Raleigh Novus

About the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear

The Novus Derailleur Gear sits squarely in that sweet spot where urban practicality meets weekend adventure. Raleigh's built this around a Bosch Performance Line motor and a chunky 600Wh PowerTube battery tucked inside an aluminium frame that's available in both crossbar and low-step designs. It's not trying to be a mountain bike, nor is it content to stay on tarmac - think of it as the bike that gets you to work on Monday, then takes you down a canal towpath or across a gravel byway come Saturday without complaint.

You're looking at 100mm of Suntour suspension up front, 27.5-inch wheels wrapped in 60mm Schwalbe Grounder rubber, and a nine-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain that's built for dependability rather than race-day glory. The Bosch motor delivers that familiar, intuitive push - responsive when you need it, smooth enough that you forget it's there until the gradient kicks up. With integrated lights, full mudguards, and a MIK-compatible rack rated to 25kg, the Novus arrives ready for commuting, shopping runs, and the occasional muddy detour without requiring a parts bin raid.

It's a bike that prioritises comfort and capability over outright speed. The upright position, Selle Royal saddle, and XLC comfort grips mean you'll arrive feeling fresher than you would on something racier, and the hydraulic Shimano MT200 disc brakes - 180mm rotors front and rear - give you confident stopping power whether the road's wet or dusty. If you've been eyeing an e-bike that won't box you into one type of riding, the Novus Derailleur Gear makes a compelling case.

Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear geometry

Raleigh hasn't published a full geometry chart for the Novus, but the frame's design language tells you plenty. The upright riding position - common across Raleigh's hybrid e-bike range - puts your weight over the saddle rather than the bars, reducing strain on wrists and shoulders during longer rides. That's a deliberate choice: you're not crouched for aerodynamics here; you're sitting tall for visibility, comfort, and control in traffic or on shared paths.

The low-step option drops the top tube dramatically, making mounting and dismounting effortless - ideal if you're stopping frequently or prefer easier access. Both frame styles share the same relaxed handling character: stable at speed, predictable through corners, and forgiving when the surface gets loose or uneven. The 100mm fork adds a touch of front-end compliance without making the bike feel vague, and the 27.5-inch wheels strike a balance between rollover momentum and nimble handling in tighter spaces.

Five frame sizes (38cm through to 55cm) should cover most riders, though without official reach and stack figures you'll want to visit a dealer for a proper fit check. The adjustable stem gives you some wiggle room to fine-tune your cockpit, but the overall geometry leans towards comfort and confidence rather than aggressive positioning. When you're threading through city traffic or rolling over rutted gravel, that relaxed stance pays dividends.

Component choices & upgrades

The stock build on the Novus Derailleur Gear is already well sorted for its intended use. Shimano's CUES nine-speed drivetrain is a workhorse - precise, low-maintenance, and designed to handle the extra torque an e-bike motor throws at it. The MT200 hydraulic brakes are entry-level in Shimano's range but perfectly adequate for a bike of this weight and speed; the 180mm rotors provide ample stopping power, and the hydraulic actuation means consistent modulation even in wet conditions.

That said, if you're planning longer off-road excursions or live somewhere with steep, sustained descents, you might consider upgrading to a four-piston calliper up front for extra bite. The Schwalbe Grounder tyres are a solid all-rounder, but if you're spending more time on tarmac than trails, swapping to a faster-rolling slick with a centre ridge will drop rolling resistance noticeably. Conversely, if you're venturing onto looser gravel or muddy bridleways, a more aggressive tread pattern will give you better purchase.

The Selle Royal Essenza saddle and XLC grips are comfort-focused, but saddles are deeply personal - if you're not getting on with the stock perch after a few rides, don't hesitate to swap it. The MIK rack system is a genuine asset: it's tool-free, secure, and compatible with a wide range of panniers and baskets. If you're using the bike for shopping or commuting with a laptop, investing in a quality set of MIK-compatible bags will make your life easier. Beyond that, the Novus doesn't demand upgrades - it's built to work straight out of the box.

Where the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear excels

The Novus Derailleur Gear is outstanding at mixed-surface commuting and leisure riding where comfort and practicality matter more than outright performance. If your typical week involves paved cycle paths, the occasional gravel towpath, and perhaps a weekend loop that mixes quiet lanes with forest tracks, this bike will handle it all without drama. The Bosch motor's 83-mile range means you're not constantly watching the battery gauge, and the integrated lights and mudguards mean you can ride year-round without faffing with clip-on accessories.

It's also excellent for riders who want the confidence of suspension and wider tyres but don't need (or want) the complexity of a full mountain bike. The 100mm fork takes the sting out of potholes, tree roots, and rough tarmac, while the 60mm tyres give you enough cushion and grip to venture off the beaten path without feeling sketchy. The upright position and comfortable contact points make it a strong choice for longer rides or for riders returning to cycling after a break.

Where it's not ideal: aggressive trail riding, technical singletrack, or anything that demands serious suspension travel and geometry designed for descending. The Novus is a hybrid at heart, and while it'll cope with light trails, it's not built for rock gardens or steep, rooty descents. It's also a heavier bike - typical for e-bikes with this motor and battery capacity - so if you need to carry it up stairs regularly or load it onto a car rack, that weight will make itself known. Finally, if you're chasing speed or planning long road rides with faster groups, the upright position and wider tyres will hold you back compared to a more road-focused e-bike.

Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear FAQs

What is the range of the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear e-bike?
The 600Wh Bosch PowerTube battery delivers up to approximately 83 miles of assisted range, though real-world figures will vary depending on terrain, rider weight, assist level, and weather. Eco mode will stretch that range further, while Turbo mode will drain it faster on steep climbs or into headwinds.

What type of motor does the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear use?
It's powered by the Bosch Performance Line motor, a mid-drive unit known for its natural pedal feel and responsive torque delivery. It's a proven system that balances power with efficiency, and it's widely supported for servicing and spare parts across the UK.

Is the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear suitable for off-road trails?
It'll handle light trails, gravel paths, and forest tracks confidently thanks to the 100mm suspension fork and 60mm tyres. However, it's not designed for technical mountain biking or aggressive descents - think bridleways and canal towpaths rather than red-graded trail centres.

What is the weight of the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear?
Raleigh hasn't published an official weight, but e-bikes with this motor and battery configuration typically sit between 23 and 28 kilograms. That's substantial, so factor it in if you need to lift or transport the bike regularly.

Can I fit panniers to the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear?
Absolutely. The bike comes with a 25kg-rated MIK rack, which uses a tool-free mounting system compatible with a wide range of panniers and baskets. It's one of the Novus's strongest practical features for commuting or touring.

How does the Shimano CUES drivetrain perform on the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear?
CUES is Shimano's reliable, low-maintenance groupset designed specifically for e-bikes and utility cycling. Shifting is precise and consistent, and the nine-speed range offers enough gearing for varied terrain without overwhelming you with options. It's built to last rather than impress on a spec sheet.

What are the available frame sizes for the Raleigh Novus Derailleur Gear?
The Novus is offered in five sizes: 38cm, 40cm, 45cm, 50cm, and 55cm, available in both crossbar and low-step frame designs. Without official geometry data, it's worth visiting a dealer to confirm the best fit for your height and riding style.