Road Cycling - is this a wal-mart level frame

I 've been looking at the trek 2000 wsd, specialized sequaye,cannondale r400 wsd, raleigh capri wsd. The raleigh capri has 105 componants and much a cheaper price. Is this a wal-mart level frame with nice parts? Hope someone can share some knowledge

I recommend Specialized Dolces. But, then again, I'm a newb, and have only have my bike for 1 +week. I bought an Elite and LOVE it!

I ride a Spec. Allez and have a Spec. Sequoia on lay by for next season. Raleigh is not a "wal mart" bike. She needs to go to the bike shops and get fit on a road bike. That is the most important consideration-then price and components.

Of the 3 bikes mentioned, the Raleigh has the least dealer support, the least design staff, and is no doubt the cheapest. You can decide the rest.

I bought a Raleigh R600 when I got back into cycling in 1999. I compared it with a few other brands that were in the same price range. I bought it because it offered the most bang for the buck. It has full 105 components. The others had 105 mixed with lesser quality components.
I've been very happy with the bike. Seems like good workmanship. Not a Wal-Mart level bike (or frame) at all.

I 've been looking at the trek 2000 wsd, specialized sequaye,cannondale r400 wsd, raleigh capri wsd. The raleigh capri has 105 componants and much a cheaper price. Is this a wal-mart level frame with nice parts? Hope someone can share some knowledge

Yes and no! Where are you buying this from? A bike shop? If so, you won't have too many issues with warranty on parts or frame. However, if you choose a department store for your cycling needs - BEWARE! - the same guy installing fog lights on your SUV is assembling your bicycle! There's a thread on this forum elsewhere.

I've had experience with the Raleigh Capri, and it is HEAVY! The Trek and Specialized are far lighter, and as Dave says, have great dealer support!

Happy purchasing!

Thanks for the feeback. The Raleigh is a new 2003 for 450.00 out the the door at a bike shop. I like Trek and cannondale but wow, what a price for a 105 bike, with adjustable levers.For that price I guess we could upgrade the frame later if we wanted something lighter. Hey, maybe a lightspeed is next years bike.

have you considered building a bike instead of buying stock?

I had saved much on the parts by investing more on the critical components such as the derailuers, drivetrain, and shifters, on the first buy and installing cheaper components on less critical parts. That way, I could just upgrade the inferior components when they wear out/when I have $$$, which ever comes first.. :)

Anyway, Raleigh used to make really great bikes..

Just don't buy your bike at ***Mart.

wow $450 for a 105 bike... that's ridiculously cheap... I think the gruppo itself is like $600. maybe you could buyt the bike, throw out the frame (or ebay it) and then put the components on another frame...

I bought a Raleigh R600 when I got back into cycling in 1999. I compared it with a few other brands that were in the same price range. I bought it because it offered the most bang for the buck. It has full 105 components. The others had 105 mixed with lesser quality components.
I've been very happy with the bike. Seems like good workmanship. Not a Wal-Mart level bike (or frame) at all.


Thanks for pics Ron, I will send you a shot of my wifes capri after I surprise her with it. I think it will be a great first road bike, but if not i've got some great parts to put on a better frame.