I’ve been on my Raleigh Tokul 2 for a couple of years and I don’t have any complaints. It’s a little heavy, but like you mentioned it’s expected with the budget. I switched to a 1×10 w/ sunrace 11-40 and absolute black oval chain ring. Lightened the bike up by a good amount and i enjoy the range i get. It’s the only bike i’ve owned so i can’t compare, but i can say that I’m really happy with it.