Mud Test: Raleigh RX 2.0, a versatile, entry-level CX bike with top specs

For Canada, Raleigh offers six cyclocross models. In this range, you’ll find two built for women in either aluminum or carbon, both with rim brakes. On the men’s side, there are two carbon-fibre rigs and three alloy models: RXS (belt-drive singlespeed), RX 1.0 and RX 2.0.

The 2.0 is sure to be the bestseller in the lineup due to its well-appointed spec and affordable price tag. At $2,100, only $300 more than the RX 1.0, you get the added benefits of thru axles at front and rear, cable disc brakes by TRP and the rock-solid SRAM Rival groupset. The frame has reportedly been lightened up for this year; the complete bike in 54 cm weighed 21 lb. without pedals. Sizing for the frames starts at 52 cm and increases in 2-cm increments up to 62 cm. This size range definitely caters to a taller set of riders. Conversely, the women’s range comes in three sizes: 48, 50 and 52. At 5-10, I fall right between the 54 and 56 as I found the top tube about 1 cm shy of the claimed 54.5 cm length. The slightly arched top tube makes for extra room and comfort when shouldering the bike, but does decrease standover clearance.

The RX 2.0’s frame offers snappy acceleration, which is matched with quick handling up front, due to the 72-degree head-tube angle and tapered steerer on the carbon fork. The large volume Clement MXP tires, while seemingly too wide to meet UCI regulations, sure smooth out any harshness that an aluminum frame might not be able to address as well as carbon fibre. The frame will easily accept fenders, racks and two bottle cages, so this bike could easily handle commuting or some gravel-road exploration, as well as fall weekends on the ’cross course. It would be nice to see Raleigh route the cables internally as they do on their carbon models instead of on the bottom of the down tube where cables can collect mud and can interfere with picking up the bike when you want to hoist it onto your shoulder. Raleigh smartly chose a 40-tooth chainring and an 11–32 cassette to tame the steepest rideable slope. SRAM offers X-Sync rings in 38- through to 50-tooth to suit your exact needs. So far, the 2.0 is the only bike in the Raleigh CX line to forgo a front derailleur, but with the simplicity and popularity of 1-by drivetrains, that’s sure to change.

The Rival 1 group, tubeless-ready wheels and the bike’s aggressive price are the major selling points of the RX 2.0. It performs as well as much pricier machines with looks to match.

Raleigh RX 2.0

Drivetrain: SRAM Rival
Brakes: TRP Spyre mechanical disc, 160-mm rotor
Wheels: Impulse TL
Sizes: 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62
Price: $2,100
Website: raleigh-canada.ca