Submitted by
mdsdesign
a Weekend Warrior
from Easton, PA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2009
Strengths: Good quality components and parts.
Weaknesses: Made by Raleigh. A company that does not stand behind it's sub-par products.
Bottom Line:
I purchased a leftover RAM 4.0 in May 2007. For the most part I was happy with the bike until last week. I was taking a casual ride on a paved bike path by my house when the frame swing arm sheared in half. I couldn't believe it. I've had the bike just over 2 years, I don't abuse it, I have it regularly maintained and tuned up and the frame just totally failed. I contacted Raleigh fully expecting that they would take care of the part and fix the bike. I was prepared to pay for labor, but surely they would replace this part of the frame that was obviously faulty, right? Not so! Raleigh doesn't consider this part to be part of the frame and only warranties it for a year! And, they have no intention of bending on this.
So bottom line? Buy a bike from a company that backs up their product. There are a lot of choices out there. Don't make the mistake that I made.
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern California
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007
Strengths: Frame is strong. I am 6-2 and weigh 245.
Weaknesses: A little bit heavy
Bottom Line:
My red Ram 4.0 made in 2005 (the picture above is actually for 2004) is perfect for all mountain-the thrill, the freedom, and the sense of being part of a wonderful anywhere. One of the biggest benefits is the range you can ride shorter or farther.
Weaknesses: Manitou Axel fork; This is 2004 bike, not 2005 bike which is much improved.
Bottom Line:
This is a great tough Raleigh bike that I have been using more than 2 years and so far it has been no problem thanks to regular tune up. The value is very excellent thanks goodness I ordered thru Ebay for only $650 bucks two years ago and it is worth it! Beautiful paints and decals. This is my first full suspension and there is no comparsion to my 10 year hardtail I had. I am loving it and no plan to buy a new bike in near future except to upgrade new parts (get rid of Manitou Axel).
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Orono, ME, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2006
Strengths: Very tough, I got it cheap with a lot of upgraded parts. Stock parts are pretty good too. Nice looking especially with a bigger shock than the original.
Weaknesses: Ghost shifts probably due to flex, a little heavy
Bottom Line:
It's a pretty decent bike. I got mine used and it's got the upgrades you see up there. It's a tough bike, good for thrashing around in the woods. It's heavy for an "XC" bike, but probably also stronger than most XC bikes. Obviously, I have 8 inch brake rotors and a big hydraulic front shock, with big knobby tires. Switch those out for mechanical disks, a 3 lb air shock, and semislick tires, and you lose weight. My bathroom scale test told me its about 33 pounds with my setup. My biggest problem with it is ghost shifting, i've tried adjusting the derailer myself, and had a pro do it. Seems no matter how it's set up, you're gonna get at least a little skipping under some circumstances. I wouldn't be surprised if this is because of a little frame flex. By the way, I love the paint/decals, the pictures don't do it much justice.
Favorite Trail: Singletrack in the University Forest
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$535.00
Purchased At: used on ebay
Similar Products Used: lightweight singlespeed
Bike Setup: Nokian Gazzaloddi Dual tires, Rock Shox SID rear shock, SR Suntour XC-PRO fork, Hope Gothic brake rotors, LX rear derailer, Shimano DX/MX30 platform pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Wernher Wiehman
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2005
Strengths: I really like their choice in components like the Fox F100R fork aswell as the rear shock Fox float. The coolest thing about the bike is the Answer protaper carbon handlebar, looks really awesome. All the Truvativ components are designed nicely and really love the Stylo crankset with GXP bottom bracket.
Weaknesses: Does anyone know why Shimano's 05 XT rear derailleur shifts the other why around, it sucks bigtime.
Bottom Line:
I would really recomend this bike to any XC rider, Raleigh's back in with the big boys. I also like all the improvements they made over the 2004 Ram 4.0
Bike Setup: Fox F100R fork, Truvativ Stem, seatpost, crankset, protaper carbon handlebar, Doere shifters, Derailleurs lx/xt, Wtb weirwolf tires, laser V comp seat, and rims. Avid BB7 brake setup(gives hydraulic feel)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Lucas
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, NC
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005
Strengths: Frame and shocks are solid. Front and rear suspension move nicely together. Great bike for the price!! Entire setup is nice quality.
Weaknesses: No weaknesses found yet.
Bottom Line:
Great quality bike for a nice price! This is an amazing setup and I highly recommend anyone to do the same upgrade (mentioned in the "Bike Setup" section) if it's available . I paid $100 more for the RAM 4.0 components. The RAM 4.0 suspension was not as good (too soft and spongey). BOTTOM LINE: BUY IT!
Similar Products Used: 1998 GT Timberline hardtail. Tested many products prior to this purchase.
Bike Setup: Frame, front and rear suspension are RAM 3.0 setup. The entire rest of the bike is the RAM 4.0 components including wheels, hubs, derailer, crankset, pedals, handlebars, brakes, etc.-(everything except frame and suspension)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
David Marchyshyn
a Cross Country Rider
from Bowie Maryland
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2005
Strengths: Value for the money, Component selection. ride geometry, Even though this bike is quite heavy, it really flows well through twisty tight single track. I only notice the weight on steep or long uphill climbs.
Weaknesses: Weight, rear shock sucks, no name, Mine blew out, I replaced with fox float R. much better.
Bottom Line:
A very good value, component selection almost cant be beat, at under $1000.00, If you can deal with a slightly heavy bike and your on a tight budget. This could be the bike for you.
Similar Products Used: Ram 2.0, giant iguana, Gary fisher Tassajara.
Bike Setup: stock except rear shock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
patrick lay
a Cross Country Rider
from stanley
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2005
Strengths: Surer bike for the money,Brakes have a great feel,Frame is super strong,I've tested it.Ergo's are right on the money,good balance all around.
Weaknesses: Wasn't happy with shift cable routing up front.I crossed cables on top tube at front making an x with cables on top tube. Also rear brake line and derailer cable needs a zip tie and two o rings around cables to prevent cable hang and ghost shifting due to cables hanging on seat post clamp.
Bottom Line:
I won't complain about this bike in any way.It has made me more than happy,It is a great buy all around.I have put it through the ringer.700 + miles, It has always made it back! Big hits,And all.
Bike Setup: Set it up for your self, Every one is different!It won't take long.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Pocatello
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004
Strengths: Over all value is really good. Good components on a full suspension that you can't find on a decent hard tail for the money.
Weaknesses: Heavy heavy heavy
Bottom Line:
I bought my wife a raleigh and have been very pleased with them. The Ram 4.0 is a great deal with great components for the money. However it feels like its made of LEAD. I would be surprised if it is under 35 lbs. I paid $1450 for my sugar and I love it, but for some one who doesn't mind the weight and wants quality components with disc brakes for under $900 go for this one!!!!
Similar Products Used: I have an old specialized hard rock, I had a '03 tassajara before I traded up for my baby, a '03 sugar 3+.
Bike Setup: Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, manitou axel comp fork, clipless shimanos, avid handle bar, cheap n'sync rear shock, but has rebound adjust, LX/Deore mix
I am looking at buying a new bike and am somewhat confused. I looked at a 2005 Raleigh RAM 4.0 and was looking at customizing it. The thoughts so far are Full XT (Shifters, Front Read More »
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