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Submitted by
Bill Horrigan
a Weekend Warrior
from Temperance, Mi.
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Brighton Rec Area | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Buffalo Bobs | | Strengths: | This is the best frame I have ever ridden. I bought it in 1995 and here in 2007 the frame is still in excellent shape. After 12 hard years of being my trail bike/commuter/road/trailer towing through heat, rain, and snow(I am from Michigan); rust is minimal, and the welds look great. They should have never stopped using this steel. Best of all this frame was "Made in the USA." | | Weaknesses: | Price savings had to come from somewhere. With the M 80 its obvious these came from the componants. My Rock Shock Quads are toast. Ive replaced the cranks, wheels, seat, bars, seat post, pedals, and my brakes just fell apart. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Iron Horse, Cannondale Super V,Specialized Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | Still mostly Stock. | | Bottom Line: | Right now I am at a crossroad. Should I replace componants on an awesome frame, or get a newer full suspension bike. I have decided to do both. Unfortunatly Raliegh USA isn't made in the USA anymore(that I know of) or they wouldn't have lost my buisness. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Clark
a Racer
from Roswell,NM
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Haystack Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Lightweight frame; Great climbing bike; stiff frame; Da price is right. | | Weaknesses: | Stock components pretty weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Comming from the road | | Bike Setup: | LX gruppo, Sun wheels, Selle Italia saddle, Specialized tires, Nashbar pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Love the way this bike goes up hill. The way I have it set up it only weighs 23 lbs. I'm 14 and race cross country. This bike competes with the big boys for not too much money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Eagan MN USA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Terrace Oaks | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Now Sports | | Strengths: | Price, size, components, quality | | Bike Setup: | Thomson bar, Control Tech post, XT brakes, deraileurs & cranks, Specialized seat, Ouray (all the way) grips | | Bottom Line: | This was my second mt. bike and at 6'4" and 220# the 22" frame fits me great. I have upgraded some components as they have worn out and still need to upgrade the fork and cog set. For a guy in his upper 40s it's been a fun ride. I've ridden it on the CAMBA trails in Wisconsin and Moab. Someday I'll get a full suspension but right now I have absolutely no complaints about this bike, I love it. In shopping around when I bought it I found that Raleigh offered the best setup for the buck. I don't know if they still do but I'd look there first if I evered tacoed this one bad enough to need to replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Killick
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Abert, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Edmonton River Valley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | Edmonton Cycle | | Strengths: | Damn....What a fine ride. A great all around bike. Great looking design, great price and great fun. Frame can take just about any thing the rider can and most of what they can't. | | Weaknesses: | The stock shox sucked so I had to upgrade to a 2000 judy race fork. The paint also chiped way to easy as well as the decals. It's also a tad heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Fusion, GT Avalanche 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with 2000 Rock Shox Judy Race. Upgraded to double walled rims. | | Bottom Line: | It was a damn fine lookin' bike. That is untill the paint chipped off. It's a great bike, it'll take any thing the trail throws at it, except a semi perhaps. It's a great bike for any one looking to get into the world of mountian biking without breaking the bank. Upgrading the fork is a must. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rommel Upshur
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland Heights, OH
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Fridrich Bikes | | Strengths: | A classy green color that I haven't seen on too many other bikes,light(for me),climbs well, comfortable ride,has held up well after 2 yrs of an average of 3 times per week riding off road,road, winter, summer. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any in 2 yrs | | Bike Setup: | Tektro brake upgrade,Koski saddle, continental cross country tires,rapid fires,avenir riser bar,profile ahead stem, wellgo clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my first review approximately 2 yrs ago. This bike has proven itself in all conditions. In the 2yrs that I have had it, there has been no problem occur that wasn't just a matter of routine maintenance. It still is a better bike for the money. The ride is still comfortable after moderately long trips(30 miles). It climbs well in the dirt and on the street. The paint still holds up(except for a few rock dings but nothing lasts forever). If Raleigh had a decent full suspension bike I would by one from them. But since they don't, I won't. This bike could probably last for quite a while provided I don't have some catastrophic crash | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Saratoga NY
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | stables | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Frame has taken a real beating | | Weaknesses: | if you ride alot things brake and fall off | | Similar Products Used: | giant xtc se1 | | Bike Setup: | 97 model, replaced lots of parts, has judy xc, diacomp brakes, avid levers, raceface cranks, lx rd, stxrc fd,lx hubs, 221 rims, bontrager stem, hellbent handlebar rapid fire shifters | | Bottom Line: | the original fork sucked so i got a judy xc. after taking about 5 big jumps the original rims were trashed. the brakes stopped working after a couple months (i tried new brake pads). the sram gripshift doesn't work with shimano derailers. the only good thing about the stock bike was the frame. it takes big drop-offs and jumps and after two years still shows no weakness. The 16.5 inch frame has more of a ds and trials geometry than a trail bike geometry. if you dont ride that often than this is a good bike, but if you put 50+ miles a week on the trails spend some more money. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Levi Foust
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerset, Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | extreme backwoods | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Sweet Price, takes a beating,& looks great with red tires | | Weaknesses: | N/A | | Similar Products Used: | nothing compares to this great machine | | Bike Setup: | 98 model w/STX-RC components/ rock Shox Indy C/ Spiffy red tires! | | Bottom Line: | I treat my bikes too rough and they wear out in about 6 months- this Raleigh just keeps on going! It's probably got about 4,000 hard core miles on it. It's a good buy for a college or high school student. New, mine cost $485. My friend bought the 99 model and it's a real ticker too! It handles any terrain well and its geometry is just right for me. At nearly 6 foot, I like the 20 incher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin D.
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, FL
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Price
Components
Frame strentgh
Color & finish | | Weaknesses: |
Uncomfortable Vetta tri-shock seat.
Weight. | | Bike Setup: |
M-80, rock shox, Panaracer Dart/Smoke, Shimano stx. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the $$$. I've owned mine since 97' and it's held up great. I've done some jumps where I know I was 8 to 10 feet in the air and this bike took it like nothing. Warped a few rims but that's to be expected. I would recommend this bike to any one who was looking for a bike under $1000. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mission Trails (it's close to my house) | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
price, price, price | | Weaknesses: |
hard seat
fork? | | Similar Products Used: |
everything between $500 and $750 while shopping around | | Bike Setup: |
stock, jett c fork, LX rear der. all else stx-rc | | Bottom Line: | I spent over 2 months shopping around for a new bike and nothing in the price range I was looking at even came close. Everything else had maybe an stx rear der. and then a mix of alivio and acera components. When iI was finally ready to by all of the bike shops were out of M-80's but I found one at Sports Chalet and since the 00 had just come out they dropped the price to a paltry $399. You just can't beat the price this quality of bike. I have put just over 250 miles on the bike in the 4 weeks I have had it, about half road and half trail (I put road tires on it when I ride the street) and I haven't had any problems except for a broken end cap on the rear skewer which was my fault for crashing in the rocks. This bike handles great on the downhills and climbs like a goat. I would recommend it to anyone. Great frame, good components and easily upgradable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al T
a Cross-Country Rider
from Jacksonville, AR
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any dirt roads with rocks and hills | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
The best Chro-moly in the planet-excellent frame
paint job-have fallen with this bike about 20 times and the paint job is still glowing
Shimano components
Price-got mine for 400 stones
lightweight for a chro-molu frame | | Weaknesses: |
Cheap bottom bracket
cantilever brakes | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek
specialized | | Bike Setup: |
Shimano Alivio components
Rock Shox Quadra | | Bottom Line: | The best Chromoly frame out there! I used this bike with the original components for three years with no problems. I was planning to purchase a full suspension bike but decided to upgrade to a full Shimano XTR components, with Marzocchi Superfly fork and Mavic Crosslink wheelset. It's just too darn good looking to part away. I'm over 35 years, but can still keep up with the younger guys on those 35 degree hills using this bike. Definitely 5 red hot chilis on this bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Perez
a Racer
from Anchorage Alaska
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hilltop Area | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
i would have to say the stem held up to a hell of a beating, the front stx derailleur, and the stx-rc crankset and thats about it. | | Weaknesses: |
everything not mentioned above but it held out quite a while though so i cant bitch too much | | Similar Products Used: |
cannondales and every other chromoly hardtail out there | | Bike Setup: |
97 raleigh m-80 frame, rockshox quadra 5 fork, '98 lx v-brakes, spin composite wheels, sram esp 9.0 shifter/derailleur, sram 9.0 brake levers, bontrager crow bar. | | Bottom Line: | this bike took a hell of a beating for about two years before the frame finally started to give(mysterious creaks and a bent derailleur hanger suck) but it gave me almost nothing but podium (provided we had one) finishes so it worked out for the best but if your on a budget and want the most bang for your buck then you should look into this bike it will stand up to quite a beating. I'm giving it four stars for the frame going to hell | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Hileman
a Weekend Warrior
from Porterville CA.
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fire-roads @ Quaking Aspen | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Frame, componets ,The name Raleigh has been around so long | | Weaknesses: |
Fork & Tires | | Similar Products Used: |
G.T. Timberline | | Bike Setup: |
M-80, Not stock at all! | | Bottom Line: | I have a review posted at the M-60 site last Feb 14(This site for M-80 was not here yet) This is the absolute best bike that you can get for the money. I've made so many up-grades since my original $550.00 purchase; Manatou SX, Bontranger, S.P.D pedals, LX v-brakes, Mavic 221 rims, Kore stem & bar, Tioga X/C tires , & lastly a Rock Shox suspension seat post. Most parts were bought at blow-out prices for big savings. This is one of the nicest bikes around when I'm out riding. The up-grades on this bike make it perform & ride like one costing $1,500 to $2,000. The only reason I even spent $$ on up-grades, was the quality of the frame, some of the best welds in the buisness are found on Raleigh bikes. For the rest of you guys that are thinking of up-grading your M-80, GO FOR IT! Even just the wheels & shock change will blow you away. This is by far the best bike I've had, no problems yet, and I've put over 300 beat the shit outta ya miles on it. Anybody riding the fireroads in the Hot Springs Dist. or Quaking Aspen area, If you catch sight of the red crome M-80, just grin as I blow by you, and pack yer teeth with dirt! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Terrell, tx.
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
White Rock Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Price, content, color | | Weaknesses: |
saddle, tires | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 750 | | Bike Setup: |
stock chromo, slight raised bar, tires changed to 1.5' width, Quadro 5 shock, Kalloy shockpost, gel saddle | | Bottom Line: | I bought my M80 as a 40th birthday gift to myself. Its a '97 model, green in the 18 size. I paid $439 as a closeout model. I got it because of its STX components and the shock. I going to fix it up as a commuter bike. I've added a rack and plan to get fenders later. I did have a problem fitting a u-lock bracket to it but I ended up putting it on the right fork blade where it works out ok. The Hypersoft gel saddle (upgrade) is causing a problem with the fat down under but I may replace it with a leather Brooks saddle. I changed the tires to 1.5' ones to get more pavement smoothness. I need to change to a shorter steeper stem also. Otherwise I have no complaints about the way the bike works. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Forsythe
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lake Hopatcong
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Value, strength, and weight. | | Weaknesses: |
Stem, handlebars, seat, and pedals. | | Similar Products Used: |
N/A | | Bike Setup: |
M-80
Upgraded the pedals to Shimano 545 clipless, went with the Bontrager Crowbar Race for the handlebars, and a 110mm by 10 degree stem. Suspension-Rockshok JettC 45mm travel. Will one day upgrade fork but for now it meets my needs. | | Bottom Line: | The Raleigh M-80 has met all of my requirements for an entry level MTB. The guys at Rt. 15 Bicycle steered me towards this bike and explained that for quite a bit less than other brands I could have better components. Better for less. I went with minor upgrades to fit my personal riding style, but I have been nothing but pleased with the overall performance and handling of this bike. Definitely research Raleigh if you're in the market for a new ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay A.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Baldwin Park, CA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
carbon canyon park bonnelli park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
The frame is great for climbing and acceleration. It also has good components and a great ride | | Weaknesses: |
The fork just need to be upgraded and the seat post, should use a quick release..... Planning to upgrade it to a Manitou SPyder. And kevlar tires (IRC) | | Bottom Line: | Like Raleigh bikes said....Bang for the buck!
A very good deal and a great bike for begginers and intermediate riders. You can't go wrong on this bike quality and value, a rare gem! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jodan
a Weekend Warrior
from Moretown, Vermontt
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Strong, Durable Frame
Great Styling
Lightweight
Good color,- Dark Green | | Weaknesses: |
Crap For shocks (Don't buy Quadra 5's)
lots of play in shifting
bad seat | | Similar Products Used: |
1992 Yakota awahnee
1998 Gary Fisher Joshua Z1- New bike!
1996 Specialized Rockhopper
1991 Mongoose something or other | | Bike Setup: |
Raleigh M-80 Quadra-5 rock shox | | Bottom Line: | Basically you are getting a great bike for a great price, but the bike could be improved | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Wa
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tree Farm (Arlington) | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Most everything.Especially the price | | Weaknesses: |
I snapped the handle bars and the seat sucked | | Similar Products Used: |
M-50,Cannondale super-v 900 | | Bike Setup: |
changed the rims to velocity deep-v's and to stx shimanoe hubs | | Bottom Line: | This a sweet bike going uphill i waste all my friends on the the uphills but its a little shaky on technicle dowmhill other then that its GREAT bike for inter riders | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabe Haley
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho Falls, Idaho
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Corall Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
good for a beginner or intermediate rider,light bike, good climber, fast,but unstable above fourty miles an hour, good deal | | Weaknesses: |
bad climber, uncontrollable, weak parts that wont hold up under extreme riding, wears fast (especially rear tire), p.o.s. shock, no rapidfire, cables stick easily, grip-shift shifter wore down to no tread after 1000 miles | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Raleigh M-80 | | Bottom Line: | Didn't hold out for me, I'm going to have to spend about 2 thousand dollars on a high quality Specialized to take my abuse, great for someone who rides once or twice a week, but not 1500 miles in 6 months like me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Highland Park, IL
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kettle Moraine, Wisconsin | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Light, great gear, Strong Frame, VALUE!!! Good deal for the cash. | | Weaknesses: |
Crap front shock, Gearing shifts with a lot of play. | | Similar Products Used: |
M40, M400, Spec. Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: |
Changed front shock after second ride. Got a Rock Shox JudyXL. Made all the diffence in the world. | | Bottom Line: | This is a Killer bike if you want the best bike for the money. A great ride with not a lot of need for upgrading. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tobaccoville, NC
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Pretty much everything | | Weaknesses: |
Seat, RS Jett C dont give much, but what can you expect for $499 | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Backwoods | | Bike Setup: |
Stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike for $499...what a GREAT deal!! It would of cost me $100 more for the GT and the M80 has better components. Before you buy anything else you might wanna check out Raleigh Bikes!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike sneck
a Cross-Country Rider
from enterprise, al
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
arboritum | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
EVERYTHING | | Weaknesses: |
NONE APPARENT SO FAR | | Similar Products Used: |
first real bike i have owned | | Bike Setup: |
original factory equipment | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great raleigh was completely correct when they said more bang for your buck. im really new to riding off road but i cant image getting a better bike with the same components for cheaper. if raleigh bikes are all this good then ill stick with them for as long as i can | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt M.
a Downhiller
from Eria, PA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Asbury Woods | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Most bang for the buck--guarenteed!!! | | Weaknesses: |
Maybe the plastic pedals---but mine haven't broke yet. | | Similar Products Used: |
Mongoose MGX full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock M-80 | | Bottom Line: | I was very through in deciding which bike to buy. I looked at the Cannondale, Schwinn, G. Fisher, Trek, Giant, Univega, Mongoose and GT---I got there spec. books, took them home and examined them. The M-80 came out on top with STX and LX equipment all around. If you find a better bike for the money, please write to me-but I don't think it will happen. My bike has proven indistructible-and everything works quite well.
This is an issue worth clearing up. The stiffness of a material depends on a property called modulus. In the case of a bike frame it is Young's Modulus (aka Modulus of elastisity) that gives a bike it's stiffness. Aluminum has a modulus of about 11,500,000 psi, titanium 16,000,000 psi. and steel 30,000,000 psi. Steel IS more than 2.5 times stiffer' than aluminum. However, aluminum bikes feel stiffer due to a geometric property called The 2nd Moment of Are (or more commonly called the moment of inertia). As the mass of a tube (such as in your bike frame) gets further from the centriod--it gains stiffness. That is why the tubes on aluminum bikes are oversized while the ones on steel bikes are often not. Aluminum is lighter than steel but it takes more of it. Often frames of different materials are similiarly stiff--but it is the size that does this. Aluminum has other atvantages however--for instance--it is 'stainless', once it forms a barier of alum. oxide that is. You see---aluminum 'rusts'---it just rusts grey instead of brown. Also aluminum does not fatigue as badly during welding---that is---it does not decarborize. Another thing---carbon fiber is the least stiff-but it's shape is the cause for its strength. One more thing, when they say you have a chrome-moly frame---what that is is common steel (possibly .25% to 2.5% carbon) with almost definitely no more than 5% chromium or molybendium in it. Alloy steels weigh about what common steel does (density .283 pounds per cubic inch). I am more than willing to bet that no common (bike alloy) differs by more than 5%. So don't let anyone feed you a line of crap---GIANT has a brochure that says aluminum is stronger and stiffer---I challenge them personally to prove it to me--it cannot be done.
I am a mechanical engineer trying to inform you so you don't get ripped off or lied to. E-mail me with further questions, I will be glad to answer them. Good luck, good riding, and God bless. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EL Mayimbe
a Weekend Warrior
from QUEENS, NY
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
lightwieght
good suspension
strong frame
braking
e.t.c | | Weaknesses: |
None ( I don't see any) | | Similar Products Used: |
alot of cannondale | | Bottom Line: | The best bike for the money and its esspecially good for the cyclist that will go on to any terrian. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
herb
a cross-country rider
from Bearcat country!!
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
the m-80 was my first bike, the quad 5 pretty much worthless but the frame and components make the bike worthwhile. the m-80 serves it purpose well and is an awesome way to get into mt. biking if funds are short. moved on to a kona caldera and it rules-------- but i learned how to ride on the trusty m-80.
one less car bike club at northwest missouri state university!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a cross-country rider
from wi.
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the best bike on the market as far as value because all magor brands like gt trek are over priced. only bad thing about the bike seatpost is weak and should have a better fork. other than that this bike rules. I like its 7005 alimnum frame because it has a lifetime warranty on and treks frame has five years. I visted bike shops and they wanted me to buy a heavy cromooly frame and it was a speclized bike that bike wieghed more than two M80s put toghtegher I am loyal to Ragielh because they care about he coustmer because they back up there bikes with a more than genoruse warrnty. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rommel Upshur
a weekend warrior
from Cleveland Heights, OH
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a good solid product. The bike really feels responsive, comfortable,and dependable. Just purchased a '97 M-80 (metallic green chromoly w/the dreaded Quad 5 fork). Swapped the grip shift for STX Rapidfires. Really nice. Continental Town&Country tires for 419.00 from Fridrich Bike Shop. Good, friendly people who talk to you like you are actually a human being. I would recommend this LBS to anyone wanting to buy a bike from high end to entry level. Checked around town visiting 6 different LBS's and spoke to another 5. Everything came back to Raleigh quality and components as the best buy for the money(full STX componentry, swapped for a more comfortable seat, traded the bar ends because I'm not racing anyone. I'm 6'2 at 190 lbs and the Quad 5 works for me even in the winter. I'm talking 30 degrees here buddy. And what's this I'm hearing about STX won't shift going uphill under load? Well then, stay seated. That seems to work at an approximately 30 degree climb(in the snow, no less) Works in the woods, works on the street. Looked at GT, Giant, Schwinn,Jamis,Mongoose,Diamondback,Specialized, Nishiki. None compared in price or in quality(except for the Nishiki). Raleigh is the bike(bought one for the wife, bought one for the oldest son and will buy one for the oldest daughter) Raleigh is the bike. Fridrich's Bike Shop is the place. You can't go wrong with either one. Check 'em out over on Lorain Ave | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob C.
a weekend warrior
from Sultan, WA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got a '98 in June and have put about 1100 hard trail miles and about 200 road miles on the thing. No complaints and only one minor problem, loose bottom bracket from the factory! Upgraded the wheels and hubs to Velocity DeepVee/XT/Double Butted spokes because I've had bad experiences with the Zac19's that come stock. This thing rocks! Fairly light and nimble with decent acceleration. Climbs like a dream and even stops decent! Not bad for an entry level rig. Paid $525.00 at a LBS (Monroe Cycle). Best component mix for the price. I give it 4 chilies as a Mtn Bike and 5 chilies as an entry level bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 97 m-80 and i love it. it is one of the best bikes for the money , I think. i have up-graded the rims and brakes. i put a pair of 636's on it too. other then that i have just done repairs(i.e. no cogs). if you are looking for a good entry level xc bike i would recomend looking at a M-80. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Indylsl484
a racer
from NH
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 96 M-80 so the frame is cro-mo. When i first bought the bike I loved it. That years model hade STX and Alevio comonentry. It also came with a Quadra 5 RockShox. It was my second MT bike, but my first with suspention. It works great, and I love the was the frame is out together. I like the handeling so much that I still have it, except that it has been totaly rebuilt. I'm only 16, but my friends and I ride hard and beat the @#IT out of our bikes (to give you an idea, my best friend is on his 6th bike) but anyway. Now I use the M-80 for racing and it hoolds up like a dream. It now has full Xt componentry. V-brakes, Clipless pedles, and the biggest upgrade was the Rockshox Indy SL.( I reveiwed that shock if anyone wants to see the review, the shocks not as great as it's craked up to be). Alot of people say I should have bought a new bike. Yea, mabey but I loved the stiff quality frame of a Raleigh. I highly recomend there bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Ben
a weekend warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First Mountain Bike, previous: Road Bike (10 years ago) now I'm 5'9 and 225 Lbs. Bike rides GREAT! Got it 2 months ago for $450. at Sun&Sky Sports. Lot of research on this site before buying. Check the manufacturer Web site. Frame is excellent! I'm a chuby guy and so far no problems with the RockShox and frame, Very fast bike and handles super. My only concern is the sadle. Too hard. Maybe I just need to get more use to it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Quintin
a weekend warrior
from Danville, CA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The M-80 is one of the best deals beginners can get. Like most people, I agree it's the best bang for the buck. I shopped around, considered what I needed, and test rode many bikes ranging from $350-$1200. You can't get a better buy for an incredible aluminum frame and full STX components. Ok, maybe the bike could use an Indy C suspension fork, but for the money, take the Indy S and ride it out. Once that's gone, upgrade! After putting on ~400 miles, everything still runs smoothly and that's with several bails on intensely steep single tracks. Like any other bike, take care of it and it will take care of you. Raliegh is one of the oldest and respected companies who guarantee their aluminum frames for life! Other bikes I looked at were Rockhopper FS, Novara's quila, diamondback sorrento SE, Mongoose Warp DS1, 5.3, 6.5, Giant's sedona, GT's rebound, Gary fisher and Cannondale (prices high b/c of popularity and name), the list goes on. If anything, test out the bikes. Good luck | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Mullan
a cross-country rider
from Weston, Wis.
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I shopped around for several months before i decided on the 98 M-80. what won me over is that you get a aluminuim frame with avaerage components for a small price(mine was $525 with 1 year of free maintance at Rib Mt. Cycles.) i don't race but i like to hit the singletrack alot. so a think the al. frame will stay around throungh several upgrades, including a better fork! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Batavia, NY
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike for my son a little over four months ago and since then I have taken it to the shop several times because of derailleur problems. The shocks are not that good and the aluminum frame is way too stiff. The grip shifters also have not functioned properly since we bought the bike. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Morgan
a weekend warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I researched a lot of bikes before I put down my money.
I was looking to spend about $800 and I tested quite a few models.
I couldn't find any better deal than the M-80. I would have easily spent another $150 to get another bike on the same level. This bike is a lot of fun,
the ride is really solid and it is the best value | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Medwid
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got my 1998 M-80 one month ago today. It rocks!!!! Great price, handling. It is the lightest bike ever. My Rock Shox kicks butt. Aluminum frame rules. Can't say enough great stuff about the bike. My Brother got the Gary Fisher Aquilla. It's heavier and you pay toooo much. For $499.00 you can't find a better deal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LD
a weekend warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the M-80 today at 3 p.m. Took it on a trail near my house at
3:45 p.m. So far, so GREAT!!! This thing is so much lighter than the old
Magna (what the hell is that anyway?)!! The brake |
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