The frame’s stiff 12mm thru-axles and a tapered head-tube kept things modern.
631 chromoly steel tubing represented a good balance between durability and light-weight.
A strong finish and attractive colorways appealed to consumers.
Things were lightened up with a monocoque carbon / alloy fork.
Ample clearance was provided for 45mm tires.
Mounts aplenty: including bosses on the fork for two bottles, a rear rack and fender mounts.
700c x 40mm X’Plor MSO clincher tires came tubeless-ready.
Rims come pre-taped with included valves, making tubeless set up quicker.
Wide bars delivered agile steering, without being twitchy.
HED wheels impressed and proved durable at a low price point.
Ride quality was reportedly comfortable, being excellent on gravel and rough surfaces.
Owners felt the Tamland was good value, considering the high-end componentry.
For a chromoly steel bike, the Tamland struck reviewers as lightweight.
The 1x11 SRAM drivetrain was lauded. Experts said gears rarely needed tuning over the long-term.
Owners said that the Tamland also rode well on the road.
Shifting was said to be great when set up accurately.
The stock WTB Volt saddle was liked by some.
Geometry featured a long wheelbase, high stack and a slack front-end - for relaxed and responsive comfort and stability.

9 reasons not to buy

A minority of buyers felt that the Tamland was overpriced.
One buyer's bike came with a Sunrace cassette instead of Shimano 105.
To some, cable disc brakes were seen as inferior to hydraulics.
The 1x11 drivetrain on the Tamland 2 was criticized as undergeared for climbs.
One buyer received cheaper tires that were not tubeless-ready, as advertised.
A Tamland 1 owner complained of rubbing, misaligned disc-brake mounts.
For one owner, their brake cable was attached with a cable-tie!
An expert said the stock handlebar was hard to set up as comfortable in both the drops and hoods.
As regards geometry, one owner said reach was a bit short, while stack and handlebars sat relatively high.

Bottom line

Owners and experts saw the Raleigh Tamland as a great-value gravel bike in high-quality chromoly steel. Geometry was modern and components impressed. Riders were also pleased with its performance on the road.

By Owen Jesse

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Dirt Rag Mag

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Final Review of the Raleigh Tamland 2 Adventure Bike

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We have surpassed the 500-mile mark on the Raleigh Tamland and this steel beauty continues to please. The Tamland has remained the most dependable bike on the hooks this summer.

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CX Magazine

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