Opinions needed, Raleigh RAM XT 3500???

[Mordax]

I'm looking to replace my 01 Stab with something of similar built but nicer. Has to be used cause I'm poor. Anyways, found a good deal on a Raleigh RAM XT 3500.

http://www.raleighusa.com/images/items/Full%20Suspension/full/2005/R05-RAM-XT3500-DkSilver-f.jpg

Here's what Raleigh has to say about it
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=12&itemid=220

I've pedaled around on a 04 RAM and it felt pretty nice. Anyone own/tried one of these? I need opinions!

Cheers

[AusRottenVirus]

ummm, no

[SCABRIDER]

they're okay but over priced. if you look you can find better deals. i got my '05 recoil for $750. i found 3 scratches on the whole bike. keep looking, the raleigh is not gonna be good...

[rigidhack]

The parts spec on that bike is pretty nice. I don't know about the frame though. Everybody gives Raleigh a hard time, but they have been in the business forever. The bike certainly lacks the bilng factor, but it might not be bad. I think they have a dedicated thread on MTBR and there are some photos of someone throwing it around pretty well. It seems to me that the people who have them like them (and abuse them). Those that don't say not to get one. You decide...

As an alternative, look for 05 closeouts through your LBS - and not necessarily just what they have on the floor.

[sanjuro]

I would surf the forums.mtbr.com site for more detailed information about Raleigh.

Raleigh in its current incarnation is an American-designed, Taiwanese-built bike company. I am a little biased because I have friends work for them, but their bikes are decent values.

However, with a model which has been phased out, issues like replacement pivot bearings or rear stays can become huge problems. Compare it to a Kona Stinky, where you are guaranteed replacement parts for at least 5 years (probably more), since it is still a current line.

If you were to break something, your bike might all done.

[GumbaFish]

I met a kid who had one and he broke the frame on his. Then when they sent him a new frame they sent him the wrong model:rolleyes: , they sent him their more xc one instead.

[Ascentrek]

Its funny how Raleigh gets dissed. Funny thing is, ITS THE SAME TYPE OF SUSPENSION as Kona, Trek, Elsworth, Giant (NRS / XTC). So what if its a taiwanese built company, Trek builds their mass there, as does everyone else. As for the "I met a kid..." comment, that's BS. Raleigh will set it right, even if they sent the wrong thing.

The only varying factor for all 'trailing-link' suspension systems, is the head angle and general fit. Obviously you'll want a strong bike. Find one that fits, and has components that meet your bidget. Raleigh is fine.

Look around on the used area's on the net as well. You might find a good deal out there.

[Ascentrek]

Raleigh in its current incarnation is an American-designed, Taiwanese-built bike company.

So is Giant, and Trek. In fact, I think the Giant factory builds the mass Trek lines (if memory serves).

[GumbaFish]

As for the "I met a kid..." comment, that's BS. Raleigh will set it right, even if they sent the wrong thing.

Well its not bs, he got the wrong frame and I am not sure how long it took him to get the correct frame but it was a pretty long time. I don't care if they corrected it, its still a stupid mistake and I would be pretty annoyed if I didn't have my bike for a while because they couldn't even send me the correct model frame back.

[sanjuro]

Its funny how Raleigh gets dissed. Funny thing is, ITS THE SAME TYPE OF SUSPENSION as Kona, Trek, Elsworth, Giant (NRS / XTC). So what if its a taiwanese built company, Trek builds their mass there, as does everyone else. As for the "I met a kid..." comment, that's BS. Raleigh will set it right, even if they sent the wrong thing.

The only varying factor for all 'trailing-link' suspension systems, is the head angle and general fit. Obviously you'll want a strong bike. Find one that fits, and has components that meet your bidget. Raleigh is fine.

Look around on the used area's on the net as well. You might find a good deal out there.

Taiwanese means different things. Are you saying a Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper or a Giant OCR is the same quality as a Ram? Because if you think it is, then you better have a sanity check.

On the other hand, I noticed you didn't comment about the Ram being phased out. Do you think they will have replacement stays in 4 years?

[Ascentrek]

Taiwanese means different things. Are you saying a Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper or a Giant OCR is the same quality as a Ram? Because if you think it is, then you better have a sanity check.

On the other hand, I noticed you didn't comment about the Ram being phased out. Do you think they will have replacement stays in 4 years?

I don't recall saying anything about an S-works or OCR. Two different animals. I'm referring to mass-production in any company. S-works are typically built in the US, some hand build. OCR, isn't that the carbon? I'm referring to the 'run-of-the-mill' bikes that Giant, Specialized, trek, Raleigh are building, do have the same 'build' quality. The design, however, is different.

Everything is phased out. Period. If a bike company doesn't change with the times, then they're left behind. Specialized hasn't had the same exact style of bike for more than 3 years. My Bullit is no longer built by Santa Cruz. That's the way it works. As long as the company is around, they will put you into a similar bike, it may not be the exact same one. Besides, if YOU break it, it may not be under warranty. However, if it breaks due to bad design or mfg issues, then typically its a no brainer. Just sell it and upgrade.

Most light-wieght full suspension bikes last about 3-4 years anyway. The bearing races become ovalized, and companies will charge you for the 'wear and tear'... Specialized did that to me on my 99 M4 FSR. I dumped it and went with a more reliable platform (SC Bullit).

For the sakes of this conversation, every right-minded person would stay away from Yeti. Those no-good POS's break and crack on a regular basis.... just like the company going bankrupt every 5 years.
IMHO.

[Ascentrek]

Well its not bs, he got the wrong frame and I am not sure how long it took him to get the correct frame but it was a pretty long time. I don't care if they corrected it, its still a stupid mistake and I would be pretty annoyed if I didn't have my bike for a while because they couldn't even send me the correct model frame back.

I've sold Raleigh, and they will make things right.

A lot of companies wouldn't even send a replacement without the consumer spending some money if 'they' broke it. He should feel lucky they did anything at all.

[GumbaFish]

Well there is no point in me really saying anything else you have some kind of unexplainable love and desire to defend this company so I suppose anything negative is irrelevant. I was just offering up some info for a guy who wanted to buy one that I thought might be useful. I've never ridden a raleigh so I can't comment on if they are good bikes or not, I still wouldn't buy one though.

[Ascentrek]

Well there is no point in me really saying anything else you have some kind of unexplainable love and desire to defend this company so I suppose anything negative is irrelevant. I was just offering up some info for a guy who wanted to buy one that I thought might be useful. I've never ridden a raleigh so I can't comment on if they are good bikes or not, I still wouldn't buy one though.

hee hee hee.... me either. Kona just looks sexier.