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2012 Raleigh Mountain & Cyclocross Bikes – Carbon 29er, TwinSix Collaboration, More!

2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike
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2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike

Raleigh has been pretty busy in the layup department lately, introducing new carbon fiber road bikes, the RXC cyclocross bike and the Talus Carbon 29er shown above. They’ve also been working with TwinSix on a little collaboration for their latest limited edition singlespeed steel ‘cross frame, and they’ve gone and made one of the (if not the) first women’s specific cyclocross bike.

The Talus 29er Carbon will take the roost from their alloy models as top dog for 2012. It uses a Direct Connect Evolution frame design, which means the top-, down- and head tubes are molded as one piece. Other tubes are cut, mitered and carbon welded (description here).

Head past the break for more pics, details and models…

2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike

Internal cable routing, including the rear brake hose. The stays have decent, not great, clearance.

2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike

2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike

Despite a massive bottom bracket junction, the Talus Carbon sticks with a standard outboard BB.

2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike

Before the inevitable “oh this is just another stock carbon frame from China” comments start in, Raleigh’s main man Brian Fornes say all of their molds are their own. Further proof that Raleigh spent some quality time in the design department are the inlaid kevlar sections on the bottom of the downtube and chainstays. Unfortunately, the finished bike painted over them. We think they should just clearcoat it.

2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike

Rear brakes are post mount on the chainstay, another nice touch.

2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike

Another nice touch are the color-matched Avid XX two-piece rotors with the red Easton XC hubs. Brings the package together quite nicely, and all that blingy parts spec keeps the weight low:

2012 Raleigh Talus 29er carbon fiber mountain bike

22lbs 2oz for what I think was a Large built up with XO, Fox fork, Easton stem and carbon bar/seatpost, Geax tires and lock on grips. The Pro model will come in at $6,500 and include these sweet Easton EC90XC carbon-rimmed wheels. For real people, there’s an Elite model at $2,950.

2012 Raleigh RXC carbon fiber cyclocross bike

The all-new RXC carbon fiber cyclocross bike takes over at the top for the still available RX 1.0 alloy frame.

2012 Raleigh RXC carbon fiber cyclocross bike

It uses a Direct Connect Carbon Frame that evolved from their Carbon SS CX frame. It keeps the super flat top tube for shouldering of the alloy version and, thankfully, the BB30 bottom bracket, too.

2012 Raleigh RXC carbon fiber cyclocross bike

Flattened rear stays should give it a bit of vertical flex.

2012 Raleigh RXC carbon fiber cyclocross bike internal frame cutaway photos

2012 Raleigh RXC carbon fiber cyclocross bike internal frame cutaway photos

Frame cutaways show the internal cable routing along the top tube that’s fully sealed with a carbon fiber tube. Shift cables run through the downtube and pop out just before the BB.

2012 Raleigh RXC carbon fiber cyclocross bike

The top of the line Pro model gets an ENVE fork, carbon-rimmed Cole wheels and a mostly SRAM Red drivetrain with FSA cranks. MSRP is $5,000 and it comes in at 17obs 6oz. Claimed frame weight is 1050g. There’s also an Elite model that’s $2,500.

2012 Raleigh RX womens specific ladies cyclocross bike

Also new for 2012 is the RX women’s specific cyclocross bike. Based on the RX 1.0, it has tweaked geometry, component spec and some nice color patterns to suit the ladies.

2012 Raleigh RX womens cyclocross bike for the ladies

MSRP is $1,100.

2012 Raleigh Furley steel BB30 singlespeed geared cyclocross commuter bike

The Furley is Raleigh’s new do anything, be anything steel bike. It’s full chromoly steel, fork included, and has a BB30 bottom bracket with a trick up it’s sleeve:

2012 Raleigh Furley steel BB30 singlespeed geared cyclocross commuter bike

By using the larger BB standard, Raleigh was able to stuff a custom-made-by-FSA eccentric bottom bracket in there. This let them use standard dropouts at the rear. So, you can swap in a standard BB30 bottom bracket and crankset, attach a derailleur and cassette and *voila* you have a geared bike.

2012 Raleigh Furley steel BB30 singlespeed geared cyclocross commuter bike

The custom rear dropouts have mounts for everything. It’ll handle fenders and racks easily.

2012 Raleigh Furley steel BB30 singlespeed geared cyclocross commuter bike

Little things. MSRP is $820.

2012 Raleigh TwinSix limited edition alloy cyclocross bike with custom graphics

Last but not least is the latest one-off limited edition cyclocross bike. This year, Fornes said they were out of ideas so they turned the creative over to TwinSix. TwinSix said they wanted belt drive. Here’s what came of it:

2012 Raleigh TwinSix limited edition alloy cyclocross bike with custom graphics

The annual limited editions started with the Ranier model in 2008. We think this one’s a subtle but worthy addition to the line.

2012 Raleigh TwinSix limited edition alloy cyclocross bike with custom graphics

The frameset is $1,500 and includes the Easton EC90 carbon cyclocross fork. Frame is Atomic 13 SL Butted Aluminum with a standard BB and…

2012 Raleigh TwinSix limited edition alloy cyclocross bike with custom graphics

…new sliding dropouts that allow the driveside to open up for belt drive insertion.

The ‘cross bikes are being released first, with the Talus available by early 2012.

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Mike
12 years ago

Why anyone is introducing brand new CX bikes without disc mounts is beyond me.

Jordan
Jordan
12 years ago

Sally stole my drop out move!

es8engn
es8engn
12 years ago

i think that a lot of snobs would like to write off raleigh along with motobecane and dawes, but for all my (industry-influenced) skepticism. they have stayed above par with carbon frames, gates belt drive and more. no snob, or noob should be less than proud to ride any of their newer completes. their name may not have the cache of some others, but the rides speak for themselves.

Rob
Rob
12 years ago

Oh look what we have here. Another carbon 29er from one of the biketaiwan.com clan of industries. Punched out of a cookie cutter mold, slap on some brand name stickers and stick the customer for whatever you think you can get for it.

Robin
12 years ago

Okay: here we wait for the exclusive evidence that Rob must have.

Waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting.

Anyone can make unsubstantiated claims. It does’t take any spine at all. All it requires is intellectual laziness and the inability to think critically.

sunmi
sunmi
12 years ago

hope “furley” is not for “f**k surly”…

Samuel J. Greear
12 years ago

Giant TCX-W (Women’s-specific cross bike) has been around for a full model year now. So it’s definitely “one of the” and not “the” first.

Jay
Jay
12 years ago

I’ve been critical of Raleigh in the past, so let me congratulate them on a great looking line up of bikes. Love the simple graphics and identity package on the Team ‘cross bike (mostly, thanks for not painting it red, white and black). On the SS, good call bringing in TwinSix to do a graphics package.

, I can usually spot “catalog carbon” pretty quickly (15+ yrs. in the industry), and that ain’t it.

moz
moz
12 years ago

It makes me wonder, how many people would buy a car ‘made in China’ , or at least any electrical home device ?
While the same people are willing to spend a few thousands of $ or Euros for a ‘made in China’ bike.
Moreover, I never understood this fad about carbon, ‘it’s the future!’. Maybe, but 1. it is not recyclable & 2. we are not F1 drivers.

Rob
Rob
12 years ago

Spine? Is the frame made in China or not? Yes. Do Raleigh have their own factory in China or not? Just look at it and every other “made in China carbon 29er”, heck, they are made in “China”. Good, bad or otherwise if it is made in China it comes from a manufacturer in biketaiwan.com clan. Robin, tell me why Raleigh or any other company outsourcing their manufacturing to China are doing such? Could it be for profit? Good luck to them. On the critical thinking part my expertise is composites…

E.H.
E.H.
12 years ago

Are China made frames bad?
No, most of them are great.

But don’t say this is a exclusive Raleigh mold. Maybe for the US market the have it exclusive…..
This is just a standard open mold frame out of a China factory, and WOW the added Kevlar to it.

Bmorg
Bmorg
12 years ago

Dont judge it until you ride it.

Fred Astaire
12 years ago

Rob, you obviously have no idea what you are talking about and you too quickly throw the word “China” out there. Especially when it says in the article that it’s not an open mold frame. I work in the industry, I know the open molds and this IS NOT one of them. I’m not sure what you are arguing? You cannot get a carbon bike, outside of Parlee, that performs with great durability…in the United States. The reason WHY Raleigh and other companies source China an Taiwan for carbon production is because THAT is what they do. Years ago, we made cars, we WERE the best at it and we sourced them all over the world. These countries make bikes and carbon fiber, hell even NASA buys their carbon fiber from Japan…so why wouldn’t we buy our carbon fiber bikes and parts from Asia? Don’t even try to pull the “what about Italian made carbon?” argument…because the rule of thumb in Italy is that if it’s painted in Italy, you can label it “Made in Italy.” I’m having demo frames for my small upstart company produced in the same factory as Pinarello Dogma’s and Willier Centu Uno’s and you know what, they ARE an open mold. So kill me. Get off your high horse, stop thinking you know better than anyone else and STFU. I’m sick of ignorant people who troll the internet that have not a single clue how this industry even works, in the slightest, try to belittle every small company’s achievement. Get a life Rob.

Brandon
Brandon
12 years ago

@Fred Astaire: Parlee isn’t the only company in the US making carbon bikes IN the US.

Mark
Mark
12 years ago

@Brandon: Note that Fred didn’t say they were the only ones, but the only ones that perform with great durability…

ghostrider
ghostrider
12 years ago

Well said Fred Astaire!

Fred Astaire
12 years ago

Thanks Mark.

Sally
12 years ago

Lively comments…love it.
Disc Mounts on the High End CX…We’d rather wait for a standard than making frames that won’t work with the good stuff. I honestly see a 140 rotor becoming what gets used on things like this…and I’d love to see a high end road caliper available.
Furley…we have a matching model with gears called the Roper. Please refer to everyones favorite Landlords on Three’s Company.
Made in China…that’s a hot one. Yes, we are a company trying to make a profit. It’d be silly to say we, or anyone else making bikes isn’t. What gets lost in all of this is trying to provide bikes to Local Bike Shops to sell so THEY can make a profit and stay in business. That is a huge priority for us and one that leads us to make our Carbon bikes in China. There are many fine High End Carbon Frame makers in the US (and steel as well) but there are very few shops that can afford to stock and sell them on a regular basis to keep their doors open. We’ve been a huge supporter of the LBS (and their ability to keep their doors open) and will continue to do so for a long time to come. (I can to on and on from here….)

Ted
Ted
12 years ago

So is there a difference in made in china vs made in taiwan?

MTB-Magazin.de
12 years ago

Looks great! I did not know Raleigh made such good looking bikes.

Eric
Eric
12 years ago

Any idea if the Furley will be sold as a frameset? Also, is it made it China, too?

Derek
Derek
12 years ago

Sunmi,

The Furley is named after Ralph Furley from Three’s Company. The same bike comes built with gears and is called The Roper. :

http://www.cxmagazine.com/product-spotlight-raleighs-2012-cyclocross-line-expands-models

matt
matt
12 years ago

people hate on “made in china’ and ‘made in taiwan’ for all the wrong reasons: it’s a human rights issue. a child labor issue. frames are made overseas and not in country of origin because companies can increase their profit margins based on the fact that most workers are being paid the equivalent of 100-200 a month US$. the quality is obviously there, people that say otherwise are lost. but if you’re mad about overseas bikes, you should be mad for the RIGHT reasons and not for the dumb, insignificant reasons.

on forced labor in taiwan: http://www0.hku.hk/ccpl/documents/AIC-41739ForcedlabourinTaiwan.pdf

child labor in chinese factories were used by HIGH PROFILE corporations…what makes you think they’re not being used by low profile companies…. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7330986/Apple-admits-using-child-labour.html

I am NOT accusing raleigh of anything (they have fantastic bikes), i’m simply stating the facts directed at people with misguided opinions about things made ‘overseas.’

Jasper
Jasper
12 years ago

The Furley looks great. I have been excited about this bike since I saw some teaser pics of the chainstay and disc brake. Is the rear dropout spacing 130mm or 135mm? Will it be available for this cross season?

nick
nick
12 years ago

Q: Why are things made in China
A: Laws or the lack of them. From labour to environment, we just can’t compete… for now.

I personally think that China can’t sustain this for ever and will fall eventually.

WannaBeSTi
WannaBeSTi
12 years ago

OK, ok, ok, ok. Is this a thread about child labor laws or bike companies pulling our pants down because we are stupid enough to buy their frames that are made in Asian countries?

It’s a freakin’ website showing the latest and greatest stuff you’ll be seeing in bike shops! So go jump on your soap box somewhere else. But first, look at your bike. Where were your tires, tubes, and cables made? Do you rock, rub, run, race Shimano? Look inside your Sidi shoes, some aren’t made in Italy ya know.

I’m a Raleigh retailer. I love their bikes. Their bikes are a great value and in the cases above, are underground killer bikes. I have many high-end customers who have put down on kickass bikes like the Militis (not pictured), International (a very stylish 853 bike with Dura Ace), and Route City Sport (a 27speed, fendered commuter that belt drive compatible).

Like es8engn said, Raleigh doesn’t have the cache of other brands, but I like that about them. Time and time again I have people really pleased with what they are getting from Raleigh once they’ve compared what they get from other big names.I have 2 hardcore meat-head riding buddies thrashing multiple times a week their Raleigh XXIX bikes and they love them. They love they fact that their bikes are different from all the other bikes they see on the trails.

And ya know what 99% of the people say who come into my shop and learn that a Raleigh-Scott-Specialized is made in asia?

Do you have one that will fit me?

Slug
Slug
12 years ago

Whoever says the ‘sweatshop’ line has obviously never seen a bicycle factory in china OR taiwan. Please… don’t put Raleigh and Motobull shit bikes direct stuff in the same sentence.

Robin
12 years ago

Uhm, I could care less where my bike parts are made. I didn’t buy any of it as a political statement. I bought the kit to ride. I paid the price willingly because it fit the value I assigned to the different components. There wasn’t a single American made bike that fit my requirements. When someone shows me proof of maltreatment of workers or illegal use of minors at a factory where any of my kit was made, then I’ll be concerned. Until then, blanket political statements from others are as useful and factual as the barrel loads of statements that come out of Washington DC on any given day.

Kudo’s Raleigh.

Monkey
Monkey
12 years ago

The Raleigh
looks like this:
http://www.solisbikes.com/mtb/pyrolite/pyrolite.html
But I would own either bike. I rode the Solis Pyrolite. It’s an amazing design, the frame is stiff, the bike is FAST.
I wish more shops sold brands like Raleigh and less of the big name brands.
The costs would come down possibly for the big brands. They are greedy like some of the car manufactures these days. They think if they raise their prices each year and sponsor more and more Pro teams, more people will continue to buy.

It’s about the bike and the rider. –
Buy what you can afford – you can still be a customer of another brand later and upgrade anytime.
These brands are trying to provide affordable alternatives to the mass brands.

Trek = Bose’ (overrated, overpriced, all marketing)
Specialized = wishes they were BMW
Giant = Dodge, Ford, Chrysler

Ted
Ted
12 years ago

When is raleigh goin to make a fun 26?

WannaBeSTi
WannaBeSTi
12 years ago

Ted,

If you’re asking about a full suspension Raleigh, then join the gang in asking for a full squish. My rep has been asking them to make such for as long as I have known him (5 years).

If you want to support Raleigh and a full suspension at the same time, get a Diamond Back. They have some good designs on the DB side.

yippa
yippa
12 years ago

So what if it is made in China or Tawain? Most all carbon is this days anyway. However, shame on Raleigh for saying that they molds are theirs. Last year after Eurobike I bought 2 frames that are identical to this. Maybe Raleigh paid to change the geometry. I haven’t seen any numbers yet, but the frames I bought are 100% the same as the Solis. The idea was to “create” a new mail order brand with these frames. The bike rode ok, except for in the really tight stuff the slack head angle was too much. At this point though, I’m glad we didn’t continue with the project because the same Chinese factory is selling this frame to everyone and their brother. The same frame is set to be sold as an IBEX as they relaunch their brand.

Doug B
Doug B
12 years ago

Would be nice if that Furley came with the option of a belt drive.

mountguitars
mountguitars
12 years ago

fail! CX bike without disk brake tabs.

K II
K II
12 years ago

I agree with comments made by rob starting on 8/3. Made in China, Taiwan Frames should remain there. (Yes I do have a spine-Robbin) I am not going to get into the politics of the reasons that companies are building frames over seas, trust me I understand. First off, if it is an American company offering an elite level bicycle frame or components, it should be made in the USA – supporting the american companies and the craftsmen is important(leads to future innovations by these us companies). Thomson is a perfect example of elite level components made in the USA. Made in USA frames, allows the company to keep tighter quality controls, and make adjustments in the product quicker and easier. Also production can be increased if an out of stock happens. Overseas – We are sold out for the season, sorry buddy. Warranty issues can be addressed in a more timely matter for obvious reasons. And last but not least, custom frame building companies often offer a frame built to your exact size, needs and riding style. (Not everyone of a certain height has the same weight and proportions.) To all those that are up in arms about people hating these overseas produced frames, well I know where YOUR frame is made, sorry to hear that. Visit a NAHBS.

Dan from abq
12 years ago

Does anybody know what kind of warranty the Talus carbon has ?

Ed
Ed
12 years ago

No one has bothered to ask – the cutaway frame pictured for the RXC Pro indicates internal routing on the non-drive side, but the brakes are obviously routed on top of the bike, and teh description of the photos indicates internal shift cables, but they obviously, according to the other photos, run externally as well… the Talus has internal routing, but it’s not that shape… are you sure that isn’t a photo for a militis?

oh, i guess i should weigh in on the other stuff too… Freakin’ China! Blah blah blah! USA! USA! USA! Profit Margins! Human Rights! LBS!

JB
JB
12 years ago

Love the Furley. Does anyone know what it’s total weight is?

Elvis
Elvis
11 years ago

Dudes, RE the debate between Rob and Fred — there are few major name brands that “make” bikes, outside of the custom companies most major brands — Raleigh, Trek, Giant, etc — outsource almost all there production, save for a few top line models. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because it means that then the main difference in quality comes from assembly — e.i, your local bike shop, where you can actually go and talk to a person.

I love it when people insist their bike is best because its a Trek, or a Cannondale, or something. Yes, these companies design the bikes, but they do not handle production at US facilities for the bulk of their product line. Don’t knock raleigh — everyone does it, and for one reason; economically, it works. If we had run of the mill entry and mid level frames being made here in the US they would cost twice as much at least. I’m not going to address the issue of fair watges overseas etc — there are valid concerns there from a humanitarian standpoint — but let me simply ask you this: Would you be willing to pay 800$ for a 400$ bike? No? Then building em overseas is good for you. Knock it if you must, but do so with, as Fred said, knowledge of how the industry works. At the same time, to credit Rob, there is often not much difference between different company names made int he same overseas factory — which is where the design of the frame, the parts spect, and the assembly of your local bike shop is given a chance to shine. End of rant.

Joe H
Joe H
10 years ago

My Ibis Mojo frame is made in China. It is impractical to build them in the US and the quality is very high from their Carbon vendor.

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