Raleigh RX Race Cyclocross

by Paul Horta-Hopkins · 06/11/2013

Raleigh RX Race

Words by Paul Hopkins

Raleigh are back and they mean business!

Heron logo is back at the top

We caught sight of their new offerings at the recent Cycle Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Of course we couldn’t help but linger over their ‘cross bikes and being the nice people that they are, Raleigh have sent the number two from their range of four: the Raleigh RX Race.

No time for fancy photos, I was keen to take the RX Race out to meet Sussex's finest

We are keen to get the RX Race out to meet some mud…

The RX Race is one of two carbon frames in the range; the other two are aluminium. The range topping RX Team is actually a different frame, using ‘North American cross geometry’, which makes our RX Race a true Euro ‘crosser?

SRAM’s Apex groupset on the RX Race

The RX Race comes equipped with SRAM’s Apex groupset, a SRAM 350 46-36 chainset and Tektro CR 720 cantilver brakes. If you were hoping for disc brakes then you’ll have to upgrade to the RX Team. The groupset choice leaves you plenty of scope to upgrade in the future should you wish, although for a bike that is going to spend a lot of time having it’s components being subjected to a grinding paste almost every race, it makes sense to run cheaper components on your bike – less costly to replace!

Racing Ralphs and Tektro CR 720 cantilver brakes on the RX Race

Rubber is courtesy of Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres, while Cole provide the Rollen CX wheels. The RX Race comes in a matt black and orange finish that certainly looks tough; hopefully it will last the mud fest and endless washing that all ‘cross bikes must put up with.

The RX Race uses a PF30 bottom bracket but we are worried about that chainstay bridge

The RX Race uses a PF30 bottom bracket, but we are worried about mud collecting on that chainstay bridge

And the RX Race certainly looks the part of the serious ‘cross racing bike. The colourway stands out without being too flashy, although some of the clearances look a little close for a mud plugging ‘cross bike. We’ll drag it through some of Sussex’s nastier lanes and a couple of local ‘cross races to see how it fares.