Bike test: Raleigh Strada 8

The 8 is the top bike in Raleigh’s Strada range of ‘street’ hybrids. Its defining feature is its SRAM G8 hub gear, which has ratios of 60.9, 71, 80.3, 90.3, 105.4, 120.4, 135.5 and 158.1%, a total range of 260%. That compares to a range of 307% for a Shimano Alfine 8.

At 2,088g, the hub is about half a kilo heavier than the Alfine. It’s significantly draggier too. Apart from first and second, all gears operate through two stages; the treacliness is tangible. SRAM recently discontinued it, citing market conditions.

My dissatisfaction with the hub rather soured my attitude to the bike. That’s a shame, as the Strada Eight has its good points. The Avid DB1 hydraulic disc brakes are a sound choice for an urban bike, and the Schwalbe Spicer tyres roll well; I’d only want them wider than 700x30C for improved comfort.

The butted aluminium frame and fork are nice enough, with a rock-solid set of adjustable rear dropouts, plus fittings for mudguards and racks. Guards and rack(s) aren’t provided – annoying on a street bike, especially when Raleigh have treated us to a Hebie Chainglider.

Genesis’s Borough costs the same as this and includes mudguards, a rear rack, and an Alfine 8 hub, while Cube’s Travel SL RF has all those things and dynohub lighting. Raleigh tells me that the company will be revising the Strada range for 2016. I’ll be interested to see what they come back with.

Raleigh Strada 8

Pros

• Chainguard

Cons

• Heavy, draggy hub
• No mudguards, rack, or lights

Cost: £850

Sizes: 16, 18, 21in

Weight (18in): 12.5kg inc pedals

First published in Cycle magazine, June/July 2015 issue. All information correct at time of publishing.