Your opinion would be appriciated

I know what you thinking, most people would buy a bike and think "should I have just spent a little more and got a better bike?" [img]cycling.net.auconfused.gifOpen ↗[/img]
If you are riding for leisure and fitness any bike is good. As long as it goes when you pedal it and it fits you well and you feel comfortable on it.
Don't know much about the Raleigh but most bike shops would try to sell you something that is suited to you and purpose so I would probably say yes that the bike is suited to your current needs or purpose.
It's probably a good start for now and if you really get hooked and ride alot more you can drop some serious dollars later if you feel inclined to do so. (this can be your reward)[img]cycling.net.ausmile.gifOpen ↗[/img]
Often its hard to know when starting out what sort of riding you will get into.

A good friend of mine bought a bike just like that.
He rides it, likes it, and we have fun going for rides through the countryside on the weekends.
If you end up really getting back into it, by the time your bike needs replacement or major repair, you'll have had lots of time to see what you might be interested in next, or might want to modify on that one.

blake70605 said:

I am just now getting back into riding. I rode regularly about 15 years ago and decided to pick it back up to get into shape.

I have no clue about bike these days and should have probably consulted this site first. I recently purchased a 2007 Raleigh sport at my local bike shop. I paid $499 which included a pedel upgrade. My intintions are to ride purely for exercise and not ride competivly for somr time.

The only other brand the shop carries was Felt, and there was a large difference in price. Did I get a decent bike for the price and for whaqt I am going to use it for?

Thank you in advance.
Blake

Blake,

First of all, great to hear you are trying to get back on the bike! As for the equipment aspect, if the bike you purchased accomplishes what you are trying to do, then you should not be second-guessing yourself.

Bikes are becoming a very expensive commdodity these days, so, for someone who is not sure about where cycling will take you, once again, don't second-guess yourself.

If you become more serious and want to spend the extra dollaaa bills, do not limit yourself just to what your LBS has in stock. If you have to travel further, do it. No sense in spending over $1000 for a bike you could have felt 'limited' to.

Regardless, you are back on the bike and getting back in shape!

blake70605 said:

I am just now getting back into riding. I rode regularly about 15 years ago and decided to pick it back up to get into shape.

I have no clue about bike these days and should have probably consulted this site first. I recently purchased a 2007 Raleigh sport at my local bike shop. I paid $499 which included a pedel upgrade. My intintions are to ride purely for exercise and not ride competivly for somr time.

The only other brand the shop carries was Felt, and there was a large difference in price. Did I get a decent bike for the price and for whaqt I am going to use it for?

Thank you in advance.
Blake

its a good bike, but I am similarly just riding the bike for fitness and possibly commute... and since I was on limited funds, I found a road bike (new, not used) on ebay that I have ridden this season (just got into it this season)... and have put on 500 miles on it so far... (not a fantastic amount) but it was only about 240.00 (including shipping...)

DON'T EXPECT TO SEE DISCOVERY LINING UP AT THE TDF ON RALEIGH, BUT THAT DOESN'T MATTER.

here's the litmus test:
do you look forward to the ride?
does the bike fit you?
do your non-riding friends ask you why you didn't buy a wal-mart bike?

if you answer yes to all three, then you've made a good start.

now just get out and ride, and forget the rest. that's why a lot of us ride to begin with.

I agree with all the above, aslong as when you pedal the wheels go round, as long as youre having fun, the bike is perfect.