Raleigh Detour Deluxe 2011

Raleigh Detour Deluxe 2011

The Raleigh Detour Deluxe was featured here two years ago, but deserves a repeat look.

Totally redesigned for 2011, with a new frame and different components, the Raleigh Detour Deluxe is a big change from the other bikes that go by the Detour name. The Deluxe has a different frame, based on the frame of the Raleigh Alley Way, with an interesting integrated rear rack, and a tall headset and high handlebar position, which allows a partially upright riding position despite the threadless stem.


Raleigh also includes an Alfine Nexus 8 speed Shimano internal gear hub (Corrected based on spec of Alan's review bike) and the slick Alfine trigger shifter (supposedly much more precise than the usual twist-shifter), and a front generator hub. Paired with the midrange Shimano rollerbrakes (which look a little like disks due to large cooling fins, and are supposed to work better on long downhill grades or with heavy loads), these hubs mean the shifting and lighting systems are completely enclosed and integrated. Other nice touches include an eccentric bottom bracket, which allows chain tension to be adjusted with the replaceable vertical drop-outs, and internal routing of wires thru the frame and rack for the rear light.


And what's this? Could that be a "O-lock" on the rear wheel, which allows you to lock the wheel to the frame, or prevent ride-off theft for short stops? It is, and it's not a $10 Chinese lock, but a $50 Axa Defender.


Unfortunately, the aggressive-looking rear rack is too low to use as a platform or support for a trunk bag or saddlebag, and despite being designed for panniers, there is not attachment point for a lower hook or latch. Don't plan to replace it; the rear rack is welded on. Front rack eyelets on the fork ends, and braze-ons in the middle of the fork would make it easy to add a good front rack or basket, however.


Raleigh's contracted factory in East Asia is able to assemble this bike cheaply enough that it is listed for only $800 at REI. By comparison, the Breezer Uptown is an aluminum alloy bike made in Taiwan, but costs a couple hundred more for similar components. The Raleigh is made with classic chromoly steel, and has the pricier Alfine level components, compared to the Nexus parts on the Breezer.. If that's what you are in to, this bike will be hundreds less than the nearest competitors, and even less than assembling the same components on a vintage steel frame; the front and rear hub and shifter alone will set you back $500.

Specifications:

Frame:  Reynold 520 Butted Chromoly steel w/CNC Dropouts, w/Integrated Pannier Rack 

Fork:  4130 Chromoly steel, straight blades

Rims:  700C; Weinmann XC260 Double Wallalloy

Tires:  700x35c Kenda K1053 w/Kshield and Reflective Sides

Spokes:  14g Stainless Steel

Front hub: Dynamo hub

Rear hub:  Shimano Alfine Nexus 8spd (Corrected; the Alfine is only for disk or rim brakes; the Nexus works with roller brakes)

Shifter:  Shimano Alfine 8spd Trigger (Yes, the Alfine trigger shifter works with the Nexus hub)

Crankset:   Forged Aluminum 42t w/Alloy Guard

Bottom bracket:   Sealed Cartridge 

Rear cog:  20t

Pedals:  Wellgo M21, Alloy Body/Cage

Front & rear Brake:  Shimano Roller Brake, BR-IM50

Brake levers:  Tektro Comfort Alloy

Handlebar:  Alloy flat bar, 27 degree sweep

Stem:  Threadless, 2D Forged, 17 degree rise

Headset:  Ahead 1-1/8"

Grips:  Avenir Comfort

Seat post:  Alloy Micro Adjust 27.2x400mm 

Saddle:  Avenir City 100

Chainguard:  Partial, with chainring

Kickstand:  Single

Fenders:  Painted alloy

Rack/Basket:  Rear pannier rack welded to frame

Lights:  Basta Sprint Steady Front/Rear Riff Light w/ On/Off/Steady modes

Extras:  Axa Defender rear wheel lock ("O-lock")

Colors:  Silver

Sizes:  S 16", M 17.5", L 19.5"

The frame geometry is what you would expect from a "steel hybrid," as Raleigh calls it. The seat tube and head tube angles are fairly standard for this style bike, fitting with the "aggressive" look of the rack, frame, saddle and handlebars. But this is somewhat counteracted by the relatively high handlebar position, and a reasonably short top tube length, which allow a fairly upright riding position. And the 71 degree headtube, plus a small fork offset, mean the steering should be stable enough to ride "no hands."


Unfortunately, the shortest riders may not be satisfied with the small frame, and those over 6'6" will find even the "XL" frame to be too cramped. A smaller version with 26" wheels (perhaps with a step-thru frame?), and a larger "XXL" frame would be nice additions, but are uncommon in this price range.

Frame Geometry

Size	SM	MD	XL
Seat Tube Length	405mm	445mm	495mm
Standover Height	760mm	792mm	826mm
Top Tube Length	580mm	600mm	620mm
Head Tube Length	180mm	200mm	220mm
Head Angle	71	71	71
Seat Angle	73	73	73
Wheel Base	1082mm	1103mm	1123mm
Chain Stay Length	465mm	465mm	465mm
Fork Offset	45mm	45mm	45mm
BB Drop	80mm	80mm	80mm
Stem Length	100mm	100mm	100mm
Handlebar Width	700mm	700mm	700mm
Crank Length	170mm	175mm	175mm
Seat Post Length	400mm	400mm	400mm

Since this is a new bike, there are no outside reviews, yet. Hopefully it holds up well to real world use. If anyone has real-life photos or reviews, please let us know in the comments.


Update 12/12/10: Alan at Ecovelo has a bike on hand, and has photos and a mini-review. He will be putting up a full review in a month or two. He also confirms that the rear hub is a Nexus 8 speed, not a more pricy Alfine.