Even though Raleigh doesn’t have a ton of new bikes for 2017, there is plenty to keep things fun and interesting. If there was one bike platform in the line that epitomizes Raleigh’s current state of affairs, it would have to be the Redux. On one hand, bikes like the Redux 2 above offer a no-nonsense approach to the perfect town or city bike for adults. Wide tires, simple but effective gearing, fun geometry, and good brakes seems like a winning combination. Take the same platform and shrink it down, and now you have a similar option for your kids. Then, in a move that seems to be right in line with one of the biggest industry trends of the moment, Raleigh will also offering the Redux IE – one of their most advanced e-bikes yet…
On paper and in person, the Redux series just looks like so much fun. The 27.5″ wheels hold 2.0″ tires on wide 28mm rims for a ride that screams more supermoto than city bike. The Redux 2 above goes with a 1×9 Shimano drivetrain with an 11-34t cassette and a 40t chainring and stops with Promax Solve Hydraulic disc brakes. At just $649, the bike won’t break the bank but there is an even less expensive Redux 1 at $539.99 as well as the Redux 3 for $899.
For the kids, the Redux 26 rolls on 26 x 2.125″ tires with a 1×7 speed drivetrain for $349 while the Redux 24 gets even smaller with 24 x 2.125″ tires also at $349.
The most interesting addition to the Redux line would have to be the IE. Built around the powerful yet quiet Brose motor, the bike features the 250w Centerdrive system with a 36v integrated down tube battery. The cutaway of the Brose motor shows the reason it’s so quiet – it’s a belt drive rather than direct gear or chain drive. The power from the 500wh battery will power the bike up to 28 mph for a 30-75 mile range, but you have to pedal. No throttle here. Featuring thru axles front and rear (15×100, 12×142), the bike has a 1×10 Shimano drivetrain and will sell for $3,199.
For those who want to be their own motor, and motor across gravel or any other surface, the Roker Comp has some noteworthy upgrades for 2017. Namely, the switch to a SRAM Rival 1×11 drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes. Combined with the carbon frame (100 x 15 and 142 x 12) and 700 x 40c tires, the whole package will set you back $2,899 for a very well equipped bike.
Raleigh was showing a number of e-bikes (all city bikes), but the Superbe iE is sort of a no brainer. The original Superbe was a very popular bike back in the 60’s and 70’s. Like many things from those days, there is a lot of nostalgia for the bikes as well as an aging clientele that used to own one. Enter the Superbe IE with its classic styling and modern upgrade with a 350w Currie Electro Drive hub system, and you likely have a winning combination. Fully decked out as shown, the Superbe IE will sell for $1,699 in step through and standard frames.
