Price: £1,500
Frame: 6061 double-butted alloy
Gears: SRAM Apex 1
Brakes: Spyre disc
When was the last time you saw a purple bike? Probably some time back in the 70s. But there is nothing dated about this Mustang. It’s one of Raleigh’s most enduring models and is back by popular demand. The real appeal of the adventure bike is that it can seamlessly blend road performance with off-road ability. It’s as happy on tarmac as it is on trails. This is thanks to the capable geometry which combines a longer wheel base with a relaxed head angle, making the bike feel stable and more comfortable than a traditional roadie.
The Raleigh Mustang range comes in three levels, all featuring durable aluminium 6061 double-butted alloy frames, and new for the latest range, 700c x 36c tyres which have a wide footprint giving greater grip on lots of terrain types. The entry level Mustang Sport features the Shimano Claris groupset coupled with the FSA Adventure chainset with low gears to help riders hit the hills off-road. The Mustang Elite brings the SRAM Apex 1 gears coupled with a single chain ring for the ultimate in simplicity. The powerful Spyre disc brakes make stopping sure and smooth. The top of the range Mustang Comp also features the SRAM Apex 1 gears, but is coupled with the SRAM HRD shift lever that integrates the hydraulic braking system with the double tap 11-speed shifter to make braking secure and shifting accurate. Taking the towpath or short cut through the woods, dealing with pot holes and shooting across the tarmac has never been so simple. On a Mustang, you’ll always be looking for the scenic route (raleigh.co.uk).
Be safe - and be seen
A new bike deserves a new lock. It’s estimated that more than 100,000 bikes are stolen every year in London alone, yet bike security is still something so many of us leave to chance. Locking up your bike on the street is one thing, but you should also always lock it if you leave it in your back garden or in a shed. Just because it’s out of sight doesn’t mean they won’t get it.
Hiplok has been making tough and very durable locks for years. The company’s “wearable” security means that rather than lugging a heavy chain in your backpack or letting it rattle and scrape against your top tube, you can slip it round your waist. It’s remarkable how quickly you forget it’s there. Hiplok has a patented fastening system which allows you to adjust the lock to fit your waist, too, so it isn’t only the slim hipsters who can wear their locks. It will fit waists between 28in and 44in.
Now Hiplok has added the Superbright to its Original line up, featuring an ultra-reflective sleeve along the length of the lock, this means that when cycling in the dark you are highly visible and highly secure. The chain itself is 8mm hardened premium steel. If that doesn’t keep your pride and joy safe, almost nothing will.
The lock costs £69.99 and is available from Hiplok. It weighs 1.8 kg; has three keys; and a locking circumference of 85cm.
If you have your bike stolen and live in the London area, check bikeshd. It scans websites offering secondhand bikes, so you can search for your particular model. You might get lucky. Findthatbike offers a similar service in the capital and the rest of country. Another website worth looking at is Stolen Ride.
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
