Raleigh is improving and expanding its mountain bike lineup as it heads into 2014. Two 27.5in bikes join the lineup, and the Talus 29er sees improvements.
Tokul
The new 27.5in-wheeled Tokul joins the Raleigh lineup, and expands Raleigh’s appeal as their first all-mountain hardtail offering. The Tokul features a solid 4130 Chromoly steel frame, slack geometry, a 130mm fork, and a Shimano Zee drivetrain. Component spec varies depending on the build, with prices ranging from only $600-$1,850.
Weight: 28.7lbs in the high-end build.
Eva 27.5
While aggressive all-mountain bikes are one of the major applications for 27.5in wheels, smaller-sized women’s-specific frames which can’t feasibly incorporate 29in wheels are another viable use. The new Eva 27.5 aluminum hardtail bikes do exactly that, with four different build kits available. The nicer builds feature Shimano Deore drivetrains, and all of the builds feature 100mm of front suspension and some women’s-specific component selection. Prices range from $550-$1,100.
Weight: 28.9lbs.
Talus 29 Carbon Expert
The Talus 29ers have been updated for 2014, and all of the bikes have lost weight. According to Raleigh:
The Talus 29 Carbon Expert (formerly Talus Carbon Elite) has dropped nearly two pounds, now weighing only 23.9 lbs. Additional updates to the line include hydraulic disc brakes, American Classic wheels, wider rims to allow for lower tire pressure and additional traction and Flat Top style bar with shorter stem for improved handling.
