New Raven Advice

[Mart]

Hi all

I would be very interested (and grateful) to hear from anyone who has the new Raven and how they're getting on with it. I'm close to ordering one and have had a test ride. A lovely bike in all respects but it's quite an expense and I don't want to make a mistake.

I'll be using it mainly for long day rides with a saddlebag on a mix of roads, lanes and paths. The 26" wheels and the Rohloff are big plus's for me. I am a bit concerned about the weight - it's odd, I didn't really notice it during the short test ride, only when physically lifting the bike. I appreciate that the bike is a very sturdy build.

The RST may have been a better bet for me but I seem to have missed the boat as they no longer have my size (536L).

Any advice welcome

Martin

[David0142]

Hi Martin,
I have had a new Raven for about 10 months. Size 530L with the 853 fork and 2" Duremes. Cycle mainly on gravel tracks in New Forest and on road. Very pleased with it I initially also thought it felt quite heavy when lifting it but really that is not an issue when cycling it. Very secure and comfortable on gravel track, but also spritely on road with the responsive 853 fork.
Good build quality and Rohloff simplifies cleaning after mucky rides. Is it worth the money? Perhaps if you want robust ease of use and do a lot of cycling. However to put it in perspective at that price I do worry about parking it outside a supermarket for a weekly shop or anywhere for that matter and so sometimes find myself using the old Dawes galaxy simply because it wouldn't kill me to have it stolen.
Also at that price you could buy 3 perfectly serviceable second hand touring bikes. That logic did not stop me from buying it because I wanted a new bike but I have had cause to reflect on that simply because I have seen some really good deals come up on second hand thorn nomads which incidentally don't feel very different to ride if you put the lighter weight Grizzly rims on them.
Regards
David

[geocycle]

I can offer some context having had a RT and now swapped the frame for an RST. These models bracket the new raven. I definitely prefer the RST for unloaded 'saddlebag' rides. It's lighter and more responsive but doesn't have the load bearing attributes of the RT.  I understand the New raven is in the middle.  Having said that, the similarities are great and distinguish these from other bikes. Both feel heavy when lifting out of the shed or onto a train, yet are incredibly comfortable to ride. If you want a do it all tourer rather than an audax or sportif type bike you can't go wrong with a raven.

 Cost is relative. When I bought mine it was 3 times more than any previous bike. But the SH value after 6 years was close to the purchase price. The rohloff has done 20000 miles so owes me nothing. Mines insured, uses a gold secure lock and is the opposite of bling, so I have stopped worrying about it when fastened up at work or the shops.

[Mart]

Thanks both

I must admit the weight issue is my main concern and it's comforting to hear that it's not really a problem in practice.

Take the point about getting a good lock!

Martin