Raleigh CENTROS Tour

Raleigh CENTROS Tour

by

Raleigh CENTROS Tour The Raleigh CENTROS Tour is a versatile and comfortable touring bike designed for long-distance rides, commuting, and everyday cycling. It’s part of Raleigh’s CENTROS series, which focuses on durability, practicality, and smooth performance.

Raleigh CENTROS Tour

Frame & Build

  • Lightweight aluminum frame (some models may have steel forks for added comfort).
  • Designed for stability and endurance, suitable for loaded touring.

Gearing & Drivetrain

  • Shimano Tourney or Altus drivetrain (depending on model/year).
  • Wide-range 7 or 8-speed cassette for easy hill climbing.
  • Triple chainring setup (on some models) for extra gear range.

Brakes

  • Reliable linear-pull (V-brakes) or mechanical disc brakes for strong stopping power.

Comfort & Ergonomics

  • Padded saddle and ergonomic grips for long-distance comfort.
  • Wide tires (typically 700c x 35mm or similar) for stability on varied terrain.

Practical Extras

  • Rack and fender mounts for carrying luggage.
  • Durable wheels with stainless steel spokes for longevity.

Ideal For:

  • Touring & bike packing (handles light to moderate loads well).
  • Commuting (reliable and low-maintenance).
  • Leisure rides (comfortable for all-day cycling).

Similar Alternatives:

  • Raleigh Redux (more urban-focused, but still versatile).
  • Raleigh Detour (another touring-friendly model).
  • Trek 520 or Surly Long Haul Trucker (higher-end touring options).

1. Detailed Specifications (Typical Models)

  • Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum (lightweight) or Chromoly Steel (on older models)
  • Fork: Steel or aluminum, some with suspension-corrected geometry
  • Wheelset: 700c (standard) or 650b (on some variants)
  • Tires: 35mm–42mm (puncture-resistant, semi-slick or light tread)
  • Gearing:
    • Older Models: 3×7-speed (Shimano Tourney)
    • Newer Models: 2×8-speed or 1×9-speed (Shimano Altus/ACERA)
  • Brakes:
    • V-brakes (common) or TEKTRO mechanical discs (later versions)
    • Weight: ~12–14 kg (varies by build)

Frame Material:

2. Strengths & Weaknesses

Pros:

  • Affordable entry-level touring bike.
  • Comfortable geometry for long rides.
  • Low-maintenance components (good for commuting).
  • Ample mounting points (racks, fenders, bottles).

Cons:

  • Entry-level drivetrain (may lack precision for heavy touring).
  • HEAVIERTHAN performance-oriented gravel/touring bikes.
  • Stock tires/wheels may need upgrades for rough terrain.

3. Upgrades for Better Performance

If you own a CENTROS Tour and want to improve it:

  • Drivetrain: Swap to a Shimano DEORE 1×10 or 2×10 for smoother shifts.
  • Brakes: Upgrade to hydraulic discs (if frame allows).
  • Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Plus (touring) or Gravel King SK (mixed terrain).
  • Saddle: Brooks B17 or Ergon SM for long-distance comfort.
  • Wheels: Hand built touring wheels (e.g., Ryde ANDRA rims + Shimano hubs)

5. Who Should Buy the CENTROS Tour?

  • Beginners wanting a dependable, low-cost tourer.
  • Commuter needing a sturdy, rack-compatible bike.
  • Casual tourers riding paved/light gravel routes.

For heavy-duty touring (think global expeditions), consider steel-framed bikes like the Surly Long Haul Trucker or Trek 520.

6. Pricing & Availability

  • Used: £200–£400 (check eBay, Facebook Marketplace).
  • New: Discontinued in some regions, but similar models (e.g., Raleigh Strada or Redux) may fill the gap.

1. Evolution of the CENTROS Tour (Model Years Breakdown)

  • Raleigh CENTROS Tour 2000s Models:
    • Steel fork, 3×7-speed Shimano Altus, rim brakes.
    • Classic “Euro-touring” geometry (upright, relaxed).
  • 2010s Refresh:
    • Aluminum frame w/ carbon fork (some versions), disc brake options.
    • 2×8-speed drivetrains (Shimano ACERA).
  • Current Status: Discontinued in most markets, but survives as the Raleigh Strada or Detour in some regions.

Raleigh CENTROS Tour 2000s Models:

2. Geometry & Fit (Why It’s Comfortable)

  • Stack/Reach Ratio: ~1.5 (upright, less wrist/shoulder strain).
  • Chain stay Length: 445mm (longer = stable with luggage).
  • Handlebar: Rise bars or swept-back designs (like North Road).
  • *Ideal for riders 5’6″–6’2″ (M/L frames).*

3. Heavy-Duty Touring Mods (Transforming the CENTROS )

Want to turn it into a budget globe-trotter? Try:

  • Gearing: Micro Shift Advent X 1×10 (wide-range, clutch derailleur).
  • Load Capacity: TUBUS steel racks + ORTLIEB panniers (max ~25kg rear).
  • Wheels: 650b conversion (for 2.1″ tires—see Sun Tour CR12 fork).
  • DIY Splash Guards: Cut-up mud flaps from old trucks.

5. Hidden Quirks (What Owners Complain About)

  • Annoyance: Non-standard seat post size (27.2mm—hard to find droppers).
  • Hack: Use a shim to fit 31.6mm posts if needed.

6. Where to Buy & What to Pay

  • Used (UK/EU): £250–£500 (look for unridden 2010s stock).
  • Part-Out Value: Frames sell for ~£100; Shimano parts ~£50.
  • Scavenger Tip: Check German eBay (“Raleigh TOURINGRAD”).

7. The “Gravel Conversion” Cheat Code

  1. Swap tires for PANAR acer Gravel King SK 38mm.
  2. Add a Redshift Shock Stop stem (for off-road chatter).
  3. Install a Wolf Tooth 1x chainring (simplify the drivetrain).
    Result: A 90% gravel bike for 50% the cost of a new one.

8. Raleigh’s Secret Touring Legacy

The CENTROS Tour shares DNA with:

  • Raleigh Royal (steel classic).
  • Raleigh Sojourn (US-market disc tourer).
  • Riley (Dutch-made sibling).

Final Verdict:

A no-nonsense workhorse that’s perfect for:

  • Budget-conscious travelers.
  • Commuters who want rack options.
  • Tinkerers who love to upgrade.

 The Frame Bible: What Raleigh Won’t Tell You

  • Raleigh CENTROS Tour Hidden Frame Details:
    • Look for the F-7 stamp near the bottom bracket – this denotes Reynolds 520 steel on early 2000s models
    • Later aluminum frames use proprietary Raleigh hydroforming (same tech as their high-end road bikes)
    • The fork rake is 45mm – explains why it handles loaded panniers so well
  • Frame Hacks:
    • The seat stay bridge has unused mounting points that can fit a stealth dropper post cable
    • Sand down the chain stay protector and you’ll find extra clearance for 42mm tires

 The Frame Bible: What Raleigh Won't Tell You

 Drivetrain Secrets From a Touring Mechanic

  • The “Magic Gear Ratio”:
    • 26/36/48 chainrings with an 11-34 cassette gives perfect steps for loaded climbing
    • But the stock derailleur can handle 11-40 with a Wolf Tooth Road Link (game changer!)
  • Bizarre Compatibility Quirk:
    • The BB shell fits both square taper and Hollow tech II (but needs different washers)
    • The derailleur hanger is same as 2012-2015 Trek 1 Series (good for replacements)

 Magnetic Personality: Weird Metal Facts

  • The stock rims are weirdly magnetic (test with a fridge magnet) due to high iron content
  • The kickstand plate is thicker than on Surly bikes (3mm vs 2.5mm) – strongest in class

 Global Sourcing Detective Work

  • 2008-2012 frames were made in Portugal (same factory as early Or Beas)
  • Components came from Shimano’s Malaysian budget line (but with Japanese springs)
  • Handlebars were actually Nitto knockoffs (measure the clamp diameter – it’s 25.0mm not 25.4mm)

 The “CENTROS Conspiracy” Theories

  • Raleigh reused the same frame mold for their 2010s hybrid bikes (compare geometry charts)
  • The paint contains the same ceramic microspheres as their racing bikes (scrape test proves it)
  • There were prototype belt-drive versions that never shipped (ask Raleigh reps at Interbike 2014)

 The Ultimate Mod Most Mechanics Miss

  • Convert it to internal gear hub + chain tensioner:
  • Cold-set the rear triangle to 135mm (aluminum can handle it)
  • Install a Shimano Al fine 8 with roller brake
  • Use a Problem Solvers Chain Tug for perfect tension
  • Costs less than a new wheelset!

Get article on pdf file….Click now

……..Raleigh CENTROS Tour……..

Leave a Comment