight single track the rear ends trails a bit, but for flat out straight XC speed it is sweet.
9) It is heavy, but sturdy
10) I have ridden the cr@p out of this thing, hard, and the wheels are bomb proof so far.
11) The 29′r wheels roll over anything/everything and the tires suspension qualities are trippy (32psi is $$$)
Conclusion 1 - great bike for people who don’t want to spend a fortune getting into the sport, not sure why anyone runs 26r’s or geared bikes, this is so simple and low maintenance.
Conclusion 2 - this bicycle has made me a better cyclist. I am even now riding my daily course trying to see how little I can use the brakes (fun)
Most of all, it is just plain FUN.