Strengths: Frame is very solid. The stock Jett fork is low end but never gave me problems. Brakes are good also.
Weaknesses: Deraillers, rear would jump gears and the front didn't want to shift to 1st, but these are fixable. Rear tire loses traction on loose dirt going uphill. Weight is rather heavy.
Bottom Line:
This bike has taken a lot of abuse and is still very strong. I upgraded the fork because i wanted a bit more travel and the handlebars, stem and seatpost because the stock ones are heavy. I will probably upgrade the cranks and bb in the future. Regular maintenance fixes the problems with the deraillers. This bike has yet to let me down. After 5yrs it still takes so much punishment. It climbs well for its weight. It is the best for the price.
Similar Products Used: the only mountain bike I have(so far)
Bike Setup: Upgraded fork to JudyXC with 80mm travel (the Jett is still very good)upgraded to lighter stem, handlebar, seatpost
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Submitted by
Greg Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Penfield, OH
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004
Strengths: The strengths are the frame. It may be a bit heavy, but it stands up to some serious bashing.
Weaknesses: The Rock Shox and the rims.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great value. The tires work well on loose dirt and mud. The shocks are not the greatest, however they work. I bent the front rim about 1 mo. after purchase. The M60 is a bike that can definately be upgraded. After upgrading the shocks, the bike responded beautifully. The rims are ok, but don't hit any enormous tree stumps!
Bike Setup: Stock except for the fork and rims. The fork is a Rock Shox Psylo, and rims are Mavick.
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Submitted by
Geoff
a Weekend Warrior
from Dover, NH
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001
Strengths: A solid starter bike. Very ruggid frame. Decent entry-level components to get you out in the woods and riding.
Weaknesses: Entry-level components that don't hold up if you really ride hard and put a lot of miles on the bike. A bit heavy if you really get into it. The steering is a little sluggish and, believe it or not, the tires can be really slippery in muddy, wet conditions.
Bottom Line:
Last year I decided I really wanted to get a bike and thought I might like to try this whole mountain bike "thing." I tried a couple of bikes and thought the Raleigh was a nice ride (and I liked the color.) Within two hours of purchasing it, I had it up to the bottom bracket in mud and was doing some pretty difficult decents. I have completely fallen in love with the sport and haven't looked back since. Three times a week, I rode the hell out of it, constantly having to tune the derailuers that weren't made for that kind of use. This year, I have upgraded to a Gary Fisher Paragon and now riding with Clipless pedals. I figure I will put some road tires on the M60 as well as the child seat for my son and keep it as my around town bike.
Similar Products Used: Test rode a Schwinn in the same price range.
Bike Setup: Stock, though later wore out and replaced the rear deraileur with Deore LX.
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Submitted by
Bolton Peck
a Weekend Warrior
from Snoqualmie, Wa USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000
Strengths: Strong frame, good geometry, durable if not flashy components, rides well, works great, takes a poundin'. Practical enough to commute on (I do) fun enough to keep up with the Fishers and Bianchis (that I also do.)
Weaknesses: A little heavy (approx. 28lbs as shipped w/20" frame) rear derailleur fidgety till you find that sweet spot in the adjustment (or it breaks in, not sure which) Jett shock bushings got lose after a few months of hard rides. My 2000 model had no disc brake holes on the rear frame. The Tektro v-brakes are finicky on the adjustment but also got better as time went on. The seat can be a bit of an anal probe.
Bottom Line:
This bike ROCKS! Someone else suggested that is isn't good for novice riders, not sure why that is, I'm a novice or was when I got this bike. Sand, mud, rocks, roots, tree stumps, more mud, 50 degree downhill singletrack, numerous crashes and only one bent Zac19 and pinch-damaged Kenda Klaw tire the worse for it. If I hadn't somehow put my foot into the rear wheel it wouldn't have gotten as bent as it did, though I still rode it home! The LBS fixed it up too. Spent some time getting the Acera derailleurs to shift the way I like them to (ie properly) and installed a new Judy fork with more travel and beefier bushings, this really woke the bike up. Overall I am very happy with this bike, would buy another one instantly or recommend it to a friend wholeheartedly. The 2001 model has disc brake holes on the frame, my 2000 did not. The best part is that, other than the disc brakes requiring an adapter for the rear mounting (the Judy shock I installed has them up front), the bike is solid and unbreakable enough to spend a few years wearing out then upgrading components as your skill improves. It rides and looks nice enough to be worth it. I'm racing it next summer.
If you drive a BMW, cook with Calphalon and watch a Sony TV then this bike won't have a nice enough name with which to assuage your ego. Buy a Fisher for $2000. If you're a down to earth guy or girl who wants to ride a bike and enjoy it, with minimal shop time and occasional upgrades between rides, then buy this Raleigh. You'll be glad you did.
Similar Products Used: various Mongoose, Trek and Giant bikes in price ranges up to about $700. Other Raleigh bikes (SC30, M80) Gary Fisher FS bike (Cant remember the exact model, it was green and expensive. It rode great but I didn't have $2500.)
Bike Setup: stock except for Rock Shox suspension seat post and upgraded Judy shock. Also shorter stem, the stock one was like four inches long. And Shimano replaceable cartridge brake pads when the originals wore out. Big improvement.
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Submitted by
vinny h.
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago,IL
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000
Strengths: solid frame, head tube built kinda beefy, mediocre drivetrain and components
Weaknesses: crappy RS jett, mediocre drivetrain and components
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike at my LBS, Grand Cycle. This was the best bike I could find in my budget. I have done some slight upgrading - especially to the fork. The Jett came apart on me after I did a 5ft. drop. I heard there was a recall on 'em anyways. My bike is now leans on the freeride/urban assault end. I am satisfied w/the frame. To me, it feels very solid and strong. I don't know why anyone in these reviews feels the frame give or flex - but maybe that's b/c I only weigh @ 130lbs. Besides that, I have beat the hell out of it. I take it dirt jumping, freeriding, and urban assaulting w/5ft. drops and the bike has held up great. I guess I can thank the frame for that. Anyways, a good bike for the money - just upgrade as needed.
Bike Setup: '00 Raleigh M60, RS Judy Race, DeoreLx/Acera mix drivetrain on a Sun Ditch Witch wheelset paired to Michellin Wildgripper DH Soft 2.2 tires
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Submitted by
Robert Janes
a Cross Country Rider
from Harlingen, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2000
Strengths: The price is problably its greatest strength. If you are looking for a bike that will offer you a lot of fun with out having to dixh out all your money then it is a great buy. The overall components on bike are good, not great , but you are not spenfing over a grand either.
Weaknesses: I do not like the flex in the frame. Have had problems after riding hard for a day with gears chanching. Sometimes when wanting to go to higher gear will not change. This problem I have had with all three of my M60's. Shocks are all right but will be needed to be upgraded.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is I have bought three of these bikes. For the price you pay it is great. My family and I have put bikes to the test and they come out pretty well. Only minor problems. The front derrailure needs to be upgraded right away. Rest of bike is great right from the box. Once I up grade I plan on taking bikes and ride through Belize with family this summer.
Weaknesses: Seat is hard,pedals are fair at best,forks feel like they need 5 more turns for aggressive riding.
Bottom Line:
I didn't want to spend $800.+ for a bike, I feel the Raleigh M60 is a great value for under $400. Alum frame, adj Rock Shox, I find the tires work well in all conditions and the rims Weinmann ZAC-19? cheap maybe, but take hard landings without a bend or kink.
Bike Setup: The only thing I've added so far is a suspension seat post which really works nice, try to buy one the correct size (27.2 mm) mine is a cheap "fits all" with adaptors.
Strengths: This bike comes with the low end shocks but they are still adjustable as far as the sag goes. Lightweight and sturdy, but the frame does have some give making your ride a bit smoother. Very durable. I have taken some nasty spills and the bike has held up just fine. For a stock bike it comes with some pretty decent components. Toe clips, bar ends, Weinmann rims and Kenda Klaw tires. The yellow color was part of what sold me along with the great price!!
Weaknesses: The derailer could be upgraded as well as the rims and tires, but for this price i would ride everything to the ground then upgrade.
Bottom Line:
This is definatly worth the price. You do get a lot of bike for your money. I love how it handles and the durability of the frame. Its more for the intermediate rider and i think that you can apprecitate what you get out of the bike. Plus i bought it from a store that gives free tune ups so i couldnt pass it up!!
Submitted by
Henry
a Cross Country Rider
from Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2000
Strengths: Price is price for what you get. The yellow paint job is also very nice. I've been riding it over some real tough terrain and it's held up. I even did a 25 mile bike tour with it!
Weaknesses: A little heavy (28 pounds I think). The front suspension could use an upgrade if you plan to do some real tough terrain. But overall this is a very nice buy for a mountain junky. Pedals aren't very nice, but most stock bikes don't come with great pedals anyway.
Bottom Line:
An AWESOME bike for the price ($400). You get a nice frame with good drivetrain. All the components work great and you're not taking a second mortgage to purchase it. Also, you can ride it for a while before having to upgrade anything. A great bike from Raleigh!!! I don't regret getting it.
Bike Setup: All stock. But I will be updating the tires (Panaracer Fire XC Pro) and the pedals (Shimano 747).
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Submitted by
vic
a Weekend Warrior
from san gabriel, ca
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000
Strengths: pretty much all the components are shimano. shimano v-brakes, acera drivetrain. came with bar-ends, nice pedals, cool yellow, lightweight, good grips, rock shock-jett
Weaknesses: rims (weinmanns) and tires. if it came with some mavics, i would have absolutely nothing negative to say.
Bottom Line:
best bang for your buck. i paid $269 it was on sale at helens in arcadia (formerly pro-bikes). excellent deal. i noticed all the great components and i had to take it. lets face it, most stock set-ups have 1 or 2 good components. this bike has everything you need. except the rims and tires. dont spend the $700-1000 on a more expensive bike. get this one and upgrade parts on a as need basis. i was thinking of purchasing the mavics on the spot, but what the hell, i will just ride the weinmanns to the bone first!!!!!
Submitted by
Mike DeWitt
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000
Strengths: Price ($455) Light frame with awesome grey coloring. The grips are soft and give hand alot of comfort. Seat is plush for not a body geometry style
Weaknesses: Havent really found one yet. The rock shox Jett is nice but I want to upgrade later (rebound adjustable wanted).
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the novice and easily can be race worthy.
Favorite Trail: still looking (the Ft. trails are awesome)
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Similar Products Used: Giant Yukon SE, Giant Sedona, Giant Iguana, Ironhorse Flagstaff, Haro Escape 7.0
Bike Setup: Raliegh M60 (Grey)w/ Rock Shox Jett (Red), 26X2.10 Kenda Klaw tires. Shimano Acera drivetrain.
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Submitted by
Kerry Taco
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas,Texas,US
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Strengths: Color,Shifting great, handlebars, pedals are 100%
Weaknesses: Tires, Seat suspension
Bottom Line:
Go with the M80 getting more bike for the $$$. But it's pretty good. Check out the Giants. They are good! New riders should not ride this bike. This is for experienced riders.
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Whittier Ca......in the good ol' USA
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000
Strengths: Great bang for the buck value.....quality components for the most part, rock solid.
Weaknesses: low quality shock seat post......wheels are not the greatest...seat hurts my butt...but what do you expect for $500
Bottom Line:
I just got back from my first ride on the dirt trails, and I am very impressed with the M60. It feels light and nimble and climbs very well and the new Jett xc shock is fairly decent. Shifting from gear to gear seemed a little slow and clunky. From reading other posts on this site I find that many people are not happy with the new Deore mega 9 speed groupo. Many reports of poor shifting, chain suck and broken teeth on the cassette. I'll be fair and try to work with the set-up before I trash it on here. IF I can't get it to work to my expectations,I'll replace the casette with a eight speed and slap on my 6yr old bullet proof Deore DX derailer on it....I'll sacrafice a few grams of weight but that baby snaps into gear....I wish they still made them
I was going to get the M6000...but again I read some posts on this site about the dia tech mechanical disk brakes not being up to par...so I decided to get the M60 and spend the money I saved to upgrade it to my needs. As far as I can tell the frames of the two bikes are identicle and is disk brake upgradeable.
I bought my M60 at Sports Chalet. I wanted to go through my nieghborhood Raleigh dealer but he did not have one in stock and said it might be a couple of weeks before he could get one...and I didn't want to wait. But now I kinda wish I did because there is nothing like having the support of a knowlagable bike mechanic. The pizza faced kid at Sports Chalet didn't know squat about how to properly set up a new bike...oh well. Anyway.....I love the bike and I think it is a great value and you can't go wrong with it. I'll give it 4.5 flaming hemorrhoids...(a reference to the hard saddle it comes with)
Submitted by
ROBERT MICHEL
a Downhiller
from ALBUQUERQUE,NM,BERNALILLO
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
Strengths: GREAT STABILITY THROUGH NARROW AND TIGHT GEOGRAPHY. ROCK SHOX JETT 65MM ARE GREAT. ACESSORIES LIKE THE SHIMANO SHIFTERS, SHIFT WITH EASE. OVERALL A SOLID BIKE FOR THE PRICE WITH A GREAT COMPONENT SYSTEM.
Weaknesses: KENDA-KLAW TIRES ARE NOT GOING TO GET THE JOB DONE EVEN WITH THORN PROOFING, CONSIDER TIRE UPGRADE IF YOU RIDE A LOT ON THE DIRT TRAILS.
Bottom Line:
ULTIMATLEY THE SAYING IS TRUE "YOU GET WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT". THIS BIKE IS POWERFUL, FAST, SPORTY, AND HONESTLY YOU CAN BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF IT AND LOVE IT. UPGRADES IN THE FUTURE AR EMINENT, BUT FOR THE PRICE AND THE QUALITY I FEEL IT IS THE BEST BIKE FOR THE MONEY. INTERMEDIATE DIRT LOVERS SHOULD CONSIDER THIS BIKE BEFORE THEY SPEND $700 OR $800 DOLLARS ON THE 2000 F300 CANNONDALE.
Bike Setup: THIS BIKE IS THE BEST BIKE A PERSON CAN FIND FOR UNDER $500.00. TEST RODE 8 DIFFERENT BIKES BEFORE FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE BIKE. THE YELLOW COLOR IS PHAT. COMPONENTS ARE WONDERFUL AND THERE IS NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SHIMANO ACERA AND ALVIOA AS COMPARED TO THE M80'S DEORE COMPONENTS. i CHOOSE THIS BIKE INSTEAD OF A SPECIALIZED HARDROCK AND A CANNONDALE F300 TO NAME A FEW.
