Elegant Style and Comfort Combined | RALEIGH Carlton-B (CRB) Test Ride Review and Features Summary

April 15, 2025

The "Carlton-B" is a rare road bike that incorporates disc brakes into a classic style with a traditional "chromoly frame" and "horizontal top tube."

It's hard to believe that fewer and fewer people nowadays find "thin chromoly frames with horizontal road bike designs" cool.

In this era, the "Carlton-B" from long-established RALEIGH offers a model that could be called a modern version of a randonneur bike, allowing you to enjoy long rides at your own pace with a light feel, distinguishing it from a race-oriented road bike.

It's a wonderful model that skillfully blends traditional aesthetics with modern specifications!

- Table of Contents -

"About the Model, Price, and Sizes"
"About Frame Performance"
"About Component Configuration"
"Summary"

RALEIGH CRB Carlton-B

[Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price] ¥121,000 (tax included)
[Colors (2 total)] MATT STEEL, MATT IRON-BLACK
[Sizes (目安 heights)] 450mm (150-170cm), 500mm (160-180cm), 550mm (170-190cm)

About the Frame Performance of the RALEIGH CRB (Carlton-B)

Traditional slender chromoly frame with a horizontal design

Even with carbon and lightweight aluminum frames trending, horizontal chromoly frame road bikes continue to be loved for a long time.

The head tube features a lug-welded-like design, giving the model a nostalgic feel.

Frame Geometry

Frame Size	450	500	550
HA	71.5	72	72.5
SA	75.5	75	74
TT	510	524	535
HT	92	92	120
FC	575	580	580
RC	410	410	410
BB	70	70	70
FO	45	45	45
WB	975	980	980
SH	746	755	793
SK	505	507	537
RH	378	387	381
Rider Height	150~170（450）	160~180（500）	170~190（550）

The frame geometry itself is designed to match current trends, featuring a touring-oriented design with a lowered center of gravity for enhanced stability.

Despite the horizontal design resulting in a shorter head tube, ample column length allows for an upright riding position.

About expandability (carriers, fenders, etc.)

Bolt mounts are also provided on the inside of the frame, allowing for the attachment of carriers, racks, and fenders, making it highly versatile for both daily use and touring.

Summary of Frame Performance

The slender chromoly frame with its horizontal design embodies the universal image of a road bike.

While it offers a sense of speed, it's also a model designed for enjoying "long hours and long distances" at your own pace. Find your own style for everyday use, touring, or cycling!

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About the Component Configuration of the RALEIGH CRB (Carlton-B)

Main Components: SHIMANO CLARIS

The main components are Shimano Claris (2x8 speed).

While the gear shifting area features standard specifications, the consistent use of Shimano Claris cranks with bash guards is a welcome feature.

About Brakes (Mechanical Disc Brakes)

The brakes utilize TEKTRO mechanical disc brakes. With flat mount adoption, it's a modern specification, and the caliper with opposing pistons makes it a great value for a road bike in this price range.

About Wheels & Tires

The tires are standard 700x28c.

The wheel hubs, both front and rear, use Shimano hubs, reducing maintenance risks.

Other Specifications & Summary

With a maximum tire clearance of 32c, it offers reliable expandability for touring even on slightly rough roads with luggage.

Aluminum flat pedals are standard equipment. While clipless pedals are an option for road bikes, this choice seems fitting for the model's character.

The CRB (Carlton-B) uses high-quality componentry compared to other road bikes in the same price range. The fact that they've consistently used Shimano cranks and wheel hubs, and chosen a higher-grade brake caliper, which other brands often cut costs on, is a highly commendable point!

Specifications Table

Tire Size	700×28C
Gears	2×8speed
Pedals	Included
Specifications	Frame	FULL CR-MO MID-SIZE D.B. TIG WELDING
	Fork	CR-MO UNI-BLADES INTEGRATED DESIGN
	Crankset	SHIMANO CLARIS 50-34T W/ GEAR-GUARD x 165mm(450) / 170mm(500, 550)
	BB	SHIMANO CLARIS
	Front Derailleur	SHIMANO CLARIS 28.5mm
	Rear Derailleur	SHIMANO CLARIS SS
	Shifters	SHIMANO CLARIS 8 x 2 SPEED DUAL-CONTROL
	Cassette	SHIMANO CS-HG31 11-32T 8 SPEED
	Brake Levers	SHIMANO CLARIS DUAL-CONTROL LEVER
	Brakes	TEKTRO MD-C550 DUAL PISTON ACTUATED MECHANICAL DISC BRAKE
	Tires	KENDA K1067 KWICK TENDRIL 700 x 28C
	Wheels	HUBS：SHIMANO HB-TX505 / FH-TX505 32H 100 x 135mm FOR CENTER LOCK DISC HUB SPOKES：14G STAINLESS RIMS：WEINMANN XC-180 700C BLACK 32H DISC-BRAKE EXCLUSIVE
	Handlebar	KALLOY SHALLOW-DROP 380mm(450) / 400mm(500, 550) 31.8mm
	Stem	KALLOY AS-007N 17°FLIP-FLOP 70mm(450) / 80mm(500) / 90mm(550)
	Headset	FSA INTELLASET 1-1/8" AHEAD W/ 5, 10, 10, 15mm SPACERS
	Saddle	SELLE ROYAL R.E.MED BLACK
	Seatpost	KALLOY SP-265 27.2 x 350mm

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Summary of RALEIGH CRB (Carlton-B)

Slender chromoly frame with a horizontal design for a timeless aesthetic
Modern specifications including flat-mount disc brakes
Excellent expandability with numerous bolt mounts for carriers, racks, and fenders
Cost-effective specifications with high-quality componentry

While I'm well aware that designs similar to carbon road bikes are popular these days, there are still many people who find the coolness of chromoly frame road bikes appealing.

The RALEIGH Carlton-B is a road bike that embraces a style where you can enjoy long hours and long distances at your own pace!

We highly recommend considering it!

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