You don’t always need a hybrid bicycle with disc brakes if you live in an area with smooth, even roads and paths. Hybrid bikes with V-brakes still offer great braking power and other advantages.
There are a number of great hybrid bikes with V-brakes on the market, but in this article, we’ll provide a detailed review of the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike. Here’s what you need to know:
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Frame Material and Design
To fit the needs of most cyclists, the frame of the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike is made of lightweight, stable, and rust-resistant 6061 aluminum. The tubing of the frame is butted for a lighter and stronger bike, without losing stiffness.
The Cadent 1 is a men’s hybrid bike. It’s available in five frame sizes to accommodate cyclists of different height:
- XS (extra small): 5’1” – 5’4”
- SM (small): 5’4” – 5’7”
- MD (medium): 5’7” – 5’10”
- LG (large): 5’10” – 6’1”
- XL (extra large): 6’1” – 6’4”
Tires and and Rims
The Cadent 1 has the Vee Tire Co. Zilent skinny city tires (700x35c). The Zilent tires are created using special compounds to reduce rolling resistance. This allows the bike to go faster. Meanwhile, the angled knobs on the side provide superior grip to help with cornering. Mounted on strong double walled rims, these strong tires can support of a lot of weight before they pinch flat and puncture.
Flat, Mid-Rise Handlebar
The mid-rise flat bar is designed to help you assume an upright position, so you can enjoy a comfortable ride, without straining your back. Measuring at 620 millimeters wide, it gives you good control of the bike, especially as you turn at low speeds. The wider handlebar also makes it easier for you to maneuver your way around city streets, or anywhere you want to go.
Bike Gears
A 21-speed hybrid bike, the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike is suitable for various terrains, from hilly roads to flat, smooth roads. It’s equipped with the Shimano Tourney 3×7 shifters, so you have a wide range of speed options for the type of riding you choose.
Raleigh America equipped the Cadent 1 with the Shimano TZ500 7spd Freewheel (14-34t) cogset. With this installed, riding up hills won’t feel like a chore.
Technical Details
- Bike weight: 26.43 pounds
- Seatpost: Alloy micro adjust, 27.2x350mm
- Seat: Raleigh Series with steel rail
- Stem: Raleigh Series, Alloy, 31.8 Bar Bore
- Rims: Alloy, double wall with CNC side wall, 32 holes
- Brakes: Tektro 837 alloy V-brake with Shimano brake levers
- Rear hub: Formula Alloy with Bolt on Rear Axle, 32-hole
- Front hub: Formula Alloy QR 32h
- Spokes: 14-gauge stainless steel
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Acera M310
- Front derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY510
- Pedals: Alloy body/steel cage
- Chain: KMC z7
- Headset: 1-1/8” integrated headset
- Fork: Steel with die cast dropouts
The Good
Multiple Gears Offer More Options
A 21-speed gear system is more than enough for most urban cyclists. If you only ride on flat terrain, a hybrid bike with fewer gears, like the 3-speed Raleigh Bikes Harlan City Bike, is a good option.
But if you live in a hilly city or town, the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike is a good fit for you. You don’t ever have to stop and walk the bike up. And, a 20-minute leisure ride around your neighborhood is going to be effortless and more enjoyable.
A Solid, Little Workhorse
Overall, the Cadent 1 exceeded people’s expectations of a budget hybrid bike. The fit and matte black finish are great. It’s easy enough to assemble by one person. The main components of the bike are working well and don’t look flimsy.
Easy to Put Together
The bad news is Raleigh gives generic assembly instructions. The good news is there are videos on YouTube that will walk you through the whole process. You could probably put this together within 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your skills and knowledge about bikes.
A great city commuter and fitness bike at a fair price—that’s the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike. Get yours now.
The Bad
Shifters Not That Great
The Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike has twist shifters, which are less preferred by most riders. This is usually a matter of personal preference. If you don’t see their benefit, you might want to consider the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike, which come with trigger shifters, instead.
Decent but Not Great Saddle
The saddle is functional and looks good. The only issue some people have is it’s uncomfortable on long rides. Unfortunately, replacing a saddle because it’s uncomfortable can be challenging and needs careful thought.
Suggestion: Try to determine what’s with the saddle that doesn’t work for you.
Brake Caliper Sticking Out
Like the saddle, the V-brakes work well. However, the front brake or rear brake might be sticking out on the side. Some also said that the brake pad (or pads) is rubbing against the rim (a common issue with this type of bicycle brake).
You can easily fix this. However, if you want to upgrade to a Raleigh bike with mechanical disc brakes (which work better than V-brakes), check out the Raleigh Bikes Wilder City Bike.
Who Is It For?
You can use the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike for riding on smooth, level grounds, hills (not crazy steep hills), and light bike trails. If you’re pregnant or just have a big belly, you can use it as a temporary replacement to your road bike. Or, if you’re looking for a stylish and efficient commuter bike, this could be a great option for you.
Conclusion
Although it has its downsides, the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike is really worth the low price—different speed options, smooth shifting, comfortable short rides, good braking power, and lightweight and durable construction. It might not be a racing bicycle, but it does well for a budget hybrid bike.
For the person who loves the outdoors and needs a daily city ride—try the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike today.