The 15 Best Raleigh Bikes Reviews in 2022

Are you a fan of Raleigh bike? I have done thorough research and made a list for the top 15 best budget Raleigh MTBs 2021. Read and find the best choice for you.

Who wouldn’t know about Raleigh bikes? I mean, they are considered as a trendsetter for bicycles, whether road or mountain bikes. Besides that, they are prevalent in the market because they offer a more affordable price than other competitors. They are budget-friendly without being cheap in its features and performance.

Raleigh bikes got its name from Raleigh Street, a famous street in the United Kingdom. It is where Woodhead and Angois (founders) had their first bike shop located. Today, they have preserved history and placed their headquarters in the UK.

On the other, many people are having a difficult time finding cheap Raleigh MTBs that are of excellent quality. Hence, I made this list for you. I hope you find the right one after reading my article. Enjoy reading!

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What are The Best Raleigh Bikes?

I have dedicated many hours of searching, reading, and writing to give you my guide and list for the affordable Raleigh mountain bikes 2021. This article I made for Raleigh bike reviews, will be hugely useful for you.

Best Overall: Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike

Lightweight, excellent front fork suspension, comfortable anti-slip grip handle.

Runner Up: Raleigh Tokul2 Mountain Bike

Aluminum frame, strong front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, strong traction.

Good for Women: Raleigh Superbe Bike 

Classic looks, low step-in frame, detachable rear basket, 7-speed, padded saddle.

Good for Urban Use: Raleigh Back Alley Bike

Sturdy steel frame, classic saddle, single-speed,dual-pivot brakes.

Good for Long Rides: Raleigh Hybrid Detour Bike

7-speed, durable tires, V-brakes, aluminum cranks, sturdy steel frame.

Good for Off-road: Raleigh Talus Bike

Aluminum frame, effective front fork suspension, 21-speed Shimano gears, mechanical disc brakes.

Good for Strong Brakes: Raleigh Redux 1 Bike

Aluminum frame, riser handlebar, mechanical disc brake, 8-speed Shimano, Strong traction.

Good for Endurance: Raleigh Merit 2 Endurance Bike

Aluminum frame, 16-speed setting, mechanical disc brakes, stable tires, inclusions of racks and fenders.

Good for Vintage Looks: Raleigh Classic Tourist Bike

Solid steel frame, mechanical disc brakes, 3-speed shifters, durable and stable tires.

Good for City Cruising: Raleigh Carlton City Bike

Durable carbon steel frame, single-speed, dual-pivot brakes, comfortable handles.

All Raleigh Bikes – Comparison Chart

In this table, I have summarized the different specifications of the top 15 Raleigh bikes reviews 2021. I have done this for your ease in comparing things.

Top 15 Best Raleigh Bikes Reviews in 2022

Without any delay, here is the main section of my article. I have done sufficient research to give you accurate information and insights regarding the features, pros, and cons of each Raleigh Bikes. After reading, you will surely have a better idea of the best bike that fits you.

Best Overall: Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Shimano Revo Shifters (1 F & 7 rear cassettes)
• V-rim brakes
• Easy step-through steel frame
• Adjustable seat post and cushioned saddle

The steel frame of this road bike’s design enables you to step through and ride on it seamlessly. If you have some engineering skills, you wouldn’t have any trouble assembling this on your own. Nonetheless, if collecting it is not your thing, you can go to your nearest bike shop to join it for a minimal fee.

It’s Shimano Revo shifters work as expected in giving you a smooth transition for its seven-speed settings. Overall, this road bike exudes sufficient comfort because of its firm front fork suspension, padded saddle, and anti-slip grip handle.

Moreover, you can purchase a kickstand from a bike shop and install it on your own. It will be done in less than 20 minutes.

Runner Up: Raleigh Tokul 2 Mountain Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Front fork suspension SR Suntour XCM 100-mm travel
• Aluminum crankset
• Shimano Alivio 9 rear cassettes, one front sprocket
• Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes

I find this as the second-best Raleigh bike to recommend for you. I find it a good mountain bike for beginners as well. First off, the Shimano gear shifters and sets are decent and durable. The crankset for this is entry-level but workable for its price. Nevertheless, it works smoothly when all parts of the drivetrain start turning.

Its hydraulic disc brake works smoothly with one finger and gives an excellent braking force. Its front fork suspension is also good for the price. Its lockout and adjustment feature works as expected. For those who want a cost-efficient starting investment for Mtb, this is a winning choice.

Best for Women: Raleigh Superbe Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Shimano Revo shifters (1 front sprocket and seven rear cassettes)
• Kenda tires
• Low step-in frame
• Aluminum crankset

Upon seeing this bike, I remember the feeling of trailing in the suburb where you see plenty of green things. I just can’t help but get captivated by the classic and countryside appeal of this women’s bike from Raleigh.

The low step-in frame design of this road bike provides a quick and easy way of riding it. The saddle height and distance from the handlebar promote an upright position; thus, a lesser chance of getting lower back pains.

Further, the rear basket provides you ample storage when buying things from a store or pharmacy. The Shimano front and rear cogs work efficiently. Likewise, you can expect its coaster brakes to help you in making quick and long-distance stops.

Best for Urban Use: Raleigh Back Alley Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Caliper brakes
• Snug and comfortable grip handles
• Kenda 193 rubber tires 700c

This bike model is highly for commuting in the city; this can be an excellent candidate. Despite its affordable price, all parts of this Raleigh bike is surprisingly durable and complete. You just need to secure a Presta valve pump for its rubber tires.

The rubber grip handle exudes a pleasant feeling on the hand to enhance gripping. It operates on a single-speed, thus, less hassle for maintenance. Meanwhile, if you need to make a stop, its caliper brakes work well. Just don’t make sudden stops at high speed.

Moreover, the stainless steel frame is impressive. It is dense but durable. Overall, an excellent commuter bike for an affordable price.

Best for Long Rides: Raleigh Hybrid Detour Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Aluminum crank
• Promax V-braking system
• Shimano Revo Shifter (1 F, 7 R)

Raleigh’s hybrid bike has excellent features for your long rides, whether in the city or countryside. Because of its hybrid feature, it can do well for your light off-road and paved road trails. It operates on a single-speed, thus, lower maintenance.

The cable used in its V-brake system is sturdy enough to resist being broken easily. In terms of comfort, I would give a five-star because there is enough padding on the saddle. Likewise, the distance from the seat towards the handlebar is right to keep your upright position.

Nevertheless, you need to check on its frame height and match that with your stature. If you’re 5’11”, then you need a more substantial bike frame.

Best for Off-road: Raleigh Talus Bike 

Product specs

Key features

• Shimano Tourney gears and thumb shifters (3Fx7R)
• SR Sun Tour XCE-28 fork suspension100-mm travel
• Tetra M280 mechanical disc brakes

For an affordable price, this mountain bike from Raleigh is my best bet for your off-road adventure. It does not match the performance of the high-end MTBs, yet its performance is excellent for this price tag.

It has the entry-level Shimano Tourney gears and shifters. It works well on challenging rough terrains. The shifting from one speed setting to another is accurate. The thumb shifters are precise as well in their works.

For an amateur or intermediate biker, a 21-speed MTB is enough already. The v-brakes works fine, yet you can upgrade this to a mechanical disc brake later on. Practically, it is an excellent trade-off for the price.

Best for Mid-level Shifters: Raleigh Redux 1 Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Riser Handlebar
• Tektro Novela mechanical disc brake
• Shimano Acera shifters (1F x 8R)

This single-speed Raleigh bike provides reliable performance for your off-road and on-road rides. It has the Shimano Acera shifters, which are at the intermediate or mid-level hierarchy of the Shimano MTB gear sets.

Its derailleurs and thumb shifters are Shimano Acera. Thus, it is lightweight and engineered for all-terrain trails. Instead of a Shimano brake system and lever, this one has the Tektro Novela brake set. Technically, it is a few notches lower than its Shimano equivalent.

Overall, the cranksets, derailleurs, and shifters of this bike are of exemplary quality. Moreover, it enhances your ride and maneuver with its riser handlebar and rubber tires.

Best for Endurance: Raleigh Merit 2 Endurance Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Shimano Claris derailleurs and shifters (18 gear combinations)
• TRP Spyre C dual mechanical disc brakes
• Clement Strada LGG tires

The overall features and performance of this road bike are useful for testing your endurance on the road. It can effectively function as your commuter and racing bike as well. In terms of its derailleurs, shifters, and braking system is an exemplary entry-level.

It uses the Shimano Claris, which is considered one of the affordable and dependable entry-level gear sets from Shimano. It has at par features with the Shimano Tourney with slight differences. Shimano Clari’s gear set’s main benefits include precise rear shifting, efficient front, and rear control, dependable gear transitions, and value for money.

In contrast, the setbacks of Shimano Claris include delays in front shifting, soft brake pads, and broad jumps between sprockets. Nevertheless, it works very well for your endurance cycling routine.

In terms of its braking efficiency, TRP Spyre is one of the competitive mechanical disc brakes in the market. Hydraulic disc brakes are still the future, though. TRP Spyre disc brakes are easy to set up, lighter, and more even pad wear.

Best for Vintage Looks: Raleigh Classic Tourist Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Sturmey Archer shifters
• Tektro mechanical disc brakes
• Kenda Bitumen tires

It is one of the go-to classic road and commuter bikes from Raleigh. If you are a fan of the vintage design, you will love the patina-like color of its rubber tires and saddle leather. We are done with the aesthetics; let’s go over its technical features.

This bike uses a Sturmey Archer shifters (hub gears) for gear transition. It is different from the standard derailleurs you see on many bikes. You can expect accurate shifting when you are in a stationary position. However, it becomes challenging when your bike is in motion.

Hub gears are simpler to use and maintain than derailleurs, yet it has a smaller gear range than derailleurs. Meanwhile, its Tektro disc brakes work at par with the brake pads from a Shimano groupset.

Best for City Cruising: Raleigh Carlton City Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Promax dual-pivot brakes
• 700c Bike tire size

When you need to buy something in the next block or would commute to your office, you can consider this bike as your best choice. The main benefit of this road bike includes low maintenance, sufficient traction, reliable brake system, padded saddle, and vertical handlebar.

It has a rigid suspension, yet its rubber tires and steel frame help reduce tension and shock. Because it has tiny complicated parts, you can assemble this on your own in a quick turnaround time. Further, its overall quality is highly reasonable for its price.

Best for Lightweight: Raleigh Merit 1 Endurance Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Tektro dual-pivot brake system
• Shimano Claris shifter (2F x 8R)
• Kenda Kwick Roller Sport tires

Here is another bike that you can use for your endurance exercise. I will look directly into the tech aspects of this bike: the gear groupset and its braking system. However, I am not saying the importance of the other parts of a bicycle.

Firstly, it uses the entry-level Shimano Claris that is at par with the Shimano Tourney. It has two front sprockets and eight rear cassettes, giving you sixteen gear options for your trail adventure. With this gear shifter and parts, your rear derailleur shifting is accurate. Moreover, it provides precise control for its front and rear derailleurs.

Meanwhile, it uses the Tekro dual-pivot brake system. Why not the single-pivot? A dual pivot brake offers a better lever length and pressure for braking. Likewise, due to its double-pivot feature, it can realign and center itself back.

Best for Young Riders: Raleigh Youth Road Bike

Product specs

Key features

• SRAM Single-speed drivetrain (1×10)
• Mechanical disc brakes
• Kendal cross rubber tires

It is an excellent gift for your nine to twelve-year-old children. For a reasonable price, you can have a 24″ cyclocross road bike. I am amazed that it has a mechanical disc brake for its affordable price. Moreover, no worries about maintenance because it only has a one-speed setting. The drivetrain has excellent durability as well.

Best for A Commuter Bike: Raleigh Redux 2 Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Shimano Acera (1×8)
• Tektro Novela mechanical disc brake
• 3-piece aluminum crank

This urban Raleigh bike will suffice your adventure and commuting needs in the city. It does not have the front fork and rear suspension, yet its aluminum frame and rubber tires will ease the bumps and shocks in your way.

Shimano Acera is one of the durable and affordable entry-level groupsets you can have for a decent bike. This one has a single-speed with one front sprocket and eight rear cassettes. You can expect a lesser hassle on its repair and maintenance because it runs in a one-speed setting.

Meanwhile, Tektro Novela mechanical disc brake provides comparable braking performance with Shimano brake pads and levers. Likewise, its crank is good as well for rough and subtle rides.

Best for Climbing & Downhill: Raleigh Tokul 1 Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Tires – Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR
• Drivetrain – SRAM NX 1×11 single-speed
• Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake
• RockShox front fork suspension

I was impressed with the reliability of this mountain bike from Raleigh. Its Maxxis tires have a knobby surface; thus, it can effectively bite off-road and on-road surfaces. On wet surfaces, it has excellent hydroplaning resistance that highly contributes to its damp traction performance.

Its aluminum frame is also right for the price and design. It contributes to your smooth ride and balance. In terms of braking performance, it has the cheap entry-level Shimano, which uses the same brake pads with Shimano M355.

Looking at its machining, all parts of its Shimano and drivetrain have smooth surfaces with zero burs. Likewise, its lever blade is made from fine steel, which helps you quickly brake using one finger.

Overall, it is a fantastic off-road bike for the price. It competes well with the medium- level bikes out there.

Best for Women & Men: Raleigh Cyclocross Bike

Product specs

Key features

• Drivetrain – SRAM Rival (1F x 11R)
• TRP Spyre dual-pivot brakes
• Weinmann Impulse TL tires

This woman bike from Raleigh is highly versatile in its function. You can use this for your cyclocross, commuting, and all-around city use. Tires have a uniform tread design that promotes quiet and robust traction on smooth surfaces. Nevertheless, it can still bite on off-road terrains.

It uses a single-speed drivetrain so that you can expect a low maintenance cost. The shifting from one rear cassette to another is smooth and precise. Its braking mechanism works well and at par with Shimano entry-level braking set. The dual pivot is right because it helps realign its center automatically.

Lastly, tire construction and traction are proper. Despite the rigid suspension, it can still efficiently give you comfort because of its padded saddle.

Raleigh Bikes Buying Guide: How to Choose a Good Bicycles?

Finally, you are done reading through my reviews for the 15 best budget Raleigh mountain bikes. Here are the features and factors you need to look for when choosing good quality Raleigh mountain bikes without breaking a bank.

Raleigh Bikes – Historical Brief

These bikes were first manufactured in 1885, where its founders were Richard Morris Woodhead and Paul Eugene Angois. They have a third partner who is Michale Ellis, considered as the financier of their business.

They got the brand name from the famous Raleigh Street, where their bike shop is situated. When it comes to their marketing tool, they advertised their bikes in Nottinghamshire Guardian.

Today, Raleigh bikes are one of the go-to choices when you want quality bicycles that don’t break your bank. Nevertheless, there are also high-end bikes under Raleigh brands which you can browse online.

Raleigh Bikes Sub-types

Like other brands of MTBs, Raleigh also has various brands for its mountain bikes. If you want a cheaper brand, then you can go to Talus and Talus2. Its price range is between $300 to $400. Meanwhile, those Raleigh MTB brands with a higher price are Skan Sport, Tekoa Comp, and Ziva Comp.

Always be reminded that price and quality are usually directly related. If you want a better quality, then you must be willing to pay the right price. Nonetheless, always weight benefits and cost in choosing.

Classifications of Mountain Bikes

Under Raleigh MTBs, subtypes are depending on its function and features. So far, the sub-classifications of 

MTBs include trail bikes, fat bikes, all-around mountain bikes, and cross-country MTBs.

In choosing which category, you have to ask yourself, “What will be the main use of my MTB?”.

If you want the casual rides on paved and rough terrains, then trail mountain bikes are the choice. In contrast, if you wish to high-speed trails with useful climbing prowess, then a cross-country mountain bike is ideal.

Suspension

For a safe and comfortable trail with your Raleigh MTBs, you need to consider its brakes and suspension. For this section, we focus more on the latter. There are three types of bike suspension: full or dual suspension, hardtail, and rigid.

Among these types, a dual suspension is the best choice. Bikes with a full suspension will have shock-absorbing springs in the front fork and rear section of their bikes. It allows the absorption and cancellation of shocks from both ends.

Meanwhile, hardtail suspensions are the most common types because it is cheaper and effective. The shock-absorbing system will be just in the front fork. With this, you will feel bumps when heading towards rocky surfaces.

Lastly, rigid suspensions are standard for those cheaper bikes. There are zero suspension springs on either end of your bikes.

Bike Tire Size

In choosing the perfect size of your bike tires, you need to consider your stature. For those with heights between 4′ to 5’1″, the right wheel size is 24″. Most adult mountain bikes will have a wheel size of 26″, 27″, 27.5″, and 29″.

A 29″ bike tire will be most suitable for those with heights between 5’7″ to 6′. So far, a 27.5″ wheel size travels faster and longer than a 26″. Moreover, you get better control when riding on a 27.5″ bike tires.

Material for Bike Frame

If you aim for a cheaper Raleigh mountain bike, then expect to have the stainless steel frame. You get superior resistance from corrosion while being highly durable. The main setback for steel frames will be its more substantial weight.

Meanwhile, there can be other materials for your MTB frame, including aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. From these materials, carbon fiber is the most expensive, then followed by titanium bike frames. Both types are lighter and more durable than aluminum and stainless steel.

However, you have to look back on your budget and see how much are you will spend on your mountain bike.

Speed Settings and Gear Shifters

When you compare road and mountain bikes, the main distinction will be their abilities to conquer terrains. Road bikes are designed for paved surfaces. They provide fast and efficient rides on concrete and smooth surfaces.

In contrast, mountain bikes have the power to trail on different road surfaces. They are engineered to make an efficient trail on off-road and paved surfaces. To make this happen, MTBs have variable speed settings.

For you to change your speed setting, you will use your gear shifters. These are the thumb gear shifters that are directly connected to the front and rear derailleurs. For most entry Raleigh mountain bikes, Shimano F/R derailleurs are an ideal choice.

To determine the number of speed settings of your Raleigh MTB, you need to multiply the number of front sprockets and rear cassettes. A 21-speed MTB will have three front gears and seven back recordings.

Mountain Bike Brakes

Your Raleigh mountain bike can have two types of brakes, that is, rim and disc brakes. The former is common for cheaper bikes because it is affordable, easy to maintain and replace.

In contrast, disc brakes offer more consistency in its braking force. It has an expensive unit price and maintenance. Your disc brakes can also be either cable or hydraulic. The former is more affordable than the latter. However, a hydraulic disc brake offers more reliable and more consistent braking power.

FAQ About Raleigh Bikes

Here is some additional information about Raleigh mountain bikes. These are the common questions asked by customers when they look for an affordable Raleigh bike in the market.

Q: Are Raleigh mountain bikes good quality?

A: Raleigh is one of the trending brands for affordable and quality bikes in the market. They started their bike production in 1885. It is on par with other brands such as CannondaleTrail and Airborne Seeker.

Q: What is the average cost for Raleigh mountain bikes?

A: The typical running cost of Raleigh bikes is between $100 to $200. They also have medium-priced bikes at $500 and higher.

Q: What are the various models of Raleigh mountain bikes?

A: The different Raleigh mountain bikes models include Talus, Talus 2, Skan Sport, and Tekoa Comp, and Ziva Comp.

Q: What is the price for an entry-level high-end mountain bike?

A: If you want a premier quality mountain bike, the starting reasonable price is between $2,000 to $2,500.

Q: What is an ideal budget for your first mountain bike?

A: For medium-level mountain bikes, a reasonable budget will be around $500 to $1,500. A dual suspension has a starting price of $1,000 to $1,500.

My Top Pick

This is the final moment of my article. I believe you had substantial insights after reading through the reviews. I see that you have a better idea of the benefits and setbacks of Raleigh bikes reviews.

Based on my analysis, my top pick for this review is the Raleigh Venture Comfort Bike.

There is an impressive balance between mid and entry-level bike features and performance. Moreover, the price is highly reasonable. It is a remarkable bicycle for beginners and intermediate level bikers.

Nevertheless, the final decision will be on your hands. Take time to think and hope you enjoy your new Raleigh bike. Please don’t forget to leave me a comment or suggestion.