Bicycles Online > Comfort and Hybrid Bikes > Raleigh Cadent Hybrid Bike Review

Raleigh Cadent Review

Maybe perfection takes a while. The Raleigh Bike Company is one of the oldest bicycle manufacturers in the world. Although ownership of Raleigh has changed a few times over the years, the quality of their bikes remains consistent.

The Raleigh Cadent is an excellent, light weight, high performance Road/Mountain Hybrid. REI calls this bike (and other hybrids) "Flat-Bar Road Bikes". Although this bike could fall under the road bike category, the upright handlebars, rider position and slightly wider tires qualify this bike as a hybrid.

I had the opportunity to review a number of Raleigh Bikes on a recent trip to a local bike shop (it can be hard to find Raleigh bikes in some locations) and I was very impressed with their performance hybrids (i.e. the Cadent) and also with their comfort hybrids.

The biggest disadvantage with Raleigh bikes is that they are generally priced a little higher than other quality hybrid bikes in this category. The Fuji Absolute (low end model), for example is usually priced about $200 less than the Raleigh Cadent (low end model) although you may be able to get a great buy if you can find a Raleigh bike on sale.

A few outstanding features of Raleigh bikes, including the Raleigh Cadent, are their style (design), their high quality components and, in my opinion, their very high quality and comfortable seats.

The Raleigh Cadent has all Shimano derailers, a stylish aluminum frame, carbon fork (except for the FT1), a very comfortable seat/saddle, 700x32c tires, and excellent components.

For more serious riders, this bike can handle touring and long distance rides, comfortably but with much less effort than a heavier comfort bike, and can handle paved, crushed stone, grass, or fairly rugged dirt bike trails.

Note: As of 8/1/2010 the 2010 Raleigh Cadent FT1 is on sale and selling for $549 (new) at REI with free shipping options. See 2010 Raleigh Cadent FT1 for the latest price and customer reviews. 

For comparison see the: 2010 Raleigh Cadent FT3

Raleigh Cadent Model Comparisons:

Raleigh Cadent Bikes have 5 price/component levels. The prices go up as the level goes up so the Raleigh Cadent FT1 is the least expensive and the Raleigh Cadent FT5 is the most expensive.

The differences for the Cadent are primarily with crankset and gear ratios, shifters, pedals, colors and weight. Although you will get better components with the more expensive models, even the least expensive model has top of the line components.

See the REI links (above) for their automated comparison feature to see all of the specific details.

About-Bicycles Review:

Raleigh bikes, in general, are excellent quality but they can be a little more expensive than other comparable brands. I love the components, design and even the quality seats.

I would recommend the Raleigh Cadent as a light weight, high quality and stylish bike. If you are willing to pay a little more you will definately get your moneys worth.

Customer Review:

There was one review of the 2009 Raleigh Cadent FT2 which was 4 of 5 stars, at REI at the time of this review. 

Most Relevant Comments included...

"the grips are so comfortable, the seat is surprisingly comfy for being a bandaid on a stick, the gears are the most solid I've ever had, each wheel and seat have quick release levers, brakes are strong... "

"Get a computer on it and look at how fast it will go, the gears just keep on coming and they are really strong and fast. I appreciate that it is light and fast, yet still comfortable. Solid bike."

Bottom Line "Yes, I would recommend this to a friend"

See Raleigh Cadent Customer Reviews for more information and additional customer reviews...

Raleigh Cadent FT1 Features:

• Frame Aluminum
  
• Fork Custom Alloy Cross (Carbon Cross on FT2 and FT3)
  
• Crankset Shimano M361, 48/38/28
  
• Shifters Shimano EF-50 EZ Fire
  
• Front derailleur Shimano Altus
  
• Rear derailleur Shimano Deore
  
• Rear cogs SRAM PG830, 11-32, 8-speed
  
• Number of gears 24
  
• Brakes Tektro Alloy Mini V-brake
  
• Brake levers Shimano EF-50
  
• Rims Weinmann TR18 double-wall
  
• Tires Vittoria Randonneur 700x32
  
• Handlebar Avenir 200 Series Flat
  
• Saddle Avenir 200 Series
  
• Pedals Alloy cage style
  
• Gender Unisex
  

See the REI links (above) for specifications on more Raleigh Cadent models.

More helpful online bike sales resources:

See Best Buy Bikes Online - for the latest sales and deals on quality brand names bikes for sale online.

Most popular bike brands in US - WIth so many bicycle manufacturers, bicycle types and popular brand names sold in the US, that it can be difficult to find a comprehensive summary of the top 20 bike most popular bike brands.

See Online Bike Stores - for a complete listing of where to purchase the most popular brands for all bike types online.

Recommended Hybrid Bike Brands and Online Bike Sites

** REI.com - Cycling has a great selection of Cannondale, Raleigh, Scott, and Novara brand Hybrid Bikes that you can buy online. Some REI brand hybrid bikes (like cannondale) must be delivered to an REI store but the brands that can be delivered directly to your home come with only minor assembly required.

* Performance Bicycle has a nice selection of comfort and hybrid bicycles for sale online including Schwinn, K2, Mongoose, GT,and Dahon brand bikes. Bikes can be delivered to your home or to a Performance store for FREE shipping.

See Bikes at Wal-Mart for a good selection of hybrid and comfort bikes at very low prices. Walmart offers Schwinn, Kent, Mongoose, and Huffy brand hybrid bikes for sale online.