Raleigh Blade 10

[Eugene]

The 2009 and 2010 Raleigh carbon bikes were a step up from previous models in that they were lighter (sub 1kg) and had much better quality carbon.

 

For 2011, Raleigh has brought in yet another frame they are calling the Blade. Does anybody know how this frame compares to the 2009 and 2010 frames. Is it a similar quality and is it lighter or heavier than last year's models?

 

I suspect that Raleigh are going the budget route with their 2011 range and that the new carbon Blade will be a lower quality than the older ones.

 

Any idea as to the retail price of the Blade 10 (as a complete bike)?

[gummibear]

Specs look pretty decent and not low end.

[The Saint]

Must say that Raleigh look like they have taken 10 steps backward when it comes to the design department.

 

A few years ago they made pretty decent looking bikes at good prices nowadays they make really bad looking bikes at hectic prices.

 

I really think that you will find better value for money in other brands and some style to go with it.

[Gumpole]

12 steps backwards, and the 'top of the range' model has ultegra/ shimano wheels etc..

what happened to the curves? zipp wheels? DA??

 

maybe they have given up on competing with 'better' brands and will only compete with entry level carbon,

 

depends on their pricing if the Blade 10 is priced really well (under R18k) it will sell well.

[Bbox]

Is this it?

[The Saint]

Yup that is the square

[Eugene]

Specs look pretty decent and not low end.

 

I’m not so sure……….

 

If you look at their specs right across the road bike range, they seem to be mixing cheaper parts with the Shimano stuff. They have put lower spec cranks and brake callipers on some of their bikes (I haven’t even checked what saddles, bars etc they are using).

 

The new Blade 10, which is the only carbon model in the range, is equivalent to the older RC7000C. The RC7000C came equipped with Mavic Ksyrium Elite or Ultegra wheels whereas the new Blade has Shimano’s bottom of the range RS10 wheelset.

 

So, if they are cutting costs on the parts, I’m willing to bet they have done the same with the frame.

[Eugene]

Must say that Raleigh look like they have taken 10 steps backward when it comes to the design department.

 

A few years ago they made pretty decent looking bikes at good prices nowadays they make really bad looking bikes at hectic prices.

 

I really think that you will find better value for money in other brands and some style to go with it.

They became SA's top selling brand by selling good quality bikes at good prices. From 2008, they went a bit mad on the pricing, which hurt them.

 

They made amends by dropping their prices half way through 2009, in their recession busting special, but they were so over priced to start with.

 

I believe their 2011 range is going to be really cheap, but they may have compromised on quality to get the prices down.

 

I may be getting the Blade frame on warranty and i was just wondering how good (or bad) it is.

[gummibear]

I looked wrong,just saw Ultegra and thought it was full spec.

 

FSA entry bar stem and post.

[Montblanc]

Nice

Edited November 30, 2010 by Montblanc

[Christian Kuun]

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread but I would just like to know why you all say it is poor quality and what the effect/implication would be of a poorer quality frame? I was told that it is an open mold from the Bianchi factory (but then again just compare the engines in Chinese vehicles that are made from Toyota molds) and was a great bike?!?! Do your opinions go for the carbon frames as well as the alloy frames?

 

I am asking as I was pretty keen on the bike and planning on buying one.

[gummibear]

There is a frame for sale in the classifieds and some good parts to build a bike.What does the 10 retail for?

[Christian Kuun]

I saw the frame for sale, but now that the bike has been torn apart on the forum I am not so sure anymore.... Thats why I am looking for more detail.

[Gumpole]

none of the comments relate to the frame, rather to the components.

 

In the past Raleigh was the only cheap bike that wouldn't skimp by mixing in cheaper parts.

 

What does the bike retail for?

[Starvin' Marvin]

I've heard around 20K.

[Gumpole]

I've heard around 20K.

 

Thats not so cheap,

 

2011 Merida 905 Evo Scultura:

Ultegra and FSA components (same)

DT Swiss wheels (approximately the same)

 

goes for R17.5k at Westdene