Bike Reviews

After testing its competitors and finding a few "benchmark bikes," Raleigh's engineers decided that to meet their goals for a new race frame, they would have to ditch the tube-to-tube construction used in previous frames in favor of a monocoque-type design. High-end features like a tapered steerer, BB30 bottom bracket and high-modulus carbon are all included in the new HM2 Competition frame, as are a few other nice details: The front derailleur tab is all carbon, along with the cable stops, fork dropouts and headset bearing seats. Plus, the chainstays are so oversize that they look like they could be a top tube on some other frames. And the value-spec'd Competition has the same HM2 frame and fork as Raleigh's high-end, SRAM Red-equipped Team model ($5,500).

Most riders will be happy with Raleigh's decision to carry over the frame's geometry; it's balanced and predictable and now enhanced by the stiffer design. The new bike has the solid, efficient feel of a modern racer, but at a price: The ride is firmer than Raleigh's previous efforts. We wouldn't call it harsh, and it doesn't become unsettled on uneven corners, but you definitely feel what's going on under the tires. After years of complaining about weak, generic-brand brakes, we've finally found a set that doesn't scare us: The Tektro models spec'd here grab predictably and are closing the performance gap with stoppers from Shimano and the like. As with many midrange bikes, a swap to higher-end wheels and tires brings the Competition to life, but still doesn't mask the firm ride.

Buy It: If you have caviar dreams but eat bologna
Forget It: If You want a silky-smooth ride; that feature was traded for speed