It's interesting the mixed reviews you get on this topic. I'm so far from a badge snob it's unreal, and this was certainly a great deal. When researching I went into the official Raleigh dealer, who had no Raleighs in stock. When I enquired about them, I got 'no, we don't keep many in stock, they're pretty crap really'. Nice for an official dealer.
My first 'real' road bike was a Raleigh Road Ace.
Bought in in 1986 at the age of 16 - I'd just got into cycling 'for proper' , had a job, got a good bike. It was 531c and had Shimano 600 throughout - proper real good bike in it's time, for a reasonable amount of cash. Joined a club and it kicked ass against my club mates Campag kit, it had indexed gears......
Eventually the frame got binned - a couple of crashes and was a little too big really, but the 600 cranks, 600 callipers, the SR seat pin still live on - in my 653
Ribble.
The new stuff Raleigh have done is great.
)i did'nt want to get mine dirty when i first got it either but that is soon overcome by the need for speed!enjoy!
to me!
