I love steel bicycles, I know that isn’t a way you should start off a review of an aluminum bike but there is a reason…

Raleigh Capri 4.0 Spec from Raleigh USA

MSRP: $1,650
SIZES: 45cm XS, 49cm SM, 52cm SM/MD, 54cm MD/LG, 56cm LG
FRAME: Atomic 13 SL Hydroformed, Butted Tubing, Women’s RE2P Geometry
FORK: Custom Carbon Composite w/Alloy Steerer
SHIFTER, F. DERAIL, R.DERAIL, GEAR, CRANKS: Shimano Ultegra with 34/50t cranks and 11-28t cassette
BRAKES: Shimano 105
WHEELS: Weinmann TR18 and
TIRES: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x23c
HANDLEBAR: Avenir 200 Series Road, 31.8 Women’s Short Drop
SEAT/STEM/HANDLEBAR: Avenir 200 Series & Women’s Road Seat
EXTRAS: Rack and Fender Mounts, Cateye Reflector Set, Clear Coat, Owner’s Manual

Initial Impression of the Capri 4.0

Back in June I took delivery of a box with a large Raleigh logo on the side. Inside was a Raleigh Capri 4.0 to build up and push through the p

aces. While I have ridden several Raleigh bicycles over the years but I have never tried out their women’s geometry. Let’s see if Raleigh knows their women shall we?

Step 1: Build Bike. Step 2: Fix the creaking in the front wheels. Step 3: Change out Avenir saddle. Step 4: Ride bike for 600 miles over 5 weeks.

Key Details of the Capri 4.0

At the $1500 to $2000 level for aluminum bikes the details are really what speak. No longer are you looking at a bike on a budget, or trying to find the best entry level bike for starting out. At the $1,500 range you start looking for a bike that will last you for a good while, see a ton of miles and have a great parts line up.

The Shimano Ultegra 6700 had me at hello, and the fact that Raleigh finally got the message to not short change you at the shifters or cranks is another great thing. Normally bike manufactures will cut cost by giving you a certain level of components but cut costs but only giving you a derailleur at that level with the other parts a level down.

Ultegra 6700 shifters, cranks, chain, cassette, derailleurs (front and back!) The only thing that isn’t Ultegra is the 105 brakes, still great and great step up from most no-name/Tektro that other bike makers slap on.

Avenir stem, handlebar and seatpost are solid. The handlebars are comfortable and the handlebar tape feels like cloth at first but stays comfortable with use.

Raleigh Capri Women’s Bike Fit

The Raleigh Capri is the first road bike (ever) I didn’t need to change out the stem and/or handlebar. I am a great example of a true women’s fit but very tall. 5’10 wit ha 33″ inseam.

The only thing I swapped was the saddle as I need a “cooter hole or channel” but the Avenir saddle, that looks much like a Fi’zi:k, is on a friends bike and she loves it. In my photos their is a Crank Brothers seatpost installed but this is due to recently putting it on for review, not because the Avenir seatpost did anything wrong.

Overall Feelings of the Capri

I have spent many, many, many hours on the Capri. This is a swing price point type of bike and I wanted to make sure women that read this bike get the feedback they need as it’s either their first bike or their upgrade bike. The bike is stellar. For $1,650 the bike rides wonderful, the shaped aluminum felt like a entry level carbon bike or a mid-level steel bike. Yes, I said steel bike. The Ultegra will last for dozens of thousands of miles.

The downfall of this bike are two. First, the weight of 22 lbs for a 56cm road bike. Second, the wheels. The wheels creaked, popped and are squirmy. I rode the bike with a pair of Mavic Ksyrium SL for a few days on a bike tour on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The bike became a dream and it also lost three pounds. $1000 pair of wheels can do that to a lot of bikes, and it seems to be a common trend for that mid level bike. New wheels and a completely new bike.

Raleigh dealers said they would warranty my wheels if they continued to creak and pop. I spun up the tension on the spokes and it seemed to fix the problem, but that shouldn’t be done by a standard consumer without wheel building experience. Leave any creaking and popping to your dealer, it will be covered by warranty if you happen to have this problem.

I would certainly suggest this bike to friends and customers, other then the wheels and weight this bike is a stellar for the price.

Raleigh Capri 4.0 Bikes in Photos

The 2012 Raleigh Capri line preview came out a few weeks ago. Check out the latest from Raleigh over here or visit Raleigh’s website, RaleighUSA.com

This product was given to me at no charge for reviewing.  I was not paid or bribed to give this review and it will have my honest opinion or thoughts through out.

This is part of a series of short posts releasing the new 2012 Raleigh Bicycles women’s line. Everything from 29er mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids, more carbon and women’s cyclocross bikes. I’ve got the scope, but we can thank Raleigh’s Sally on this one.

2012 Raleigh Capri Women’s Road Bikes

You may or may not know but I’ve been test riding a 2011 Raleigh Capri for the past couple months. Timing seems to be everything as right when I’m about to post a review about a bike, Sally turns around and sends me the new information for the 2012 line.

Raleigh Capri Carbon 3.0 MSRP $3,000

Full carbon frame and fork with the same geometry as the Capri from 2011. A mix of Shimano Ultegra and 105 but mostly all Ultegra besides the 105 shifters and brakes. Available in 49, 52, 54, 56cm

Raleigh Capri Carbon 2.0 MSRP $2,400

Same frameset, full carbon as the Capri Carbon 3.0. Full 105 groupo and a lesser quality hub but same rims. Available in 49, 52, 54, 56cm

Raleigh Capri Carbon 1.0 MSRP $2,000

Same frameset, full carbon as the Capri Carbon 3.0. New Shimano Tiagra 10 speed and KMC chain (come on Raleigh.) Available in 49, 52, 54, 56cm

Raleigh Capri 4.0 MSRP $1,650

Hydroformed aluminum frame, carbon fork with alloy steerer. Full Shimano Ultegra 10-speed except for brake calipers. Available in 49, 52, 54, 56cm

Raleigh Capri 3.0 MSRP $1,300

Same aluminum frame and fork, but with a downgrade on parts to Shimano 105 10-speed for the majority of the drivetrain. Available in 49, 52, 54, 56cm

Raleigh Capri 2.0 MSRP $930

This bike takes a step down to Shimano Sora 9-speed and FSA cranks. A step up from the 1.0 with 8-speed but still not with the mainstay of 10 speed. Available in 45, 49, 52, 54, 56cm

Raleigh Capri 1.0 MSRP $710

The starter model for Raleigh, Shimano 2300 8-speed. A good beginner bike but if you get riding you’ll quickly ride out of this bike. Available in 45, 49, 52, 54, 56cm

It is always a motivating feeling to sit down on a Sunday evening and feel “fulfilled” from the weekend. Your legs are tired, maybe your tan lines are a bit stronger, and you are ready to start the 5 day recovery process that is the work week. That’s what the 5 days between the weekends are right, recovery?

This weekend was one of non-stop going for Kim (my better half) and the kids.   A huge year end lacrosse party at the lake, and then 7 little boys (10 & 11 year olds) came over to our house for a pool party and sleep over.   As she was juggling the coming and goings, I was juggling how to keep up with them and get a couple rides in.  I can say that I am daily thankful for her and all her juggling.

Saturday was a quick hour and half spin, getting the legs moving and active after 3 days of no activity.   I should have gotten up earlier for the ride, but cuddling and the covers felt too amazing that morning.   24.46 miles on a Raleigh Capri in for review

Sunday was another story. I wanted to get some mileage in and I wanted to try out the Collier Lily 100k route. Again, I should have gotten up earlier. I wasn’t on the bike until 11am, about the same time Kim was taking the kids to the pool.  This was about 3 hours later than I wanted to be on the bike for that long.  You learn from your mistakes.

With a hand wrote cue sheet, back up nutrition, camera and a charged cell phone I headed out.   At about mile 20 I missed a turn due to country roads not always having road signs.   Thankfully my cell phone had service and I mapped myself a new route.   The convenience store I was looking for at mile 38 was conveniently closed.  Going without water for 45 minutes had me double think my route and head home.   10 miles from home I stopped off at a gas station, purchasing a large fountain Pepsi and a bag of salt and vinegar chips.   The best two things I had tasted all day long.   Sitting outside the gas station downing the Pepsi and chomping on the chips.  Water in the bottles and finally on the stretch home.  51.4 miles on the Raleigh  Capri

Last but not least, I pulled on a Twin Six jersey this morning and during my 3 hours on the bike I thought about the guys many times. A couple guys that started out of their basement have now taken over the world of cycling attire. When I’m on the trail, or at races I get a nod and smile when I have their clothes or socks on.  A Twin Six know-em. It is good to be part of the club and I am thankful that Brent, Ryan and Mark have allowed me back in the club year after year.  Thank you guys – you rock.