Submitted by
Cory
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Red Rock Hill
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
crank arms(easily replaced)
Bike Setup:
Bar ends,Toe Clips,Specilized body geometery seat,cycle computer, lights
Bottom Line:
I've climbed some pretty steep hills and never had a major problem. I've also raced in 2 24 hour races with it and it's held up great. Smashed rear dereilluir on a rock though. GREAT BIKE FOR THE MONEY!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Gassmann
a
from Texas Date Reviewed: December 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Nothshore Trail at Grapevine Texas
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
cycle spectrum
Strengths:
it is a freaking awesome bike
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
GT Saddleback 1999 Giant Iguana 1999
Bottom Line:
I love the bike and it will be even better once i'm done with it. Its not the best but it gets the job done. It is a good bike for beginners, it was my first bike and its good for the trails and the road. It may not be able to match a Gary Fisher or Cannondale but it can handle the technical trails al the way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY, USA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point, Suffolk County, LI, NY
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Fell off the back of a truck...
Strengths:
Sturdy, virtually unbreakable frame, pulls lightly for a heavy bike, low maintenance (translation: not too harsh on the lazy folk)
Weaknesses:
Old design (96 is the same, different color, better parts), heavy: at 32 lbs, weighs the same as my GT 6.0 with full suspension
Great bike to start with. As a slightly heavier hardtail, it trades weight for improved stability, especially at high speeds. Solid downhill and cross country, extra weight a plus for snow riding. It was an excellent bike for the price and worked fine until slate riding popped a tire and rolled us down the mountain. Doing such a thing will probably break the handlebar bracket and bend a rim or two (must be a weakness in the design - j/k) Have to echo sentiments of other reviews: this is a beginner bike, though an excellent bargain, expect to ride it very hard then upgrade later. Solid steel frame takes every conceivable upgrade in stride and is not a disappointment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Suisun, Ca USA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rockville Park, CA
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
some family owned bike shop
Strengths:
great frame made in USA
Weaknesses:
components are out of date- 7speed cog set w/ a 28 as the lowest gear?! Fork wears out in 6 months, needs serious attension
Similar Products Used:
Some bargain basement MTB that I brok the fram on, welded it, and broke it again
Bike Setup:
stock, oh how things are going to change when I get the money...
Bottom Line:
This bike is an ok bike. It does the job for me, but I just bent the rim, and while I'm replacing that, I might as well upgrade to an 8 or a 9 speed cog set, and while I'd doing that, I'll have to upgrade my shifter, and that's a one unit piece w/ my brake lever, so I have to replace that. Not to mentiont rims are cheaper in pairs, so I might as well get a front one, and as long as I'm at it, I'll get one w/ disc mounts so when I get a new fork, I can have disc front brakes...
It was a good start and fun while it lasted, but this bike is about to cost a lot more money. I'd suggest going a bit higher if the funds are available to you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from NewBern,NC,USA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Beaver Dam,Pirrana Pit
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
Flythe's bike shop
Strengths:
shifters,brakes,frame!!!
Weaknesses:
straight bars,unservicable crankset,tires
Similar Products Used:
Huffy Ecoterra
Bike Setup:
2" riser bar handlebars,IRC Mythos tires,Avenir Command Air seat,Icon pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a good bike for the money!!!You get the frame of the more expensive bikes and the gears and shifters do it justice.Tires and saddle are more suitted for the road and light terrian.The only major complaint I have is being so low on the handle bars.Either 2" riser bar will help or a better stem.I have raced 2 beginner races with this bike and it handles real nice.If your new to the Mountain bike scene ,this is the bike for you.Don't buy it if you are a serious racer or 100 mile a day user.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason F
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairbanks, AK Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Alaska is endless
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Cheap bike
Weaknesses:
components are not for serious trail riding.
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
Factory, i assume, maybe better tires. Added a Blackburn rack to the back
Bottom Line:
I use this bike to get around Fairbanks on road and trail. I have cracked the plastic pedals from trail riding. It is just fine for transportation and sure as hell beats walking. Grab the super clothes and set off into the winter sunset at 2:00pm.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from ny Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the world and every were
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$319.00
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
no weaknesses
Bottom Line:
This is the best damn bike i've ever had i go biking every were with my friends i bike 12 miles in a day (thats good cause i'm 11 years old)since i got it i'm faster than anyone i know the bike is the best if u don't have it ur screwed if u do ur gonna the best time of ur life get it get it get it the BEST BEST BEST DAMN BIKE say to ur self screw the damn price i'm getting it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Urban Dynamo
a Downhiller
from Layton UT USA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
+The Chromoly frame.
Weaknesses:
-EVERYTHING ELSE!!!
Similar Products Used:
Some Huffy I found on the Highway.
Bottom Line:
I know Raleigh makes some good bikes, but come on, this bike they came up with is !%@#*& up!!! This design is very old (lets say 1994 old) with the threaded headset, the lowest end Shimano Easy Fire shifters, horrible horrible fork with a very old design that's just as complex as a department store bike fork, the "road type" ass numbing comfort seat, etc. I would only buy this bike if you're up to serios upgrading before leaving the shop with the bike. Replace everything: The RST 260 fork, the seat, the threaded headset, the shifters, the brakes, EVERYTHING!!!
>>>
:] Ideal Buyer- Someone who needs to upgrade from a Huffy.
:[ Non Ideal Buyer- Anyone who needs a real bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Weekend Warrior
from Sagamore Beach, MA USofA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bourne Conservation Area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Affordability, durability, frame design
Weaknesses:
Brakes, saddle, weight, fork performance
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock except for saddle & tires.
Bottom Line:
My first mountain bike (the key word being first, that means there will be a second!). For the money, a great bike for a novice. You only remain a beginner for so long however... time to upgrade or buy a new bike after three months!!! I broke the stock seat at first crash. Everything else held up great. The weight and the suspension are definitely negatives. I have a blast on the beast though, so that is all that matters... I haven't been stranded yet. If I had read the MTB Review first I may not have been stiffed $369 in 2000 on a 1999 $300 bike (I must have been paying for free tune ups)! Still for that price I could find nothing comparable. Buy it if you don't have more $$$!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from MAssachussets Date Reviewed: July 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good Price. Reliable.
Weaknesses:
Fork doesnt like closly-spaced bumps.
Bike Setup:
Stock w/lousy maintenance
Bottom Line:
Good bike, bought it 1 yr ago, rode mostly on the road till recently. Just started trail riding it in the past few months. Havent taken good care of this bike but its always worked for me. Wish I had put a little effort into maintaining it. Good bike for a beginner, good price. If you want to try this mountain bike thing out without plunking down 1000$ this is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Price, shifters
Weaknesses:
tires, shocks, seat, frame, weight
Similar Products Used:
Univega Rover 308
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I thought this bike was great the first time I used it but since then it hasn't been doing much for me. The front suspension is too soft for my tastes. The bike doesn't handle well. I can't stand those plush seats...they aren't as comfortable as they seem. It also doesn't fit me that well, but I probably have too big of a bike (18"). The tires kinda suck and the handlebars are too low. I paid $285 for it. Also, I started having problems with the gear shifting...sometimes it just won't go in gear. I think the Univega is a better bike. It's got better components, aluminum frame, higher handle bars, better handling, shifts smooth, and is German engineered. I just sold my M50 and am planning on stepping up to a Haro Escape 7.1 that I saw for $300.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh NC Date Reviewed: May 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
like too many to say!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Takes a beating well. Good value for the money.
Weaknesses:
gears do not always shift smoothely, esp. from the middle to large chain ring.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale
Bike Setup:
standard
Bottom Line:
A great value for the money and a good beginning bike. If you're new to mountain biking and want a good bike but don't want to spend much, I'd highly recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anywhere fast and hard
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price, farme, seat, price
Weaknesses:
foont derailer
Bike Setup:
stock with bar ends (2000 model)
Bottom Line:
This bike is my first true MTB. I like it!! The gearing makes my slighyly out of ahape a-- feel like I could ride for days. For the money buy it. Not top of the line but a good buy for $350.00
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerardo Paje
a Weekend Warrior
from Chula Vista, CA, United States Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Riverbottom
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strong Frame, Shimano rapid-fire shifters, build quality, made mostly in the U.S.
Weaknesses:
Kind of heavy, derailer a little weak, shocks do not compress as much as I would like.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 800
Bike Setup:
Onza extension bars, Shimano pedals.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for the money, better than Treks at same prices. Very strong, and rugged, good buy for anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Goose
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern Michigan Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great bike for the money. VERY strong frame.
Weaknesses:
Heavy weight. Pretty crappy components.
Bottom Line:
I'm a big guy... 6'4, 230#, so I don't like anything other than steel. As someone else said in their write-up, buy this bike, ride the hell out of it, then upgrade it. The frame fits me very well, handles the stress of an extra-large rider excellent, and is a lot of fun to ride. I've even done a few races with it, with XT group on it. MUCH better.
If you are a big guy (or gal) and want to have some fun, buy this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toby Marzot
a Racer
from Falmouth MA Date Reviewed: December 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Specialized Migrane Headache
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
everything-no one should lug around a 32 pound bike. components are shit. fork has 1cm of travel. tires suck. stem has a 89 degree rise.
Similar Products Used:
everything
Bike Setup:
My bike is a 2000 gary fisher paragon. It kicks ass
Bottom Line:
THis bike blows. Go get a fisher marlin, that was my first bike and it is 5 lbs lighter and has an aluminum frame.-5 stars if I could
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jens Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pemberton Area
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This bike takes a licking well. I have punished it and ridden it hard. Keeps up with the pack most of the time.
Weaknesses:
The componets are definetly made to last about 8 months. This bike is a buy it, ride it, then upgrade it kind of ride. Also needs front forks with more travel, larger big ring and stronger seat post and brakes. Also fairly heavy, but mine is 24. Better tires with more grip in back would be a plus.
Bike Setup:
This M50 needs a lighter frame (read that M80), but over all the setup works well for hard desert and forest riding.
Bottom Line:
I think this is a great bike to learn to MTB on. Riders who ride at least twice a week, or over long rides need a bike that is lighter and with upgraded componets. Overall though it is a great buy
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Veronica
a Downhiller
from Kailua-Kona Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bottom Line:
I think this bike is great, it's like a pet 2 me. But since I don't bike ride on tails and stuff, it beats the hell out of our naighbor hood hill! (very steep!) But if you're looking for mountian bike 2 kick butt on, there are better ones. Also, this is to the guy who says that the frame bent while doing a (bunnyhop?)! There is no way that could happen, unless, maybe you hit a car. I can tell you are leaving something out. Anyway, they are great bikes!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington, NC Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
none yet
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rapidfire shifters cushy ride
Weaknesses:
fork might be trouble weak components
Similar Products Used:
Assorted Raleigh Trek 800/7000 GF Big Sur/Kaitai
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
DEFINATLY a railtrail or hardpack bike. I wouldn't put too much stress on this bike.This is my wife's choice, bought for $300...shoulda been a little cheaper, but its still a nice bike for $300. Nice and cushy seat, tires have a road ridge, rapidfires work ok, components weak tho'.I tried to push my wife up to the M60, but she didn't like the twist shifters...neither did I.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: August 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Snowmobile Trails
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Value Good Components RST-260 Shock Seat (Selle Stratos)
Weaknesses:
Cro-Moly Frame
Similar Products Used:
Trek 810 Raleigh M-30 Gary Fisher Specialized Hardrock GT Timberline
Bike Setup:
M-50, RST-260, Shimano Acera Components, E-Z Fire shifters
Bottom Line:
Gives you everything you need for the Beginner-Intermediate rider. Has quality components, and is a steal for under $300. And trust me from my experience it's worth every dollar!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairmont, West Virginia Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Cheap Rides well Shocks have lotsa travel for the money
Weaknesses:
Shocks are preset from the factory. Squirlly brakes
Similar Products Used:
Trek 830AL several Hardrocks GT Rebound and Timberline
Bike Setup:
GT Rebound
Bottom Line:
I tried out the brand new 2000. Aluminum frame (much nicer) opposed to the old steel. Great for a beginner on a budget. You don't have to pay for the brand name.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirt Boy
a Weekend Warrior
from Silverdale, WA Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Green MT.
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
PRICE, PRICE, PRICE!!!
Weaknesses:
Entry level components/Quality.
Similar Products Used:
NONE - my first mountain bike.
Bottom Line:
Superb for the money. I weigh 200# and have done some pretty steep, downhill, hairy, rooty, slick, and rocky stuff with this bike. I broke the chain shifting under serious load, but have had no other problems at all. This bike is much better equpped and stronger than anything in the price range. Four flamers only, because it is an excellent entry level bike, but its tsill just an entry level bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
- Sharp looking - Rides nicely for the $
Weaknesses:
Bottom Line:
- The M50 is not a bad bike for the money. I like it. It's well worth the money and you'll get lots of fun out of it. i mainly ride it on roads.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
neil
a Racer
from S.A Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
nothing
Weaknesses:
frame and everything else
Similar Products Used:
Giant Rincon
Bottom Line:
This bike is a piece of junk ,I just bunnyhopped gently and the frame bent .The bottomline is never by Raleigh they are junk bikes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from The city of Scott Depot, WV Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Valley Forge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Shocks Frame Brakes
Weaknesses:
Derailer
Similar Products Used:
Trek 800
Bottom Line:
It is a great bike. I use it to ride through my neighborhood and over huge dirt mountains. My friends are jealous and I laugh at themm because I have a great bike. I made a few modifications like adding bar-ends and pedal straps and clips. Overall it rocks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Avinash
a Cross-Country Rider
from CT Date Reviewed: May 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
nothing
Weaknesses:
Everything especially the diralleur
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Tassajara(mine)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Shocks suck diralleur sucks(rear and front) Get a Gary Fisher or Cannondale tires sucks Shifter is really bad (gripshiftmrx) very sucky
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Avinash
a Racer
from CT Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Your Mother
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Nothing
Weaknesses:
Diralleurs Weight Shocks Paint Job Wheels
Similar Products Used:
I tried riding your mother.
Bike Setup:
Peice of ShEET
Bottom Line:
This bike sucks my left nut. Actually, maybe some of the right one too. This bike is not worth it,try some other bike like Gary Fisher or GT.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Weekend Warrior
from laurinburg, nc Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
rugged & offroad
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
strong bike frame exelent brakes exelent shocks good controle
Weaknesses:
tire frames are a little weak
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks. it puts up with all the crap that i give it. i take it off road a lot, and nothing serously wrong has happened to it. i have not had it too long, but it sure dose look like it will hold up for as long as i need it. it is my first true mountain bike, and i love it. i give it a big 5 flaming chillies
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Weekend Warrior
from laurinburg, nc Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
rugged & offroad
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
strong bike frame exelent brakes exelent shocks good controle
Weaknesses:
tire frames are a little weak
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks. it puts up with all the crap that i give it. i take it off road a lot, and nothing serously wrong has happened to it. i have not had it too long, but it sure dose look like it will hold up for as long as i need it. it is my first true mountain bike, and i love it. i give it a big 5 flaming chillies
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Avinash
a Racer
from CT Date Reviewed: April 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Frame is kinda good
Weaknesses:
Shocks and everything
Bottom Line:
THey are bad don't get them
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: March 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry level mountain bike. If your on a budget this is the best bike for the buck. I've taken this bike on some pretty rough trails and it handled it fine. The only downside is that the frame isn't alluminum and the shocks don't compress 2 inches but i'll uprade the shocks. Anyways 4 flamming chilles for this great beginning mountain bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RadRacer
a weekend warrior
from Palmdale, CA Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999
Bottom Line:
I just bought this bike last week. Right away, I took this bike on a trail to a campsite in the Angeles National Forest, then we rode some more. Gears 2 and 3 climb effortlessly. The whole time I only used gears 1-9, but mostly 2-6 and some parts were pretty steep. I'm not in the best shape so that amazes me even more how much work this bike does for you. The chain came off within 2 minutes of my first ride but that's because I shifted to 2nd from a stop. That's the only time it came off. I was choosing between this $305 (otd) bike and a $380 (otd with rapid fire shifters) Univega Rover 308. I actually liked the Univega much better, it rode perfectly, comes with slightly better components and of course, quality German engineering, but this one had a better color (black or blue vs just grey), was a lot cheaper, and came standard with rapid fire shifters vs sram gripshift. Both have quality brakes. I think the Uni has a better derailleur and much better frame, but the m50 is a quality bike for the money. If you can afford and _must have_ the best, get the Uni, but if you want a bike that is worth $200 more than the price, get the m50.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandpipe
a weekend warrior
from Rosemead, CA Date Reviewed: December 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is my first true mountain bike. I've experienced a lot of sh*tty bikes from department stores and stuff. This bike is great. The frame is tight. The components are the best for the buck. I am considering to upgrade the derailleurs, but for now they work fine. I take it everywhere. I am beginner offroader, but I've taken on all sorts of trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. It survived and I survived. For an entry-level bike, it's worth every penny. FIVE SMAKING CHILES!!!!!
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»
$ 319.99
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
