Submitted by
ShenValley
a Cross Country Rider
from VA, USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Big Climbs and Decents
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$930.00
Purchased At:
Wheel Base Inc.
Strengths:
Stock Components, Reba Shock, Geometry = a nice handling 29er
Weaknesses:
Derailleur Hangers are unbelievably weak. Raleigh has a manufacturing/ material problem here that needs to be addressed. In about 6 months of riding the bike I've gone through 7 Derailleur hangers. Hanger is super weak! Bolt a new hanger to the frame and you can immediately bend it in any direction with two fingers. Local bike mechanic summed it up best - said Raleigh looks to be manufacturing their hangers out of cheese whiz.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher X-Caliber
Bike Setup:
Stock + wheel upgrade, shifter upgrade, stem
Bottom Line:
Raleigh has done a lot right with their XXIX+G but if you are buying the bike to ride and ride often be wary of Hanger issue. Folks will tell you that the hanger is a throw away part and is made to break. That's true. But, I've ridden a lot of bikes with a lot of hangers - Raleigh has a problem with this product and the material that it's being made from. At $20 dollars a piece for replacement hangers that aren't fixing the problem it may be worth looking around. A real shame for a bike that is really excellent in other areas (geometry that just works, good stock components, Stout tires, Reba front fork, etc.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Labrams
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, SC Date Reviewed: February 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1090.00
Purchased At:
Sunrift Adventures,
Strengths:
I bought the 2008 XXXIX+G. The 29er wheels are great! They roll over all the small stuff and smooth out the big stuff (better than a 26") . It doesnt ride like a full suspension bike by any means, but if you want a FS bike, then your gonna have to spend the big money to get it. The mechanical disc brakes havent given me any problems. Some guys say that mechanical disks suck, but I like em. I havent had the first problem with the bike and would recommend the bike to anyone wanting to ride something different (instead of a 26" wheeled bike) I am 6'6" and 190 pounds and ride the XL size frame. The XL frame fits me really well (versus a 20 or 21" frame from other manufacturers.) The 2.3" tires are a little heavy, but they more than make up for that by not blowing out or getting flats when you roll over big roots and rocks.
Weaknesses:
All it needs is some clipless pedals and your set!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Would recommend to anyone, especially the taller riders out there. 29er bikes seem to fit a taller person a lot better than a 26" bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben~jamin
a Racer
from Wilmington, NC Date Reviewed: November 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blue Clay Bike Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bike Cycles, Wilming
Strengths:
Rather inexpensive, Steel, 29er, Reba, Sram, Bomb proof (almost, see weaknesses), YELLOW, Huge tires, great overall handleing.
Weaknesses:
Derailleur hangers!!! I write this now because I have free time, because I just broke my second hanger.
Similar Products Used:
Air9, S-ized XC, Stumpy pro, Rockhopper 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for Ergon grips, SPD's, and Stan's Arch rims, with AC disc hubs
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike! I ride mainly super techinacal flat XC (think, trails at the beach), and this bike is awesome for that. The whole 29er concept effaces roots and small bumps, letting you just deal with the trail. A good lap time for our local trail is 40~ minutes. If you go sub 30 your booking it. I went from a 41 minute lap on an aluminum hardtail 26, to a 36 on a steel 29er. It is amazing how much smoother the trail becomes.
With the big wheels and HUGE sock tires, you can handle anything. I have kept the 1100g (a piece!) WTB Stout tires on there (see a leelikesbikes article on tire choice) and with those tires, I can hit turns that you would need a berm for without.
My only complaint, except for the d-hangers, is the wheelbase. I know it's because it is a 29er, but the wheelbase is really long. You can still handle tight stuff, but it takes some movement on the bike. I complain about the wheelbase because of DJ's. I love jumping, but jumps designed for 26ers are really hard to hit with this bike. I can do drops all day long with this guy, but when it comes to hitting a dirt "ramp" it just dosen't happen.
Oh well, time for another bike!!
Back to the manuverability. I have ridden a Specialized Rockhopper 29er and was mildly pleased. It's ride was pure mediocrity. It rode like a 26er that was one size to big for you. Then I tried this bad boy and it simply rulled! I'm not sure if it is the bike or the 29er thing, but I hope my next bike feals this good.
"The bottom line:" Buy this bike if you want to learn to ride well. A FS bike will help you ride fast, but this (or any decent bike) will teach you how to ride. I learn new things every day I ride with this bike, and I still smoke guys on FS bikes. Just buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mhockin
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake, Utah Date Reviewed: July 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wherever I am
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Rep
Strengths:
This is an amazing bike, rides great, climbs well, and is very stable. I am 6' 2" and purchased this as a second bike (I commute to work via a Cannondale T2000). I am not an experienced trail rider but ride bikes a lot, this bike is a comfortable, plush, and stable bike. I have taken it on a number of trail rides in the Salt Lake Area with some slightly technical climbs and down hills. My friends who mountain bike a lot were impressed that I could stay on the bike for most of the trails on the first try, its simply a nimble stable bike for a frame. Highly recommended
Weaknesses:
None- its not a commuter bike, tires gearing and a few other things would need to be changed.
Submitted by
xxix'r
a Cross Country Rider
from oxford Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Paint Creek
Strengths:
Stock Stout tires, although heavy are unstopable, in any terrain. Responsive for a big bike. I try to wreck but can't seem to. Either I'm really that good or the bike is. I think it's the latter. (that means the last choice, for the numb skulls)
Weaknesses:
paint job is absolutly HORRRIBLE!!!!!! four months old and rub throughs already from riding on the rack. A tad bit over weight like the rest of us too.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Although this is my 1st 29, and I have no comparisons, for the $$$$ this bike rocks! It climbs steady and straight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan cuaron
a Weekend Warrior
from abq nm Date Reviewed: July 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
gallup nm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
cycle cave
Strengths:
one of the most the most compiant shock absorbing frame i ridden. great on rocks very stable nice looking curve seatstays. lots of stand over clearance, very forgiving ride. just plain fun. grin factor 10. zero problems steel is best. great value
Weaknesses:
the seatpost too short 2007 model. needs 410mm. wheels are heavy.
Similar Products Used:
salsa mamasita
Bike Setup:
started stock like the 29 feel. after set up rode for 3 months upgraded wheels changed gearing 20-30-38 very fast climbing bike ! note dealer was very helpful with upgrades from stock bought with x-9 drivetrain stylo crank paid difference. weights 26.5 pounds.
Bottom Line:
if you can buy one at closeout you save big bucks. use money for gearing first makes huge difference. upgraded wheels those 2 changes makes this bike a super serious climber. the best part is the frame very compiant no flexing dont know what type of 4130 tubing but is made right. note if you go rigid the frame works very well. and saves 1 pound of weight. not too heavy at25.5 with rigid now. i would recomend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tigerstripe40
a Downhiller
from Salt Lake CIty, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
Stout frame. Good parts mix for the price. Fork is almost worth what I paid for the bike.
Weaknesses:
Joy Tech hubs aren't the best quality. Spec'd Tires are kinda heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Mt. Tam. Transition Dirtbag
Bike Setup:
removed tubes and set up Ghetto Tubless. Changed out stem and handlebar for Easton Carbon and Thomson goodies. Changed the brakes over to 183mm brakes.
Bottom Line:
EXCELLENT value for a 29er bike from the factory, at full retail. I got mine on clearance because it was last years model. I LOVE this bike. Since i swapped out the tubes to Ghetto tubless this thing rolls very nicely. I've done a bunch of climbing, and I have hucked this bike off of a few little (2') ladder drops and the bike has stayed straight and true.
Thehubs did require a little tightening after the first couple of rides, but the wheels are true.
Overall, I am EXTREMELY happy with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
woodlawn trustees brandywine valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1080.00
Purchased At:
dunbar cyclery
Strengths:
stable, secure, good climber, and comfortable.
Weaknesses:
grips and pedals
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher x caliber 05
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
After reading all the reviews, the xxixg impressed me to just go ahead and get one. price was right so no loss. I purchased the raleigh tandem companion last year. Because of the quality, I figured why not another raleigh, something different than what everyone else has. twentynineinches gave it one of the top 10 buys for 2007. I did take it out on flat gravel and sluggish but that's because the bike with its 2.3 tires, it's designed for rugged trails rather than city commuting, although I'm sure it will handle the potholes well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Vercoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008
Short seatpost, narrow riser bar, poor factory build (check bottom bracket and crankarms)
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock + Flite saddle, Easton Havoc 710mm riser bar, Shimano spd/platform pedals, FSA 370mm seat post, Kenda Small Block 8 tire w/ stan's no tubes set-up on rear.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for getting into 29ers. I have been riding this for a year from rolling hardpack trails, Mountain Trails at 10,000, technical rock and sandstone trails in the Rocky's and in Moab, Utah. This bike covers them all with incredible handling. I can ride stuff that my Full-Suspension riders can't clean. I am 6'2" and 160lbs, 29ers are for me, I am never going back to 26" "minibikes". Great all-round component spec, tires, shock, and frame quality. Ride it for a while and then step up to a higher quality frame after a couple of season and upgrade components along the way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Boyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, SC Date Reviewed: September 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Downtown Urban Assault
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Sunrift Adventures, (Travelers Rest, SC)
Strengths:
Great bike for a big guy like myself. I am 6'7" 250lbs. I had a hard time finding a regular 26" mountain bike that could handle my size and aggressive riding, but the Raleigh holds up really well. You can not beat the amount of bike you get for the money. I ride it 4 times a week and it is holding up quit well with minimal maintenance.
Weaknesses:
The only mishap i have had is the bolt holding the cranks to the internal bearings stripped out. (Probably because of my weight and standing it on hills too hard...). The stock breaks need a lot of adjustments but hydraulics would solve that. Overall not too many minuses.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded pedals for clips. Other than that ... stock.
Bottom Line:
Great Bike. Well worth the money and well set up for the hardtail rider. Comparable to Gary Fischer bikes at a fraction of the cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
obrianmcc
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID, USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1150.00
Purchased At:
Reed Cycles
Strengths:
The 29" Wheels roll over obstacles amazingly well, Solid design, Very stable, good componant group, I'm 6'3" and the XL fits me well
Weaknesses:
XL Frame seat post too short (350mm), bike came with 26t granny (spec'd w/ 22) shopped swapped to a 22 no questions
Bike Setup:
upgraded to Thompson Seatpost (410mm), 1.5" rise bar vs 1"...otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
I'm super excited about this ride. I was skeptical about the whole 29" concept, but now I can honestly say that they shine in many areas.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Javelina Cycles, Chandler, AZ
Strengths:
ChroMo strength, 29 inch wheels
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Gemini, Trek Fuel
Bike Setup:
Stock. I'm 6' 3" and the large frame ran out of seatpost. The XL fits me nicely.
Bottom Line:
The 29 inch concept works. It takes a bit to get them rolling, but once you have momentum you keep it.
26" wheels follow the contour of small dips, divots and small rocks in the trail. These small obstacles compress the suspension, and unless you have speed, slow you down on the rebound. Because the added circumference decreases the angle of attack between the tire and the ground, the 29's just roll right over the small stuff. That, combined with the additional mass of the 29's, allow you to maintain momentum and speed.
The steel frame does add some weight. If you’re accustomed to full suspension, the hard tail takes some getting used to, as do the Scram thumb shifters. But the frame absorbs shock and has a solid feel. "Steel is real."
While climbing gradual grades, the 29-inch wheels give a sluggish feel, like the tire pressures were low - and yet, curiously, the bike moved uphill quickly.
The geometry is spot on for the trail (and riding wheelies too!) The Reba Rocks. I found the stock saddle a bit narrow, but at 230lbs I'm a big fella.
Fit and Finish are top notch. The bike is beautiful. I really enjoy riding the XXIX-G.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clark Kiser
a Cross Country Rider
from Pueblo West, Colorado USA Date Reviewed: February 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
State Park trails around home
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Trail Head Cycles
Strengths:
Fast and stable. Several mph faster than my old 26" Specialized Hard Rock. The WTB EXI/Wolf tires really grip any kind of surface, from rocks to dirt to pavement.
Weaknesses:
The seat post clamp doesn't do a great job of holding the seat post at its desired height. It has a tendency to slip, unless you tighten the bejeesus out of it.
Similar Products Used:
Dave Fisher 29'er
Bike Setup:
Stock as it came from Raleigh
Bottom Line:
My second ride on this bike was supposed to be a short, shakedown ride. It was 12 miles in a hurry, and I didn't want to stop! This bike is comfortable, stable, and just a lot of fun to ride. Plus, I got a really great price on it. I am 6'1", 190#, and the Large 20" size was easy to fit to my needs. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get into the "29" experience, without a lot of cash. The equipment on this bike is quality. I can see using it for any number of applications, from casual paved trails to the loose-rock cliffs around my home. It's more bike than you need for casual riding or commuting- it wasn't designed for that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly
a Weekend Warrior
from Silver Spring, MD USA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any path will do
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Place
Strengths:
The bike is spec'd like a much more expensive model. Reba fork is great.
Weaknesses:
Not aware of any yet.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first 29er.
Bike Setup:
bone stock.
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a 29 I could race right out of the box. I race at the Sport level, so I didn't need anything overly fancy or expensive. This bike was perfect. Great price and great components, too. I don't see anything else in the same price range. It floats over rocks and logs and makes riding to work a lot of fun as well. I have not had a chance to spend a lot of time on it yet, but so far, it's a real winner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie M
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: January 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Ant Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bicycle World & Fitness
Strengths:
Frame is great (plenty of clearance for big fat tires). Component set is good for the price.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Cobia
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is my friend's bike. I wish I owned one too. It climbs really well and is fast and smooth. My friend is riding over obsticles she used to dismount and walk past on her old 26" full suspension bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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