Submitted by
Nate Falslev
a Cross Country Rider
from Logan, UT, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ridge Trail 157
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Peterson's
Strengths:
-Rock Shox Pyslo XC, Shimano LX drivetrain, WTB parts -Incredible value: parts are spec'd for lowest price with highest performance
Weaknesses:
-Frame is heavy, creaks, has no water bottle cage mount and the loose rear end detailed below -Rear pivot point bearings are known to wear easily meaning that this bike almost always has a loose rear end -DNM rear shock; just not the real deal -THE fenders; expect them to fall off or loose screws
Similar Products Used:
-Jamis Dakar XC
Bike Setup:
Stock except for SKS fenders, Lizard Skins chainstay protector and CF frame patches
Bottom Line:
This bike was an incredible value. The components were spec'd for high value and performance. The issue that keeps this bike from being ideal is it's rear pivot point; it will always wear quickly and make for a loose rear end.
As is, I'm looking to buy a better frame and swap all these sweet parts over to it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from New York, NY, USA Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Find places in Central Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Metro Bikes
Strengths:
The fork isnt' too bad, the hydro discs are okay, tires are okay.
Weaknesses:
The frame sucks. The DNM shock sucks even more. I threw out the pedals. stem was too long. Creaks like a bad ass. Too much flex in the frame. Whyt he enduro set up and give a XC seat?
Similar Products Used:
Most others work better.
Bike Setup:
LX drivetrain, Azonic Shorty Deluxe stem, Primo Tenderizer pedals, Titec Berserker Comfort seat, Fox Vanilla RX shock.
Bottom Line:
This bike was overpriced. Came with good parts but the frame sucks sooooo much. I wish I had the knowledge then that I have now. This bike has held up from a good beating but I don't trust these Alex rims one bit. It's a pretty good desender though. I would suggest this to beginner full-suspenion riders to get used to how one reacts. Any intermediate or pro will laugh at the performance of this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Kalichman
a Weekend Warrior
from Sonora, CA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Rear shock failed after 10 rides or so. Front disc brake defies adjustment and always rubs at least a little. Heavy. Lots of squeaks from the shocks and frame. Bike was delivered with too much oil in the front shocks and they were hydrolocked. Front fender fell off twice until I finally glued it in place. Bike was delived with the wrong cleats that did not match the pedals. Too much bobbbing action from rear shock when climbing, even in the saddle.
Similar Products Used:
Trek y22, trek 9200
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Mabye not such a good value after all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from park ridge il Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
8-Ball
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
village bike shop
Strengths:
Some of the components-wheels, bars, riser, shifters, seat, fork, crank
Weaknesses:
The components-replaced the rear derailure, rear shock, tires, chain-so far
I have owned this bike for about a year. Has been dependable until recently having to replace some components because they were cheap-which is why the cost of the bike is low. I think the frame will last, but definatley a bike to upgrade the components on. Whats gonna break next?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Federal Way, Wa. Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Scukcum Flats,Tiger Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$625.00
Strengths:
Very nice suspention,Disk breaks are a very nice improvement . The bike has a excellant overall balance. It loves to ride fast, especially downhill around corners.
Weaknesses:
The lower piviot bolt extends out to far and hampers with my front derailer. I trimmed it and it seems fine now. Water bottle attach point sucks(its on the bottom).Who wants to drink muddy water?!
Similar Products Used:
Diamond back, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Factory, except the seat
Bottom Line:
The bike makes you want to ride harder,because it rides so smooth. It is heavy, so up hill is a struggle sometimes, but my beer gut could use it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pig-ridin' Daddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Flat Rock, NC, USA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah National Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Motion Makers, Sylva, NC
Strengths:
oversized tires, free-floating disc breaks, riser bars, suspension front and rear.
Weaknesses:
stock crank set and bottom bracket, rear drop-outs, stock seat, overall weight.
This bike is a pig and i'm Pig-ridin' Daddy because of it. I have ridden this bike in Zion & Moab Utah, Pochohantas County West Virginia, Pisgah, DuPont Forest, North Mills River, Kitsuma, and the rest of Western North Carolina. It has never left me stranded and can take a pounding day-after-day beyond the comprehension of most riders who would use this or any comparable product. With few simple adjustments, the M-8000 is diverse enough that it can be dialed into ride in different conditions in a matter of minutes. Tires grip great, breaks aren't effected by weather, and the riser bars put you exactly where you want to be on the seat when setting up for drop after drop. The crank area and back drop-out areas are fickle to each rider. It seems there could be factory known, but not talked-about engineering discrepencies in those mechanical areas of the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brantley Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincolnton, NC, USA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
PeeWee's in Lincolnton, NC and Ft Duffield in West Point, KY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Ride-A-Bike - Employee purchase deal
Strengths:
Solid bike, feels great, nice and plush suspension, stable at high speeds.
Weaknesses:
Only thing I don't like about the M8000 is the weight. It's just too heavy in my opinion for serious XC.
Similar Products Used:
other Raleigh hard tails.. this is my first full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
Panaracer fire XC pro tires, I built my own custom wheelset, SRAM 9.0 SL shifters, SRAM Woody rear derailleur, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, XTR rear 9spd cassette, Race Face XY seatpost, Race Face Air Alloy riser handlebars, Race Face Next LP black cranks, Race Face chainrings, PC91 chain, ODI lock-on grips, and there's probably other stuff i'm forgetting. i have replaced almost everything with high-end components.
Bottom Line:
If you don't care much about XC speed, or enjoy light downhill use, this is a great bike. if you're going to be climbing hills and trying to do some serious XC, you'll probably not enjoy the ride quite as much. this bike rocks, but it's just a bit heavy. (Stock weight is 34lbs (DOH!), but I have reduced the weight to 31.8 with the above changes). As soon as you get the bike, get rid of the 2.3 tires.. they hook great, but they weigh roughly 2lbs each! lighter tires will make a big difference. Overall, excellent bike for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry Joseph
a Weekend Warrior
from Hill AFB, UT, USA Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Canyon Sports
Strengths:
The disc brakes are a definite plus compared to all of the "V" brakes on my old bikes. The full suspension adds to the comfort without taking a lot of power out of pedaling.
Weaknesses:
I get some occasional chain slippage when I have it in the higher gears, looking for speed. The chain tends to "pop" when pouring it on.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is my first good mountain bike, so I really have nothing to compare it to. I am really glad I got the full suspension, though. This is a really good bike for the money. I bought it on clearance when the 2001 models were already being sold.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from park ridge il Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
DESPLAINS RIVER TRAIL
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
village bike shop
Strengths:
great collection of components for the money which rounds out the entire package
Weaknesses:
front fork too plush, upgraded to higher rate springs, had a bad time with the rear disc brakes. raleigh had to send out replacement parts after a very long time, still not better than a v-brake, but working on it till they (raleigh)stop providing customer service
Similar Products Used:
other raleighs
Bike Setup:
higher rate fork springs (i'm 250+lbs), ditched the tires for more aggressive ones
Bottom Line:
great price for a full suspension. make sure your dealer can help you dial it in. rear brake sucked! still not sure if its rite but willing to complain to raleigh until I am satisfied. all in all buy it if you dont want to worry about upgrades, but get it from a good dealer to help you dial it in! Great bike for a person really ready to get into the sport for the thrill of it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Burr Ridge, Illinois Date Reviewed: December 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too difficult to pick
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Hartleys Bike Shop
Strengths:
Everything about it
Weaknesses:
This shouldn't even be here. It's a waist of room
Similar Products Used:
Other Raleighs
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
This is a top of the line bike that I would recomend to a beginner, or even to the most advanced weekend warrior. It's an all purpose bike. It can be used on the road, or just on dirt trails. This is the awesomest bike that you can buy for the incredibly lowwww price. If you purchase it near the end of 2000, you most likely will get it very cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete Parker
a Weekend Warrior
from Bainbridge Is., WA U.S.A. Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mad Lake Loop - Entiat, WA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great bike!!!! Has all of the componets that on other bikes is twice the money. Love the disc brakes front and rear, great for the Pacific NW weather.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Trek & Specialized
Bike Setup:
Factory setup. Only added the bar ends. Nothing else needed.
Bottom Line:
This bike not only kick's ass, it leaves more pricey bikes in the dust. I would highly recommend this bike to those who are moving up to a full suspension bike, but are of the weekend warrior type cyclist.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Lamarche
a Weekend Warrior
from Taunton, MA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything offroad
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Awesome suspension, components, and brakes
Weaknesses:
None that I have come across
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
The best bike that I have found for the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Glade B.C. Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Everything about it
Weaknesses:
none I can think of.
Similar Products Used:
not many
Bottom Line:
A very sweet bike. Try take a 3 foot dropoff and you'll know what I mean.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sonny
a Weekend Warrior
from marlow OK Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
too hard to pick
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
handles great,good components for the "PRICE". Also like the new wide tires on the rocky decents! Seems to be a good bike!
Weaknesses:
NONE FROM ME!
Similar Products Used:
All the bikes that I own are Raleighs.
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
check it out, and buy one. @bikeusa.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Deg
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Shifted smoothly, very respnsive shock. (Kick ass bike!!!)
Weaknesses:
Broke a few rear teeth.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
BUY THIS BIKE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 1200.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
