Raleigh C40
This page is archival for reference only, to the obsolete and discontinued Amerian made Raleigh C40 model bicycle

Remember the classic British 3speeds from Raleigh? Here's the modern equivalent bike with nice comfy high handlebars for good vision and visibility on traffic, medium-width tires about the same width as the older Sports model and Raleigh's new shock seatpost with a modern scoop-center gel seat.

Of course there's current 8-speed rear shifting and a wide range triple front with Shimano's comfortable twist shifter but there's more. There's a full selection of sizes from 15 inches to 23 (riders from just under 5 feet to about 6'3") and two sizes of "open" or ladies' frames too. Colors right now are this steel grey or a sedate deep blue.

Did you own a "sport ten speed" in the '70s? Here's the wider tire and higher handlebar you didn't get then and positive two-finger braking. The saddle is also completely unlike the skinny hard things we had then.

Some designers have made "comfort bikes" this year by modifying a mountain bike with fat smooth tires. That works, I guess, but touring size wheels are much lighter, they roll faster and the bike handles more lightly. I'd rather climb a hill with these than a fat mountain bike tire any day.

Since the C40 works so well for around-town trips and riding to work, rear carrier mounts are built in.

Raleigh welds a kickstand mount so if you like 'em we'll add it in a minute. My favorite new feature the past few years is

the rubber insert in the pedal so I can ride to the bank to get change in leather shoes.

From Raleigh's Seattle design team, it's an aluminum frame with tough Aluminum rims and still just $399. We sell more Raleigh C40 bikes than any other model. You should come ride one even if you aren't looking for a new bike right now. Maybe your neighbor wants one and you could borrow it. These bikes are just fun! Click here to buy one now!

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Update for 2003: