Raleigh Tripper

2013 Raleigh Tripper. Courtesy Raleigh USA.

The Raleigh Tripper has an MSRP of $900 and is available at your local Raleigh dealer.

As a commenter recently pointed out,  Raleigh added the 2013 Tripper to its 2012 "Three's Company" cyclocross line-up of the Furley and Roper.  Here's hoping that in 2014 Raleigh offers a Snow in honor of Suzanne Somers' character Chrissy Snow or a Wood in tribute to Joyce DeWitt's character Janet Wood.

As with the Furley and Roper, the Tripper is all steel - in fact, it's available with a clear coat so you can really live the steel. The Tripper has a 3-speed IGH, disc brakes, and 700 x 32 tires. There are mounts for fenders and racks.

I'm personally not excited by the flat, straight handlebars, which they identify as the Avenir Short Drops.  It seems to be an attempt at an urban look, but I'd rather see some bars with curves so that there are more available hand positions.

The Tripper got some attention at the 2012 interbike, as reported by Cyclelicious and Bike Rumor.

2013 Raleigh Tripper Specs:

Sizes:  50cm XS, 53cm SM, 55cm SM/MD, 57cm MD/LG, 59cm LG 

Frame:  Seamless Butted Chromoly, Integrated Headtube w/PF30 

Fork: 4130 Chromoly Cross w/Disc Tabs 

Cranks: Shimano Alfine FC-S500 39t 

BB: FSA PF30 

F.Derail: N/A 

R.Derail: N/A 

Shifter: Shimano Nexus Revo SL-3S41E 3sp 

Br.Levers: Tektro RL-570 

Brakes: Shimano BR-M375 w/SM-RT53 160mm Center Lock Disc 

Gear: Shimano 20t Internal Hub Cog 

Rims: Weinmann DP30 Double Wall 

Tires: Kenda K1083A Happy Medium 700cx32c 

Pedals: Road Pedals w/Clips and Straps 

Handlebar: Avenir 200 Series 31.8 Short Drop 

Stem: Avenir 200 Series, 3D Forged, 31.8 

Seatpost: Avenir 200 Series 27.2x350mm 

Seat: Avenir Classic Road 

Headset: FSA Integrated Cartridge Bearings 

Colors: Steel/Brown 

Chain: KMC Z99  

Hubset: (F) Shimano HB-RM35 32h w/Center Lock Disc Mounts (R) Shimano 3-Speed Nexus SG-3D55 w/Center Lock 32h  

Spokes: 14g Stainless MAC w/Alloy Nipples 

Grips: Avenir Single Moto 

Extras: Water Bottle Mounts, Fender and Rack Mounts, Cateye Reflector Set, Clear Coat, Owner’s Manual

Viva Strada

Viva Bike Design began in 2006 by Lars Anderson, a cycling superstar in Denmark.  

The Strada is all about a comfortable stylish transportation bike.   It's branded as a luxury bike and looks the part with paint-matched fenders, rack and chainguard.  The drivetrain is a simple Sturmey Archer 3 speed with a SA drum brake up front.   I expect the Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires to give it a smooth ride.  The bike has unique pedals and chain guard, swoopy V and all.   Overall the bike is a nice balance between masculine and something that's too delicate. 

The front rack separates the Strada from the other models.  It looks good but I'm not sure of the capacity due to it's three point mount.  I'll contrast it with more typical frame mounted racks (that don't move with the front wheel) or stenco-type racks that mount to the handlebars and the wheel axle.   Still, if you had to carry a purse, backpack, box of pastries, or dozen doughnuts this rack would work just fine.   There are mounts for a rear rack as well.

The price for the Strada is $1200, but you might be able to find them for less.

If you'd like to hear more about Viva check out the review of the Kilo at Bicycle Times. The Kilo upgrades to 7 speed (Shimano) rear hub with rollerbrake, dynohub and lights.  Mikes Bikes has the Kilo classic (sans dynohub and lights) marked down from $1400 to $999 at the moment.

All images compliments of Viva.