moxy789

I recently moved to a rather bike-unfriendly city so I prematurely gifted away my road bike before moving.

Now, I'm looking for a robust commuter bike that can also be used for fitness on the wknds for mix terrain trails.

Since there are more reviews for men's bikes I did my research w/o regard to gender and assumed that the women's version would be the same minus geometry and paint changes. The Raleigh Cadent i8 was mentioned in a few places as a good commuter bike. However, it appears that the Cadent uses disc brakes while the women's Alysa uses rim brakes. Otherwise the components appear to be exactly the same.

Is there any reason why the style of brakes would differ from them men's to the women's versions (Shimano BR-M396 Hydraulic Disc w/160mm Center Lock Rotors vs Alloy Tektro RX5 Linear)? Is one better than the other? The prices for the bikes are the same.

I'm quite short so I'd need the XS size only available in the Women's version. It would prbly irk me if it turns out the women's' version was "inferior" for the same price so I'd be open to other bike suggestions. Thanks!

coominya

Well according to a lot of riders here, rim brakes are better, so perhaps you are just getting a good deal

hermanchauw

I went from rim to disc to rim again. Discs are pain the a** to mount/adjust/maintain and mechanical advantage is low(er). Rims are much simple overall and mechanical advantage is high(er). I am happier with rims.

shelbyfv

It may be a decision based on weight. As a lighter person you will benefit more from a light bike, percentage of total weight, etc. There may be other component differences.

MRT2

The Alysa 4 has hydraulic discs. https://www.raleighusa.com/alysa-12919

dwg51357

I don't know about the difference, but my son got a Cadent last summer and he loves it.

Leisesturm

The Tektro mini V's retail for $24 and the Shimano Hydraulic discs retail for $31. Clearly the perceived difference in performance between the two on Raleigh's part is zero. As already mentioned, the Alysa 4 is disc equipped but does not have the IGH. I don't think either Alysa is a bad bike, but I don't think they have anywhere near the value that something else might offer. For trails an 8sp IGH just isn't going to cut it! Even the 1x11... better, absolutely, but... were I the o.p. I would be looking for 3 x 9. 3 x 10 prices are starting to level off as well. There are bikes ready to commute out of the box with fenders, racks, integrated lights, etc. for about what the Alysa's retail for. Models don't jump out at me, but even if the o.p. got something like a Trek FX 2 and added the commute bits herself, she would be way ahead. IMO.

kevindsingleton 

The simple answer is that there is no reason to regard rim brakes as "inferior" to disc brakes.

1989Pre 

It seems manufacturers are relatively more concerned with looks on the women's models, and the rim brakes look more refined, at least in my eye. Like hermanchauw, I prefer rim brakes, and will probably never buy a bike with discs nor mount them on any present bikes.
Rim brakes are lighter, too. The Cadent/Alyssa is a great bike, and if you sign up for e-mail on the Raleigh USA site, you can get deals.
Earlier years of the Cadent 1 had rim brakes. These bikes can also be used on the road if you pop some road wheels on them. Topeak and Zefal make some nice, detachable fenders. You could even paint the fenders a matching color for the bike.
I think Raleigh can give pretty good bang for the buck, especially on sale. As far as disc brakes go, it may cost Raleigh less to supply you with rim brakes, but it is a win-win situation.