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Any Raleigh Sojourn Riders/Opinions?

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Any Raleigh Sojourn Riders/Opinions?

Old 04-01-10, 06:03 AM
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Any Raleigh Sojourn Riders/Opinions?

Came across this listing on Craigslist: https://cleveland.craigslist.org/bik/1659450145.html

Seriously considering pulling the trigger on it and then trying to sell my '09 Giant Seek 2 (which I'm rather fond of, but the Sojourn style of bike is really what I'm wanting).

Any opinions on this ride?

Thanks!
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Old 04-01-10, 06:34 PM
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First I'd ask the seller why it needs a new chain after only 20 rides.
There have been a couple threads over in the touring forum on the sojourn. Do a search.
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Old 04-01-10, 07:30 PM
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I sort of secretly wanted this bike when it sat in the rack at the shop I worked at this summer. it just looks really nice.

it's wicked heavy, though. I'd a Raleigh Clubman instead. or any other steel bike.
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Old 04-01-10, 07:49 PM
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I rode one last year. I remember it being heavy. I had been riding a Surly LHT at another shop just before and right away i could tell a the weiht difference.

It rode nice though but I didn't end up with either one.
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Old 04-02-10, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by snorkel
Came across this listing on Craigslist: https://cleveland.craigslist.org/bik/1659450145.html

Seriously considering pulling the trigger on it and then trying to sell my '09 Giant Seek 2 (which I'm rather fond of, but the Sojourn style of bike is really what I'm wanting).

Any opinions on this ride?

Thanks!

I have a Sojourn. As others have noted, it's on the heavy side. OTOH, that's mostly because it comes with a heavy rack, heavy & wide tires, disc brakes, etc. Out of the box, it's got all you need for a VERY comfortable ride for touring or general riding.

Honestly, I don't notice extra 4-5 pounds over other similar touring bikes ( which, if you added everything that comes stock with the Sojourn, would bump their weight up too ) for touring or general riding. The only thing I've changed on mine is to get a lower-geared crankset, in anticipation of towing a trailer up hills. :-)
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Old 04-02-10, 10:10 AM
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I don't have much to add except I think the bike looks great and it seems like a killer price.
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Old 04-02-10, 12:14 PM
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Thanks for the replies all. I did do some searching in the forums first, but I do all of my reading on the commuter thread and have come to respect your opinions.

I don't think the weight would be too big of a deal for me. Fully loaded my Giant Seek 2 is a beast as well. It just gets to the point where another four pounds becomes meaningless, y'know?

I contacted the seller to see if it was still up for grabs. Haven't heard anything back yet.
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Old 04-02-10, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by mulveyr
I have a Sojourn. As others have noted, it's on the heavy side. OTOH, that's mostly because it comes with a heavy rack, heavy & wide tires, disc brakes, etc.
How heavy is it?

Seems like a decent price for a bike that people seem to like.
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Old 04-02-10, 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by njkayaker
How heavy is it?

Seems like a decent price for a bike that people seem to like.
I read one review that said the bike was 34 pounds, but I do not know which size the reviewer had.
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Old 04-02-10, 01:22 PM
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More weight=stronger you. I don't see it as a deal-breaker.
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Old 04-02-10, 01:37 PM
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If you don't mind the weight and the frame is the right size, go for it.
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Old 04-02-10, 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by snorkel
I read one review that said the bike was 34 pounds, but I do not know which size the reviewer had.
I ride around on a 30lb (maybe a bit more) bike. 34lbs doesn't seem too bad (especially considering the price).
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Old 04-02-10, 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by njkayaker
I ride around on a 30lb (maybe a bit more) bike. 34lbs doesn't seem too bad (especially considering the price).
Yeah, my Seek with panniers fully loaded easily crosses 30 lbs... It just makes the hills more interesting.
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Old 04-02-10, 07:32 PM
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One review I read said the Trek 520 was 27 lbs and the Sojourn was 32 lbs.
With the Sojourn already stock with better (and heavier) rack, fenders, disk brakes, Brooks saddle and included pump; it is about the same weight once the Trek 520 gets extras added on.

You can get a new 2009 for about $900 if any LBS still have any left. I found a LBS that caters to college kids that has ordered a 2010 Sojourn for $900 (list about $1250) that I will pick up in August to tour on (it will be my mainland bike that I will not have to pay airfair on - adult kid gets to store and ride it between tours). Genec, NO behind the back offers to the kid.

The 2010 model upgraded to 36 spokes wheels.

If you do buy the craiglist bike, try and talk him down a little and make sure it includes the fenders and pump.
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Old 04-02-10, 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by njkayaker
How heavy is it?

Seems like a decent price for a bike that people seem to like.
I have the 53CM frame, and it's 32 pounds.
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Old 04-02-10, 08:23 PM
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It seems very beige... over-kill for commuting IMO. Kona's Sutra is very similar, but 20mm shorter chainstays and about 2-3lbs lighter.

Both bikes are overkill unless you are going todo some self supported touring.
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Old 04-03-10, 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by electrik
It seems very beige... over-kill for commuting IMO. Kona's Sutra is very similar, but 20mm shorter chainstays and about 2-3lbs lighter.

Both bikes are overkill unless you are going todo some self supported touring.
If your daily commute includes some significant climbing, having a bike described as overkill can be a good thing.

What I really need is a very light overkill bike.
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Old 04-03-10, 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by CB HI
If your daily commute includes some significant climbing, having a bike described as overkill can be a good thing.

What I really need is a very light overkill bike.
ok, let me rephrase... there are lighter bicycles to commute on than a touring bicycle.

It isn't the hills here, but the stopping and starting for traffic lights... the lighter the bike is, the easier it is to accelerate.
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Old 04-03-10, 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by electrik
ok, let me rephrase... there are lighter bicycles to commute on than a touring bicycle.

It isn't the hills here, but the stopping and starting for traffic lights... the lighter the bike is, the easier it is to accelerate.
Yes, it is my desire to do some self supported touring this summer. I have been training all winter along with my regular working commutes. My commute to work is only about 4 miles one way but it is a hell of a four miles with some very massive hills. Additionally the roads right now are in very bad condition requiring me to ride with chunkier tires.

I'd love to have a nice light fast bike for my hilly work commute, and a stronger bike for touring, but my budget doesn't really allow for it so I need a bike that does double duty. My Seek does that pretty well, but something like the Sojourn or C-Dale touring bike would be closer to my preference.

In any case, it appears that I was too late for this deal. Oh well. I appreciate everyone's feedback!
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Old 04-03-10, 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by snorkel
Yes, it is my desire to do some self supported touring this summer. I have been training all winter along with my regular working commutes. My commute to work is only about 4 miles one way but it is a hell of a four miles with some very massive hills. Additionally the roads right now are in very bad condition requiring me to ride with chunkier tires.

I'd love to have a nice light fast bike for my hilly work commute, and a stronger bike for touring, but my budget doesn't really allow for it so I need a bike that does double duty. My Seek does that pretty well, but something like the Sojourn or C-Dale touring bike would be closer to my preference.

In any case, it appears that I was too late for this deal. Oh well. I appreciate everyone's feedback!
Oh well, at least next time you can pull the trigger faster
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