Are you looking for the ultimate hybrid bike? Then you’ll find this Raleigh Cadent 2 review to be helpful.
The truth is that we all want a hybrid bike with a more upright geometry, powerful fork, fast-rolling tires, and reliable brakes. We also want it to be effective both off-road and on-road.
That, without a doubt, describes the Raleigh Cadent 2. An improvement of the previous model (Raleigh Cadent 1), Raleigh Cadent 2 is more of an entry-level bike but a fantastic choice for city riding, commuting, and even fitness cycling.
It comes in an irresistible sporty frame and enjoys powerful Shimano EM Fire shifters and multi-gears to take on the steeps and long roads.
Its seat and mid-rise handlebar offer you exceptional comfort, while its steel road fork promises maximum bump absorption.
In general, you’ll love the practicality of this hybrid bike and adore its aesthetic. Given that it is a unisex choice and comes in five different sizes, Raleigh Cadent 2 is a must-have at home.
But should you get this hybrid bike? This cadent 2 review will answer that.
Raleigh Cadent 2 Review – Bike Overview
| Bike Type | Hybrid |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Fork | Steel Rod |
| Drivetrain | Shimano |
| Wheel Size | 700c |
| Bike Seat | Steel Rail Seat |
| Gear Number | 21 |
| Shifters | Shimano EN Fire 7-Speed |
| Pedals | Alloy Body and Cage |
| Brake | Linear Pull V-Brakes |
| Extras | Fender and Rack |
Who Is Raleigh Cadent 2 Intended For?
Raleigh Cadent 2 is designed for four categories of people:
- City cyclists – This bicycle comes with fast-rolling tires to move fast on urban roads. Plus, it enjoys powerful brakes for speed control in the streets.
- Commuters – The bike is fast and has powerful gears to take on an array of terrains. The fact that it comes with fenders and rack mounts makes it a good commuter choice.
- Beginner cyclists – Raleigh Cadent 2 is an entry-level cycle. It’s easier to ride and highly comfortable off-road and on-road.
- Fitness cyclists – With its powerful gears and robust wheels, Raleigh Cadent 2 is excellent for exercises. You can ride it off-road or on-road for fitness reasons.
Overall, it’s worth noting that Raleigh Cadent 2 is a unisex adult bike. It comes in five sizes (that I’ll highlight later) to suit adults between 5’1” and 6’4” tall.
What Makes Raleigh Cadent 2 A Great Hybrid Bike? Best Features
Generally, these features make Raleigh Cadent 2 the best hybrid bike:
- Heat-Treated Aluminum Frame
The Raleigh Cadent 2 urban fitness bike comes in a heat-treated aluminum frame that improves its strength and durability.
The fact that the aluminum frame is heat-treated means it resists rusting. It also means that the bike can take on the outdoor ruggedness.
And knowing that aluminum is lightweight, the frame makes the bike lightweight, thus great for commuting.
Overall, you need a heavy-duty but lightweight commuter or city bike, and that’s what you get from Cadent 2.
- Steel Rod Fork
Going through the bumps is never easy. It can get very uncomfortable, more especially over a long distance. So, as a commuter cyclist, your bike should have a shock-absorbing mechanism.
On such a mechanism is a fork, and luckily, Cadent 2 features a steel road fork. The fork promises to smoothen out the bumps as you negotiate the uncomfortable terrains.
- Powerful Linear Pull V-Brakes
One thing that you’ve to prioritize as an urban cyclist or commuter is a powerful brake system. Raleigh Cadent 2, fortunately, doesn’t disappoint in that aspect.
Its linear pull v-brakes (Tektro v-brakes) offer you better speed control at all times.
- Fast-Rolling Vie 700c Tires
You want to ride fast and smoothly on urban roads. You also want a more cushioned ride off-road. That’s only possible with large, fast-rolling tires.
Remarkably, Cadent 2’s 700c Vie tires promote that. They absorb extra bumps, roll fast on paved roads, and offer you extra stability off-road.
Overall, the 700c tires are a part of why this bike is very comfortable to ride.
More Features
- Ergonomic Mid-Rise Handlebar
How do you tell an ergonomic handlebar? It should put you in a more forward and more upright position. Right? It should also allow you to stand up flexibly and speed up, I believe.
Well, that’s what you get from Cadent 2’s handlebar. With its 31.8 flat bar enjoying a 1.5mm rise, you relish better bike control. Even better, the handlebar comes with comfort grips to improve your hand comfort.
- Powerful Shimano 7-Speed Shifters and 21-Gears
It’s much easier to take on steeper roads and longer ones when your bike has powerful gears and shifters.
With Cadent 2’s 21 gears and 7-speed Shimano shifters, it’s easier to take on an array of terrains and long trips. Off-road, this Raleigh hybrid bike gives you a mountain bike cycling experience.
- Comfortable Seat
Without a comfortable seat, it’s hard to enjoy your ride or cycle long-distance.
Remarkably, you don’t have to worry about your seat pressing you when you get Raleigh Cadent 2.
That’s because its steel rail seat comes adequately padded to reduce butt pain. The seat shape also promotes optimal comfort, and its seat post is adjustable to match your comfort preference.
- Fender and Rack Mounts
You want your commuter bike not to allow dirt or mud to splash on your when cycling. You also want it to enable you to carry some load.
Well, Raleigh Cadent 2 comes with both fenders and a rack that you can mount. The fenders will protect you from mud and dirt, while the rack will carry your load.
And More
- Bike Aesthetic
Raleigh Cadent 2 comes in a sporty geometry that makes it comfortable to ride and very attractive. Besides, it’s available in stylish red, gray, and all-black color choices to suit cyclists with varying tastes.
- Wide Range of Sizes
Raleigh Bikes, the manufacturer, understands that riders come in varying heights, which means they need different bike heights.
That’s why Cadent 2 comes in five sizes, as shown in the table below.
| Bike Size | Recommended Height |
| X-Small | 5’1”-5’4” |
| Small | 5’4”-5’7” |
| Medium | 5’7”-5’10” |
| Large | 5’10”-6’1” |
| X-Large | 6’1”-6’4” |
Raleigh Cadent 2 Review – Pros and Cons
Things I Like About Raleigh Cadent 2 – The Pros
- The bike’s heat-treated aluminum frame enhances its strength and overall durability
- Its steel road fork absorbs bumps to offer you a more cushioned ride
- Its linear pull v-brakes provide you with better speed control
- Cadent 2 is generally lightweight (about 26 pounds), thanks to its aluminum frame
- Its large, fast-rolling wheels give it a more comfortable ride
- The bike comes in a wide range of sizes, and it’s unisex
- It enjoys powerful gears and shifters
- Raleigh Cadent 2 price is pocket-friendly, making the bike a budget choice
- It’s a decent entry-level cycle that works both off-road and on-road
Things I Don’t Like About Raleigh Cadent 2 – The Cons
- The brakes sometimes produce a rubbing sound
- The handlebar stem is non-adjustable
- Its tires are not puncture-resistant
Raleigh Cadent 2 Alternatives
Regarding the best Raleigh Cadent 2 alternatives, I have to recommend Raleigh Cadent 1 and Raleigh Cadent 3 available on Amazon.
All three hybrid bikes are perfect for urban cycling, commuting, fitness biking, and entry-level cycling.
They have some resemblances, such as an aluminum frame, fast-rolling 700c tires, and linear-pull v brakes.
The Raleigh Cadent 2, however, stands out in its ease of use, powerful features, and comfort.
Raleigh Cadent Review FAQs
1. What Is The Weight Limit Of The Raleigh Cadent 2?
According to the manufacturer, the weight limit of Raleigh Cadent 2 is 350 pounds. That covers the rider’s weight and load.
So, if you weigh less than 300-pounds, you should be able to carry a few stuff on the bike when commuting.
2. Can I Get Spare Parts For Cadent 2?
Yes, you can find cadent 2 spare parts either online or in most local bike shops. It’s essential, however, that you confirm the spare part type and size before buying it.
3. Does The Bike Come With A Kickstand?
Unfortunately, Raleigh Cadent 2 does not come with a kickstand. If you want a kickstand, then you’ll have to buy it and mount it on the bike.
4. Is This Bicycle For Both Men And Women?
Raleigh Cadent 2 comes in a perfect geometry to allow both men and women to ride it. Its color choices are also more unisex, and it’s available in different sizes to suit different adults, regardless of gender.
Relevant Post:
Verdict – Should You Get Raleigh Cadent 2?
It’s irrefutable that Cadent 2 has a few issues, as seen in this Raleigh Cadent 2 review. But other than its non-adjustable stem, non-puncture-resistant tires, and sometimes noisy brakes, there isn’t much to complain about.
The bike is beginner-friendly, highly comfortable, powerful off-road, and fast on-road. Moreover, its price is budget-friendly, and it comes in an array of sizes, suiting both genders.
What else can you ask from a hybrid bike? Indeed, it’s the ultimate bicycle for urban cycling, commuting, fitness training, and entry-level cycling.