Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheboygan, WI USA Date Reviewed: March 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Sheboygan's WORS trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$690.00
Strengths:
Basically everything.
Weaknesses:
In the 6 years of owning it I can't complain about anything.
Similar Products Used:
I've been riding Raleigh since I got serious in 1996.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for XT shifters and brake set and also replaced the seat with a Terry FireFly Ti saddle.
Bottom Line:
Don't see many 6-year-old reviews. More people should do it. Purchased this bike in spring of 1999. It took a little to get used to the aggressive ride position but soon found out why it is necessary. I was reading the reviews people gave this bike and just had to write one myself. After five seasons of riding (about 4200 miles) it’s still going strong. I have no plans to replace it. Most of my riding has been long tours and some off road. My real love is week long tours carrying all my own gear on the bike. Then in 2004 (at age 47) I took up mountain bike racing. What a blast that was and I'm signed up for another season for 2005. Back to the bike. I read where people had their rims fold up early on and actually called them a weakness. Mine are still stock and I never had to have them straightened in the shop. Even after the pounding I put them through racing last year. And as for the Spider R shock, it's performing flawlessly. However before racing last year I did take it in to have it maintained for some added insurance. They had to replace one elastomer. All the seals were still good. But I do plan to upgrade the shock this spring before the racing season. I know this bike was an excellent buy and exceptional quality but I think my good fortune is also a product of good maintenance. Without it any bike will fall apart and then given a bad review. I love taking it apart and rebuilding it almost as much as riding it. Keep up the good work Raleigh.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mel
a Weekend Warrior
from Newton, NJ USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Jefferson Cycle Center
Strengths:
tough and rugged..takes a nice beating. Climbs well.
Weaknesses:
I weigh 150 and its little heavy but not incredibly whale-ish. Seat is very hard and narrow... (seat not recommended for men or big butts). (p.s. Stupid decals)
Bike Setup:
Raliegh M600
Bottom Line:
Great bike - A lot of fun! Nine thumbs up..good price for new riders and value for bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Downhiller
from Middleburg, PA USa Date Reviewed: December 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bud Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Zimmerman's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Frame is Strong great price
Weaknesses:
Manitou fork Shimano Xt rear deraller LX Shifters
Similar Products Used:
1997 RAliegh M80
Bike Setup:
Not Stock Marzocchi Z1 Alloy 4" 00 Sram esp 9.0 half pipes and rear deraller Sun Ryno lite Rims Michilin DH tires Riser Bar
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the price When i first got it i didnt really do a whole lot of hard stuff so stock components were fine. but i later upgraded to better forks and components. THe frame is really strong Ive done 5 foot drops with numerous times without it breaking. The geomerty is good doesn't twitch at high speeds Everything has held up great! 5 flaming treks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Plantsville,CT, USA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Metropolitan District, West Hartford
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Great value for the money. Blew away the big boys (Trek, Specialized, Cannondale Etc.)on what you get for your clams. Nice strong frame with solid components,
Weaknesses:
Indy shock was heavy and not very responsive on the bigger hits. Recently upgraded to a Manitou Mars C which cut off over a pound and better balanced the bike overall.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000, Specialized A1,
Bike Setup:
Had fun adding a few upgrades such as the Manitou front shock, Speedplay Frog clipless pedals and a USE XCR suspension seat post.
Bottom Line:
I was ready to spend more dough on other bikes, but so was impressed with the overall feel and value of the M600 that I decided it would be alot more fun buying the bike and adding a few little goodies. Shaving some weight off with the new front suspension has made this already solid bike even better. My bike now weights in at 25lbs. Not too bad for a mid level machine. Raleigh hit a home run with this one! Enjoy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Gray
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Elk Meadows, Evergreen CO
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Arvada Bicycle Co.
Strengths:
Great Spec. Well built frame with an aggressive geometry.
Weaknesses:
Wellgo pedals are a bit weak. Would have preferred Ritchey Logic. Rims are OK, but could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 1; Trek 7000; GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Stock - installed rear brak stiffener.
Bottom Line:
Great bike value. This is my first serious MTB - I reccoment Raleigh to anyone just getting into the sport. You can spend alot more for the same bike...with a different name! If you are a serious rider, I would upgrade to the M800 or another bike. the shocks and rims on this bike are not up to "expert" level riding. I ride 3-4 times a week on moderate to difficult terrain without any problems!!
LOVE IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Racer
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Race Face LP Turbines Custom Judy XC's w/ New Englund Air Cartridges and Aluminum Steerer Tube. Easton Carbon Fiber Riser Bars and Seatpost SDG Kevlar Comp Bel-Air Saddle Mavic Crossmax Wheelset Time ATAC Aluminum Pedals Race Face Stem Race Face Bottom Bracket XTR Brakes and Rapid Fire Shifters
Bottom Line:
I actually bought a stock M600 in 1998 and proceeded to upgrade it over two Southeastern cross country seasons. Here's why I still have it:
It's the only frame that did not stray to the new "Genesis" geometry started by Gary Fisher. With a steeper headtube angle I can out corner anyone on it.
It's strong. I broke two lightweight Giant XTC SE1 frames during the same two years I raced the Raleigh. It's also the same frame Raleigh markets as the M-800 with a different groupo.
It climbs like a billy goat on crack. This is always relative to how a bikes geometry fits an individual. The Raleigh fits me better than any bike I've ever ridden. I know that's a bold statement for an "entry level" bike, but I think it's more comfortable than my Lightspeed road bike.
Anyone looking for a "entry level" ride that's endlessly upgradable should buy this bike. You can start racing it just as soon as you get the reflectors off. I'll eat all five of my flaming chili's if this is not the best bike for the money on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Nelson
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TX USA Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cameron Park, Waco
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great components, DiaTech disc brakes are incredible(great product support from El Marko), WTB adds a lot of class to a bike, kudos to Raleigh for switching to RockShox
Weaknesses:
You must be willing to wait for the bike, I waited three months, but it was worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000, Gary Fisher HooKooEKoo, similar price Cannondales, Rockhoppers
Bike Setup:
Completely stock except for Kore Bar and Stem and Salsa barends. The Stock stem is well worth replacing. Stems make a huge difference in comfort and sizing.
Bottom Line:
A little $$$ goes a long way on this one... I laugh when I see a Trek 7000, those poor saps. Basically, if you want a bike that you can ride the heck out of and have a lot of fun on, this is as good as it gets. FIVE CHILLIES.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bellview, FL
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Can't beat the price for the components.
Weaknesses:
Too heavy. Wheels suck. Spyder R!!!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Big Sur Trek 7000 Schwinn MOAB 1
Bike Setup:
Stock except for fork. I have a Answer Magnum R
Bottom Line:
Well, except for the shock being a lemon, this bike is awesome. My shock completely failed on the first day of riding. Answer had to rebuild it twice, but they couldn't fix it. So after 3 months of arguing, they finally sent me a new Magnum R which is a hundred times better. But still, after my troubles, I think this bike is the best bike for the money. It compares to any $1000 bike on the market. And at only $650, you wont worry about beating it up that much. This is a great buy for a beginner mountain biker.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matthew magill
a Weekend Warrior
from ashland, or Date Reviewed: November 27, 1999
This bike sucks, little did I know about how much it sucked until it was ripped off and I bought a 2000 Big Sur. Its scary to descend, has no traction climbing, and the weight!! They say it weighs 27 lbs, but its closer to 28 or 29 lbs. Good thing it had the XT/LX shifters which I had no problem with. Good Road Bike though!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ooltewah Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
TNT plant
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Weaknesses:
the shock, the rims
Similar Products Used:
Univega Alpina-uno
Bike Setup:
stock, even though i'm getting new pedals, tires, handlebar, seatpost, rims, Shock
Bottom Line:
Even though it doesn't beat Litespeed bikes (which are made here i Ooltewah) i like it. I'm 14 so it's not the one i would have choosen but beggers can't be choosers, but i do like it 5 chilis
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
drew
a Weekend Warrior
from sylvania, OH Date Reviewed: October 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Poto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great deal (I'm a poor college student), solid feel, good quality(100s of miles and no problems yet), nice component package, light fork, saddle is comfy for me, and for the vain it looks pretty cool.
Weaknesses:
tires are soft (quick to wear), fork is a bit too soft even cranked down all the way(I weigh ~160 but do ride quassi hard), grips can be slippery when wet
Similar Products Used:
Specilized, Trek, Cannondale, etc.
Bike Setup:
stock, (replaced front wheel after nearly turning it into a taco on the trail)
Bottom Line:
You don't have to spend a grand to find a good bike that will get down the trail confidently. Personally I love passing people with $1500+ bikes on the trail knowing that bike cost can only do so much for your riding ability. There is no need to spend more(if you can't notice the difference another $300 makes, why spend it?). Invest your time to learning to ride well. No bike can make up for a poor rider.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Budman
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, ok Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
components
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 Gary Fisher line
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Excellent bang for the buck!! I paid $599. and am very impressed. I was sold on the TREK 7000 for $300 more until I rode this bike. I have the 22 model but it seems very light and agile, & it climbs strong, shifts smoothly and is a joy to ride. If you can find one, negotiate your best price and buy it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jemster
a Weekend Warrior
from Montana Date Reviewed: September 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Components bang for the buck It comes in Black and Blue!
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 2 Specialized Rockhoppers
Bike Setup:
Stock, but I swapped out the clipless pedals for toeclips
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! I looked and looked, and I couldn't find a better deal for the price. All the components are good quality, and the frame has proven to be durable. I have the black/blue bike, and it looks sweet coming down the trail covered in dirt and mud.I ride this bike fairly hard, and it's held up like a pro. I can't recommend this bike highly enough. Five flaming chilis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, Arizona Date Reviewed: September 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Components Price Looks
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
1999 Stock
Bottom Line:
This was my first bike purchased, I shopped around everywhere and couldn't find a better deal even with the more expensive bikes in my price range. When I saw it on the floor for $625, I had to grad it. Best money I ever spent.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raymond Martinez
a Weekend Warrior
from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Yabucoa, Cabo Rojo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Nice components for the right price ! Great handling on flats & climbs nicely too.
Weaknesses:
Not to happy about tha Manitou Spyder's shock
Bike Setup:
1999 stock
Bottom Line:
For a begginer this is the best deal in town. The overall quality ride and its components are by no means a poor performer. Although I ride my Silver Bullet on the road during the week ,I cann't hardly wait to ride it rough on the coast trails during the weekends.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Evans
a Racer
from Bay Village, Ohio Date Reviewed: September 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Vulture's Knob
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great looks, climbs like a rocket, great components
Weaknesses:
Generic stem, bar ends, & seat post
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pulse, Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 6500
Bike Setup:
Stock, Kore Lite 3 stem, Rithchey bar ends
Bottom Line:
I feel great every time I pull up to a race start and realize that I bought the same componentry as the guy next to me but spent $300-400 less. What a great bike. Ready to race right off the rack. Did a ton of ressearch and simply couldn't duplicate this one. Mucho chilis for the M600!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, Maryland Date Reviewed: August 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Loch Raven
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
components looks price
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Giant Jamis
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks!!!!! I did a hell of a lot of research on buying a mountian bike and came up with this one. For the price you can't beat it. It come with Shimano LX/XT components, good brakes and a decent fork. The seat is a little hard, but after riding a little while your ass gets used to it. The bike can take a good beating. Raleigh came out with a great product for a great price. I give this bike five flaming things.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
bernardo mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
looks components price
Weaknesses:
hard seat clear coat over decals
Similar Products Used:
specialized trek
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
best bike for the price. great looks and good components. i did my research and this is what i ended up with. i am very pleased with the bikes climbing capabilities and overall performance. if you are looking to spend $700-1000 start with this bike. you will not be disappointed. killer black and blue. it will take a beating!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wing
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: August 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great components Good looks Made in U.S.A.
Weaknesses:
Hard seat Letterings on frame just decals Hard to find (few dealers)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper / Stumpjumper Gary Fisher Big Sur 98 / Paragon Trek 6500 / 7000 Klein Attitude Comp Raleigh M80
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money. One generally has to look in the $900 range to find a bike offering the same level of components. The LX/XT parts really make a significant difference over lower-line components; I'd suggest anyone getting a bike for serious trail riding to look for at least LX-level parts. Within the same line, I also tried the M80 but it really cannot compare - flexier frame, not as crisp-shifting, vague-r handling - comments which also apply to most bikes in that range (eg. Big Sur 98, 6500, Rockhopper).The frame geometry is fine for the class (within the likes of the Rockhopper/Treks), but nothing spectacular; I prefer the Genesis geometry myself.Overall, this is definitely a model to consider if one is looking for a decent mountain bike but isn't ready to plunk down a K; which was the case for me. It took some research to find this bike, but it was worth it; I haven't had reason to regret making the purchase 4 months ago.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Edina, MN Date Reviewed: August 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Components Price Looks
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500 GF Kaitai Specalized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike and you cant beat the price Paid $650 for mine. I researced for awhile and to get this level of components on other bikes I would have had to spend $150-$200 more. I have only ridden a copule of times so far but this is a sweet bike I give it 5.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Deer Creek Canyon
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Components
Similar Products Used:
Kona Cinder Cone Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp
Bike Setup:
Stock (Manitou Spyder R fork)
Bottom Line:
The bike rides easy. My only complaint so far, is that while climbing the steeps, I have to conciously lean way forward to keep the bike down which costs some energy. After the first ride, the left side of the fork was leaking oil. Apparently this was a manufacturing problem (they didn't screw the bottom cap all the way in allowing oil to leak around the o-ring). Since its been fixed, it floats over trail debris. Overall I'll give it 5 flamers - great value for the components.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Potomac, MD Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Schaeffer
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
sweet looks great components
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500 Moab 2
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
IT DOESNT GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS!!! I researched my brain to death trying to find the best bike for its value and I came up with the M600. The best components for the price (I paid $710 through some negotiation). THe Moab 2 is similarly priced, but doesn't have an XT rear derailurer like the M600 - the Trek 6500 might be cheaper - but you'd have to replace the cages w/ clipless and add bar ends - adding price - by far, bar none, the BEST deal for an amazing value - and the looks - damn - mine is the alpine silver w/ orange shocks, clipless pedals, and orange kevlar pieces on the WTB seat - the manitou spyder R is SWEET!!!! 5 flaming chilies, turds, stars, whatever!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Neighborhood, hill country
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Component package, precise shifting, lightweight aluminum frame, warranty, GREAT looks, price, made in USA!
Weaknesses:
None, other than they are disappearing fast in lieu of yet-to-be-seen 2000-year models. Also, I hear its quite a hot number with bike thieves!
Stock black w/blue fade (sweet!), with Specialized Body Geometry seat and Shimano clipless/combo pedals.
Bottom Line:
Snap one up if you can still find one in the stores. No idea what the 2000-model replacement will be like, but this is a hard act to beat when you look at the quality of components you get for the price. Best bike I've ever owned.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan Holman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Roswell, GA Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Yellow River, Stone Mountain, GA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Amazing Climber. Shifts like a $2000 bike. Perfectly matched components. Great Brakes, Ready to race out of the box!!
Weaknesses:
Cant find any. Some complain about the weight, but Im 5'11 210lbs. and Its perfect.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F500 Trek 7500 Schwinn Moab 3
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike for the money on the market. Paid $765 in May '99. Could not ask for a better bike. Used to ride Cannondale M700. This bike makes the C-dale feel like a big-wheel.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gypsy
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Joaquin Miller
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
LX/XT Components Nice, Stiff Frame.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stock, except with Rock Shox Seat Post, Salsa Brake Booster, and Avid Rollamajig.
Bottom Line:
Got back into riding the trails after a 6 year layoff. Used to ride an ancient Stumpjumper Bone-Rattler(serial #00011--yes, it had the original bull-moose handlebars and motorcycle grips!). I too, went through the research jag and ended up with the Raleigh. It fit me like a well worn glove from the beginning and it climbs like a mountain goat on steroids. Did replace the rigid seatpost with a Rox Shox Seat Post and my old geezer butt is eternally greatful. Very nice mix of components and solid, light frame. If you're a intermediate to light advanced rider, this is probably the best bang for your buck out there. Five flaming chilis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DAVID
a Weekend Warrior
from NY,NY Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
SEXY LOOKS (EVEN BIKE SHOP OWNERS COMPLEMENT THE LOOKS--LOL!) COMPONENTS PRICE!!!!! RALEIGH REPUTATION
Weaknesses:
SEAT (IF U HAVE A HARD ASS, YOU'LL LIKE IT)
Similar Products Used:
CANNONDALE SPECIALIZED GT UNIVEGA NISHIKI
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
I'VE RESEARCHED THE HELL OUT OF BIKES FOR A WANNABE ENTHUSIAST LIKE ME WHO WANTED VALUE AND QUALITY WITHOUT ANY COMPROMISES ON ANY END. MY TOTALLY EXTENSIVE RESEARCH CAME UP WITH THE RALEIGH M600. THE TEST RIDE CONFIRMED MY RESEARCH--SIMPLY AWESOME (THIS BIKE WAS NAMED RUNNER-UP MTN BIKE OF THE YEAR BY THE WAY) . THE PRICE OF $680 (THRU HAGGLING) WAS EXCEPTIONAL!!! UNLESS YOU'RE A PROFESSIONAL RIDER WHO NEEDS TITANIUM OR WHATEVER, THIS BIKE WILL APPEASE EVEN THE MOST HARDCORE OF AMATEURS. WHILE SIMILAR COMPONENTS/MATERIALS CAN BE HAD ON OTHER BIKES, YOU WILL NOT GET IT NEAR THIS PRICE POINT--GUARANTEED! IT'S A TOTAL NO-BRAINER! WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY? IF YOU ALSO WANT OTHER COMPARABLE VALUES, LOOK INTO THE UNIVEGA & NISHIKI BIKES--WHICH ARE ALSO OWNED BY RALEIGH BUT OFFER NEARLY THE SAME VERSIONS OF THE RALEIGH BIKE AT NEARLY THE SAME PRICE POINT. (IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE SEAT AS I DO B/C OF ITS HARDNESS, CHECK OUT WTB SATISFACTION GUARANTEE THAT WILL REPLACE THE SEAT W/ MORE PADDING--MANY PEOPLE I KNOW HAVE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THIS GUARANTEE....:)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
x
a Weekend Warrior
from x Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
This Rocks!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
x
a Weekend Warrior
from x, x Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome! It deserves the five flaming turds it gets from me!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Sierra
a Cross-Country Rider
from Winchester Va Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Still tring
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-looks- -components-
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
xt manitou spyder r
Bottom Line:
The best bike i ever had
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Pacific NW Date Reviewed: June 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good Looks Value Lifetime Aluminum Frame Warranty Local to Pacific NW
Weaknesses:
None as of yet
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher HooKooEKoo Specialized RockHopper FS Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for Specialized Body Geometry Seat
Bottom Line:
Spent 4 weeks doing research, reading magazines, riding and talking. M600 blew away other bikes in terms of value. It also is very sweet looking. HooKooEKoo genesis geometry was not comfortable. M600 has good fit, and despite what eric said, is very light (26.5 pounds). I am very pleased hence the 5 hot ones.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tczarny
a Weekend Warrior
from Traverse City, Mi Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
VASA singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Componentry, aesthetics, price
Weaknesses:
None that I've been able to detect
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500, Schwinn Moab 2, Giant Iguana, Kona Cindercone
Bottom Line:
Talk about bang for the buck. This vehicle is absolutely tricked out component-wise and beautiful to look out (I have the Gloss Black w/ Blue fade). The frame has been bullet-proof and the LX components like butter. And best of all, the entire package cost a cool $649.00 from bicyclebuys.com. Good grief, why spend over a grand for a lesser bike with a bigger name? Raleigh has made an extraordinary about-face from building clunky beach cruisers to putting out an absolutely first-rate product. Thanks, Raleigh, for bringing some sanity back into the purchase of a MTB.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Francisco
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, TX Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Franklin Mountains
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
It's got the components, looks, and frame of a much more expensive bike. Also, it rides and climbs great.
Weaknesses:
Stem and seatpost aren't namebrand.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
XT rear derailer, LX everythingelse, alpine silver version
Bottom Line:
This is my first real mountain bike. I love the frame, it looks real tough, and you absoulutely can't beat the components package for the price ($770.00). I saw much more expensive bikes with cheaper parts. It climbs like a rocket and handles like a charm.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arvada, CO Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nice frame, good componants, great price!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 Schwinn Moab 1
Bike Setup:
99 Raleigh M-600 (blue/black)
Bottom Line:
For $699 this bike is hard to beat. I was looking for a bike that had at least LX componants. I narrowed my choices down to Schwinn Moab 1, Trek 7000 and Raleigh M600. Both the Schwinn and the Trek were $200 more. Overall a great bike for the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cleveland OH Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
metroparks
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything about it
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Rockhopper, Trek 6500/7000
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This buck simply rules. For only 749 it came with full XT/LX ride, a Manitou Fork, amazing AMERICAN MADE frame. It just makes me drool thinking that I only spent 749 for the thing. The Trek 7000, which is basically the same, is almost 150 more!Buy the bike now, before it sells out for good!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont, Colorado Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Nice Frame, Good Components, 27 Speed,
Weaknesses:
Nothing yet
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Big Sur
Bottom Line:
Great Bike, Nice Fram, Great Climber. I love my bike would recommend it to anyone.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erwin [PR]
a Cross-Country Rider
from Yauco, PR Date Reviewed: April 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Guanica trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price, equipment, overall look.
Weaknesses:
No brand stem, bar-ends and seat post.
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M-600 1999 (Black-blue)
Bottom Line:
Just a great bike for the $$$. Mine cost $790 (more expensive than the other guys here but it worth it). Great performance, easy to control and low maintenance. I love the oversized frame. I think mine is at 28 pounds. My negrita likes to eat Specialized Stumpjumpers, Trek and Jamis. Is not just the bike, it's also the biker (but it does help the performance). 10 CHOCOLATES!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Richmond, CA Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
It climbs very well, is very reponsive and fun to ride. I like the LX XT setup can not be beat for this price.
Weaknesses:
No really high gear but that is the problem with Mountain Bikes.
Similar Products Used:
K@ zed X Fisher Big Sur
Bottom Line:
Great bike was going to buy it for $750 found a deal at the LBS. Can not find a better package for $670.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean
a racer
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: March 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
Well, I put this bike to the ultimate test this past weekend so I need to update my review. I rode in a race last weekend and I have to say my M600 performed superb. As I watched other riders dropping chains, and their derailluers exploding or not shifting I pedaled past them with no problems. This thing shifted beautifully even when under extreme load on large climbs. I have to say that as much as I loved the bicycle before the race, It has only increased since.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sean
a racer
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have to say that the component package that comes with this bike made it well worth the $750 dollars spent. I have been riding some very technical trails and the bike is performing great on steep technical climbs and descents with numerous 2 and 3 foot steps. I'm satisfied.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AS
a weekend warrior
from NW Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999
Bottom Line:
Well I've only put 50 miles on it, but I really like this bike. I paid $749.00, and like all Raleighs, it is hard to beat its bang for buck. It climbs great, and the Spyder R does a nice job of eating bumps. I put on a Shokpost and Gore cables to deal with the nine months of mud I ride in. Five flames.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dana pritchett
a
from weekend warrior Date Reviewed: February 20, 1999
Bottom Line:
For the frame quality and componet package this bike is sweet. I paid $650 for mine and I am very pleased with it. Compare this bike with other similarly equiped bikes and you will see what I am talking about. It has a very tight ride and great frame geometry. The fork is squishy but fine for my needs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a cross-country rider
from brooklyn, ny Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike is spec'd great (full LX w/ XT r.d.). However, it is a load of lead. Weighing in at 27.5 lbs, it is definitely a porker. The Spyder R shock is just too soft for this bike & rider. 20 frame w/ 180 lb. roadie riding it. Bounce, bounce, bounce. But overall, it suits my needs - cross-training for the road.
Overall Rating:
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