Raleigh

Willard 1 Complete Bike - 2016

If the steel Tamland is a bespectacled professor with corduroy sleeve patches and a slightly compliant grading curve, then the 2016 Raleigh Willard 1 Complete Bike is a bright-eyed and mustachioed adjunct chomping at the bit to take on the world. Utilizing the Tamland's laid back geometry and trading out steel for a light aluminum frame and vibration absorbing carbon fork, the Willard is a versatile all-road adventure machine. Raleigh keeps things budget conscious with this build, kitting it out with Shimano's tried and true Sora drivetrain and TRP mechanical disc brakes so you'll cover the route with some cash left in the bank to enjoy a few snacks and beverages along the way.

The Willard's focus on comfort is immediately clear in its curvy lines, a common sight in the industry that helps dampen road vibrations to soften the harsh ride that plagues some other aluminum offerings. Relaxed geometry and a low bottom bracket serve to boost comfort and provide confident handling while staying far away from the aggressive twitchiness of race-specific machines. Front and rear thru-axles further enhance responsiveness, with the added bonus of providing a consistent platform for rotor placement and eliminating the finicky adjustment issues so common in quick release disc brake interfaces. As a final touch, Clement's appropriately named X'Plor tires smooth out the bumps and provide ample traction without slowing things down when the road evens out.