Al Ruscelli's 2003 Raleigh F500 Mountain Bike (Police-Style Bike)
E-mail Al: al@ruscelli.com
Most Photos © Al Ruscelli Photography
This Raleigh F500 was obtained from a very nice guy in our area who had one to spare. This is roughly a 4-year-old bike (currently, at the time of purchase in August 2007), but is barely used -- original stickers are even still in place on the rims.
From what I understand, this bike is very similar to the Raleigh M80 (or roughly based on it?), but with some upgrades perhaps a slightly more robust build, and was a special order item for police use. I'm guessing that these F500 mountain bikes were sold in much fewer numbers than the standard M80 since their use would have realistically been restricted to a much smaller customer base. Thus, from my limited research, there doesn't seem to be much info available on the F500 (for instance, via internet searches. In a relative sense, you'll find much more info available on the M80 via reviews, etc., than you'll find on the F500.
I bought this bike so that I could spend a bit more time riding around the neighborhood with my daughter who, at age 5, has her own Raleigh Retro bike that she's just learned to ride without training wheels. I have no expectations of the F500 matching up with high-end mountain bikes, but for my mostly neighborhood riding I think it's going to be great.
I've done some full-view shots and a few close-ups of the F500 components and have included a list (as borrowed from the Epinions.com website) of the component details of the 1999 model, which is very similar to the 2003 model shown here.
My daughter is the main reason I wanted a new bike (it's been
years since I owned a decent one).
Now we can patrol the 'hood as a team . . . or maybe as a gang. . . ;-)
Component List/Details Borrowed from Epinions.com (for the 1999 F500 model).
This list almost matches the 2003 F500 bike above, with a few minor exceptions (like inclusion of handlebar extensions and different tires on 2003 model).
Comments in Red Are My Notes.
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Here is Some
Alternate Info from Sheldon Brown's Website (www.sheldonbrown.com).
(Thanks, Sheldon, for allowing me use of that info!)
"Stealth Black" 1998 Raleigh F500 Police Bike
Designed Only For Police Use
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Police|Security|SheriffRaleigh has been building quality bicycles for over 100 years.Raleigh has been producing specially-equipped police and security bicycles since 1987 when Raleigh and the Seattle Police Department teamed up to develop the first specific police bicycle model. A lot has changed in bicycle technology since 1987, but Raleigh police bicycles are still designed with day-to-day law enforcement use in mind. Raleigh consults law enforcement agencies across the country throughout the entire development process. The result for 1998 is a lighter weight bicycle with increased durability, reliability and comfort. Thousands of security and law-enforcement agencies across the country have made Raleigh police bicycles their top choice. When it's time to organize your bicycle patrol, choose Raleigh. |
| Sizes: | 16", 18", 20", 22" |
| Color: | Stealth Black |
| Frame: | Tig Welded 7005 Oversize Aluminum with Down Tube Gusset |
| Fork: | Rock Shox Indy-S, 63 mm travel |
| Headset: | 1 18" Tange Seiki ST-E Aheadset |
| Crankset: | Shimano STX-RC 42/34/22 w/Chain Guard |
| Bottom Bracket: | Shimano Cartridge LP-26 |
| Front Derailer: | Shimano STX |
| Rear Derailer: | Shimano Deore XT |
| Shift Levers: | Shimano STX-RC Rapid Fire SL |
| Cog Set: | Shimano HG-60i 11-30, 8-Speed Cassette |
| Chain: | SS-91 |
| Hubset: | Shimano Alivio Front & Deore LX Silent Clutch Rear |
| Spokes: | 14 Gauge Stainless (36!) |
| Rims: | Weinmann ZAC-21. Silver Ano, 36 Hole |
| Tires: | 559-50 (26 x 1.9) Continental Town & Country |
| Brakes: | Shimano Deore LX V-Brake |
| Brake Levers: | Shimano Deore LX V-Brake Specific |
| Pedals: | Wellgo Full-Alloy Sealed Bearing, Alloy w/Clips & Straps |
| Handlebar: | Alloy, matte black |
| Bar Ends: | Tig Welded Alloy Ski-Bend, Black |
| Grips: | ATI Links Special Edition |
| Stem: | Ahead-Style Forged Alloy 45° Rise, Black |
| Seatpost: | Alloy Micro Adjust |
| Saddle: | Selle Stratos, Hyper Expert |
| Additional Components & Special Add-Ons: |
Self-Sealing Tubes Rear Rack Flashing Tail Light Kickstand Rear Derailer Guard Top Tube Cable Routing Rack & Fender Mounts 2 Water Bottle Mounts Clear Coat CatEye Reflector Set Owner's Manual |
Some Random Photos Found of Raleigh F500 Police Bikes
