Raleigh Detour Deluxe 2011 |
The Raleigh Detour Deluxe was featured here two years ago, but deserves a repeat look.
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.
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 anAlfine 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.
Raleigh also includes an
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.
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.
Hi Joseph,
ReplyDeleteI have a 2011 Detour Deluxe on hand that arrived the other day. It still needs to be built, but I hope to have some photos within the next week or two, and a review within the next couple of months.
Regards,
Alan
I'm pretty shocked at the feature set on this bike for the price point. I'm very happy to see more bikes with roller brakes/IGH/ring lock. These are three of the favorite features from my bike (with a dynohub on the wish list).
ReplyDelete@Tom,
ReplyDeleteYou probably didn't notice. The Deluxe comes with a dynohub...
@Josh, the dynohub is on the wish list for *my* bike. Seriously, though, I'm not sure I'll ever go back to rim brakes.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad looking bike, but Dutch pannier owners need not apply. The rear rack smells like major fail to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a rack, it's an oversized rear light mount. :)
ReplyDeleteNot a single vertical component to support the weight. Both points attached to a very leaning seat stay. And it's not even a triangle, notice the bend!
My fear is if one loads this rack with panniers, the whole structure is one bump away from bending into the spokes.
That's not to mention that this rack by design fails to support panniers that have a common over-the-rack attachment method (i.e. many double-panniers).
...not to pile onto the rack fail, but:
ReplyDeleteYou can't even replace it with your own since it's welded to the frame (which looks like it lacks a second eyelet). So the only replacement option is hack-saw off the existing rack and share the fender eyelet (don't know if possible, did not find a close-up).
@tom, Ah, that makes sense I ALSO want a dyno on my front hubs... I'm also getting dissilusioned with rim brakes.
ReplyDeleteTo all the other nay sayers on the rack... No, this thing is never going to be a huge cargo hauler (excepting a front rack), however I don't see any reason an Arkel or a Ortlieb with the Q2 connectors won't work great with these racks... please note, these are the only panniers I'd buy for commuting... so, commuting pannier on one side, shopper on the other, you've got a mean lean commuting machine (especially for the price). Can you make a Costco run with it? Or go on a bike tour with it? No, but you can easily get back and forth to the office and grab some groceries on the way home as well.
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Kinda feel like I'm riding in circles. I like it.
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This commuter bike is delicious used today to relax together. I like The Detour Deluxe
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