Raleigh have had a long association with the cycling sport, most notably in 1980 when a rider from their team took out the coveted Tour de France crown.

The British road bike company is back yet again, bigger and stronger in 2009 with one of the best middle priced ranged bikes on the market, the Raleigh Supercourse.

Priced at somewhere between the $1500 - $2000 price range, the Supercourse is one of the best carbon framed bikes you will find for this price.

It uses the similar frame Raleigh uses in its to range designs, making it surprisingly zippy on the flat road and quite punchy when cycling up the hills.

The Supercourse also comes equipped with FSA’s compact handlebars, often seen in the top range bikes, which offer an easy reach to the drop while maintaining wrist clearance.

While there are some complaints that the frame can be heavy at times and has some average components, you will find it hard to get your hands on a carbon frame like this for so cheap.

The Super course is a comfortable ride, which handles quite well and is quite good at absorbing shock and a lot of the average parts of the bike, such as the weight and the average components, are easily upgraded.

It is a perfect buy for the beginner professional who is steadily working up the ranks, as they can upgrade as they progress, it is also at an affordable price to leave them with enough money for entry fees throughout the year.

All in all, the Raleigh Supercourse is a great value buy and a perfect bike for a rider ready to take the next step in road cycling.

SPECS:

# Frame: ACE Evolution Direct Connect Carbon
# Fork: Easton EC70 Carbon w/ Alloy Steer Tube
# Derailleur: (F) Shimano Tiagra (R) Shimano 105
# Cranks: Truvativ Touro Compact 34/50t
# Shifter: Shimano Tiagra 9spd
# Wheels: Shimano R500