Submitted by
Alan Rodriguez
a Racer
from Monterrey, NL, Mexico Date Reviewed: August 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
El barro, Monterrey, Mexico
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$790.00
Purchased At:
Bikes world
Strengths:
Its strong welded frame, well finished, great paint and stickers. Best deal on a hard tail for that year. You could get a better components bike just by buying Raleigh instead of Specialized that sacrifies components just for having that name on the frame. Honest price for a great bike.
Weaknesses:
The fork that came with my bike, a Manitou Spyder, did not match very well with the rest of the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Warp, hardtail.
Bike Setup:
Manitou 2001 SXR fork with the amazing TPC technology, mavic x517 rear rim, selle italia seat, XT v brakes.
Bottom Line:
I think that this bike (that i no longer have since i switched to a 2005 Trek 8000 hardtail) was a serious bike to race with. I won a few reaces with it and if i could not win more was because of me. I know that there were at the time better bikes but this kicked ass pretty well. Great on climbs. It handled a lot of punishment without any complain, unfortunately i thought on upgrading my chances and bought a Trek 8000 2005, which honestly is a better bike but costs a lot more. Great memories on this bike. Thanks a lot Raleigh`s manufacturers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Hawley
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA USA Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$160.00
Strengths:
The frame is rugged and for the size(20 or 21 in I'm not really sure) it is fairly light. I never worry about cracking the frame, it seems practically impossible. The paint job on it is chameleon, it changes from blue to purple from the angle of the light.
Weaknesses:
paint chips and scratches pretty easily hard to find a derailuer hanger.
Since I started out with only a frame and built it up from that I can only comment on the frame since I don't know what comes stock on it. I recently purchased a Raleigh M8000 F/S and had the intention of selling the M800 but when it came right down to it I couldn't do it. It has treated me real well and would highly recommend this bike to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Kaizar
a Racer
from Newtown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fell Mountain, Carbondale
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Freeman's, Ottsville, PA
Strengths:
Great drivetrain, strong climber, long travel fork for XC.
Weaknesses:
No name stem/seatpost, WTB seat, IRC Mythos tires, Heavy.
Bike Setup:
SDG Comp saddle, Shimano PD-M858 pedals, Panaracer Fire XC Pro Kevlar 2.1 tires, other than that the bike is stock.
Bottom Line:
I really love this bike!! I have used it to race all summer in the Midatlantic Super Series on the East Coast. It is a very aggresive climber so you don't notice the extra weight(about 29 pounds) and is bomb-proof on stairs, drop-offs, and jumps. I had a problem with the WTB seat that came on it, but Raleigh replaced it for me. I have also bent two other seats, but i think that was my fault :( I changed the tires to Panaracers which seem to have a lot more traction while climbing in loose stuff. The 3.1" travel Judy has been a welcome guest on technical trails. I did a lot of research to find this bike and couldn't be happier with its performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wesley A. Saldua
a Weekend Warrior
from Everett, Wa, USA Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Bike Outfitters (Kent , Wa)
Strengths:
The M800 provides lot of comfort in a bike. It performs well when climbing up hills and tackeling rugged trails. Raleigh's committment to their product's integrity says alot about the company. Other bike companies with similar components usually are priced much higher.
Weaknesses:
The only drawback I find in the M800 is the limited color selection.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Rincon
Bike Setup:
Judy Race Rock Shox, Shimano LX components, Diatech cable disc brakes, 7005 Al frame, 6061 Al stems (Koski Engineering), ...
Bottom Line:
A sweet ride, a sweet bargin. Simply the best bang for your buck. I can't wait for the 2001 models to come down in price too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tobbe Arnesson
a Cross Country Rider
from Ludvika, Dalarna, Sweden Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Finnmarksturen
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Lot's of bike for the money.
Weaknesses:
Two water bottles is a tight fit. One of the bottles have damaged the paint.
Similar Products Used:
Marvil Sierra Nevada
Bike Setup:
Changed to Shimano pedals and Aztec brake pads. I also use a fender from SKS Germany when wet and muddy.
Bottom Line:
Wow!
I love this bike, hope it will stick with me for a long time! When you ride it in the woods, on a narrow stony trail you become one with the bike. It's so easy to navigate! The wires had to be adjusted for some time after it was new, but I reccon this is the case with *any* new bike or wire.
I got a flat tire in the beginning and the mud-cap on the Judy fork kept coming loose, a new tire and some electricians tape was all that I needed :)
I'd give value a six and overall a five if I could!
Can't write more, must ride now :P
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SLICK
a
from EDGEWOOD, NM, USA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Bottom Line:
This in regards to my earlier review of the M800. I am VERY happy to say that Raleigh made good on the warrenty and sent me a new M800 frame w/o any hastle. The only minor drawback, is that it is a beautiful shade of God awful green. But it handles as well as the original frame. so this is my final rating. 5 chilis for everything, and thanks Raleigh I really appreciate it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slick
a Cross Country Rider
from Edgewood NM USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything in the dirt
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Good components for the price. Great handling
Weaknesses:
See below
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back Ascent StumpJumper Comp
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock with a beefer spokes. A Body Shock suspension seatpost. Selle Italia Max Flite Trans Am seat.
Bottom Line:
This week I noticed a crack in the weld at the seat stay and seat post. So now we will see if Raliegh's warrenty is worth a crap. In the past I have had some warrenty problems with Raliegh in regards to a road bike. I have yet to return the frame to the store that I purchased the bike from. So stay tuned and l will let ya'll Know as soon as I find out (or you can e-mail me). Over all the bike has been an excellent bike for cross country use, and handles like a dream in the rough stuff or while going up the big climbs. A suspension seatpost really makes the difference. Also I did get this bike for a rather sweet price. So my "Value and Overall Rating" are judgeed on the bike's setup and handling So stay tuned for the results about Raleigh's warrenty which may raise the number of Chilis, or lower it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Ruff
a Weekend Warrior
from Aurora, CO Date Reviewed: December 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Colorado trail (Denver to Buffalo Creek MTB Area)
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
All XT Drivetrain Judy XC Hydracoil Long Travel, dsc ready LX Brakes with Linkage IRC Mythos Titec Handlebars and dualcompound grips Wellgo clipless
Weaknesses:
no name stem
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 1 or 2 Trek 7000 GT Richochet or Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Fuji Nevada, RST Shock
Bottom Line:
I picked up this '99 model for $671.00! Everything else I looked at with a similar setup didn't even come close to the price. The long travel fork makes a big difference on technical stretches. Definitely a solid bike for the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan collins
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great Color, Super price for the component setup.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailler sticks alittle.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh M80, M600, Trek8000, CannonF600
Bike Setup:
RaleighM800 rockshock judy xc
Bottom Line:
This bike it the best bike you can get for the price. Im a bike mechanic and of all the bikes Ive fixed and testrode this bike comes out on top. Fly colour too.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KB
a Weekend Warrior
from Lexington SC Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Island lake trail, Brighton, MI
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
XT's cranks, Judy XC
Weaknesses:
Seat, heavy stem,handlebars,climber bars
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 Schwinn Moab 1
Bike Setup:
stock, except I swapped the seat for a Specialized Sack Saver.....
Bottom Line:
I had money in hand to buy the $1100.00 Moab 1 when I was pleasantly introduced to the M800.....for $250.00 less!! I test rode both bikes multiple times, (and the trek 8000)and I was hooked... Its fast and stiff, the rear end really grabs and accelerates well, and it climbs easier than any bike I've ridden......only thing I'll change is a lighter stem with a higher rise, and lighter handlebar/climbing bars....all in all, this bike is the best in its price range....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross-Country Rider
from Germantown, MD Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Sheaffer Farms Trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
XT/LX Components, Judy XC, price
Weaknesses:
Wheels (Mavic)
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7200, Schwinn Moab
Bottom Line:
This is my first real XC bike and I couldn't be happier. I probably will never buy another one, but this is a fantastic bike to get you started!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross-Country Rider
from Alberta Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks for the money and what you are getting component wise. I would recommend this bike to anyone!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arnesson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ludvika | Sweden Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great stuff for the money
Weaknesses:
Rubber cap get's loose on the fork.
Similar Products Used:
Marvil Sierra Nevada
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
I _love_ this bike! I don't even notice that I have a bike to control. It follows my lead on the track =) Wohoo!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Lancaster, PA Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
price, VALUE!!!!!, great components, suspention
Weaknesses:
Seat
Similar Products Used:
Shwinn Moab...GT Ricochet...
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M800, Rock Shox Judy XC
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome it is great for the weekend warrior like myself who was lookin for a great bike for the price. When i recived the bike I noticed that the seat really blows!!!!!!!I sent it back and raleigh replaced the seat for no charge and no i am happy!!!!! Other than that this bike is really worth the price ($679.00). It has really good components and i give it 5 flamin' horses
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Madskinny
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cincy, Ohio Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tower Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fat tubes and welds, stiff ride for Al, hella climber, best fork & component set for <$1000, Bumblebee color scheme
Weaknesses:
Heavy Heavy Heavy Heavy
Similar Products Used:
Giant rigid frame Marin hardtail
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to sachs 9sp powerchain and XT 12-34 cassette--remainder is stock
Bottom Line:
I ride every day on this thing--short track XC, commuting, stairwells, municipal structures,etc. This bike is tank stout. Unfortunately, it's also tank heavy. As the sage said, It is better to strengthen your back than to lighten your load.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T. Beran
a Weekend Warrior
from Sherwood, WI Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Calumet County
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
As they say more bike for the buck The M800 climbs great, shock is splendid, brakes are very effective, feels light under me and the 27 speeds let me maintain a constant spin. The paint scheme looks great too! Cost me $925.00, no other bike could meet the value
Weaknesses:
The handle bars feel abit tight, I'll be up grading these.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Bottom Line:
For weekend bashing or racing in the local WORS series it's a great bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oldstar
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Components good looks 44/11 - a good high 22/32 - a good low rack ready
Weaknesses:
Welds are too ugly to pass 8th grade shop class, ugly seat post, wrinkled decal, tear in new tire, rims don't accept American air valves, Area dealers have bad reputation.
Similar Products Used:
Entire Gary Fisher line TREK 8900 Rockhopper FSH-XC
Bike Setup:
I had the dealer put the 1cm shorter stem from an 18 onto my 20 frame and used a black Cannondale seat post with a 1 set back.
Bottom Line:
I tried a lot of bikes and this one is the one that talked to me. Wrap the bars and barends with black tennis racquet gauze and you won't notice the ugliness + they'll feel better. The bike is a good climber and is capable on the downhill. Raleigh claims bang for the buck and this is their ace. I don't know that it matters, but mine had Scott pedals rather than the advertised Wellgo. The dealer jacked the price up $100 above suggested retail due to supply & demand, WTB saddle is well made but causes numbness out past the 20 mile mark. I still miss my stolen AUTHIER steel frame - for quality of ride. Overall, I'm very happy with the M800, and I think we'll bond.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angel
a Weekend Warrior
from Cabo Rojo Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
LA ZETA DEL CANGURO
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
XT Componetry, Frame, Wheelset
Weaknesses:
Seatpost, BB, Barends, Stem
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh 1997 M-80 GT Timberline
Bike Setup:
BB-RaceFace Taperlock Ti XT Cassette Titec Seatpost Chris King Aheadset
Bottom Line:
Well after all this change I'm still having a growing performance.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Seaman
a Weekend Warrior
from North Wilkesboro, NC Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Components, Frame strength
Weaknesses:
Rear brake pad came loose in the first ride and sliced my tire, but bike shop replaced the tire for free. Haven't had any other problems.
Similar Products Used:
GT, Diamondback, Cannondale hardtales in the $900 - $1500 range
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Given the components, I couldn't find anything that came close price wise. The thing that attracted me to this bike the most besides price was the frame size (large down tube). I am a large rider (250) and really pound the bike during my rides. Going up large mountains is a breeze and the shock handles my weight just fine over rough trails. This is an awesome bike for all around riding (dirt roads, fire trails, single-track, climbs & descents).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Teel
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rolla, MO Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Castlewood
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great Price for the XT spec
Weaknesses:
Cheap seatpost, stem, handlebar, and barends
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Hardtail, Nishiki Hardtail
Bike Setup:
99 Judy XC, Full XT & XTR
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike for the money. As soon as mine came in, I swapped out the LX brakes for XTR in the rear and a disc in front. Put on Avid 2.0L levers, XTR rear derailleur, XT bottom bracket, Tioga Factory XC tires, Profile seatpost, stem, barends, and new Sun 0XC rims for my XT and disc hubs. My boss at the shop liked it so much, he just ordered one for himself.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a cross-country rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999
Bottom Line:
I am reviewing this bike again, because some people aren't giving it the respect it's due. I love this bike. I think it is definately the best bike for the buck in the us market. Now that Raleigh owns diamondback, i am sure they will have more $$ to churn out even better bikes!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan Saunsbury
a cross-country rider
from West Wellow, Romsey, England. Date Reviewed: February 17, 1999
Bottom Line:
I am confusd man, I just want sex. Yeh sex is good. I screw loads of women every day. I I had no sex, I would die. Oh yeh, This Raleigh peice of Pissing Crap, bought it a few weeks back, aint used, I just wish that Somone would e-mail me wanting some sex!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis S
a racer
from Logansport,IN Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike is just to sweet for the average Joe. With almost all components top notch this bike is a killer deal. I own last years model and had to by new parts to get what I desired. I should have waited and saved a few 00's . If I where still in the market this would be a serious contender for best bike for your buck. Check it out.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angel R. Matos
a weekend warrior
from Cabo Rojo, P.R. Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999
Bottom Line:
I already review this product from my firts point of view. But really I have to tell that I realize that I improve my rides from every factor of this sport. From up-hill to down-hill, Speed. Sincerely, every component of this bike is making me a better rider as the day comes. I still giving this bike 5 chilis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a racer
from Mentor Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
I was given a Raliegh MCC-9 carbon frame last year from my boss. It cracked about a week later. Raliegh sent me a 7005 al. frame, and said I have $200 credit dollars. This was about 11 mos. ago. The al. frame rides great, no problems their. However Raliegh sucks for not holding their end of the deal, and I am riding a bike that has RALIEGH stickers all over it. RALIEGH YOU SUCK, I think the frame came out of the Schwinn factory too. A close look and not a single difference. HMMM
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a weekend warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
This bike is great, I was surprised by the fat downtube it has though. the full xt drivetrain and lx shifters are nice. For $850 this bike was a great deal. The Judy xc is way more responsive than my old rst381. I am happy with my raleigh, and i am happy that raleigh hasn't sold out like Gt Trek and Specialized.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angel R. Matos
a weekend warrior
from Cabo Rojo, P.R. Date Reviewed: November 7, 1998
Bottom Line:
I recently bought a Raleigh M-800. It is my second Raleigh in last 6 month, the other one is in the hands of my wife, she definitely love this bike, me too. But, when I see the M-800 on the 1999 Raleigh Catalog, I decided to buy this one. This bike comes with good componetry, is a great bike for your buck. The first time at the mountain it have a great performance, great shifting with the Shimano Mega 9 XT-rear, front and Cranks. Mavic 221 with both LX hubs and LX V-brakes. I expect to raise my performance at the time I take more time riding my new bike. The only problem with this bike is the weight, well maybe changing some components I can take out some weight. But in my opinion I bought a great bike for the buck. I feel right now in a Space Ship. Probably my performance will improve with this new bike. I give this bike a 5 Chilis.
Overall Rating:
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