For those looking for an all-around, everyday commuter bike, the Raleigh Cadent 2 Urban Fitness Bike is a top-contender. It’s a fairly affordable for the price. It’s also a unisex bike, so it’s suitable for both male and female riders. And, there are five sizes, from x-small to x-large, so you can find a bike that’s suitable for your weight and frame.
In this Raleigh Cadent 2 Urban Fitness Bike review we’ll cover some design aspects, bike riding capabilities, and the pros and cons of choosing this, versus another bike.
Bike overview
Let’s start with a basic breakdown of the bike’s design. It’s available in x-small through x-large sizes. The xsmall is rated for riders 5’1’’ to 5’4’’ and the x-large for riders 6’1’’ to 6’4’’ in height. Additionally, it has a weight capacity (for all frame sizes) of 275 pounds, plus an additional 10 pounds for cargo if you carry items around while biking, for a total of 285 pounds.
The bike arrives pre-assembled (about 85%) and you’ll have to affix the seat, and a few other components before you’re ready to ride. So, it doesn’t require much technical knowledge, but you can expect to take between 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on your capabilities with the tools/instructions. To assemble it you’ll need a Philips screwdriver and multi-spanner, and Allen keys, all come with your bike. It has an aluminum frame and SR Suntour cranks. The bike also features a fender mount and a full-rack mount.
The Tires, Gears & Brakes
The Raleigh Cadent 2 features a Tektro Novela mechanical braking system. If you’re riding on slick roads or maneuvering on different surfaces during your ride, you’ll have greater control when you slam the brakes. If you’re riding in a heavily-trafficked area, you also have greater stopping power with these mechanical brakes, if you need to stop immediately for any reason. They don’t require much maintenance either.
The bike also features:
- 24-speed gear setting adjustment options
- Shimano EZ tourney fire shifters
- Three front gears and eight rear gear options
- Front and rear reflectors keep you safe on the road
What about the tires? They’re 700c double-walled wheels. This size ensures stability, smooth turning, and traction, and the wheels won’t deflate as quickly as others. They’re also 35c wide, which is a little wider than most hybrid tires (usually about 30c). The tires are ideal for trail riding, long commutes, off-road conditions, and virtually any type of road conditions you put them up against.
The Bike’s Frame
This bike has a frame made of aluminum and it’s lightweight, so you feel easy riding on varying terrains. The hybrid bike is great for flat roads, minimum bumps, twists, turns, and can handle a few uphill slopes. It also has flat handlebars; so, if you prefer riding in an upright position, and don’t want to keep your back bent over while riding, you’ll appreciate the design and placement of the handlebars. You can easily see what’s in front of you, without having to remain bent over while steering.
If you’re a distance rider, you’ll like the comfort of the seat as well. It’s padded, and you can easily tackle a 50-mile ride, without skipping a beat. Want to go longer? You will like the feel and sturdy weight balancing this bike delivers, allowing you to ride long distances, without feeling stress/strain on your body. The bike’s frame is rugged, bright, and gives it a sporty appearance, without being overly flashy.
Customer Reviews: The Pros & Cons
We like to include information about the customer’s experience with the bike, so you can get a better idea of handling and usability. These are some of the best/the worst aspects customers indicate, regarding the Cadent 2 hybrid bike.
Pros
- The overall stability and control
- The wider tires allow you to maintain balance and stability on wet or dry surfaces
- The bike has front and rear reflectors and also has two water bottle mounts
- The wide range of sizing options is perfect, no matter what a biker’s height
- The 285-pound capacity (+/-) is suitable for nearly anyone looking for a hybrid bike
- Fast riding on concrete grass, mud, and other riding surfaces
- The frame is durable, yet lightweight; it isn’t going to weigh you down when climbing uphill on longer rides
- You can easily take a 50-mile ride, without straining your back, neck, or shoulders
- The flat handlebar design and upright seat position, ensure perfect posture while riding
- The price is reasonable, although it’s not the cheapest hybrid bike; for the multiple shifting options, larger wheel size, quality frame and construction, and overall usability, it is fairly priced in a competitive market
- You can assemble it yourself or take it to a bike shop to have them assemble it for you (it’s 85% assembled upon arrival, so there isn’t much work for you to do when you receive the new bike)
- There’s little adjustment necessary with the handlebars and seat height since there are so many sizes (x-small through x-large) for you to choose from, so the bike is fairly in line for the rider’s height upon arrival
Cons
A couple of drawbacks customers noted were:
- The seat is padded, but not as comfortable as some other models/bikes
- Some people will find assembly difficult and the instructions difficult to follow
- It can take some people up to a couple of hours to assemble the bike
Is the Cadent 2 a Good Buy?
We believe so! It’s reasonably priced, the Raleigh Cadent 2 Urban Fitness Bike is also solidly built. It’s not the cheapest, but a solid frame, structure, and size that’s suited for nearly any biker, makes this hybrid bike one that most bikers will love from the moment they set off on a ride. It’s great for long or short rides, on varying terrains, and is built to withstand heavy weight capacities. If you’re looking for an everyday commuter bike, we think this is a great unisex option for those who want stability, superior riding comfort, and a bike that will last for many years to follow.