Raleigh Bikes Company is considered one of the leaders in the cycling community. The company name is chosen after a famous street in the United Kingdom called Raleigh Street.
Key Takeaways
- Raleigh Bikes is a well-known brand that has been in business for almost 130 years.
- The company sells a variety of bicycles, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bikes.
- Raleigh Bikes has a reputation for making high-quality, long-lasting bicycles.
- The company is committed to sustainability and uses environmentally friendly materials in the manufacture of its bicycles.
- Raleigh Bikes places a high value on innovation and is continuously working on new technology to better its bikes.
- The brand is recognized for its classic patterns, but it also has sleek and elegant options for people who like a more modern style.
- Raleigh Bikes has a global presence, with products sold in more than 100 countries.
- The company is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and provides a variety of resources to assist clients in selecting the best bike for their needs.
- Raleigh Bikes is active in the cycling community, sponsoring a variety of events and activities.
- Overall, Raleigh Bikes is a well-known and renowned brand that provides a diverse selection of high-quality bicycles for cyclists of all skill levels.
In 1888, Raleigh started as a limited liability company under Frank Bowden’s management. The company enjoyed lots of monopoly by providing bicycles and other related accessories all over the world in 1913 before other enterprises were formed.
Raleigh has gone through quite a lot, and in this article, I will give you some useful information about this bike company, including its history, bike categories, price range, and some of the most common Raleigh bikes on the market.
History of Raleigh Bike Company
Raleigh Bikes Company was established in 1885 by Paul Eugene Angois and Richard Morris Woodhead. At that time, it was a small bicycle store on a famous street in the United Kingdom, Raleigh Street.
The founding fathers decided to name their bike shop after the street because it was really a part of their lives. Once they discovered that there was an increasing demand for bicycles, the founders thought up the idea of manufacturing bikes.
The Raleigh founders decided to register their company as a private limited company by 1889.
One of the major marketing tools to market Raleigh is the local press. They approached the top editor of Nottinghamshire Guardian to market their Raleigh company name under a discreet advertisement. They used a banner “Woodhead, Angois and Ellis” to secure their column in the newspaper.
Since Michael Ellis entered the business as a “silent partner” with his own financial contributions, he was included in the project.
Since the bike company workshop set the stage for the production of military weapons, their production might be affected and decreased due to World War II. However, they gradually adjusted their plans by buying another store at Russell Street. They tried to sell at least 3 bicycles a week with just 6 employees.
Another time, Bowden replaced Michael Ellis as a silent partner.
Over time, he secured a good name for the bike company by increasing its manufacture. People around the world have recognized his contribution to the bicycle industry. The company’s growth was not hindered after he passed away in 1921. On the other hand, he is still remembered by many. After his death, his sons, Sir Harold and Baronet, arrogated to the business.
Raleigh has been in the lead of promoting bicycle sports for a long time. The company created the reigning TI Raleigh team between the 1970s and 1980s. By that time, Joop Zoetemelk proudly rode a Raleigh bike and had won the Tour de France. This led to a co-sponsorship agreement with Panasonic. What’s more, the company donated bicycles to French teams.
Where Are Raleigh Bikes Made?
The Raleigh Cycle Company of America, once renamed, sold bicycles in the United States. On the other hand, British Raleigh bikes are sold to the rest of the world, including Canada. By that time, some of the US Raleigh bike models had been shifted to Japan, with Bridgestone producing most of those Raleigh bicycles.
The Technologies of Raleigh Bikes
Different Raleigh bike models are produced and equipped with different technologies. Let me explain more in this part.
Raleigh bikes are manufactured with an innovative belt-drive technology, which will allow you to enjoy a hassle-free riding experience. This technology uses an integrated toothed belt that is made of synthetic materials, such as carbon fiber or polyurethane.
One of the strong points of this technology is that it helps improve durability while reducing the maintenance of your bike. These advanced carbon belts do not need lubrication like traditional chains. All you need to do is spray water to operate the system smoothly and with almost no noise.
Since it doesn’t need to be oiled, you can ride safely as long as there are no chains on your pants, and you also don’t have to worry about rust problems if you leave your bike out in the rain.
The belt drives are great for commuter and electric bikes thanks to the compatibility with internal single-speed or geared bicycles. More and more riders use this system for different riding styles because of the belt drive’s high reliability and low maintenance. Besides, belt drives can significantly remove possible misalignment problems thanks to a spike through the teeth of the sprocket and a groove in the middle to keep the belt in the right direction.
The Performance of Raleigh Mountain Bikes
Raleigh mountain bikes will let you enter a new world of off-road terrain with a thrilling experience. Among various Raleigh mountain bikes, you can find the all-terrain models an excellent one to try. They are equipped with 21 speeds that will take you to the next level on a sturdy Hi-Tensile steel frame. Typically, if you are looking for a good bike for rough terrains, these bikes will be a perfect option because of the straight blade front fork.
Lightweight yet sturdy alloy wheels, built on 36-hole durable alloy rims, the Revo gear lever will help you stay balanced and easily control your bike, while the scientifically engineered racing saddle protects your valuables. Besides, these bikes are equipped with front and rear disc brakes for stronger braking power.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Raleigh mountain bikes, you may want to check out Schwinn bikes. Schwinn produces a wide variety of bikes suitable for all ages and abilities, from BMX bikes for kids to Road bikes for adults. Their range includes electric bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and more, so there’s something for everyone.
Are Raleigh Bikes Any Good?
Generally speaking, Raleigh bikes are just as good quality as other bikes at the same price. What’s more, you can even find that Raleigh provides the market with bikes made of better components at a similar price or the same components at a lower price when comparing Raleigh with some top bike brands, such as Specialized, Trek, or Cannondale.
In addition, Raleigh has a long history of producing some of the best quality bikes that the cycling industry has ever seen. A lot of riders love the wide variety of bike models and versatility that Raleigh offers. They can also choose any model that meets their budget and requirements.
Raleigh Bike Categories
Since Raleigh is an old bike company, they design and manufacture a wide range of bikes that come in different styles and models. Let’s take a look at the Raleigh bike categories:
- Mountain Bikes
- Hardtail
- Pavement Bikes
- Fitness
- Hybrid
- Comfort
- Tricycles
- Urban & Commuter
- Electric Bikes
- Leisure
- Speed
- Kids’ Bikes
Raleigh Most Popular Bikes
It is a fact that even though Raleigh provides a wide range of bikes, not all models are popular and preferred by cyclists around the world. This is also true for other bike brands. And here are some of Raleigh’s most popular bikes of all their bike categories.
- Electric Bikes: Raleigh Detour IE
- Mountain Bikes: Raleigh Talus 2
- Hybrid Bikes: Raleigh Route 2
- Fitness Bikes: Raleigh Cadent 2
- Urban and Commuter Bikes: Raleigh Redux 2
When it comes to selecting the most well-known bike brand, many people prefer choosing well-established and trusted brands. GT Bikes are one of the most popular bike brands, and they offer premier high-performance bicycles. Check out our GT bikes full brand overview to know more.
Raleigh Bike Price Range
Generally speaking, Raleigh bikes are not too expensive or cheap when compared with other bike brands of the same models. You can look at the price range of several popular Raleigh bikes as follows.
- Electric Bikes: $2,150.00 – $3,499.00
- Mountain Bikes: $600.00 – $700.00
- Hybrid Bikes: $550.00 – $650.00
- Fitness Bikes: $575.00 – $675.00
- Urban and Commuter Bikes: $765.00 – $850.00
Raleigh Vs. Trek
In general, there are some similar specifications when you compare bikes from Trek and Raleigh. Having said that, several things make them different for sure. So, let’s delve into those features to see which bike fits you most.
Brakes
Trek utilizes TRP Spyre mechanical disc brake, while Raleigh uses a Promax V-Brake. These two brake systems feature different characteristics, but they are all designed for a specific purpose. V-brakes are much less expensive than mechanical disc brakes, and they are simple to clean, maintain, and replace. Related how do v-brakes work?
Maintaining your bike brakes is essential for safety. Wondering when to replace bike brake pads? Check out this informative guide on when to replace bike brake pads and learn how to keep your bike’s braking system in top condition.
Shifters
If you want a bike with more gear options, Raleigh bicycles will be a good option to consider. Their bikes are equipped with Shimano Rapid Fire Plus shifters with 8 speeds and 24 gears. Trek bikes, on the other hand, offer SRAM Rival 1 shifters that come with 11 gear options.
Wheels
When it comes to off-road bikes, Trek bikes seem to be a little bit better than Raleigh bikes because of their durable Bontrager Affinity Tubeless Ready disc rims and rough, strong Bontrager CX3 Team Issue tires.
In contrast, Raleigh bikes feature narrower Arison Metro Cruiser tires and quite large Weinmann double-wall rims.
So, no bike is the best. The most suitable one will depend on your riding style and needs.
Raleigh Road Bikes
Raleigh road bikes are an important part of what the bike brand sells. You can define a road bike of this brand, just like other awesome road bikes brands, as featuring narrow tires, wide 700cc wheels, and drop handlebars. These models will be a perfect option if you are looking for a bike with good speed, a stylish appearance, and high efficiency.
The Raleigh road bikes will give you the same excitement you are looking for in a race or in recreational activities. Each type of Raleigh road bike features unique requirements and offers an excellent balance between performance and sophisticated frame materials.
If you’re in the market for a high-quality road bike, check out the best bike brands in 2022, which includes Raleigh in its rankings. With a reputation for producing reliable, performance-focused bikes, Raleigh is a top choice for road cyclists of all skill levels. Get out there and hit the pavement with one of their sleek road bikes.
Raleigh Mountain Bikes
Raleigh provides lots of mountain bikes that are some of the best-selling mountain bikes on the cycling market. All Raleigh mountain bikes are carefully designed with advanced geometry that can perform well when riding on technical terrains. Typically, their mountain bikes can resist the rough physical demands of trail riding.
One of the most outstanding features of Raleigh mountain bikes is the wide range of styles. You can choose different models between hardtails and full-suspension mountain bikes. The former models are equipped with suspension at the front and back of the bike, providing perfect comfort when you are riding the bike on bumpy or rough terrains. Raleigh hardtail bikes, on the other hand, feature a front suspension fork with sturdy frames and offer more versatility.
If this is your first time looking for a bike and you don’t know which bike range to choose from, I would recommend you to pick a Raleigh mountain bike. Even though their mountain bikes are manufactured for rocky and bumpy roads, you can still handle the bike when riding on smooth roads, like pavements, without experiencing too much bounce. This is also one of the main reasons making Raleigh mountain bikes so popular among various mountain bike brands at the same price.
Having said that, not all Raleigh mountain bikes are perfect for serious off-road riding, and the same applies to other MTB bike brands. Hence, you need to check the specifications of the mountain bike that you are going to buy carefully to make sure that it meets your needs. Some features you should research are brakes, gear sets, grips, shifters, tire tread patterns, and saddles.
Raleigh Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are becoming more and more common among the bike riding community, typically the elderly. They are not only fun to ride but also allow you to reach your destination effortlessly.
Raleigh also provides the market with some great electric bike models. They customize their electric bikes to suit different riding preferences and different budgets. Some popular Raleigh electric bikes range from entry-level, low-priced models, such as Array, to high-quality and higher-tech options like Motus Grand Tour. Raleigh even offers folding electric bikes that are perfect for commuting or transport.
Conclusion
Raleigh bike company is recognized as one of the top leaders of the bicycling industry. The company designs and produces a wide range of bikes, from mountain, road, to excellent commuter bikes, kids, and electric bikes. Their bikes are not only good quality but also have a reasonable price that is suitable for all people.