Raleigh Talus 29 Elite (2013)

Pros

- Fox fork
- Complete Shimano drivetrain and brakes
- Well thought-out frame design

Cons

Not provided.

Review

The Talus 29 Elite is the top of the line alloy bike in Raleigh's 29er hardtail range. With a price below $2,000, it is well placed as a mid-range MTB offering. The Raleigh has some key features which make it a must look option in this crowded section of the market.

The frame is interesting in the rear end, where it features bent chainstays to help with optimizing brake placement, and the use of a 12mm thru axle here is a bonus; this helps keep the rear wheel solidly locked into the frame and assists with stiffness and tracking.

The component choices also rate a mention. First up is the front fork. The Talus comes equipped with a Fox 29 CTD 100mm, with a tapered steer tube and 15mm thru axle. These qualities, combined with a 1.5" lower headset bearing, result in a solid and inspiring front end. The front and rear wheel to frame interfaces will make for a very stiff and confident ride; well suited to a 29er platform that screams to be ridden fast.

Raleigh has a habit of using complete groupsets and here again there are no shortcuts. This is Deore top to toe, including chain and cassette, with a 10 speed shadow derailleur.

Actually, considering the price there is not a lot to fault a bike like the Talus. It ticks many boxes. Perhaps some money was saved with the wheels (particularly the hubs) but for a bike at this level they will perform adequately.

If you are after a good quality, no nonsense hardtail, you would be well served by the Raleigh. With some real top notch components that will not let you down (and don't forget; plenty of change from $2000), there's much to like from the Talus 29 Elite.