Raleigh Trace

About the Raleigh Trace

The Trace is Raleigh's answer to a question plenty of riders have been asking: can an e-bike feel like a proper bicycle? Strip away the battery bulge and motor heft that define most electric hybrids and you're left with something closer to 16.5 kilograms than the usual 22-plus. That's light enough to hoist onto a wall hook, nimble enough to thread through traffic, and - crucially - responsive enough that you'll forget there's a motor back there until you need it. The Mahle X35+ rear hub system tucks into the back wheel, the 250-Wh cell slots inside the downtube, and the result looks so much like a conventional flat-bar tourer that most folk won't clock it as electric until they spot the top-tube controller.

It's aimed squarely at commuters and leisure riders who want a leg-up on longer journeys or hillier routes without the weight penalty or the 'look at me' bulk of a traditional e-bike. You get integrated lights (powered from the main battery), full-length mudguards, a low-profile rear rack, and enough tyre volume - 700×40c WTB ByWays - to smooth out cracked tarmac and well-kept gravel paths. The frame is 6061 aluminium with internal cable routing and a tapered carbon fork up front; the whole package feels tidy, unfussy, and ready to roll the moment you swing a leg over.

Ride character leans toward the agile end of the spectrum. The motor delivers smooth, proportional assistance that mirrors your pedal effort rather than shoving you forward in surges, so acceleration feels organic and the transition between powered and unpowered pedalling is seamless. When the battery runs dry - or you switch the system off - there's minimal drag, which means you can still ride it home without feeling like you're towing an anchor. It won't storm steep ramps with the torque of a mid-drive system, but for urban gradients and rolling countryside it strikes a sweet balance between assistance and effort.

Raleigh Trace geometry

Raleigh offers four frame sizes - XS through to L - spanning riders from around five feet to just over six. The geometry is relaxed hybrid territory: you sit fairly upright, weight centred over the bottom bracket, with flat bars that put your hands in a natural, shoulder-width position. Stem length grows with frame size (80 mm on XS/S, 90 mm on M, 100 mm on L), so reach stretches progressively without forcing you into an aggressive tuck. The result is a posture that prioritises visibility and comfort over outright speed - ideal when you're filtering through town or scanning ahead on a shared-use path.

Head angle and fork offset deliver stable, predictable steering that won't dart when you hit a pothole or lean into a gentle bend. The carbon fork adds a touch of compliance without going soft, so road buzz gets muted but you still feel connected to the surface beneath. Chainstays are short enough to keep the bike feeling lively when you accelerate away from lights, yet the overall wheelbase is long enough to inspire confidence when you're loaded with a pannier or two. Bottom-bracket drop is modest, which keeps pedal strikes at bay on uneven towpaths and gives you a planted feel when coasting through corners.

Because the motor lives in the rear hub rather than at the cranks, weight distribution skews slightly rearward compared to a mid-drive setup. In practice that means the front end feels light and easy to lift over kerbs, though it can occasionally feel a touch vague if you're climbing out of the saddle on a steep pitch. The trade-off is worth it for the reduced complexity and the near-silent operation the hub motor brings.

Component choices & upgrades

Out of the box the Trace arrives with a nine-speed Shimano Alivio derailleur, an 11 - 34t cassette, and a single 40t chainring up front. That spread covers most urban and moderate rural riding without leaving you spinning out on the flat or grinding to a halt on climbs - the motor fills the gaps where gearing runs short. Shimano Acera Rapidfire shifters are intuitive and dependable, and the KMC X9 chain has proven itself across thousands of commuter miles. It's a sensible, low-maintenance drivetrain that prioritises reliability over razor-sharp shifts.

Tektro R280 flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes handle stopping duties, with 160-mm rotors front and rear. They offer plenty of power for a bike this light and this fast, with good modulation in the wet. If you're planning long descents or carrying heavy loads regularly, you might consider stepping up to larger rotors or a higher-spec calliper, but for the Trace's intended use the stock setup is more than adequate.

The 700×40c WTB ByWay tyres are a highlight: fast-rolling centre tread with enough shoulder knob to grip damp tarmac and hardpack gravel. Tyre clearance is limited by the frame, so you won't be fitting anything much wider, but the 40-mm section strikes a good balance between speed and comfort. If you're sticking to pure tarmac you could swap in a slicker 35-mm road tyre to shave a little rolling resistance; if you're venturing onto rougher byways more often, a chunkier gravel tread in the same size will add grip without sacrificing too much pace.

The aluminium cockpit - flat bar, short stem, XLC comfort grips - does the job without fuss. Riders with longer torsos or a preference for a more stretched-out position might want to fit a longer stem or a riser bar with a bit of sweep, but most will find the stock setup comfortable for rides up to a couple of hours. The Selle Royal Vivo saddle is middle-of-the-road in terms of padding and shape; if it doesn't suit your sit bones after a few weeks, a saddle swap is an easy win. Aluminium platform pedals are fine for casual shoes but won't inspire confidence in the wet - consider upgrading to a grippier flat pedal or fitting SPD cleats if you're commuting year-round.

The integrated battery is non-removable, which means you'll need to park the bike near a socket or run an extension lead. Raleigh offers a range extender that clips to a bottle-cage mount, adding another 208 Wh and stretching total range to around 80 miles in Eco mode. It's a worthwhile investment if you're planning longer weekend rides or multi-day tours, though it does add a bit of visual bulk and an extra kilogram to the overall weight.

Where the Raleigh Trace excels

This bike is outstanding at urban commuting and leisure riding on tarmac and well-maintained gravel paths. If your daily route mixes flat stretches with a few testing climbs, the Mahle motor smooths out the effort without making you feel like you're cheating. The lightweight frame and nimble handling make it a joy to ride in stop-start traffic, and the integrated lights and mudguards mean you can roll straight out of the door without bolting on extras. It's also brilliant for riders who want an e-bike that doesn't look like one - whether that's to avoid unwanted attention or simply because you prefer a cleaner aesthetic.

It handles moderate gravel and towpaths with confidence, thanks to the 40-mm tyres and stable geometry. You won't want to point it down rocky singletrack or deep sand, but for canal paths, forest fire roads, and bridleways it's more than capable. The carbon fork takes the sting out of rough surfaces, and the upright position gives you a clear view of the terrain ahead. Range is respectable - expect 30 to 50 miles depending on mode, terrain, and how much effort you're putting in - and the option to add a range extender opens up longer adventures.

Where it's less ideal: steep, sustained climbs that demand high torque. The rear hub motor delivers up to 40 Nm, which is enough for most gradients but can feel laboured on ramps above 15 per cent, especially if you're carrying a load. Mid-drive systems offer more grunt in those situations. The non-removable battery is a practical limitation if you live in a flat without ground-floor access or can't park the bike near a plug socket. And while the frame is well-made, the limited tyre clearance means you can't fit wider rubber for more aggressive off-road use or winter commuting on slushy roads.

Raleigh Trace FAQs

What is the range of the Raleigh Trace?
Expect between 30 and 50 miles on a full charge, depending on which assist mode you're using, the terrain, and how much effort you're contributing. Eco mode stretches range furthest; Turbo drains the battery faster but delivers maximum assistance. Adding the optional range extender can push total range beyond 80 miles in favourable conditions.

How much does the Raleigh Trace weigh?
The complete bike weighs 16.5 kilograms, which is notably light for an e-bike. That makes it easier to manoeuvre, lift, and store compared to heavier electric hybrids that often tip the scales above 22 kg.

Can you remove the battery from the Raleigh Trace?
No, the battery is integrated into the downtube and cannot be removed. You'll need to charge the bike in situ, either by parking it near a socket or using an extension lead. This design keeps the frame sleek but limits charging flexibility.

What kind of motor does the Raleigh Trace use?
It uses a Mahle X35+ rear hub motor, which is a lightweight, discreet system that delivers smooth, natural-feeling assistance. The motor is designed to provide proportional power based on your pedal input, and it produces minimal drag when switched off or when the battery is depleted.

Is the Raleigh Trace good for off-road riding?
It handles well-maintained gravel paths, towpaths, and forest fire roads with confidence, thanks to the 700×40c tyres and stable geometry. It's not designed for technical singletrack, rocky descents, or deep mud - think of it as a capable light-gravel tourer rather than a mountain bike.

What are the available sizes for the Raleigh Trace?
Raleigh offers four sizes: XS (42 cm), S (46 cm), M (50 cm), and L (55 cm). The size range covers riders from around five feet to just over six feet tall, with stem length and reach adjusted across the range to suit different proportions.

Does the Raleigh Trace come with lights?
Yes, integrated front and rear lights are included as standard and powered directly from the main battery. The front light is an AXA Compact Line 35, providing enough output for urban riding and unlit paths.

How long does it take to charge the Raleigh Trace battery?
A full charge from empty takes around three to four hours using the supplied charger. Because the battery is non-removable, you'll need to position the bike near a mains socket during charging.