Blue Collar Summary:
I am very comfortable on the Raleigh M80 now. Out of the many bikes that I have been able to ride lately it is definitely my preferred ride. Overall, for the price, the Raleigh M80 is a great bike. If you are looking to take that next step in mountain biking but have a budget the Raleigh M80 is a great step to take. You will get to experience some great upgrades but not have to empty your piggy bank to do so. And that is one of the most important factors of being a Blue Collar Mountain Biker.

Overview:
Raleigh remains at the forefront of bicycle design. Raleigh’s research and development teams have designed and developed exciting, innovative and original new color finishes and graphics. With the introduction of such major developments as Shimano component groups, suspension forks, oversized frame tubing and full-suspension designs, Raleigh is poised to take cycling to the next millennium.
- Via Raleigh USA

Disclaimer:
As a product reviewer for BlueCollarMTB, I am providing my unbiased opinion of any products provided to us by any company. I do not posses any type of relationship with the product’s company or parent companies. I am not compensated in any way by companies that send in their goods to be reviewed.

My background:
I am 6’ and 230 whopping pounds (I’m working on that). I started mountain biking on a Mongoose Inferno and now have graduated to the Raleigh M80. I do mostly XC riding with the occasional pavement ride when I feel like it. I attend a cycling class at least twice a week to keep the legs strong.

Testing Grounds:
I have been riding the Raliegh M80 on local trails that range from easy to expert trails. The main trail that I ride is Peaks View Park that contains a lot of short steep climbs and fast singletrack. I have also taken the Raleigh to Black Water Creek trail which has miles of paved walking and bike paths and a lot of short easy singletrack. My favorite rides so far have been up on Candlers Mountain. The trails are steep and fast at some points and littered with fallen trees which makes for a fun technical ride.

Bike Setup:
Minimal setup was required with the M80. I took it to our LBS (Bikes Unlimited) and they did the initial setup out of the box. There are not many adjustments that you can do to the bike so I pretty much just got on and rode.
Some notable components on the bike were:

Frame Atomic 13 SL Butted Aluminum
Fork Manitou SIX 80mm w/preload adj
Headset WTB Zero Stack
Crankset Truvativ Blaze 22/32/44t
Bottom Bracket Truvativ Power Spline
F. Derailleur Shimano Deore FD-510
R. Derailleur Shimano LX RD-M570S
Shift Lever Shimano Deore M510 Shimano 27 Speed
Cog Set 9spd SRAM PG-950 (11-34t)
Chain SRAM PC-950
Hubset Shimano Disc M475
Spokes 14G Stainless Black
Rims Alex DM-21 Double Wall
Tires WTB Weirwolf
Brakes Hayes HMX-2
Brake Levers Shimano Deore
Pedals Mtn Platform w/Alloy Cage
Handlebar Mtn Alloy 25mm Riser
Grips Raleigh
Stem 4-Bolt Alloy Threadless 15° Rise
Seatpost Alloy Micro Adjust 27.2 x 350mm
Saddle WTB Speed V
Extras Water Bottle Mounts, Cateye Reflector Set, Clear Coat, Owners Manual

For around $600 those are some good components.

Performance and Observations:
Because I jumped from a $300 Mongoose Inferno with V-brakes and very low end components the M80 is like a whole new world. The first thing that I noticed was the difference in the granny gear. The granny gear on my Inferno is about equal to 1:5 or so on the Raleigh. The low gearing made the steep hills at Peaks View and Candlers Mountain an attainable goal. I made it up some hills that I never even dreamed of on the Mongoose.

The Manitou Six fork isn’t much to brag about. After taking it to our lbs (Bikes Unlimited) we found out that the Manitou Six has had some problems straight from the factory. With time the fork has gotten better. The major problem was the slow rebound and overall stiffness that the fork had. Now after a few months of riding on it, Tim and I both noticed that it seemed to be rebounding better.

The M80 was the first bike I have ridden with disc brakes and I love ‘em. The Hayes HMX-2 brakes are always dependable and you get the same response very time you squeeze the lever. The only thing that gets on my nerves is the squeaking noise that fills the woods every once in a while.

The cornering was great with the WTB Weirwolf tires under me. I had no problem just leaning over and hanging on while the bike shot me around some pretty hairy turns. I’ve had the bike on just about every terrain from snow to hard-packed dirt to jagged rocks and the Weirwolf’s just take the punishment and keep rolling.

The gearing has always been nice and smooth. The SRAM chain that came on the bike didn’t last very long, I already have two replacement links in the chain. So that might be an inexpensive first upgrade. The Shimano LX rear derailleur and the Deore front derailleur have posed no problems as of yet. Bikes Unlimited have done some routine adjustments but that is it.

Strengths:
- great components for the money
- gearing is nice and smooth
- performs well in technical situations
- I’ve been riding it for over three months now and have no component failure

Weaknesses:
- weight – that is where the price break comes into play