2008 Ralieigh Sojourn

[rockhound]

Anyone see this bike yet?

Disc-equipped steel touring bike with WTB dirt drops. Very cool.

http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=5&itemid=427

[north20]

Pretty cool :cool:

Reminds me of the Trek Portland that was out a couple years ago or so. Not sure if it's still in their line -- and it was aluminum iirc.

Imo, it would be a pretty cool deal if these sold well, and were ridden like mad.

[Hand/of/Midas]

i was stoked on these when i saw them in vegas, practical, yet very very nice looking. brooks tape and all. hopefully these will be all the rage and SUVs get recycled to make more bikes.

[robcycle]

I think I'm in love.

But $1,100-1,800? Really? And a 32H rear wheel with disc brakes? I dunno....

But I'm still in love :p

-Rob.

[bianchi79]

I think I'm in love.

But $1,100-1,800? Really? And a 32H rear wheel with disc brakes? I dunno....

But I'm still in love :p

-Rob.

It falls way on the low end of that spectrum (I think MSRP is $1,100.00-ish). I have an honest question. What is wrong with disc brakes?
My thoughts are, I would rather have the power of discs when descending fully loaded. I can just see me burning through a whole canti pad by the time I get to the bottom. Disc pads are way easier to replace/ adjust. That's just me though...
I have ridden the bike, and it's the real deal. The gearing is a bit high for me. If I were actually going to do Fully loaded touring, I would swap out the cranks for mtn cranks to get the 22t.
Other than that, it is set from the word "GO". Now to convince the wife I need a 6th bike...;)

[robcycle]

What is wrong with disc brakes?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with disc brakes. In fact, I think it is wonderful that someone is offering a bike equipped with both disc brakes and a rack. More companies should do that.

My issue is that touring bikes are normally outfitted with 36 holes rims to deal with the extra loads of touring. Coupling those extra loads with the forces of a disc brake and a 32h hub. I just think it could be done better.

-Rob.

[bianchi79]

Ah... now I follow.:)

[Hand/of/Midas]

keep the spoke tension up and there is no worries,the spoke distance and load change between 32 and 36 spokes is very slight,i wouldn't even worry about it. its when your talking about few spokes that distance/load changes alot with 4 spokes.

[davkatreb]

I dunno, when you consider what a Crosscheck or LHT costs, then factor in the rack, fenders, Brooks and disc brakes, the price seems right in line.

As to the wheels, I doubt they'd be an issue unless you're a fatass like me and carry an additional 50 pounds or so on the bike. In any case, I'd probably just run 'em into the ground and then upgrade to something really burly.

Seriously nice bike, BTW. Almost makes me wish I didn't have all the bikes I'll ever need. Almost.

[mimbresman]

That's nice! I want a new touring bike...someday.

[ironspoke]

How about this one???

Someday.

Independent Fabrication sweetness....ahhhh

[Family Guy]

Looking into the 2008 crystal ball, I see a touring bike being reviewed that looks quite a bit like this one.

Stay tuned....

[RandomDood]

Looking into the 2008 crystal ball, I see a touring bike being reviewed that looks quite a bit like this one.

Stay tuned....

Funny. As soon as I saw that bike, I thought touring bike. I may be in the market for a good touring bike next summer. Might be riding Colorado to Seattle and back. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[mimbresman]

How about this one???

Someday.

Independent Fabrication sweetness....ahhhh

Notice the S & S couplings? Nice touch!

IF is nice, Bilenkey also make a nice touring bike. :cool:

[ironspoke]

Yeah that is actually a pretty crappy photo from the IF website. I picked up an IF catalogue in Speedgoat a few months back. When I saw that page I just sat there and dreamed for a bit.

That bike looks amazing.

[jobestein]

Drum roll please...

20951

There you have it, sneak peak of my newest test bike. Have to say I'm really looking forward to this one. The Sojourn is a really striking bicycle. The off-white (technically "sand") with with no decals, save the top tube protector, and leather bar tape and saddle make for a sharp look.

20952

Shot of the studio.

20953

Nice Badge.

20954
Nice wide WTB bars with Brooks leather tape and Brooks aged saddle.

Rode her home last night for the maiden voyage. Still have some fit work to do, but otherwise the Sojourn feels pretty good right out of the box. Time will tell...

Justin

[north20]

Very cool -- looks like such a sweet bike.

And I hope you let us know how you like it over time :)

[funnytanlines]

that's certainly one of the prettiest bikes i've seen in a while. not too badly spec'ed either.

[robcycle]

You know, in revisiting this bike the bars, tire clearance, disc, and racks make me want to ride across an Edward Abbey West. :cool:

-Rob.

[rockhound]

Drum roll please...

Very cool, Justin. I can't wait to see what you think.

[RacerK]

Raleigh lent us some bikes to commute with in Las Vegas during Interbike, and I got to ride one of these. It was indeed very nice. Heavy, but in a good, sturdy way. One thing that really impressed me was the spoke holders on the drivetrain-side chainstay – complete with two spokes!