Raleigh Velocite

[Michael Sims]

I just wondered if anyone else is having the same problems as I am with my bike. I bought a a Velocite exactly two years ago, impressed by the critics' reviews and by the odd feedback report from new owners. Although I was originally thrilled by the bike, I had a series of problems which, in the end, prompted me to ask for it to be exchanged for a new bike. My local agent was superb throughout and agreed with Raleigh that the bike may have been a Friday afternoon disaster and that I should get a new one. At first the second Velocite was all that it should be, but, fairly soon, I started to get exactly the same problems as I had had with my first model. The assistance from the motor was intermittent, in all gears and in all modes within the speed range. Again, the agent has been excellent. The bike has been back to him on average once a month. Almost every component except the motor has been changed. The torque sensor, the computer in the battery pack, the whole wiring loom and the computer and display unit. The bike is disappointing in that it's unreliable. It will work fine on the outbound trip, which, inevitably, is mostly downhill and then packs up, leaving me to push the heavy machine back up all the hills. I should add that I look after it carefully in accordance with the handbook and it's always kept in a warm garage. I should really like to know if I've simply been unlucky twice or if anyone else has had the same problems and can suggest a solution.