The RALEIGH RFC (Radford Classic) is a flat-bar road bike that combines a classic look with easy-to-handle lightness for everyday use, making it an excellent choice for a stock clearance sale.

Its elegant appearance, featuring a slender chromoly frame, chrome-plated front fork, and silver-polished parts, still feels fresh and possesses a charm that ensures long-term enjoyment.

Furthermore, the meticulous component selection, centered around SHIMANO CLARIS 2x8 speed, with SHIMANO parts used for the crank, brakes, and hubs, is also a notable highlight. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it's designed for reliable enjoyment, from daily commutes to weekend cycling.

Considering the background that these models were produced by ARAYA, who handled RALEIGH's domestic distribution in Japan, it might become difficult to find new bikes of the same design once the current stock is sold out.

This bike is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a classic-looking sports bike at a great price for many years to come.

RALEIGH RFC (Radford Classic)

[Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price] ¥118,800 (incl. tax) ⇒ SALE! ¥89,100 (incl. tax)
[Color] Pearl White
[Size (Approx. Rider Height)] 520mm (168-183cm)

A RALEIGH Classic Flat Bar Road Bike That May No Longer Be Available as a New Model

A ARAYA-produced domestic model, making existing stock a valuable find.

The RALEIGH classic flat-bar road bike "Radford Classic" is a model worth revisiting, especially now that it's available in a stock clearance sale.

With ARAYA, who was responsible for RALEIGH's distribution in Japan, withdrawing from the bicycle business, the Radford Classic, a model produced by ARAYA, will become difficult to obtain as a new bike in the same form in the future.

This means that the RFC we are introducing is more than just a discontinued sale item; it is a valuable model with a classic atmosphere and practicality unique to a domestically planned design, available only while current stock lasts.

Its charm can be summed up as an elegant classic sports bike that you can casually ride in everyday clothes. The appearance, combining a slender chromoly frame with double-butted construction and an impressive chrome-plated front fork, exudes the refined beauty characteristic of RALEIGH.

Another factor enhancing its classic appeal is the presence of downtube shifter bosses. While not necessary unless you customize the bike, having the option to choose downtube shifters for a more classic look in the future is a welcome bonus.

The geometry adopts a classic, orthodox design typical of older sports bikes. It's easy to handle for stop-and-go city riding, yet its stable wheelbase allows for a balanced blend of brisk speed and confident riding. It's a model that lets you enjoy a sense of comfortable speed and security.

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Reliable Componentry Down to the Details, Centered on SHIMANO CLARIS 2x8 Speed

Not only the drivetrain, but also the crank, brakes, and hubs feature SHIMANO parts.

The RALEIGH RFC features SHIMANO CLARIS 2x8 speed as its basic component group.

One attractive feature that is typical of ARAYA-produced models is the excellent component specification for the price. Despite being a chromoly flat-bar road bike with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of ¥118,800 (incl. tax), critical parts related to riding performance and ease of use are solidly equipped with SHIMANO components.

With sports bikes in a similar price range, even if they are advertised as "equipped with SHIMANO CLARIS 2x8 speed," often only the shifting components are CLARIS, while the crank, brakes, and wheels might be assembled with parts from other brands...

In this regard, the RFC also uses a CLARIS crankset with a bash guard.

Furthermore, SHIMANO parts are also chosen for the brake calipers.

Even the wheel hubs are properly assembled with SHIMANO components.

This doesn't necessarily mean a significant increase in speed. However, it makes a difference in aspects like smooth shifting, easy braking, and peace of mind during maintenance, a specification whose benefits become more apparent the longer you ride it.

A classic and refreshing look unified with silver parts

The appeal of the RFC isn't just its practicality, incorporating many SHIMANO parts. The attention to detail in its appearance, characteristic of ARAYA's production, is also evident.

A particularly welcome point is the consistent use of silver-colored parts, which have become less common on modern sports bikes.

The handlebar, stem, steerer spacers, and seatpost are all chosen to be silver-polished parts, complementing the chrome finish of the front fork. Unlike contemporary designs that use black components for a sleek look, the RFC's appeal lies in its bright, refreshing, and somewhat nostalgic classic appearance.

By combining a slender chromoly frame, chrome-plated fork, and silver parts, it achieves an elegant look that blends naturally into cityscapes while maintaining the light feel of a sports bike. It's a classic style that has been loved for many years, yet it also fits current trends.

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Summary | Why the RALEIGH RFC, a Classic Flat Bar Road Bike, is the Choice for Now

The RALEIGH RFC (Radford Classic) is not just a bicycle for enjoying a classic look. It's a bike that truly complements your daily life, offering a supple ride from its slender chromoly frame, a flat-bar design that's easy to handle in the city, and high practicality thanks to its meticulously integrated SHIMANO components.

In particular, the RFC, which was developed as a domestic model produced by ARAYA, may become difficult to acquire as a new bike in the same form in the future. Considering this, the current stock clearance sale is not merely a discount, but a valuable opportunity to choose a classic flat-bar road bike that you can cherish for many years, at an affordable price.

For those looking for a classic sports bike that is a bit more refined than a hybrid bike, but not as demanding as a road bike, and that can make everyday commutes and weekend rides a little more enjoyable, the RALEIGH RFC is a highly recommended model.

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