Raleigh Tourist

11 reasons not to buy

• The frame is a low-grade, Hi-Ten steel that adds weight and absorbs less vibration than chromoly.

• A large percentage of Tourist owners received bent or crushed fenders. Other damage included scuffing, cracked paintwork and damage to the rear derailleur.

• The pedals did not impress and apparently did not spin freely.

• More than one consumer felt the Tourist was overpriced.

• The stock tires actually measure 50mm, but are supposedly 45mm. They were a difficult squeeze under the fenders.

• Assembly was not the easiest. Owners said that the bike needed a lot of adjustment and that instructions were generic.

• The saddle’s springs were not functional and did not offer any suspension.

• Packaging was often described as inadequate. For some buyers, tools roamed free in the box. One owner returned a heavily scratched bike, only to receive another with scratches.

• The Tourist is a husky boy, at almost 36 pounds.

• From customer reports, it seems that sizes run large, with owners wishing they’d ordered a smaller bike.

• The grip-shifter was disliked by some cyclists.