If your idea of a fun day is going biking in hilly terrains, choose a hardtail mountain bike. It can provide more pedaling efficiency and handles rough trails like a pro. The Raleigh Talus 2 Recreational Mountain Bike specifically stands out given all its features.
In this review, you will find a detailed and unbiased overview of the Raleigh bike. Read on to learn why it’s highly recommended out of all the hardtail mountain bikes in the market today.
Specifications and Features
The Raleigh Talus 2 bike comes with five sizing options from extra small to extra large. Make sure to check the following specifications to ensure a good fit for your height.
- Extra Small: Best for those 5′ to 5’3″ in height
- Small: 5’3″ to 5’6″
- Medium: 5’6″ to 5’9”
- Large: 5’9″ to 6′
- Extra Large: 6′ to 6’4″
Highlighted Features
- Type: Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Frame Material: Lightweight Aluminum
- Frame Geometry: Upright
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Wheel size: 27.5″ for Extra Small and Small; 29″ for Medium, Large and Extra Large
- Rims: Weinmann XTB 27.5″
- Brake: Tektro M280 Mechanical Disc Brake
- Speed: 21 speeds
- Shifter: Shimano EF500 3×7 Speed Trigger Shifter
- Cranks: Shimano Tourney
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY500
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY300
- Fork: SR Suntour XCE28 100mm Travel with Preload Adjuster
- Tires: 2.25 in wide knobby tires
- Color: Black and red
- Chain: KMXZ-7
- Rims: Alloy MTB 32 Hole
- Spokes: Steel J-Bend
- Saddle: Raleigh MTB
Core Features and Advantages
The Talus 2.0 Mountain Bike comes with all the essential features of an ideal hardtail bike. It is versatile and lighter than a full-suspension bike. The quality of the frame and other parts make it suitable for use in all terrains.
Frame
The well-built aluminum frame keeps the bike strong and durable even when you ride it on challenging mountain trails or rocky terrains. It is lightweight, making it easy for you to maneuver the bike even on more difficult trails. The frame material makes this one of the mountain bikes that are easy to maintain, as it doesn’t rust as easily as a steel frame.
Suspension Fork
The suspension fork is an important consideration when it comes to buying a hardtail mountain bike. Since the hardtail doesn’t have the advantages of full-suspension bikes, the front suspension must be easy to operate.
Experts and rough riders alike prefer a hardtail rather than a full-suspension mountain bike. It is advisable to do your research to understand the advantages of hardtail mountain bikes over full suspension ones.
In Raleigh Talus 2.0, the Suntour Suspension Fork enables you to easily handle rocks and pebbles on the trail, as well as stray roots and other obstacles on your way.
Smooth Shifting and Effective Braking System
The Shimano EF500 3×7 Speed Shifter gives you a seamless shifting experience. It helps you maintain speed and have a better grip without moving your hand a lot. The braking system, coupled with Tektro M280 Mechanical Disc, allows you to handle the bike with comfort even when you are riding it on steep hilly trails or other challenging surfaces.
Performance
The bike’s performance is excellent. The sturdy alloy frame, reliable components, upscale design, adequate front suspension, smooth shifting, and efficient braking system makes the bicycle perform well in different situations.
Progressive Wheel Sizing Option and Alloy Rims
The Talus 2 Bicycle offers a progressive wheel sizing option, so bikers can choose a wheel size that matches their height. This sizing option allows you to select different sizes of wheels. The lightweight alloy rims help you ride up the mountains while steel rims in many mountain bikes keep the weight in check.
The 27.5-inch wide wheels make it easier to roll over a wide range of terrains, uneven trails, and bumpy roads.
5 Varieties of Size
Raleigh offers five different sizes of this Talus 2 recreational bike model, ranging from extra small to extra large. Shorter bikers won’t have a problem using this hardtail bike, and taller riders too will find the best fit.
Usability
The bike is suitable for riding on challenging surfaces. As a hardtail bike, it gives you an enjoyable and smooth riding experience on rocky paths, hilly terrains, and mountain trails.
Aside from being good in the trails, however, you can also turn this sports bike into a regular commuter bicycle by mounting fenders and a rear rack. It’s easy to add these components as the bike comes with built-in eyelets for holding the features.
For Whom is It
The five different sizing options and the progressive wheel sizing option make the bike fit for most bike lovers. However, this is a special bike for those who want to ride hard and have some cycling adventures outside the city.
Pros
The hardtail bicycle has many exciting features for adventure lovers. Here are notable advantages of the Raleigh Talus 2 bike.
- Durable frame and components make it suitable for riding on rough terrains.
- Five different sizes fit users of different heights.
- The built-in eyelets make it easy to mount a rear rack and fenders, thereby turning the mountain bike into a commuter bike.
- The progressive wheel sizing option gets you tires that match your size.
- The travel fork of 100 mm and grippy tires of 2.25 inches empower you to tackle hard trails.
- The Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes give you more control over your bicycle, even on bumpy roads.
- Shimano 21 shifter boosts your speed and increases comfort.
Cons
The beginning of your Talus 2 journey can be disappointing if you don’t know how to assemble mountain bikes because it comes with the following setbacks.
- Around 15% of the bike components come to you unassembled, and you cannot assemble it unless you have the skills. You may need to spend extra dollars on getting it ready for use.
Conclusion
A hardtail bike is great for those who need a little excitement in their lives outside of work. If riding hilly and rocky trails on weekends is your idea of fun, buy a hardtail bicycle. It can take on even mountain tracks, giving you that adrenaline rush you want and need.
The Raleigh Talus 2 bike meets all the needs of a mountain bike and a road bike. Feel free to check out other budget friendly mountain bikes.
The durable, lightweight, and large wheels of this Raleigh hardtail enable you to maneuver all types of terrain. The sturdy frame allows you to ride it anywhere safely.
Different sizing options are available so you can choose the one that best fits you. All these features make the Raleigh Talus 2 Hardtail Mountain Bike your best choice for your weekend bike adventures.
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