DIRTY XXIX

"I don't care if you have to sell your best wheelset and
shovel snow for three weeks straight - just get
the money and go buy a Raleigh XXIX."
- Michael Browne {Dirt Rag Editor/product tester}

{this article originally appeared in Dirt Rag #126}
{www.dirtragmag.com}

An exciting review of the XXIX in the most current issue of Dirt Rag magazine (Issue 126). The “sweet spot” of the XXIX, according to Editor Michael Browne, is in the turns: “Lean it low, switch it back and pump it on the backsides.” Here’s a link to the article.

We are excited to introduce the totally redesigned 2007 Raleigh A.C.E. Evolution/Direct Connect carbon road frames. By using the most advance technologies available in carbon design, our product development group and engineers have created a frame that is feather light. Weighing in at 1 kilo (960g for a 57cm) – our 2007 road frame holds a unique stiffness: weight ratio making this frame the lightest and most durable frame Raleigh as ever made. So, here is a bit of information to familiarize you with our new carbon technology.

Q: Why does the carbon on my A.C.E. Evolution/Direct Connect frame seems to have inconsistencies?

A: Carbon fiber material is made up of exactly that – fibers. These carbon fibers come in a variety of thicknesses and individually have unique characteristics. When these individual fibers are combined to create a larger strand – undulations, ripples, bends, etc. occur (Fig. 1). This is one reason why the fibers on our A.C.E. Evolution carbon frames appear to have “rough or inconsistent spots.” The other reason is we have decided to eliminate what is called the cosmetic/aesthetic weave finish which reduces the weight of our carbon without sacrificing the strength or stiffness (Fig.2).

Q: It looks like there is a seam on the top tube/rear stays; does this compromise the structure of the frame?

A: Our ACE Evolution carbon frames are made up of Uni-Directional sheets that are oriented in the same direction. Various uni-directional sheets are then stacked together (layed-up) at different angles until the desired mix of layers and fibers is achieved for the appropriate area of the frame. The sheets are then cut to a specific dimension, wrapped around a deflated air bladder, inserted into a two-sided mold where the carbon and bladder are heated. When heated the bladder expands pushing the carbon material against the mold interior to shape the tube and insure optimal fiber compaction. So, what appears to be a “seam” is actually an indention from the mold and will not compromise the strength, performance or integrity of your ACE Evolution carbon frame.

Q: The carbon tubes seem to flex when I squeeze the tubes in my hand, why is this?

A: Through our A.C.E. Evolution/Direct Connect technology we are able to create thinner tubes without sacrificing the strength or stiffness. Naturally a thinner carbon tube will flex more than a thicker tube - but we have also tactically placed stronger/thicker carbon fiber material in areas on the frame that are load bearing hot spots to make the frame stiffer, stronger, and more responsive where appropriate (Fig 3).





Example on the left is our Cadent Carbon fork raw. The fork on the right is the same fork finished with a clear coat that is applied to all of our A.C.E. Evolution/Direct Connect carbon frames. Note the clear coat glorifies and accentuates the naturally sophisticated pattern of the carbon fibers and lay-up process.

Our Direct Connect has gone through more intensive testing than any other frame we have ever produced. Using both factory testing as well as independent testing – we were able to test every size of both the Team and Cadent frames. In both cases these frames exceeded all international standards– and proved themselves to have more integrity than any road frame we currently produce. In many cases even after 250000 cycles we were unable to compromise the frame. We are extremely proud of these results.

Check out Bicycling magazines rave review of our 2007 Prestige - this bicycle is our top of the line ACE Evolution/Direct Connect complete carbon bike.

2007 RALEIGH RACE TEAMS

Raleigh Bicycles is proud to officially announce their sponsorship of four teams for the 2007 racing season. The teams are DC Racing/Danny’s Cycles (Scarsdale, NY), Jet City Velo (Seattle, WA), Kenda/Raleigh Racing (Boston, MA), and Recycled Cycles Racing (Seattle, WA).

“We are incredibly excited to be sponsoring such a diverse grouping of teams/athletes this year. Recreational riders, elite level racers, and all those in between, make these sponsorships unique and we are looking forward to the rich experiences and successes these teams will bring,” comments Reed Pike, Raleigh America’s Director of Marketing.


Raleigh renews a two-year sponsorship with Kenda/Raleigh. The team reigns as one of the most successful regional teams in the country, posting 17 wins, 39 podium finishes, and 87 top ten finishes last season alone. And Raleigh rolls into its 5th year sponsoring Recycled Cycles Racing. With approximately 60 riders on the roster, competing in Cat 1 through Cat 5 levels, the team posted many impressive results in 2006, “The Recycled Cycles team is important to us because of the team’s locale and their enthusiasm to actively support young riders in the Seattle race community,” says Pike.

New to Raleigh’s team roster is Jet City Velo and DC Racing/Danny’s Cycles. JCV holds a roster of 205 active members racing at both club and elite levels. Their results in 2006 included Woody Cox taking first in the World Masters 55-59 2k Track Pursuit, Martin Criminale and Martha Walsh placing first at USA Nationals Masters Mixed 70+ Tandem Time Trial, and Deb Preller taking second at the World Masters 40-44 Road Race.

With its first year as an organized team, DC Racing/Danny’s hits the East Coast race scene with a solid team and the enthusiasm to “make a positive influence on road and track racing in New York City and beyond.” Twelve riders make up the team, including Tyler Matta, who was a gold medalist at the New York State Track Championship and has his eye on this year’s Track Nationals.

More information/schedules for the teams can be found at: www.tenetracing.com, www.recycledcycles.com, www.jetcityvelo.com, & www.dannyscycles.com

HERON COUNCIL GOLD AWARDS

Raleigh America, Inc. recently announced its top 25 Heron Council dealers. Among the 2,000 independent bicycle dealers carrying Raleigh and Diamondback products, the Heron Council dealers were selected for their achievement of outstanding sales and increased purchase volume in 2006. The Heron Council is a key component of Raleigh’s dealer relationship program. Raleigh counts on these top dealers for their feedback, criticism and insights, and believes it is important to recognize them for their enthusiastic support of both brands.

“Our Heron Council dealers represent all that’s great in the world of bicycling,” said Steve Meineke, President of Raleigh America. “They ‘enjoy the ride’ every day they open their doors; through their efforts, they are helping grow not only their businesses but the sport of cycling. We are proud to be affiliated with each of them and greatly appreciate their support of our company and brands.”

As part of the Raleigh America’s tradition of recognizing and rewarding these top dealers, an annual Heron Council trip and Gala is held for the dealers. This year it will take place in Palm Springs, California from February 22 through the 26th. This event combines business with fun in the sun, culminating in an awards ceremony. Each dealer receives an award presented by Raleigh America’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Austin, President Steve Meineke, and Director of Sales Rickey Strawn.

This year’s Raleigh America Heron Council Dealers are:
1. ERIKS BIKE SHOP INC BLOOMINGTON, MN
2. TAYLOR'S BIKE SHOP SALT LAKE CITY, UT
3. AGEE'S BICYCLE RICHMOND, VA
4. SKI MARKET LTD WALTHAM,MA
5. METRO BICYCLE STORES /DENCO BRONX, NY
6. BIKE CONNECTION PALO ALTO, CA
7. BRANDS CYCLE CENTER WANTAGH, NY
8. BUCK'S BIKES & TRIKES INC AUSTIN, TX
9. OFF RAMP MOUNTAIN VIEW,CA
10. RECYCLED CYCLES INC SEATTLE, WA
11. TALBOT'S CYCLERY SAN MATEO, CA
12. DANNY'S WORLD OF CYCLES SCARSDALE, NY
13. CENTURY CYCLES INC MEDINA, OH
14. BILL'S BIKE SHOP IDAHO FALLS, ID
15. WHIPPANY CYCLE WHIPPANY, NJ
16. PAUL'S BICYCLE WAY OF LIFE EUGENE, OR
17. WORLD OF WHEELS MODESTO, CA
18. AL'S BICYCLES OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
19. SUNRISE CYCLERY BELLMORE, NY
20. SILVERDALE CYCLERY SILVERDALE, WA
21. BICYCLE VILLAGE SAGINAW, MI
22. RECYCLED CYCLES FORT COLLINS, CO
23. BICYCLE WAREHOUSE SAN DIEGO, CA
24. VALENCIA CYCLERY SAN FRANCISCO,CA
25. FREEWHEELER BIKE SHOP GRAND RAPIDS, MI