Road Cycling - opinion on raleigh bike wanted

I'm looking to get a new bike and have looked into a Raleigh Grand Prix with tiagra derailleurs and a Raleigh Grand Sport with sora derailleurs. There is also a Cannondale (not sure of model) in the same price range. I live in New Hampshire where there are lots of hills and small mountains to contend with. Which would be recommened by those who know?

Thanks so much for the help!!
mrsnuge

I would plump for the Cannondale. Stiffer, stronger, lighter frame and no doubt superior components too. Raleigh used to make good bikes but sadly they don't any more.

I have a raleigh heritage international and I think it's a pretty good bike. It's a zona steel frame, carbon fork, and campy centaur group. It's comfortable, fits great, handles great, and the paint job looks good too! There weren't any other bikes in town that gave me as much bang for the buck that's why I got it. I don't know about the other models but raleigh still makes some good ones.

Would seriously look at the Cannondale if you're looking at Sport 500 or 800. Check the weights of these bikes and get the weights of the frame-only if you can. I don't know for sure who has been doing aluminum longer - I just remember that when Raleigh first came out with aluminum, they had a bonded frame that had problems staying together. Have they figured it out yet? I'm sure, but Cannondale has been aluminum-only since day one and has an excellent reputation. Raleigh has had it's ups and downs, but is a name with some history and tradition. Still, if you're going to be climbing, see if any of the Cannondales will fit you. Again, check but they're definitely stiffer and probably lighter.

Good luck :)