Raleigh Novus Plus

About the Raleigh Novus Plus

The Raleigh Novus Plus is built for riders who want to go further without the faff. It's an electric hybrid that blends proper range, practical kit, and enough suspension travel to keep you comfortable when the tarmac runs out. With Bosch's 800Wh PowerTube tucked into a clean aluminium frame and a Performance Line motor delivering 75Nm, you're looking at a bike that'll handle the morning commute, the weekend canal path, and the occasional gravel byway without breaking stride.

This isn't a bike that asks you to choose between distance and capability. The big battery means you can plan long loops without range anxiety, while the 100mm Suntour fork and trail-influenced geometry give you the poise to tackle rougher surfaces with confidence. Raleigh's fitted it with integrated lights, full-length mudguards, and a MIK-compatible rear rack, so it's ready to carry your kit - or your shopping - straight out of the box. It's a workhorse that doesn't feel like one.

The Novus Plus sits in that sweet spot where practicality meets versatility. You get the Bosch Kiox 300 display for ride data and Bluetooth connectivity, Shimano CUES nine-speed shifting for intuitive gear changes, and hydraulic disc brakes that'll haul you up in the wet. At 27kg it's not a featherweight, but that heft comes with a robust build and a battery that'll outlast most riders' ambitions. If you're after an e-bike that can handle the daily grind and still have energy left for an adventure, the Novus Plus delivers.

Raleigh Novus Plus geometry

Raleigh's kept the specific numbers under wraps, but the ride character tells the story. The Novus Plus uses a longer wheelbase and trail-influenced geometry to deliver stability when you're loaded up or rolling over uneven ground. You'll feel planted rather than twitchy, which suits a bike designed to carry weight and cover distance. The upright position - courtesy of that 640mm comfort handlebar and adjustable stem - keeps your back happy on longer rides and gives you a clear view of traffic or trail ahead.

That relaxed posture doesn't mean sluggish handling. The geometry strikes a balance between confidence and control, so you can thread through urban traffic or lean into a gravel corner without the bike feeling ponderous. The 27.5-inch wheels and 2.35-inch Schwalbe Grounder tyres add a layer of cushion and grip, while the 100mm fork travel soaks up the worst of potholes and rutted tracks. It's a setup that prioritises comfort and composure over outright speed, which is exactly what you want when you're clocking up miles with panniers or a rucksack.

The low-step frame option makes mounting and dismounting effortless - ideal if you're stopping frequently in town or prefer easier access. Both frame styles share the same stable, confidence-inspiring ride feel, so you're not sacrificing handling for convenience. The longer wheelbase means the bike won't dart around beneath you when you hit a rough patch, and that's a reassuring trait when you're carrying cargo or riding in mixed conditions.

Component choices & upgrades

The stock build on the Novus Plus is well sorted for its intended use. Shimano's CUES U4000 nine-speed drivetrain offers a wide enough range for urban hills and gentle climbs, and the hydraulic MT200 brakes with 180mm rotors provide reliable stopping power in all weathers. The Suntour XCM34 fork isn't a high-end trail unit, but its 100mm of coil travel does the job for smoothing out rough roads and light off-road excursions. For most riders, this kit will handle everything the bike's designed for without complaint.

That said, if you're planning to push the Novus Plus harder or venture onto more technical terrain, there are sensible upgrade paths. Swapping the Schwalbe Grounder tyres for something with a more aggressive tread pattern - say, a Schwalbe Marathon or Continental Contact - can improve grip on loose gravel or wet trails. If you find yourself on steeper, rougher descents, upgrading to a four-piston brake calliper would add more bite and modulation, though the stock MT200s are perfectly adequate for most riders.

The saddle and grips are comfort-focused, but contact points are personal. If you're logging serious miles, a saddle swap to something that suits your sit bones better is always worth considering. The XLC aluminium pedals are functional, but if you're riding in wet conditions regularly, a set with better pins or a platform pedal with more grip will keep your feet planted. The beauty of the Novus Plus is that the stock spec is already capable - upgrades are about tailoring the bike to your specific needs, not fixing shortcomings.

Where the Raleigh Novus Plus excels

The Novus Plus is outstanding at long-distance commuting and touring where range and comfort matter more than outright speed. That 800Wh battery is the headline act here - it'll take you well over 100 miles on eco mode, and even with the motor working harder on hilly routes, you're still looking at serious distance before you need a charge. The Bosch Performance Line motor delivers smooth, predictable assistance that makes climbs feel manageable and headwinds less punishing. It's the bike you choose when you want to arrive fresh, not frazzled.

It's also a strong choice for mixed-surface riding where you're spending time on tarmac, towpaths, and light gravel. The 100mm fork and wider tyres give you enough cushion to handle rough lanes and bridleways without feeling beaten up, while the stable geometry keeps you composed when the surface gets loose or rutted. The integrated lights and mudguards mean you can ride year-round without worrying about spray or visibility, and the MIK rack system makes it easy to bolt on panniers or a basket for carrying gear.

Where the Novus Plus isn't ideal is on technical singletrack or aggressive off-road terrain. The fork travel and tyre choice are aimed at comfort and light trail use, not rock gardens or rooty descents. The weight - 27kg - also means it's not the bike for riders who need to lift it regularly, whether that's up stairs, onto a train, or into a garage. If your riding is purely urban and flat, you might find the suspension and weight overkill. But if you're mixing commutes with weekend adventures and need a bike that can handle both without compromise, the Novus Plus is hard to fault.

Raleigh Novus Plus FAQs

What is the range of the Raleigh Novus Plus?
The 800Wh Bosch PowerTube battery delivers up to 112 miles on a single charge, depending on terrain, rider weight, and assistance mode. In eco mode on flat routes, you'll hit the upper end of that range; in tour or sport mode on hilly terrain, expect closer to 60 - 80 miles. Either way, it's enough for most riders to cover a week of commuting or a full day's touring without needing a top-up.

What motor does the Raleigh Novus Plus use?
It's fitted with the Bosch Performance Line motor, which delivers 75Nm of torque and assistance up to 15.5mph. The motor is smooth, responsive, and intuitive - it amplifies your pedalling effort rather than taking over, so you still feel connected to the ride. It's a proven unit that's reliable and easy to service through Bosch's dealer network.

Is the Raleigh Novus Plus good for off-road riding?
It'll handle light trails, gravel byways, and rough lanes comfortably, thanks to the 100mm suspension fork and 2.35-inch tyres. But it's not designed for technical singletrack or aggressive off-road use - the geometry and component spec are aimed at comfort and stability on mixed surfaces rather than trail performance. If your off-road ambitions are limited to canal paths and forest fire roads, it's more than capable.

What is the weight of the Raleigh Novus Plus?
The bike weighs 27kg, which is typical for an e-bike with an 800Wh battery and robust build. That weight is noticeable if you need to lift it regularly, but on the road it contributes to stability and planted handling, especially when you're loaded up with cargo.

Can I fit panniers to the Raleigh Novus Plus?
Yes, the MIK-compatible rear rack supports up to 25kg and makes fitting panniers or baskets quick and secure. The system is designed for easy on-and-off attachment, so you can swap between commuting with a bag and touring with full panniers without tools or faff.

What are the available frame sizes for the Raleigh Novus Plus?
The Novus Plus comes in three sizes - 38cm (small), 45cm (medium), and 50cm (large) - covering rider heights from roughly 152cm to 185cm. Both crossbar and low-step frame options are available across the size range, so you can choose the style that suits your preference and mounting ease.

How much does the Raleigh Novus Plus cost?
Pricing varies depending on the frame style and size, but expect the Novus Plus to sit in the mid-range for Bosch-equipped e-bikes. It's positioned as a practical, well-specced option that offers strong value for the battery capacity and component quality you're getting.

What is the difference between the Raleigh Novus and Novus Plus?
The Novus Plus features the larger 800Wh battery and Bosch Kiox 300 display, while the standard Novus typically comes with a 600Wh battery and the simpler Bosch Purion 200 display. The Plus also benefits from the Shimano CUES drivetrain and slightly more refined component spec, making it the better choice for riders who prioritise range and longer rides.