Comments on: Raleigh XXIX Update and News!

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 14:27:18 +0000

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.
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.
no creaks or other nuisance sounds
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.

By: jncarpenter

jncarpenter — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 06:21:03 +0000

….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.

By: Cloxxki

Cloxxki — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 05:23:31 +0000

Rigid-only, geared, complete bike? Daring! Unless when sold as a quick but comfortable commuter.

By: Guitar Ted

Guitar Ted — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 02:18:32 +0000

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!

By: GCG199

GCG199 — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 22:13:49 +0000

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.