This is the result of both the geometry of the bike, the stiffness of the aluminum diamond frame, stiff front fork and the fact that it is a lighter e-bike. It is quiet, light (48Lbs), eager to get going and very willing to turn in. As soon as you get on this bike, you feel that it clicks. I think this is where the Raleigh Redux IE shines. Overall the Raleigh Redux IE geometry is more sporty than the Trek Super Commuter +8S The bike has flat pedals, that were both comfortable and easy to use. The bike does come in different sizes so anybody should be able to find a size that fits their body size and shape. As do the TranzX antishock stem and seat post. The beefer Schwalbe Big Ben (27.5″ x 2″) tires help as well in smoothing out any rougher patches in the road. All this resulted in a sporty but comfortable ride for me. The Selle Royale Shadow saddle is great, handlebars are the right width, grips are not ergonomic but did not give me any problems. For me, the Raleigh Redux IE was a very comfortable bike, even though I am 6’4″ and probably could use a slightly larger frame. It is a little more aerodynamic and puts you more in control of the bike allowing you to ride a tad more aggressive. I do like a more sporty ride and I don’t mind leaning forward a bit more. Well, I guess that is a very personal consideration and one that is also very dependent on where you use your bike. In my last review, I got critiqued by some fellow Dutch countrymen that a real commuter bike should have an upright riding position (and an integrated lock and chainguard, but no derailleur) to provide a more comfort. Of course there is always the aftermarket but still. Those items would make the bike a bit more well-rounded as a commuter’s bike. What I found missing though, are splash guards, a little bell, integrated lights, integrated lock ( VanMoof has a nice solution), and an (optional) pannier rack. It is moved far to the back so that it stays out of the way. I appreciated the nicely integrated kickstand with adjustable length. However, if things get too muddy, it could get slippery. It also has somewhat wider and fatter tires than your typical road bike and they do provide adequate grip on both asphalt and gravel road. Well, the Redux IE comes with a 10-speed derailleur, which certainly helps with both uphill and downhill sections, you may encounter. rain or shine, uphill or downhill, asphalt or gravel road, during the day or the night.
Personally, I liked the matte black paint with the black Raleigh logo and the metallic blue accents, but that may be a matter of personal taste. It is a well-built, stiff, light-weight aluminum frame (AL-6061 Custom Butted Aluminum, City Geometry) with integrated wiring and all the components, such as brake levers with adjustable reach, gear shifter, display, grips, etc. The Raleigh does not feel fragile or flimsy however. It feels a little less rugged than the Trek Super Commuter +8S, but that one was heavy and built like a tank. The Redux IE is a light-weight electric commuter bike. How does this Raleigh e-bike do in that department? With that out of the way, let’s get started with the review.Īny commuter bike is going to get used a lot in various conditions and needs to be able to withstand the abuse. We will have this particular bike for some time and we will use it as the benchmark for similar style bikes. Is it perfect? No, it is not… but it gets as close as I’ve yet seen. Of course, there may be better bikes ( more expensive?) and there may be cheaper bikes (lower quality?), but I think the Raleigh Redux IE hits the sweet spot in the range of commuter-style e-bikes. It is agile, nimble and above all fun to ride. I’m not sure if it is the geometry, the rigid aluminum frame or the combination of all the components working together, but when you get on this bike, it simply works.