kcblair

I recently acquired a 2017 Raleigh Merit 1. A cycling club member, referred me to someone, who had purchased a new Raleigh, (still in box) , prior to being diagnosed with a long term medical issue. It happened to be my size. Not in the market for a new bike, I bought it, to help this individual.

I just got around to assembling the bike this weekend and took it for a 20 mile test ride. My last new bike, was my Concorde 1990. Overall, I was pretty impressed. I really grew to like those Shimano STI shifters. I was going to upgrade my Ciocc, this winter, with a set of STI's. But I think I'll leave that alone, as I now have a bike with them.

The bike weights in at 22 lbs, close to my 2 Italian bikes. It was so cool, to take a new bike out for it's first spin. The Raleigh came with 700CX28 tires, but during assembly, I put on a set of 700X23's. For an aluminum bike, I didn't think the ride was too harsh.

For now, I'll ride it as is, but instead of upgrading any of my classic bikes, I'm looking at some CF parts, seat post, handle bars and maybe a fork. KB

blakcloud

Congrats on your new bike. I am not sure I would upgrade anything carbon on that bike. The price of quality carbon bars, seat post and forks would equal more than the bike.

Ride it like it is and enjoy.

kcblair

Thanks, good point. I've been looking and your right, prices too much. KB