Submitted by
Armon Hosseini
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpharetta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
pressley gap (pisgah,NC)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Roswell Bikes
Strengths:
Great Bike. Nice geometry. nice components. nice price. Will inspire confidence in any downhill situation.
Weaknesses:
well, she isnt the best climber, but that could just be me making excuses..The disc brakes got recalled..The suspension seat bugged me..
Similar Products Used:
Shwinn Moab, Bontrager Racelight
Bike Setup:
mostly stock..switched the seatpost for raceface prodigy..switched the handlebar/barends to titec..got promax disk brakes after recall.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks..It has made me a much better rider.. Great front suspension downhill bike..Great value...Maybe you like the seatpost- I didn't..but thats up to you...The brakes got recalled, but your lbs will swap them out for you...I dont like wellgo clipless- too many accidental releases..I rode her for almost two years(beating the sheet out of her) and have now retired her for my new Bonty, but she is an amazing ride that is perfect for the seriously dedicated rider be it beginner or advanced... Raleigh's are built tough..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Hyannis Ma 02632 Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Cove Cycle Hyannis Ma
Strengths:
Just generally like the bike althought the shift mechanisms are for me at least located in an awkward spot
Weaknesses:
Bolt holding seat on snapped at about 15-18 mph and I got dumped with resultant injury. Anyone out there with any similar experiences?
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
I am very concerned at thios apparent latent defect and wondr if it is an isolated incident. Other than that I have liked riding this bike on the by-way sof Cape Cod
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything at Crested Butte
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Village Cycle (I Think)
Strengths:
The price rocks. It was so cheap, I upgraded the s!@# out of it. Solid frame.
Weaknesses:
The discs brakes SUCK!!! Had them changed twice and the still SUCK. The suspension seatpost is annoying(has to much float and squeeks). Would like to have seen a better stem and bars. A bit heavy. Did I mention the spec'd discs SUCKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M400.
Bike Setup:
XT Everything, minus hubs. Cheapy seatpost(dumped the suspension post). Time ATAC pedals and switched tires to Panaracer FireXC Pro. Easton EA70 stem and CT2 flatbar. Everything else was spec'd.
Bottom Line:
The best bang for the buck, unless you visit Bangkok (J/K).. A nice stiff, and sturdy frame (I've crashed enough times to attest to this)from which upgrades can be done, still keeping the price under competitor equivalents. If you swap out the brakes, either upgrade with better discs or change to V-brakes (I'm thinking of going XTR myself, with XTR-Mavic wheelset), you'll be alot happier. I own a 1998 Trek 9900(XTR everything) and a 2001 Ellsworth Truth(even better stuff than the 9900) as well, and yet ride the Raleigh more. Of course one reason is that there is NO WAY IN HELL, I'm locking up the Truth, even for 1 minute in Chicago. Bottom line,"A great entry level bike that is reliable, just get rid of those Spiral Stop disc brakes".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Cross Country Rider
from West Chester Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$675.00
Purchased At:
Bean's Bikes
Strengths:
Price vs. value. I read a million of these reviews before purchasing this bike. Every one talks about the great value, and for good reason. This bike is priced unbeleivably for what you get. Especially now that it is almost 2 years old. The draw back to this is that it is really hard to find. I spent a good long while finding a new one that fit me (22" frame- I am 6'4"), but it was definitely worth it. The recalled spiral stop brakes were changed out to some promaxes. They work great, as does the judy, and deore lx components. Frame is pretty cool, and has a lifetime warranty. All this is hard to beat for under 700 bucks.
Weaknesses:
Tough to find new at this point. Also, I bent the bauls out of the rear rim, and it just never really trued up right. This was my fault, as I am 6'4" 210 and I dropped onto a 3/4 buried cinder block at a construction site pretty hard. This is a shame because the rims are pretty cool, and I dont know where to get another one. Other than that, I have had no problems with this bike.
Similar Products Used:
trek 6500, cannondale f300
Bike Setup:
stock w/ promax disc cable
Bottom Line:
I got exactly what I expected: a great bike for a great price. If you can find one (the 2000 model), the value can't be beat for a bike under ...dare I say 1000 (ok, maybe 800) bucks. The 2001 is not as nice, no discs, lame colors, and more expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Golebiewski
a Cross Country Rider
from Bothell, WA Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Bang for the buck. Overall solid package.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost. All it does is squeak and bottom out, at least at my weight.
Bike Setup:
Stock, with the promax disk brakes
Bottom Line:
There are no weak components on the bike, other than the seatpost which is a preference thing. The bike, is solid around unlike others in this proce range. Normally in this range there are some really good components, and some crap to offset the cose. However, not on this bike.
I have ridden this bike hard. And I am not easy on a bike weighing at this point a little under 200. On average I have been on it 2x a week covering a wide variety of conditions. To date I have had three problems with it.
1) Bent middle chain ring, I hit a log, I think, not the bikes fault 2) To long of cables, which was a shop problem and was resolved. 3) Bent hanger for the rear derailuer. That happens when you wreck. However, it was hard to get the shifting clean once straightned, but is now good as new.
I am started to see loss of power in the brakes after a while. I called promax and got some setup instructions and the front is as good as new. Looks like the back needs new pads, although if it is a real problem I will post back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from hopwell Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Agees
Bottom Line:
AN UPDATE TO THE PREVIOUS ENTRY>>>>. THERE ARE A FEW DEFECTS WITH THE 2000 M600.... THE STORE OFFERED ME MY MONEY BACK AND I UPGRADED TO THE 2001 M800..... BIG UPGRAGE WITH COMPONENTS......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Hopewell, VA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
AGEES
Strengths:
Pretty solid frame and components
Weaknesses:
The tires, and the cable brakes
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4600, 6000
Bike Setup:
Stock with upgrade to Magura Julies (brakes..)
Bottom Line:
I really like the bike although it is heavier than a few of the other bike makers. The cable brakes sucked, so I called Raleigh and they told me about a warranty upgrade to Julies for a $100... The company is really kewl, I would recommend them to everyone. On the other hand, AGEE's BICYCLE in Richmond,VA blows.... They have a few good mechanics but for the most part they suck. If you must work with them, go to the W. Broad St. store and ask for Jay (the manager), the other managers at the other stores are dix. (DAVE AND BILL) The owner, Bill, hates to sell things at a great price once I bought my bike, they completely forgot what customer satisfaction is all about....but that s a different story...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stan
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie , Pa Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$759.00
Purchased At:
WHEELS BIKE SHOP
Strengths:
Lightweight, gussetted frame. Deore crankset, LX rear derailer, Zero Stack Headset. Nice looking frame design. Raleigh gives more bang for the money.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
My faithful old Schwinn Traveler (Road Bike).
Bike Setup:
LightForce frame,Rockshox Judy XC, Zero Stack headset, Deore front derailer, LX rear derailer, Koski Brake Lite brakes, Deore Rapid-Fire shift, Vuelta Vision Rims.
Bottom Line:
I paid full price for this bike. It is the 2001 model. Though I am new to mountain bikes, I checked out Schwinn, Giant, GT, Specialized, and Trek before making a decision. The Raleigh really does give you better components for the money, and the LightForce frame looks a tad "leaner and meaner" than anything the others had to offer. I love this bike! At 48, I'm gonna get back in shape just so I can really put this thing through the paces! Before deciding on anything else, check out the Raleigh bikes. I think you'll like what you find! Chilius Maximus for the Raleigh!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sugurloaf Mt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Horizon Cycles
Strengths:
Great price for the goodies u get on this bike
Weaknesses:
tires are not the best
Similar Products Used:
rode a trek 7000 for 6 yrs
Bike Setup:
veliraptors front and back, my trusty ol' time pedels
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price, I could not upgrade my ol'trek for the price I paid for this bike. It rides great, nice and stiff and very predictable. I was lucky that my local bike store purchased a few of the 600's from another bike store and passed the savings to me! Everyone's review is right on the money, this bike is better than sliced bread!
If anyone out there is worried about any quality issues, I've bought Raleigh's before, one for my wife and one for my son and both bikes ride great too......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland Date Reviewed: December 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gnar-Gnar
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
Bike'n'Hike
Strengths:
I got Spiral-Stop Disc brakes. They really are pretty sweet for non-Hydralic. The JudyXC is not quite as good as my 1997 T2 but OK so far.
Weaknesses:
The Tires are not the greatest when rideing anything other than perfect/springy but not clingy terain/ like the local park.
Similar Products Used:
I almost bought the Fischer Hoo Koo Disc for about $350 more
Bike Setup:
Stock so far except I put on So old 737 shimano's
Bottom Line:
Good Value and respectably components for the Buck. I was dedicated to GT for a long time and still own one. But this was more than anyone else offered. $1099 for the Avalanche 1.0 the diference being about $150 in parts. Hell you could almost afford to buy this bike and if you don't like the frame buy another one and still come in under what some of the other bikes would cost. Buget and value riders who ar not gram counters are perfect for this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug May
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomfield,In USA Date Reviewed: December 25, 2000
Sure,I've changed several things on this bike,but the basic bike is great,the bike was cheap enough to be able to personalize it,I've not seen any bike with a perfect setup for me yet,The stinkin' dia-tech brakes were through away items,don't buy what they say in the brake reviews,if you manage to get them set up to stop good it will go away by the next ride,however,the Magura julies I replaced them with are tremendous,and cheap,the rockshox fork was ok,I just got a good deal on the z4 and I like it's firm feel better.Buy this ride if you like to setup your own bike and don't want to pay custom bike prices,and have a good local dealer,mine is a real great guy D May MCM #501
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leandro
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: December 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Reseda Bicycles
Strengths:
Good price, quality components.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost/seat is kinda annoying.
Similar Products Used:
Univega Alpina 700, Trek 6500/7000
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
At $599 ($650 with CA tax), this is an incredible value. Even though the stem, bar, and seatpost are generic (the rest are name brands), they are ALL quality components. Mine came with the Promax disc instead of the Diatech, and it also came with the Vuelta Excalibur Freeride disc, instead of the Cross Country (the Freeride is a bit wider; EXCELLENT customer support from Vuelta USA).
Like many have said, similar speced bikes costs more. If you are on a budget, there is no doubt that you will get your money's worth (if not more) with this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shane r
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh NC USA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ROC....AH NEVERMIND
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$730.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Logic
Strengths:
You name it... Frame, components, ride quality.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't clean itself
Similar Products Used:
marin, specalized
Bike Setup:
stock mainly. Speedplay Frogs
Bottom Line:
This bike simply kicks ass. I looke at Giant. Specialized, Cannondale...etc. If you want your moneys worth, and you want to not think about having to upgrade right out of the box then go with Raleigh. Love the Diatech disks. One thing most people dont do is READ THE MANUEL. A little attention to setup goes a long way with these mighty grippers. All my friends with rim brakes are whining about the squeal on muddy days, and the lock up on dry ones. Me...don't seem to have those problems.
Oh if you're in central NC, go visit cycle logic on Hilsborough street. They will treet you right!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte NC USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Catawba River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$625.00
Purchased At:
Sun Country Sports
Strengths:
Quality for the price, nothing comes close! Durability
Weaknesses:
I have had to replace the middle chain gear and the chain. But with my weight and the way I ride (hard) seems normal.
Bike Setup:
Stock, changed the seat and tires
Bottom Line:
Can't beat this deal. Don't belive all the hype you read in the magazines. You won't see a Raleigh anywhere in their reviews, I haved tried there "best buys under $1,000" and they don't compare to this deal. Look at the frame quality and the components and don't be pushed into buying a similar Gary Fisher for $1,000 dollars more. I'd rather ride a bike that the company doesn't spend millions of dollars trying to flaunt an image and in return saves me a few bucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Denno
a Weekend Warrior
from St.Louis Missouri USA Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$689.00
Purchased At:
sunset cyclery
Bottom Line:
after racing BMX for many years thought it was time to switch to the large wheel bike what an awsum choice this bike was handles anything i can dish out like major air or swooping downhills i`am very pleased with the way it handles great all around bike for anyone at a affordable price the guys at the shop were very informative i`m so pumped cant wait to blow away the comp so look out guys im comin at blazin speeds
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Melmeister
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
cayote hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
velo bicycle shop @ San Carlos
Strengths:
nice components for the price, nothing outthere can beat it part by part for the rice you can get it for
it takes some time to get used to the disk breaks...mine came with the promax dc600 disc brakes and not the diatech... called Raleigh customer service and they said they were having problems with the diatech, so the promax is supposed to be a little upgrade. It is a very good bike for the price. I looked at the specs of the M600 year 2001 models and it is not quite as good. if you are in the market for a good value like I was, check out this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric D.
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, Il Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$625.00
Purchased At:
spin doctors, Bartlett, IL
Strengths:
Lots of goodies for the price. I still can't believe it came with disc brakes. Rides smooth and receptive on single track.
Weaknesses:
I thought the weight was a problem but I am actually climbing better with this bike than my previous one. I would also change out the tires, didn't seem to grab as well as I would like.
Similar Products Used:
GT/Trek
Bike Setup:
Out of the box/LX, Diatech disc brakes/judy xc/wellgo pedals/etc.
Bottom Line:
Great looks, great ride. It has been a while since I purchased a bike and I had my heart set on the Specialized A1 Pro when I saw what this Raleigh had to offer. Test rode it and bought it on the spot. (Price was awesome at $625) For those of you reading this, save yourself the time and money, this is a great bike. I looked at the 2001 models on the Raleigh site and it looks like the offerings are not as much compared to the 2000. Never thought I would consider Raleigh but my wife has a previous model and loves it. Get out and get one.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darryl Bradley
a Weekend Warrior
from Laurel,MD Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere I can find to ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$699.00
Strengths:
Excellent product for the price Disc Brakes(can you believe it at this price???) Very strong frame and good components
Weaknesses:
Not very many places carry Raliegh,made me waste countless hours looking at other products before I "stumbled" across it
Similar Products Used:
K2 Exotec 3
Bike Setup:
Stardard from the LBS
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best thing since sliced bread. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this thing. He11, I didn't even know Raliegh had anything on the market. I was also a little worried when I gave them my money, but man am I glad I did. This thing handles so sweet. I am climbing faster, descending faster, and riding harder than ever before.This thing deserves to be put on an extended Chili scale, I give it 10 plus.This bike kills eveything in it's price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neaz Ahmed
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$725.00
Purchased At:
Sun&Ski Sports
Strengths:
Excellent frame, shocks, and peddals.
Weaknesses:
Weak brakes, seat and front derailleur.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000, Specialized Stumpjumper A1 Comp
Bike Setup:
Default
Bottom Line:
This bike definitely gives you most bang for your buck. The things that made me buy this bike were the clipless peddles, the shock, and the shock seat post. Comparing the rear derailleur with Trek and Specialized were the same. Due to the disc brakes, the rims and hubs can't be equally compared. How ever, the brakes do NOT hold (IMO) as well as rim brakes in dry conditions. Also after the first use on the trails, I had to take the bike back to shop to knock the disc back into shape. The brake disc apparently got warped from rocks hitting or something to that. I still think for the price this is an awesome bike. I plan on replacing the whole wheel set and getting XT rim brakes (for Texas climate). Then upgrade the front derailleur (which does not smoothly upshift to 3rd gear) to XT. The seat is fine but i just don't seem to like it for some reason, personal preferance towards different brands perhaps. Overall this bike is solid except for the brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Olmsted Township, Ohio Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
When I heard the M600 gives youi more bang for the buck I was skeptical. But, holy gee whizz, what a great handling bike! The frame is so very reponsive to the slightest lean or turn. It wants you, begs you, to put it through the paces.I hammered it my first time out and it handled everything without a whimper. A great value, I think. When I handed over the cash I was a little scared. I thought, "maybe I could do better". Now I am convinced I made the right choice. See the guys at Century Cycle, they are good guys.
Weaknesses:
The seat post saves my butt,(I'm closer to 50 than 40) but I like the extra comfort for now. What I didn't care for was the bouncing up and down when you are cranking hard. As far as the brakes, they are under factory recall so you can get them upgraded free.
Similar Products Used:
The only bike I would have traded this for was the Specialized Rockhopper Pro, but that was a lot more dough.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I don't feel bad paying 8 bills for this bike. It is fast, responsive and durable and you get some nice goodies for the money. The brakes have that cable tubing that one of the other guys was talking about, fabricated by the guys at Century Cycle. They stop "right now". Lock 'em up! Wow!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reverand Tony Dickelson III
a Cross Country Rider
from Twisp, Washington, USA Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Burke Gilman
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Affordability, component setup, hydra-coil forks
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher KaiTai, GT Backwoods
Bike Setup:
R600 with upgrade to Control Tech bars
Bottom Line:
This bike works great for the price. Not a thing should be changed for an out of the box bike.....I think the pope would even ride this thing! The component package is great and the frame is burley and durable. If you want a bike that will perform and consistantly be reliable, this is the bike. Put a few bucks into this thing, and you have a race ready ride. Stick to a company that cares more about their bikes then whether or not their hair and goatee color will match the bikes decals. Hallelujah!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Albert Teng
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, Wisconsin, USA Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All of them!!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Price, Components, Burly Frame, Looks, and Warranty.
Weaknesses:
A tad bit heavy, but built to last. Other than that this is the best bike I have ever owned!
Similar Products Used:
Canondale Hedshock Hardtail, Fisher Pro Caliber.
Bike Setup:
Stock, Upgraded to riser bar and stem.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! I don't know what right another bike manufacturer and self proclaimed "Inventor of the Mountain Bike" has to judge another brands quality, but I'm just a simple consumer. Maybe I didn't ride down fire roads in 1974 with a bunch of heshers and I don't wear goofy green velvet suits like Gary Fisher, but I do ride, and I do have a budget. After my Pro Caliber cracked and I was informed that there was no warranty for this because it was "User error", I had little left to spend after paying the extra $$ for a name like Fisher. My local dealer set me up with this Raleigh M600 becasue I had little money left over and I was out the cash I dropped down for that goofy colored Fisher. Well folks, save your money and buy a bike, not a name. My M600 is just as good, if not better than those high priced brands out there that charge you for a name. Thanks for reading. Now go ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Dominguez
a Racer
from MI Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Woods behind the University here!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike kicks ASS!! I looked at other bikes before making my decision, and none compared to the M600. Everything from the rugged frame, to the nicely built disk breaks. I"ve only had it for one week, and already my riding level has increased! I could climb better, and because of the awesome Judy XC Rock Shocks, I now have more balance on the landings after hitting a big jump. I got my 2000 for $650!! Which is an awesome deal do to that they were actually selling it for $900. Take my word, It's much better than TREK or SPECIALIZED. I've seen the difference! Have a blessed day!
Weaknesses:
Other than my chain touching a little of my front deraillure, which got fixed after a little adjustment, everything has been working just fine.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 Specialized StuntJumper
Bike Setup:
STOCK. For now. Haven't seen anything that might need changing. Maybe latter, I"ll move up to Hydralic Breaks, it comes stock with "Cable Assisted" Disk Breaks. Which as for now, have worked great.
Bottom Line:
After spending like 200 hours of bike shopping in bike shops, internet, and magazines. The M600 topped them all, with it's nice looks, great handeling, and most of all it's price! Let me know how you liked yours. My Email is q45infinity@hotmail.com Good day!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH USA Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very good value. Bike gives you serious bang for the buck. Mostly very good components, especially the fork and shifters/derailers. Good frame that seems very well built.
Weaknesses:
My brake calipers have already been replaced under warranty. To begin with, I was not impressed with their performance then, during a very very wet (not very muddy) ride in relatively cold weather (40 degress) they faded completely and never came back (I'm talking complete inability to stop!!). This was, obviously, the last straw. The shop replaced them under warranty, but I'm not convinced that it was "just a bad pair of brakes" becuase both did the exact same thing. We'll see what happens with the new set. FYI, the shop used some metal tubing from some v-brakes to create a straighter cable path to the brakes, this seems to have improved things considerably. In my opinion, I think Raleigh equips this bike with these discs because they look cool and sell bikes, I don't think they perform better than a good pair of v-brakes.
Finnally, the seat post is complete crap. It sticks all the time and you can't take it completely apart to clean/service. I'm considering swapping mine out for a standard non-suspension post. Again, I think this piece is inteded to sell bikes, not improve performance.
Bike Setup:
Standard, so far. Depending on how the newly replaced brakes work, I may upgrade to hydraulic discs. Also considering a new seat post.
Bottom Line:
Great value for the money, but a couple key components (discs brakes, seat post) are of questionable quality. I'd still buy the bike again, but be aware that you get what you pay for and you're not paying a lot (relatively) for what you're getting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn Murphy
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Robert E. Lee Park and Loch Raven
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I love the Judy XC Hydracoil fork on the M600, not to mention all the Shimano LX components. Once you wear the brakes in and get the levers adjusted to a good setting, they do an awesome job of stopping.
Weaknesses:
Hmmmm... I haven't come across any yet and still can't think of any.
Similar Products Used:
I tried out some Giants, a Nishiki and a Trek. For the money I snatched the Raleigh M600 up in a heartbeat. I liked the Nishiki which is owned by parent company Raleigh come to find out.
Bike Setup:
Shimano crank, casette, LX deraileurs, Deore Hollowtech crank arms, Wellgo clipless pedals, WTB seat and stem, Avid levers, IRC Notos tires, Anti-Snake Bite wheels, Shimano Rapidfire shifters (kudos). And best of all is the adjustable RockShox Judy XC Hydracoil fork w/ the DiaTech disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
Well worth the money. I searched around for a great bike at a great price and when it came down to the frame, components and fork... I went with the Raleigh. Great bike, Great Price w/ a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hal Amick
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, SC, USA Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lynches Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
You will NOT find more bike for $799!!! If you do e-mail, I want to know. If this is you price range BUY IT!
Weaknesses:
I don't like the seat post shock. Not very smooth
Bike Setup:
Deore front, LX rear, DiaTech disk brakes, RS Judy XC
Bottom Line:
I look at every bike in town because the bike I bought would have to last a long time (it replaced a 13 year old one). Raleigh's whole line is a step up at every price point. For 800 dollars I got a 9 speed, others were 8, Judy XC instead of a Jett, Deore LX vrs. Deore or less. If you spend $800 on a Trek you will be getting less bike and a very expensive sticker! If you have lots of money you can get much better but if you are on a budget and can swing the price you will get more for less with the M600. I'm riding about 40 miles a week on tough single track my only complaint was with the brakes... then I called DiaTech and El Marco really took care of me! He even called me. Once set up to his recommendation's they have worked great! Two of the 3 bike buyers guides I've seen (after I bought) listed the M600 as most bang for the buck at its price.
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Submitted by
Lee Nelson
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TX USA Date Reviewed: February 24, 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.
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