Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Strengths: This bike has a pretty tough frame and is very comfortable for the 20 odd miles I put on it everyday, as well as having good quality components
Weaknesses: seat
Bottom Line:
Great MTB for a begginer. It has a great group of components to start riding with and a tough frame that you can adjust to your advancing riding style by changing component parts. The frame is a little heavy but for someone who is tough on a bike or just learning it can take a beating and not flinch. Great bike for the money. I only give it 4 chilis because although its a great deal it's not perfect.
I really enjoy this bike. I suppose if you're checking out this review, you're not necessarily concerned with the most up-to-date bike, but this thing has been great! I've ridden it for two years (pretty hard for the last six months or so) and nary a thing has gone wrong. I take it in for a tune up once in a while and keep the drivetrain clean and lubed and it does fine. The Rockshox Jett C forks are bottom of the barrell. If you are beyond the beginner stage and have an idea of what a front suspension should be - upgrade immediately. Otherwise, it'll do in a pinch. The bike handles well and I have no problem on long single track climbs or fast descents. My only other major complaint is the stock brake pads wear out way too fast, especially in wet, sandy conditions. My next bike will definitely have disk brakes.
Bike Setup: stock except for koski 0 degree stem and rock shox 2001 judy sl
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Submitted by
FakePurseNinjas
a Cross Country Rider
from ELLENSBURG WA USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Strengths: Great stock components. Solid construction. Great bike for trail riding and occasional downhill. High end components for a small price tag.
Weaknesses: a little heavy. Get rid of the Jett C's, the OEM seat, the toe-clips, and the 25 degrees stem and it makes a huge improvement to the bike for only a little cash.
Bottom Line:
A great bike to buy and upgrade. I got new Judys, a new seat, new clipless pedals and a new Easton stem all for under $200 and it really classes up my bike. I thought about upgrading the crank from the STX-RC to an XT hollowtech but for the price it is not that big of a jump for the huge price. Raleigh did a good job of putting together this package.
Bike Setup: Stock components *plus* new Fizik Nisine Saddle, New 97 Judy XC forks, new Easton EA50 Aluminum stem, and K2 Clipless pedals
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Submitted by
Keenan
a Weekend Warrior
from Ada, Mi U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Strengths: I love this bike. It is very aggresive and light. The aluminum frame is very strong considering it doesnt weigh much at all. I love all of the components too. The almost always do what I want when I want.
Weaknesses: I really dont have any complaints except that my forks are out dated and I could probably use some new ones.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike and if you are looking into a lower priced MTB w/ good components this is it.
Similar Products Used: this is the first real MTB I have ever had
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Submitted by
E CASTILLO
a Weekend Warrior
from EL PASO COUNTY
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Strengths: EQUIPPED WITH BAR ENDS AND SUSPENSION SEATPOST, ALSO A BEE-UTE-IFUL PAINT SCHEME(ELDORADO GOLD)REALLY MAKES IT STAND OUT! ALMOST FORGOT THE VELOCIRAPTOR TIRES!
Weaknesses: SEAT AND PRESTA VALVES.
Bottom Line:
KILLER DEAL WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER MAKES AT THIS LEVEL OF BIKE. I DID MY HOMEWORK PURCHASING VARIOUS MTB MAGS AND GOING OUT AND READING COMPETITORS BROCHURES. MY TARGET COST AFTER TAXES WAS $600, AND COMPARED TO GT,TREK,GIANT AND DIAMONDBACK, THIS M80 EASILY WON ME OVER.
Bike Setup: HAVE ONLY ADDED GEL SEAT(i THINK IT'S A BELL) HOPE TO ADD CLIPLESS.
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Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, GA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001
Strengths: Frame, good and strong
Weaknesses: Seat, This thing's about as comfortable as riding a rock. I am planning on replacing the pedals to, but just because of personal preferance.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, this is my first mountain bike and I love it. Loses a chili for the seat though. I'm planning on some upgrades soon because I'm getting to be a better rider, and I have some extra money.
Submitted by
Robert Brashears
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City, MO. USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Strengths: I originally wanted to buy a bike, to try to get re-aquainted with some muscle groups I hadn't used since college. I don't race; or have any intentios too. I just wanted to increase my weekly cardio workouts, and get outside more. But since purchasing this bike, I have become a full blown trail riding freak! I didn't want to bust my bank roll, but I didn't want a Wal-Mart special either...I wanted a quality bike...and I got exactly what I was looking for; and more from the M-80. Read the reviews, they speak for themself. This bike is all an entry/itermediate level rider would need. Quality drive train (Shimano Deore f/r deraillers, crankset, and shifter pods), Rock Shox XC Jett...NO MOZO's!, suspension seatpost (very nice for us over 35 types), and a great frame to build upon, as skill level and desire grow. Price the same components on a Schwinn or TREK, and you will shell out hundreds more.
Weaknesses: I am not knowledgeable enough to really comment on weaknesses of the unit. I personally have not found any. This bike handles all of the Urban Assault, and true trail riding I can throw at it. I just keep it tuned, inflated a lubed...it is that simple. Low maintenance; great performance...at a exceptionally good price. What else can I say
Bottom Line:
You CAN NOT go wrong with this bike! Cost, Features, Components, all add up to big fun; for little dolleros. If you are like me, and want a great bike, that the wife won't leave you for buying...check into the M-80. And if you live in the Kansas City/Overland Park, or surrounding area, check out The Bike Rack...their prices are the best, and service after the sale is unsurpassed!
Favorite Trail: Landahl Park trails, Johnson County Rec. Park Trails
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At: Bike Rack in Overland Park, KS.
Similar Products Used: All of my other bikes have been cheapies. This is my first dive into the higher end market...but it has been a good enough experience to convince me to purchase a Raleigh R500 road bike. Another best bang for the buck!
Bike Setup: Stock. I plan to upgrade the drive train/brakes to all XT components, and some nice Mavic wheels. The shock will go to a Judy Race. I am not doing this because of a lack of quality, but because my riding habits are becoming more serious, so it is time for hardware to match.
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Submitted by
Bill Czajkowski
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Collins, CO, US
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2001
Strengths: Rides smoothly and handles nicely
Weaknesses: Rims
Bottom Line:
Bottom line: After a year of riding, and not all that hard, I've had a cut inner tube from the rim seam and two broken spokes on my wheels. Also they constantly go out of true. Not impressed with the rims and have finally decided to get new ones. Other than a touchy rear derailleur with the 9 speed it's been a great riding bike.
Strengths: It has a sturdy frame with good brakes. Very light and can withstand any thing. Also has good grip handles
Weaknesses: Seat is as hard as a rock and hurts my balls after a 15 mile ride. Cna also have a better shock selection
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best for a execllent rider like my self. It is worth you money to buy this bike just dont put it into a closet and then never use it. Please bikes have feelings too.
Submitted by
Jeff Kennedy
a Racer
from Decherd, Tennesee, Usa
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2000
Strengths: The Frame, The Frame, The Frame. I love the looks and ride of this frame. The tires are also a strong point. The Lx and STX drivrain is good for the casal rider.
Weaknesses: The seat is like a brick, the wheels are weak, and the botton brcket broke after 1 race and 300 miles.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money. I started riding and competing last summer, and I bought the bike with some money from a summer job. I startd riding and got hooked on mountain biking. I ot a job at the shop I bought my bike from and have been upgrading my bike since. it has held up through 3 races and 1500 miles so far, and the frame brakes, and tires are still working great. I give this bike 5 chilies for value, and 4 for the overall. I know there are more exotic and expensive bikes on the market, but there are a few that cn compete with this bike when it comes to the price and overal quality.
Bike Setup: 1999 Raleigh M80, XT cranks, XTR rear derallier, Profle Designs Stiffy Stem, Nuke Proof Hubs, Ti Spokes, Mavic 217 SUP rims, Titec Enduro 2 Flat Bar, Rock Shox Judy, Selle Italia Flite w/Ti Rails, XT Shifter/Brake Pods, WTB grips, Wellgo Clipless pedals, Rock Shox suspension seatpost.
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Submitted by
J Hymes
a Weekend Warrior
from E. Greenbush, NY
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000
Strengths: Price, Price and oh yea Price
Weaknesses: Big fat uncomfortable seat.
Bottom Line:
If you are loooking an inexpensive quality bike then this is the one. Great bike for the weekend warrior. This bike is good off the shelf (except for the seat) and is easily upgradable as your skills progress. It will take a beating just like the more expensive bikes. The only difference I found with the more expensive bikes that i ride with is weight, and that doesnt really matter to me.
Purchased At: High Adventure Ski, snowboard and Bikes <<<(oops patio furniture)
Bike Setup: Stock, will be ugrading the fork to a manitou or Judy
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Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Methuen Mass USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Strengths: Great price Solid, Dependable,
Weaknesses: The rider seat sucks - replace before your first ride.
Bottom Line:
This bike is better then I will ever be.
Great all around off roader. Trail ride with it 3 -4 times a week and always come back smiling. Buy it if you want a great value and arent too interested in impressing the kiddies.
Dont buy it if your looking for ooohs and aaahs at the trail head.
Submitted by
Milan
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho,USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Strengths: Great price. Nice components.
Weaknesses: The Jett C fork. I hate that thing! The seat and the stem too! Yuck!
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike being an OK MTBer. I upgraded the components as I got better at mountain biking. Now I am almost an expert rider and have the perfect bike setup for it. This is a great bike to learn and get good on and you can easily upgrade anything you want on it. It has the most bang for the buck and I reccomend it to anyone.
Similar Products Used: Iguana SE (<--- I hate this bike)
Bike Setup: I first got a Judy SL. Then I got riser bars and a titec stem. After that I got LX brakes and levers with a Salsa brake booster.
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Submitted by
Lloyd
a Weekend Warrior
from Hollis,nh,usa
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000
Strengths: the price for the alright components. lx rear derailer. tires irc mythosxc although back tire looses tread after a few heavy rides. Climbs very well and handles turns with ease.
Weaknesses: jett fork is very bad. seat is uncomfortable and quite heavy. the tires pop because of the rim. i had to tape them. the stem and bars were not good it was like u were riding a hybrid. brakes had no stopping power took about 1 second longer than others to stop unless u skidded. the vuelta rims become untrued pretyy much evey ride and the stx hubs are heavy and can bend. pedals are not good to bulky
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike if set up properly or how you like it. its worth buying and making better because it will still be a low price.
Similar Products Used: trek 4500, 6000. schwinn moab 3
Bike Setup: switched fork to a judy xc. taped rims. changed to cane creek direct curve 2 brakes. new kore stem and bars. took off bar ends (too bulky). clipless pedals
