Submitted by
jaspas
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2012
Strengths: Strong beefy bike, simple design, low maintenance, supple ride
Weaknesses: bb5's are a little on the weak side, front hub loves to loosen up on it's own in the middle of a ride
Bottom Line:
I borrowed this bike from a friend for about the last month and have had so much fun! It's my first time to ride a 29er, let alone a rigid single speed. A different type of riding for sure, but a blast - makes me feel like being a kid again. Around KC, the rigid fork does just fine and the stock gearing 33x20 (I think) suites the trails around here pretty well. After adjusting the front hub, the loosening issue seems to be solved. I took this bike to CO over spring break and it (along with the altitude) reminded me of how weak I am. SS riding isn't for the faint of heart but is a lot of fun and I've had an awesome time riding this bike. If it were setup tubeless it would be even better, but I'm still able to run 25-28 psi tubed. It's a no frills, straight shooting steel 29er. If I could afford to get something like this for myself as a second bike I'd do it in a heartbeat. Thanks to this bike, I've been bitten by the 29er bug and have to evaluate how I can add one to my stable this season.
Strengths: Updated 2012 from 2011 with shorter chainstays, less flexy with belt drive. Stock trim isn't terribly cheezy, actually not bad. Very quiet and smooth.
Weaknesses: Only thing I can cry about is the BB5 disks. Not the greatest but I have a trick to make them tolerable and knew I was buying hydros anyway. And also not so much a weakness but rather what I would call crappy business ethics...if you get the kriket belt tension gauge from Gates for a MTB belt setup, you'll pay $40.00-$50.00, but if you go to NAPA the same kriket gauge (made by Gates for NAPA mind you) is $11.00. wtf?
Bottom Line:
I love this bike so far! Glad I ordered in the 2012 instead of saving couple of hundred for hold over XXIX belt drive. They seem to have worked out the most nagging bugs and so far, no problems. Gates CDX is definitely better than 2011 model and pretty much a set it and forget it setup. However...you will need a little patience the first time you set it up and get it all straight, but after that, you're golden.
Strengths: Updated 2012 from 2011 with shorter chainstays, less flexy with belt drive. Stock trim isn't terribly cheezy, actually not bad. Very quiet and smooth.
Weaknesses: Only thing I can cry about is the BB5 disks. Not the greatest but I have a trick to make them tolerable and knew I was buying hydros anyway. And also not so much a weakness but rather what I would call crappy business ethics...if you get the kriket belt tension gauge from Gates for a MTB belt setup, you'll pay $40.00-$50.00, but if you go to NAPA the same kriket gauge (made by Gates for NAPA mind you) is $11.00. wtf?
Bottom Line:
I love this bike so far! Glad I ordered in the 2012 instead of saving couple of hundred for hold over XXIX belt drive. They seem to have worked out the most nagging bugs and so far, no problems. Gates CDX is definitely better than 2011 model and pretty much a set it and forget it setup. However...you will need a little patience the first time you set it up and get it all straight, but after that, you're golden.
Strengths: Updated 2012 from 2011 with shorter chainstays, less flexy with belt drive. Stock trim isn't terribly cheezy, actually not bad. Very quiet and smooth.
Weaknesses: Only thing I can cry about is the BB5 disks. Not the greatest but I have a trick to make them tolerable and knew I was buying hydros anyway. And also not so much a weakness but rather what I would call crappy business ethics...if you get the kriket belt tension gauge from Gates for a MTB belt setup, you'll pay $40.00-$50.00, but if you go to NAPA the same kriket gauge (made by Gates for NAPA mind you) is $11.00. wtf?
Bottom Line:
I love this bike so far! Glad I ordered in the 2012 instead of saving couple of hundred for hold over XXIX belt drive. They seem to have worked out the most nagging bugs and so far, no problems. Gates CDX is definitely better than 2011 model and pretty much a set it and forget it setup. However...you will need a little patience the first time you set it up and get it all straight, but after that, you're golden.
Submitted by
biopacebob1
a Cross Country Rider
from MODESTO
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2011
Strengths: It's a 29er, yup
Weaknesses: The wheelset, but at this price ? c-mon it's more than ok
Bottom Line:
Why did we have to make mtb bikes with 26 inch inch wheels in the first place ? Debate over !! 29 is the winner. turns every bit as well as the 26 " hardtail I've had for 9 years. The rocks all just got alot smaller, gotta find bigger rocks. The frame flexs real nice when a little cushion is needed. No one makes bells out of aluminum, they wouldn't ring. So why make bikes out of it ? And gears ? we don't need no stink'n gears. Anyway I just got a new bike buzz for less than a grand, way less.
Submitted by
Big Red
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2011
Strengths: Tough bike, nice geometry very grippy tires
Weaknesses: Heavy tires BB slips some but a little locktite on the fixing screws works wonders
Bottom Line:
Great bike from Raliegh. Its almost like having an oversized BMX bike. Rides good. Check out www.agees.com for more. The bike rides smoother than I expected due to the steel construction and me being used to aluminum hardtails. Rolls over everything and I can lay it into the corners without fear of the tires slipping.
Submitted by
leftino
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft Collins CO USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2011
Strengths: Good Over all i am 1st time 29er love it so far
Weaknesses: paint is a lil weak but hey its a mtb
Avid brakes seem a little less responsive slight adjustments seem to fix on the fly with the right tool kit
Bottom Line:
Had to but this bike at this price. My bro in law built his 29er last year.
I live in CO cold snow winters, but the rest of the year the bike tears it up all over trails here. Climbs, fire roads, desents tracks like a wolf on the hunt. ride to work on bike trails very responsive
Bike Setup: Avid Brakes, WTB Wheels set tires, Easton bar n stem,Cane Creek headset,Specialized saddle
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
1mad-dog
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2011
Weaknesses: Paint job
Bottom Line:
My first foray into both 29'r bikes and single speed has been highly successful.
This bike has handled everything I have been able to chuck at it and has me excited about MTBing again.
I originally wanted to add front shocks, but have been pleasantly surprised with the ride and love the responsiveness when climbing hard
My only negative comment would be that the paint job dings up with the slightest contact
I would happily recommend this to anyone wanting to try off-road SS
Strengths: Durable, quick, responsive, agile and comfortable.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I've been riding the geared version XXIX+G for three years. I've always wanted to give the single speed a try without spending a lot of bucks. I was hesitant to get what i thought was basically the same bike. But I couldn't pass up the bargain I got on ebay. To my surprise it is a different bike than my geared version. Although the geometry is the same the fork has a different angle which makes the bike more agile and quicker. Not as hard as I thought going up the climbs. It feels pretty nimble and responsive. Whats neat is that I don't miss the suspension. The chromo steel soaks up the bumps well. Also note that some riders prefer the 2006 - 07 model (which is what i have) because it's not suspension corrected like the later models. Just a great bike and a great deal. I'm finding it hard to go back to the geared version.
Submitted by
Driverfound337
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester ct
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2010
Strengths: Rock solid geometry, comes ready to shred the trail with no upgrades necessary, smooth operator
Weaknesses: Grips
Bottom Line:
For the price you cannot simply beat it. This is not a cheap sport and it's a great thing to know that less than a grand can get you a very nice unique bike. I love this bike and it has performed every ride.
Submitted by
Peaches
a Downhiller
from Petaluma, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2010
Strengths: Tires, Color
Weaknesses: Grips, Bars, Headsets, Neck, Brakes, Wheels, Drivetrain....to some it up this bike sucks. You get what you pay for. Just ask Gary from Raliegh
Bottom Line:
frame cracked, grips fell off, head set exploded, chain snaps, rings got shot in two months, Bottom bracket just sucks. Blew out both wheels. OHH YEAH DID I MENTION THAT I CRACKED THE FRAME IN UNDER A YEAR OF RIDING, AND THAT RALIEGH WILL NOT WARRANTY MY FRAME THANKS A LOT GARY.
Favorite Trail: Highway 101, because my bike sucks
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At: "Local Bike Shop"
Similar Products Used: Huffy, Gary
Bike Setup: A cute little dress on a pig
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
shawnkeeler
a Weekend Warrior
from sunny scottsdale, arizona
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2010
Strengths: i'm a 29er newbie and it seems like a very good/strong bike. it's handling all i can throw at it so far. love the simplicity!
Weaknesses: none so far.
Bottom Line:
good bike overall. i was debating between spending the money on this or going cheaper for a motobecane (or similar), and i'm so happy i grabbed this baby. i use it a lot for some urban riding as well. it's not built for speed, but if you want a giant monster bike to enjoy the town with and kill it on some trails, this is the bike.
Submitted by
tippofthehat
a Cross Country Rider
from SEPA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2010
Strengths: Inexpensive, very sturdy and durable for this clyde.
Weaknesses: Parts spec isn't the best, but keeps bike easy to purchase.
Bottom Line:
The best deal in town. I'm not sure what they currently cost, but this bike does not owe me a thing. Clydesdale weight fluctuates from 210 in summer to 230 in winter. Bike has same wheels on it- a few far drops from botched boards, logs and overpasses and wheels have stayed relatively straight after some post-ride truing. Bike isn't the lightest there is- but it is a very sturdy 4130 frame. Be careful of the EBB- I stripped out the friction screws from many adjustments of chain tension and had to *carefully* drill them out. I can no longer use the block of aluminum and set screws, but now run a Bushnell EBB. I believe the new green XXIX uses a pinch method (better? I don't know.)
The bike has served me well. It was my introduction to the world of 29 inch wheels and I have not ridden my 26 hardtail on trails since. I really think that Raleigh got hosed on the award for this model- probably since it is a "Raleigh" and not a mass-marketed, bees knees kind of single speed.
Similar Products Used: 26er geared and ss. 29er geared
Bike Setup: Thomson 410 stem, surly constrictor collar, RF Atlas Crankset, BB7 Front and Rear. Bushnell EBB. Stock everywhere else.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Swerveon
a Weekend Warrior
from Sac-Town, CA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2010
Strengths: Solid build with good component spec for the $$. Flashy w/ the matching colors.
Weaknesses: A bit of a tank. Especially the wheels.
Bottom Line:
I have been riding FS bikes for a number of years and decided to jump into the SS category this year in order to improve my fitness and tech. riding. Wow! The word I have for this bike is "deliberate." Every move made is solid. Good response with little discernible flex. It is a bit heavy stock. Lighter wheels would be a nice addition, followed by new stem and seatpost. The geometry is quick and feels like riding a BMX again. Great intro into the SS field given the value. And, bonus, It is a good looking bike.
Similar Products Used: GT Peace 9r. Redline Monocog 29er.
Bike Setup: Stock except Avid Elixer r brake upgrade.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
jringer
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2009
Strengths: Lots of bike for the $$, great geometry, red paint job and decal set look great, very fun bike, fits the bill for urban commuting as well
Weaknesses: Brakes, cranks, seat post clamp are all pretty sub-par.
Bottom Line:
Overall, this has been an awesome purchase. I've had a lot of fun with both the single speed and 29er aspects of the bike. I rode the bike for about 6 months completely stock before deciding to upgrade the fork to get away from the rigid. While the rigid setup was fun, adding the fork made a huge difference in the overall ride-ability for me. I definitely wouldn't go back to a rigid bike unless I planned on riding mostly around the city or on smoother trails.
Nitpicks:
- The brakes suck. They constantly come out of adjustment (I've reset them many times, had the shop reset them, etc), and generally just don't have that much stopping power. The adjustment factor is huge though - it's an every ride type thing, and gets really old. If this bike came with BB7's, it would be fine.
- The seatpost clamp doesn't do that great of a job. I'm 5'11 at 175, so not like I'm super heavy. I've found that over time it's gotten worse, to the point where I'll adjust it mid-ride at least once.
- The left crank arm stripped/hollowed out; again to the point where it has to be re-tightened mid-ride (sometimes multiple times per ride). The arm basically needs to be replaced... not sure if I got a bad one or if it's just a crappy model Truvativ put out, but definitely a hassle.
Regardless of the above, a few simple upgrades have made this bike a LOT of fun for me over the last 2 years. The bike is really fast on single track and the 29er factor makes rocks/roots/technical descents a breeze compared to hard tail 26" bikes I've ridden in the past. Definitely recommended!
