Submitted by
Claudio
a Downhiller
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002
Strengths: well i cant really remeber the last time i road it with all the original stuff but the whole bike was a good deal. an exallent beginner frame. its freakin strong and has held up to constant abuse and 6 foot drops. it has also taken a 5 inch fork. everything is good quality on this bike
Weaknesses: the whole bike was set for xc
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for its price and the frame has held up to cconstant abuse. im starting to race this bike for downhill so that just shows how good this is. if u want to see it, it will be shown at www.unrealcycles.com under bike porn, no dont worry its nt bad.
Bike Setup: Psylo XC, Shimano XT disks, XTR rear deral., LX shifter, Truvativ Hussefelt DH crank with a custom chain guide, Truvativ DH Spindled Bottom Bracket, SRAM 9.0SL Hubs, Sun Rhyno lite and Mavic D521 rims, Raceface hamdleber, Tioga 2.3DH tires
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Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Strengths: See below
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my post below. Since then I have replaced the front fork with a 2002 RockShox Judy SL which is sooooo much better. Other things I have done is put a Fizik Nisene chro-mo saddle, Ritchey Comp Rizer bars, new grips, and a couple other odds and ends that mainly add to comfort. I cant tell you how much better this bike is with those things. This bike isnt the lightest or equipped with the best component, but for intermediate trail riding, its perfect for me. Sure, everybody wants to have all XTR stuff on the bikes, but hey I cant find any complaints with my lower end Alivio stuff. It shifts nice and crips and the brakes have gotten much better since they have worn in. Once again, I cannot praise this bike enough. Where else can you have this much fun and only have $550 total invested?
Weaknesses: Seat is hard, grips move around, and that is all I can think of.
Bottom Line:
I bought a new bike because I wanted to ride off road like I used to on a motorcycle and I felt I need the exercise. I bought this bike because after going to some bike shops here in Austin I found that my options were either a Gary Fisher Wahoo, Specialized Hardrock, or a Raleigh M40. I wanted to stay in the $300 price range and all of these bikes met that criteria. I then found the M60 on ebay and I tried my luck in the auction. I ended up getting it cheaper than any of these other bikes. Best part was I was able to pick the bike up instead of having it shipped to me. Although I have yet to hit any trails I have already found that this bike to be an excellent value. The front Rock Shox Jett is the bottom of the line fork, but it works very well for my purposes. I weigh 225 lbs and I only bottom it out when I try to. The derailleurs are all smoother and quieter than anything I have ever seen and I love the rapid fire shifter. The brakes seem kinda mushy, but I think a better set of pads would remedy that. The seat isn't comfortable, but I need to adjust it to maybe find a better setting. This bike is very light compared to everything else I have ridden despite the 5 lbs of stuff I have bolted on to it. If you are a beginner biker or you just need a good bike for not a lotta money then you should think about a Raleigh M60. Mine is a brand new 2001 model and they can be had pretty cheap now that they are last year's model. This may not be the bike for everybody, but check one out.
Similar Products Used: Old Diamondback Apex and walmart or toysrus crap.
Bike Setup: All stock except "summit" brand allow platform pedals, waterbottle cage, blackburn mammoth pump, frame bag, and seat wedge bag.
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Submitted by
Harold Baker
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellicott City, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Strengths: Suspension, light weight aluminum frame, suspension seat post, descent gear components. Very strong, yet light bike, I should know, feel several times on my first outing! At 2 different incidents, thought I broke the bike when going down. Nope, just some minor scratches, considering I weigh 240! Even bike is intro mountain bike, I've been very impressed. And have been told by individuals with $1500.00 bikes, mine is a good beginner bike!
Weaknesses: None that I know, switched over from a hybrid bike, which could not handle the rough trails!
Bottom Line:
Bottom line; I am training for future Duathlon's and Adventure Racing(shooting for 2003/2004 Eco Challenge), if you are on a tight budget(have to buy kayak, climbing equipment, etc), then this entry level mountain bike is one good example of good product. Considering I was former sprinter with still powerful muscles weigh around 230-240 weight range and using this bike. It so far is holding up! Will give update in the summer, after doing some competition's to let viewers know about the bike durability, etc.
Purchased At: Sun & Ski Sports, Arundel Mills Mall
Similar Products Used: Owned hybrid bike from early 90's. That bike had no supsenion, etc.
Bike Setup: Rock Shoc Judy TT shock, not a bad shock considering my weight; 240pds, suspension set post, again not bad for my weight! All components are the alivo, again not bad, fairly smooth gear change transition. Especially, since I am still learning how to shift when going up hill!
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Submitted by
Jarrel
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX , USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Strengths: Good components for the price. It even included a few extras like the suspension seat post, handlebar risers, and pedal cages that the other brands didn't.
Weaknesses: None yet...
Bottom Line:
I have taken the bike out a few times and have been very impressed with it so far... I would recommend this as a low cost entry into the sport. I owned a Roadmaster previously (I know, I know) and there is no comparison between these two bikes...
Similar Products Used: I tested a Specialized Hardrock and it felt like a decent bike at comparable price, however, it didn't include the extras listed above. Also, the Specialized didn't have rear disc brake mounts (unlike the Raleigh M-60).
Bike Setup: Standard (so far)
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Submitted by
brent fleming
a Cross Country Rider
from ft. collins Co. usa
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2001
Strengths: Strong, lite, good bike.
Weaknesses: the shocks a bad for the riding I do and the derailers could be better
Bottom Line:
Its a good bike but it could use a couple upgrades. I up graded the shocks and the derailer and I,m thinking about getting rid of the suspsion seat post, because its a waste of energy.
Strengths: I LIKE THE FRAME ITS LIGHT,DURABLE, AND TAKES A POUNDING. BIKE CAME WITH ROCK SHOX JETT FRONT FORKS. FOR THE RIDDING I DO THEY WORK FINE. ALSO CAME WITH SEAT POST SUSPENSION WHICH MAKES RIDE A LITTLE MORE COMFORTABLE.
Weaknesses: NONE THAT I HAVE COME ACROSS YET.
Bottom Line:
THE BEST BIKE FOR THE MONEY. GOOD DURABLE BIKE I PLAN TO UP UP GRADE DOWN THE ROAD TO HIGHER END COMPONENTS. THIS IS A GOOD BIKE TO WORK FROM FOR BEGINNERS TO START WITH.
Similar Products Used: RALEIGH 600,SCHWINN MESA GS & MOHAB 1
Bike Setup: BIKE HAS FAIR COMPONENTS ROCK SHOX JETT FORKS,ALIVIO SHIMANO GEAR SYSTEM, AND SHIMANO V-BRAKE SYSTEM
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Submitted by
Brandon Bishop
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashua, NH (N. America)
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Strengths: Great price, lightweight, durable, made by Raleigh USA (not taiwan) Easy on the eyes color scheme, most components are decent quality.
Weaknesses: After about 50 (road) miles, the pedals and rear "Sun Race" freehub are already in need of replacement. I'm upgrading the freehub to a Shimano Alivio FH-MC 18.
Bottom Line:
I purchased the bike as a daily commutor to and from work, and everything in between. This is the third Raleigh I have owned, and won't be the last. Some components will need upgrading, but for the money, it is probably the best deal out there for this type of bike, and the cost. Compare it to any taiwanese-made Trek, Diamond Back, or GT. Chances are, you'll go for this one.
Bike Setup: Purchased with Kenda Kross hybrid tires (had to pay extra to get them), alloy carrying rack, and aluminum water bottle holder. Color of bike; Alpine Lake Blue. Final purchase price; $470.00
