The Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike is an “unofficial” hybrid bike for women. It’s an ideal choice for beginners or casual riders who want a bike for city commutes and mid-level fitness.
Although it received a lot of positive reviews, we want to make sure it’s the right one for your needs. So, we’ve put together this article for you.
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Heat Treated Aluminum Frame
The aluminum alloy (AL-6061) frame of the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike is “aged” using heat treatment. As a result, it’s strong and lightweight.
We called this bike as an “unofficial hybrid bike for women” because it’s usually considered a men’s bike. If you’re a female cyclist, you can still use it.
General sizes of Cadent 2:
- Extra large (6’1”-6’4”)
- Large (5’10”-6’1”)
- Medium (5’7”-5’10”)
- Small (5’4”-5’7”)
- Extra small (5’1”-5’4”)
City/Trekking Tires
Similar to the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 1 Fitness Hybrid Bike, the Cadent 2 fitness hybrid bike has Vee Tire Co. Zilent 700x35c tires (the default tire size of hybrid bikes). These 700c wheels offer stiffer rides to avoid energy waste, but it may also translate to harsher rides.
In addition, the tires have reduced rolling resistance and high load capacity. Meaning, you can enjoy faster rides and better control and traction when cornering.
Alloy Flat Bar with a 15mm Rise
The Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike is armed with an alloy flat bar with a 15mm rise. To keep your weight centered for balance and stability, the relatively wide flat bar is paired with a shorter stem (at least for the short, medium, and large bike sizes).
24-Speed Gears and Trigger Shifters
With the freedom of using different gear combinations, you can easily climb up hills and go faster on flat grounds. Shifting from one gear to another is stress-free, thanks to the Shimano EF500 EZ Fire trigger shifters.
Mechanical Disc Brakes
Hydro is good, but the Tektro M280 mechanical disc brake (with 160mm Rotors) installed in this bike provides adequate stopping power. Although it might take a few short-distance rides before the pads to break in.
Technical Details
- Brake levers: Shimano 4-finger
- Cogset: Shimano HG200 8-speed cassette (12-32 teeth)
- Fork: Alloy disc road with a steel steer tube
- Frame: Custom formed AL-6061 heat-treated aluminum alloy tubing
- Derailleurs: Shimano Tourney TY710 (front) and Shimano Acera (rear)
- Hubs: Formula Alloy Disc, QR, 32h
- Pedals: Alloy body and cage
- Seatpost: Alloy Micro Adjust, 27.2x350mm
- Weight: 26.59 pounds
- Maximum weight capacity: 285 pounds (including 10 pounds of baggage)
The Good
Easier Hill Climbing
Do you usually get off your bike and walk it up hills? You don’t need to do that with the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike.
The shifters installed in the Cadent 2 will smoothly get you to a much lower gear, so you can conquer just about any inclined roads. Even if you add a rack and carry a heavy load, it doesn’t seem to affect its ability to climb up hills.
A Great Starter Bike
The Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike is a great entry-level hybrid bike if you want to bike commute without dropping big money. It has its low-end parts, such as the derailleurs, but it’s dependable and shifts and steers smoothly. It also has a nice matte ocean blue finish and nice welds. At this price point, the mechanical disc brakes is a great addition.
Easy Assemble
Putting this together is relatively easy, with minimal adjustments. The only parts you need to assemble are the headset, handlebars, and pedals. The bike already comes with the tools you need. Depending on your skills and experience with bikes, you’d probably put this together within one to two hours.
A great entry-level bicycle for urban commuting with hills—that’s the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike. Get yours now.
The Bad
Functional, with a Few Issues
The Cadent 2 works well for a hybrid bike at its price point. However, it has its small problems.
For instance, the derailleur sometimes can’t shift into the second gear. The tires are not that resistant to punctures and could lose air pressure (due to mini holes). The brakes might also be rubbing and making noises, which can be fixed.
Non-adjustable Handlebar Stem
Another drawback of the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike is its handlebar stem is non-adjustable. If you’re really tall, like around 6’3”, you can’t bring up the stem to a height that allows you to assume an upright and a comfortable position.
If an adjustable stem is a must-have for you, the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bicycle with an adjustable stem and a backsweep handlebar is an affordable alternative.
Gears Made for Hills
A hybrid bike with multiple speed gears has its drawbacks. In the case of the Cadent 2, you might find yourself in the highest gear on a level ground or pedaling too fast when going down a hill.
If you live in a city with mostly flat roads, the lesser gears, the better. The Raleigh Bikes Haskell City Bike with 5-speed gears and hydraulic disc brakes might be a better fit for you.
Who Is It For?
The Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike is marketed as a men’s bike, but if you’re a female cyclist, don’t let this discourage you. Just remember to measure your leg from your crotch to the floor to get the right bike size for you.
It’s a good entry-level bike for people who live in areas with a mix of hills and flat roads. It’s designed for paved roads and light bike trails, so if you’re looking for rough road capability, you might want to look elsewhere.
Conclusion
As an entry-level hybrid bike, the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike is worth the buy. Everything works well, although a few parts might need adjustments, fixing, or upgrading. It’s comfortable, rides well, easy to assemble, sturdy, and shifts smoothly. The hydraulic disc brakes are definitely great additions at this price point.
Planning to exchange your car for an urban commuter bike? Try the Raleigh Bikes Cadent 2 Fitness Hybrid Bike and discover its benefits.