Raleigh and the Superbe go way back, so it’s no surprise to see newer models keeping the nostalgia going. This time, unlike the bike we saw at Interbike, the non-electric Superbe is being marketed as a women’s city bike. Built around a steel frame with a low swooping top tube and very tall front end for an upright riding position, the Superbe takes on a classic look with more modern components. That includes a 7 speed drivetrain with grip shift, aluminum double wall 700c wheels, and 35mm gum wall tires with brown tread. While Raleigh selling direct is old news, they are now pushing the fact that their bikes include the same easy to assemble ‘Ready Ride’ build that was recently announced for Diamondback bikes as well…
Even though the Superbe is marketed as a women’s bike, my time in a bike shop tells me that it will also appeal to older male riders who want an upright bike that is easy to get on and off. This is especially true considering that most of the color schemes are very neutral.
One of the biggest changes from 2017 is the move from a handlebar basket to pannier baskets which should make the front end easier to steer and allow the bike to balance better when on the kickstand. Priced at $499, the Superbe is available in four colors and two sizes – XS-S (42cm) and M-L (47cm).
In addition to picking the bike up already assembled at your Raleigh dealer, part of their direct sales model includes the ability to have the bike assembled and delivered by Beeline Bikes to your home. Or you can opt for the standard home delivery which means the bike will arrive in a box needing to be assembled. To make that process easier, Raleigh is joining Diamondback in ‘Ready Ride’ which sees the bike arriving in a semi-assembled state. Realistically, even after assembling the bike yourself according to the instructions, the build will never be quite as good as that from a high end shop since they often go above and beyond by adding more grease to bearings, double checking hub adjustment, truing and tensioning the wheels, and torquing crank bolts and such. But the Ready Ride build should get you out on the road quickly and safely, ready to enjoy your new ride.
