My previous bikes had always been "not quite right" so had undergone various modifications, but they still fell short of what I really wanted. The Raleigh Pioneer 160 was the first bike I've ever owned that almost perfectly matches my requirements. The only modifications I've needed to make are the addition of: wheel reflectors, a large bell, bar ends, a bungee cord, and dynamo lights.
Further testament to the desirability of this bike can be had from the thief who stole my first one from my own back yard and had to haul it over high walls and a roof.
In fact, it is so good that after the insurance company replaced it with the same model, someone tried to steal that one too.
This bike is fast and comfortable.
The large alloy wheels (700c) combined with the 21 gears of the 48/38/28T chainset and 14-28T freewheel provide all the gears you want right up to high cruising speeds where only racers overtake me.
Stopping is not a problem with the powerful v-brakes and comfortable rubber coated aluminium levers.
The front forks have SR Suntour suspension, and the Post Moderne saddle post provides the suspension at the rear as well as supporting the Selle Royal Comfort saddle that truly lives up to its name.
The full length mudguards, sturdy alloy carrier, chain guard, excellent road tyres, non-slip pedals, SRAM MRX Rotational gear shifters and fully adjustable handlebar stem all add tot he civility and practicality of this hybrid which is cheap for its range of features at just over £200.
It comes in only one colour called gemstone, which to you and I is blue, the rest of the bike essentially being silver. It's as durable as any other hybrid, so the tyres won't wear out as fast as the soft compound tyres on a mountain bike.
My only criticisms are that: the reflective stripe on the tyres is prone to becoming grubby, so wheel reflectors are advisable; the chain guard is not easily removable if you don't fancy it; and, a dynamo is a tight fit.
Otherwise, this is an excellent bike that is light with good balance that I principally use without complaint as a daily commuter.
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