I have a super stealth camera shot of a catalog page from a Raleigh dealers early release catalog for Raleigh 2009 bikes. It shows us a new, sub-grand priced Raleigh 29″er that until today I was unaware of. Thanks to the “spy” who took this shot, we can not only show you what it looks like, but we have some spec info to go along with it.
The new model will have an “Atomic 13″ aluminum frame that will be custom butted, have a formed downtube, and have a hydroformed top tube. The frame will be fitted with a Dart 3 fork with lock out. Raleigh is also spec’ing a complete Shimano drivetrain with Deore rear derailluer and Octalink crank set. Somewhat unique for a sub $1000.00 29″er, Raleigh will also be using Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic brakes on this model with a 185mm front rotor. There will be the usual Avenir stem, bars, and seat post adorned with a WTB saddle. Geax Saguaro tires will be fitted as well.
Expect a MSRP of $949.99 on the Mojave 29 with street prices running closer to $900.00 or less.
The Raleigh offering really should come as no surprise as sister company, Diamondback had the Overdrive ( sub $1000.00) and Overdrive Pro models for 2008 and had brisk sell throughs, according to some dealers. Raleigh’s previously low price point on a geared 29″er was the XXIX+G at well over a $1000.00.
Stay tuned to Twenty Nine Inches for more “Sneak Peeks” in the future.
Cool – my LBS is a Raleigh dealer and always had a large selection of Mojave 26″ bikes on the floor – good selling bikes for my area.
Wonder what the XXiX will bring color/spec wise…IIRC, something about a suspension corrected rigid this year?
GreenLightGo: Check out this: http://twentynineinches.com/2008/07/08/raleigh-2009-29ers-sneak-peek/
Hhhhhhhmmmmmm Interestingk, does it have the XXIX, Overdrive or Mohave geometry? 30+ lbs I bet?!
GT – thanks. Memory is the first thing to go….I did see that earlier!
I’d still rather have steel, personally.
Anonymous: They still have steel 29″ers: XXIX single speed and the XXIX+G geared with a new Deluxe model up-spec’ed from that as well.
Whys everything gotta be aluminum dammit?!
That’s a clean looking bike. I like it for its simplisticness.
Still a hardtail, no innovation in the rear suspension- nothing unsual. We get to many hardtails instead of long travel 29ers. I wish they entered with one
Good point DC. Although I like hardtails, I do wish there was a better selection of 5-6in travel 29ers. I’d be much more excited for one of those.