Longterm Update: Raleigh XXIX+G
September 9th, 2007 by Guitar Ted
It’s been a full nine months now since I have had the Raleigh XXIX+G in my stable of bikes. I have used it in many various situations and in many very different versions depending upon what I was testing at the time. It’s a highly modified rig from it’s stock configuration. This review will concentrate on the frame and it’s particular characteristics in terms of ride and handling.
First of all, the frame is a size large and I am about 240lbs, so take all that into consideration as you read this. Next, I will say that the geometry of the frame was a bit too slow and sluggish for my tastes at first. I attributed this to the slacker head angle and short offset of the Rock Shox Reba 80mm travel fork that came stock with the bike. I have had a rigid Willits fork on it now that has a 44mm offset. This change made the handling come around much more to my liking, and ever since I have been much happier with how the bike corners and climbs in slow speed situations.
The frame of the XXIX+G is a very nicely constructed steel one that has some pretty short chainstays for a 29″er. They measure out at 17.25″ which gives you a nice climbing bike and yet has the steel ride qualities that I like. The front end of the frame is long and lanky. It’s got a longish wheelbase, even with the short chainstays. (It should be noted that my longer off set fork lends to this a bit) The result is that the bike is pretty stable on fast fire road type descents and tracks over the bumps pretty well without being nervous or too chattery with the rigid fork. I like the all day comfort and stability that you can get riding the Raleigh. It isn’t a “racey” or twitchy kind of a bike, but is more of a laid back type ride. I’ve grown to really like this bike after the changes I’ve made to it.
I found that in the end, the Raleigh XXIX+G is a rig with a solid frame that takes a beating, rides quite nicely, but it isn’t a super single track surgeon of a bike. It responds well to a slightly longer off set fork, so tuning the handling is a good idea if you want to quicken up the front end from the stock configuration.
The originally specced parts are solid, but the bike really comes alive with a change of rubber and wheels. (Note: The XXIX+G for ‘08 comes with WTB Stout tires instead of the ‘07 spec Exi Wolf tire which I had on mine) The bike is a conundrum in an era where most manufacturers are striving to make their 29″ers handle as closely as possible to 26″ers. Raleigh has chosen instead to follow it’s own path in terms of geometry and handling. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a unique bike in today’s 29″er world.
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I have to say I love my XXIX+G!!! I sold of my 03 Epic and bought one of these beauties! It loves the rolling singletrack of the Heartland.
I have to say I love my XXIX+G!!! I sold off my 03 Epic and bought one of these beauties! It loves the rolling singletrack of the Heartland.
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.
I have a solid 6 months on my XXIX+G. Initially I felt that it was sluggish, both in handling and big wheel acceleration. I swapped out the tires and within a ride or 2 the big wheel traction and ride had won me over. After a few more rides I had become accustomed to the handling of the bike. Honestly it was very close to my previous hardtail 26in bikes with 100-110mm suspension forks. Now after riding it for a while, swapping out a few choice components, and adjusting to the whole 29er ride I don’t know that I would have this bike any other way. I didn’t want a race bike. I wanted a 29er that was fun yet predictable to ride.
Off the shelf my XL was a bit long for me. I am 6′3″ and about 230lb with longer upper body and arms. I swapped to a Thomson 410mm post as the stock post was only 350mm, this also removed the 3/4″ of offset that the stock post used and improved the bikes climbing. The steering was slow and floppy off the shelf. A swap to Salsa 710mm handlebars and a Thomson 100mm stem made a huge difference. The WTB exiwolf tires that came stock on the bike rolled slow, were heavy, and really didn’t have that great of climbing traction. Swapping to a set of Bontrager Jones ACX tires not only dropped over a pound off the bike they helped give it better traction too. Now the bike fit me and also the steering and climbing became much more responsive. Honestly these four things really made the bike for me. Best $150 you could throw at this stock bike IMO.
To date, the only issue that this bike has given me (other than a few scares from the flexy 120mm stock stem) is a slipping seat post. That was quickly and cheaply fixed with a Surly Constrictor seat post binder.
I really do like this bike and at this point usually recommend it to people who I meet that are looking for a budget entry into the world of 29er. That is the highest compliment that I could give to a complete bike and one to date that I have rarely given.