Getting ready to tour this summer, Raleigh sent their Sojourn to travel around the country with and abuse at will, so here's my first impression.

First off, this is a really smooth looking bike- makes me think of coffee when I see it (I really love my coffee!). Even though I take my coffee straight, the steel frame/fork is a beautiful cream color, and comes stock with beautiful chocolate Brooks leather bar tape and saddle. You really can't go wrong there, although since this is a touring bike I wish the saddle had springs...but it's still a Brooks. What more can you really say?

I was impressed from the get-go that (on top of the Brooks goods) the Sojourn comes stock with front and rear disc brakes and fenders, as well as a heavy-duty rear rack. The Freedom wheel set/hubs look super beefy, and came with Vittoria Randonneur Cross tires (700x35). They look like they'll do a great job- fat enough to handle roads of all types and light trails if need be.

The drivetrain is all Shimano- Octalink with a Tiagra derailleur in the front and a Deore in the rear. I'm also pretty stoked about the bar-end shifters.

One really rad feature on this ride is that it has two built-in spoke holders on a chain stay complete with spokes. It also came with a small pump (that I hope I won't have to use anytime soon!). Two big pluses!

Normally I ride a 56, and this comes in odd sizes- 55, 57, etc., so I went on the small side with the 55 thinking 'hey i can always raise the seat because I can't shrink a frame'. With that said, the stand over height is perfect, but it feels a little on the compact side- not too compact, but a little. So far it's not an issue comfort wise, so I don't think it will be a problem.

We went for our first ride last night along the lake as the sun set. Everything felt really good, it was a beautiful night, and I can't wait to hit the road and see what this baby can do!

Brandon