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New bike compare: Raleigh vs Specialized vs Cannondale

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New bike compare: Raleigh vs Specialized vs Cannondale

Old 08-07-07, 06:11 PM
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New bike compare: Raleigh vs Specialized vs Cannondale

I am in the market for a new road bike. I am a little old school and have a Raleigh Heat mtn bike which has lasted me a long time. Naturally I wanted to go with Raleigh and looking at their site I like the Raleigh Competition 2007. Went to my lbs to get some spokes and talked to the reps there and they said Raleigh technology isn't as good as Specialized or Cannondale and they would recommend a Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix.

I guess I don't mind spending the money on a good product but just curious what everyone else things on if the Raleigh is that much infurior to the Specialized?

I am currently around the 200lb mark and like to do the 15-25 mile rides during the week and little longer on weekends. Not racing (currently) but like to do the MS rides and stuff like that. Just wondering what the best bike may be for my situation.

I would like to go with at least Ultegra.

Thanks for all your opinions.
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Old 08-07-07, 06:43 PM
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What bikes does your LBS carry. Any reason to think they're biased?
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Old 08-07-07, 06:46 PM
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Try taking some for a test ride and see what you think.

I personally like Cannondale.
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Old 08-07-07, 06:54 PM
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I really liked the feel of the Roubiax, however I also enjoyed the feel of the Cannondale I ended up with. If I was choosing simply on comfort the Roubiax is what I would have picked, however I had a few other criteria (price, and immediate size availability) From your description comfort is your priority and I would go with a Roubiax.
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Old 08-07-07, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by lleemon
I am in the market for a new road bike. I am a little old school and have a Raleigh Heat mtn bike which has lasted me a long time. Naturally I wanted to go with Raleigh and looking at their site I like the Raleigh Competition 2007. Went to my lbs to get some spokes and talked to the reps there and they said Raleigh technology isn't as good as Specialized or Cannondale and they would recommend a Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix.

I guess I don't mind spending the money on a good product but just curious what everyone else things on if the Raleigh is that much infurior to the Specialized?

I am currently around the 200lb mark and like to do the 15-25 mile rides during the week and little longer on weekends. Not racing (currently) but like to do the MS rides and stuff like that. Just wondering what the best bike may be for my situation.

I would like to go with at least Ultegra.

Thanks for all your opinions.
I would assume that the most american 'reps' (and most posters on BF) don't know anything about Raleigh. I also can guess that they were selling Specialized.
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Old 08-07-07, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by lleemon
I am in the market for a new road bike. I am a little old school and have a Raleigh Heat mtn bike which has lasted me a long time. Naturally I wanted to go with Raleigh and looking at their site I like the Raleigh Competition 2007. Went to my lbs to get some spokes and talked to the reps there and they said Raleigh technology isn't as good as Specialized or Cannondale and they would recommend a Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix.

I guess I don't mind spending the money on a good product but just curious what everyone else things on if the Raleigh is that much infurior to the Specialized?

I am currently around the 200lb mark and like to do the 15-25 mile rides during the week and little longer on weekends. Not racing (currently) but like to do the MS rides and stuff like that. Just wondering what the best bike may be for my situation.

I would like to go with at least Ultegra.

Thanks for all your opinions.

I would ask them to elaborate on that statement. If they're referring to frame composition and\or level of componentry it certainly merits further discussion.
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Old 08-07-07, 07:40 PM
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The bike shop carries all three: Specialized, Cannondale and Raleigh.

They said for the money Raleigh gives the best components but they mentioned something about the frame technology is way advanced in the Cannodale and Specialized and Raleigh doesn't quit put the money into their product like the other two.

Guess I have no clue if it's worth spending $500-$800 more on a Specialized then the Raleigh Competition.
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Old 08-07-07, 08:17 PM
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I don't think the "technology" is worth an extra $500-$800. The marketing might be!

For any bike the most important consideration is fit, test ride the hell out of them. Other things to think about include:
  • The frame especially if you are planning to upgrade the components eventually.
  • The warranty
  • The resale in case you want to upgrade the bike (I am guessing the Cannondale and the Specialized will be easier to sell on)
Ride them all, one will "call" you (or maybe I'm the only one who hears voices!)
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Old 08-08-07, 02:13 AM
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https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/la...5_5668crx.aspx

You can read 10 reviews on the Raleigh Competition here. Raleigh makes a quality bike and there is no reason not to buy it. Take a look at the Supercourse.

Why do they carry it if Specialized and Cannondale are both better? The answer seems to be a great bike for the price. So the questions are, can you tell the difference and is is worth paying for?

Last edited by dekindy; 08-08-07 at 02:23 AM.
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