The Best Value Entry Level Bike in 2023 - Triban RC520

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[@jikemenkins7098]

Francis, I think the affordable / entry-level segment is where this channel can really shine. This is the info people need to know.

[@KNURKonesur]

100%!

[@andrewengland12]

Also the odd bikepacking vid again

[@ShawnIsBatman]

This is what I would think of (as a roadie) when I think of an entry-level road bike. With this, a person newer to the sport could ride thousands of miles per year and participate in any type of an event, including just starting with racing and have a bike that could last years and not hold them back. With a price of less than $1,000, this is a complete winner.

[@playandteach]

Totally agree, but I don't agree with the video that this compares with a £2k - £2.5k bike. Hydraulic brakes - you won't be able to upgrade those calipers to hydraulic because of the cable shifters, and better / lighter cranks are all that it takes to stop the comparison. Just look at the Giant Defy 2 for example, under £2k - carbon frame, hydraulic brakes and 105 everything. BUT for £800, this Triban is of course great. For me £800 second hand buys all that and more.

[@jackroutledge352]

Exactly. "Beginner" shouldn't have to mean crap. A crap bike will put off a beginner from cycling, so it's good to see something that will bring joy to someone starting out. I've got a similar bike from Decathlon, and it's lasted me 5 years so far. I've made a few upgrades along the way, but I can see myself using this thing for at least another five years.

[@michaelcheng6469]

If you are a first timer, you can go bottom end in a brand name. Eg a brand new merida endurance 400 was recently going for £980 with a full 105 Hydro groupset and thru axle and that's not even their lowest model. If you it's your second bike and you are more confident checking out bikes, then second hand market is where it's at.

[@dan_lazaro]

I don't think 105 is a "beginner" groupset. But I guess beginners can almost afford it. I went up to UCI continental events on 105 5800 😂

[@Joshimuz]

I bought this bike at the start of COVID, was my first ever "proper" bike. I absolutely loved it. As value for money it's aboslutely insane, like you say in the video it gets compared to bikes worth over twice as much. The 105-ish groupset was such a dream. It got me everywhere as a primary mode of transportation on road, I went on adventures on it over gravel and dirt, even got panniers for it to use it for bike packing and touring, and it was largely responsible for me getting back into shape. Early on I put Schwalbe Marathon tyres on the wheels and never once had a puncture, crash, anything. A month ago it got stolen from my garden. I've never been so sad about losing an object before. The monetary value was one thing, but the sentimental value was a real hit. I still haven't really replaced it properly. I hope whoever gets that one you gave to Recyke y'bike enjoys it as much as I did!

[@heathen-greaser]

That sucks mate I hope you manage to get the bike back, took me weeks and weeks but I eventually got my bike back when that was stolen. I like to put some bike decal on my frame now that looks like it came on the bike, hopefully anybody ever steals it again it’ll stand out more as my bike if I see it in the street or for sale online. Some good websites that can make custom decals for you too.

[@thibaudepeche]

Did you finally get a new one ?

[@mvp_kryptonite]

I proper low life move. Hope you get back on the/a bike soon

[@lakaiskates8064]

@@heathen-greaser Decals can easily be removed and most thieves with half a brain will try to change the look of the bike before getting out and about on it or selling it. Removing stickers and decals are the easiest way to do this.

[@erisdiscordia6120]

have you tried looking for it on groove street?

[@vieslavsobala2005]

I bought such a bike for my 17Y daughter as her first road bike and this was in point. I have only changed the tires and back cassettes on 11-34 . The rest setup is perfect. She made this season 3000km. She loved it very much. Size of bike form 2XS, I have bought XS for 164cm and was perfect. No one offers such spec . Brilliant.

[@DanAlexandruAlb]

I can't recommend this bicycle enough, it is a great deal!

[@dundeedideley1773]

jeeeze 3k on her first season?

[@johnhardy4437]

Hi....I'm a novice...could you show us the difference 650/700 wheels on a..gravel....Good and bad points about both....thankyou..x

[@romanluu]

I've been riding this bike for 2 months now. Here in Czechia they are selling it with a 10-speed Microshift groupset and Vittoria tires, purportedly due to component shortages. Either way it's an excellent bike and I am happy it's getting some recognition here on KZbin as well.

[@AleksandarBanov-tm9ql]

Hey, the web site says it comes with the 11 speed Microshift cassette even when everything else is 10 speed. Is it just a mistake in the website where they list the cassette from the rc 520 105 and this one comes with 10 speed cassette?

[@onemorecyclist]

Really great to see you guys showcasing the RC520 (and others in the range in the earlier videos). I've been riding one of these for nearly 5 years now and I absolutely love it. It's taken me all over the UK on various tours, as well as been used for daily commuting and weekend rides. Never missed a beat. For the money it's a complete steal. Happy cycling!

[@jakethadley]

Just want to say, really love this format! You manage to cram a ton of infomration and testing/riding/opinions into such a shor video, while still covering all the areas and even explaining a bit of tech (mech/hydro brakes). Bravo!

[@stuffontyne]

Great review gents!! I bought an RC520 @3 years ago was £729 at the time. Absolutely bomb proof , great spec. I did change out the old stock wheels, as getting tyres off/on when on the road was a nightmare, for Mavic Aksium other than that its all as shipped. Must have done north of 5000 miles on it. The relaxed geometry is great for comfort have done a few 100 milers on it with no issues. Bang for your buck this bike cant be beaten imo. Keep up the great work Francis & Jimmy. Cheers

[@Mavczers]

I like to think that Decathlon said something like "yeah, we will give you one for testing. Yeah, you can say anything you want. Yeah, you can give it to charity." Just because they know the sales will go up after this video.

[@paulhugo1623]

I bought one, on the recommendation of your channel. As my first road bike in decades (been using MTB for a while).... I am REALLY happy with it. Comfortable and practical.

[@Simte]

These videos are really cool and hopefully get a lot of people into cycling. love the humor and direction, I used watch the vlogs a lot and have to say having more content from both of you delving into bike tech is just awesome.

[@Jimmidoesstuff]

I appreciate you.

[@Showuk]

Great review. I got one of these in about 2019 on the cycle to work scheme. With that £1000, you've got extra budget for upgrades to tyres etc. It's a no brainer really if anybody is looking for a road bike. It's my first modern road bike after riding an 80s Pat Rohan with a Campag groupset. By the time working from home started, I'd put about 2500 miles on the bike and absolutely loved them all. It's great all year round.

[@alanhill7965]

Well done guys for being a one stop shop for all things cycling & great podcast

[@christianb.1028]

While I've been following quite a while now, with the new format, your podcast and the stuff you guys cover this channel has quickly become one of my absolute favourite cycling channels! 👍 Well done for showing beginners that you don't have to drop a large amount of money to get a new, well made bike with good warranty. You just have to be able get over your ego and ignore the big brand snobs.

[@easternbrown]

I have this bike, it's three years old (pretty much same spec). I've just upgraded the tyres to some GP5000s. Really love it, glad you do too. One thing you could have said is that the frame is not UCI compliant for racing, if that were an issue for someone. It's more of a comfortable geometry, really good for long rides and also has mounts for bags etc. you might want to put on it.

[@Giroutte]

Guys! I’m so happy you are reviewing the Decathlon Road bikes!! I love their Triban Road bikes and bought a 120 myself but it’s good to have this review for future reference if someone else still debating on which one to get. Keep them coming guys, I love Decathlon bikes so I’m really happy to see you reviewing it!

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

The Triban RC520s here in Asia come with 105 cranksets too, which is neat! Still the same KMC chain + Microshift cassette set-up though, but some regions have a near-full 105 kit, brake callipers aside.

[@eloann]

I got one of these when they came out like 4 years ago after having my previous bike stolen and it's been great for commuting and the occasional weekend ride. This year though, I got an itch for adventure and it's also taken me on longer rides up and down proper mountains. It's started to show its limits on steep gradients (both up and downhill) but it's a great gateway for serious beginners or rusty riders on a budget.

[@SJPMs]

Cant speak highly enough about this bike. I bought a second one last winter as my winter commuter / wet weather steed. Best move i made in ages🙂 What it lacks in outright speed it more than made up by offering superior ride quality (thanks in part to running a tubless set up) and usability by offering multiple mount points. Lighter wheels ( Cadex AR 35's) have also helped sharpen things up. Without doubt one of the best value bikes out there!

[@MrAlexshellard]

Great bunch of guys there, spent a couple of days taking donations apart for them and got a few replacement bits for my own bikes there.

[@elliotthopkins8174]

Thankyou for donating to Recyk y bike. They are a great group.

[@kalilebron007]

This is it! Great coverage for bicycles like this. Superb stuff. Will you be covering Van Rysel as well?

[@lg.studio]

Bought the Gravel version for my wife earlier this year. Changed to 11-34, and made the tubeless ready 38mm Hutchinsons there tubeless. I'm happy she is loving it and actually wants to ride a bike now. She did not like riding her 2 y.o. Touring/Cross bike, so making her want to ride a road/gravel bike, and go for a ride with me is a big win. Definitely one of the best investments so far.

[@captainbungee]

11-36 works with 105 mech as well if you want lower gearing. You might need a longer chain.

[@chrisdietrich4572]

Bought this last year and it's my first road bike. I took it straight out of the box to a small biking weekend with myself. The shop set it up and they were amazed at the components for the price point. Did 20km on day one and 95km and 800m elevation on day 2. Been biking in amazing places with it since. I like the modularity to just change it to a gravel, etc. I bought now 32mm Hutchinson Sector for the next season. We have a few roads that are a bit questionable and hope to have more grip. Other than that put my Downhill MTB clip less pedals on them :D Also bought the 11-34 cassette now, but still have to try it. There are bunch of steep mountains in my region and I had struggles on some of them, so hope that helps. I have some issues on my home trainer (Garmin TACX Neo 2T special edition) with the derailleur. It does not shift into the lowest gear or in the highest the derailleur rubs against the frame of the trainer. Could also be me noobing around. Overall I am super happy with the experiences I had with the bike so far and also glad about the good 105 shifting experience and the disc breaks. If I stick with the sport, there will be an upgrade to full carbon, electric shifting, 12 gears, etc., but I think this will be a while in the future as this one can do a lot. Thanks for making this video. Helps me understand the differences as well to the other models.

[@blazz573]

This would make a great winter bike. Good timing you have.

[@DrunknFist]

My brother has this bike, and has been using it for 3 years now and it has been absolutely rock solid. Unbelievable value. He put some carbon wheels on it and it has taken the bike to another level.

[@touringolem9657]

Been waiting for this. Good one 👍

[@davidclarke7656]

Loving the honest review of lower price point machines and hardware. The worlds gone mad in what amateur, low level, relatively new cyclists are prepared to spend on a bike - it’s a marketing triumph and there needs to be a recalibration.

[@rodcosta3603]

You guys are just getting better! 💫

[@yurimow]

8:58 this is already the case, but it is not an issue. on some hubs you just replace the endcaps, while on others you slot an adapter into the thru axle hub and it becomes QR

[@francoisthomas4930]

My first ever road bike was a 2020 Triban RC500 (basically the RC520 but with shimano Sora, mechanical disk brakes) and it was amazing. Great value, super robust, reliable, not too heavy and looks alright for the price ! Perfect as a first "proper" road bike.

[@ianlainchbury]

Love this sort of content. Crackin video

[@JesusMeza-jt5me]

I have had this bike for 2 years and love it. I switched to a tubeless set up and that’s the only change I have done. I have used it for events as well. For the average rider, we don’t need more than this. Bikes like this and the Poseidon are making quality bikes at an entry point for most riders

[@bugsygoo]

Love to see you testing the van rysel bikes.

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Great gesture at the end guys

[@noahhupe1]

Have this bike and converted it to a gravelbike, just fitted 38c tyres. Decathlon says max is 36c but mine fit fine (Hutchinson Override). Amazing bike, very durable, simple to work on yourself. Even did bikepacking on it with no problem at all, thanks to the many options for bags and racks. 😊 Got it used but like new for 600€.

[@andras.89]

It can be even fitted with 40c Hutchinson Touareg as well

[@gedheaton1415]

I've got this bike atm but due to health reasons cant afford to fall off(long story) or more to the point get knocked off with all the dik eds up here, so not wanting to give up cycling I thought I'll sell this and buy the gravel version but reading your comment anr watching the video am I correct in saying I dont need to, just change the tyre's?, I'm not bothered about speed or anything but there is some decent gravel runs by me that could keep me on the bike and save £££

[@brookes79]

Ive got a 2020 Pinnacle laterite 3, was around the same price. Also comes with Shimano 11 speed 105, but weighs 9.7kg. Great bike, is now my winter bike & my Ribble Endurance SL is my main bike. Pity as the Post Covid Laterite now has 9 SPEED Sora on it instead.

[@TheLaurieJi]

I was waiting for this review!!!!

[@jw3638]

Got the 520 as a gift. It feels heavy and sluggish but the shifting is solid and I feel so confident descending on it

[@denisspratt926]

Would be fun to see you guys try out the top of the range bikes Decathlon have as well to check out how they compare to other brands in the same price range. Like the Van Rysel RCR and EDR. Those will be in the World Tour next season ridden by AG2R. Nice video.

[@ltu42]

I've been riding with a 11-32 R7000 105 cassette for years, and bought an uprade to 11-34 with vacations in the mountains in mind. I switched it back after the first ride. The 11-32 cassette has 1 tooth increments between the 4 smallest cogs, whereas the 34 tooth cassette starts at 2 tooth increments: 11-13-15-17 etc. It is very noticeable when riding fast in the bunch on the flat. So, I would reommend the 11-32 cassette as an all-rounder option, with a 34 tooth cassette a specialist climbing setup. Now, in the 12 speed world this is not a problem, effectively you get a 34 gear as an extra.

[@brookes79]

I've got the 11-30t 105 rear cassette & it's the same, don't get a 34t one.

[@KMnng10]

I ride this bike since 2 years as gravel / commute bike. Just had a Rs510 crankset. Works perfect. Never had a problem. Changed to tyres to pirelli gravel m tubeless. Even the saddle works perfect for me. Only downside I see is the QR / disc combo. But just in case I want to buy a new wheelset. Qr / disc is hard to find. Not a lot to choose.

[@1RichieRich]

I had one a while ago before I sold on ,I changed the wheels for fulcrums and ran with 700x38 maxxis ramblers and it was a nice comfy machine

[@Boodoo4You]

We’ve got these in Australia too, at Decathlon. They’re 1599 AUD which is 835 GBP. It comes with 105 all round, except for the Microshift 11s 11/32 cassette, and the TRP brakes. Definitely a great deal.

[@marks3620]

Had two bikes from Decathlon, Btwin Triban 3 ten years ago and more recently Van Rysel EDR Ultegra rim 3 years ago. Both been great bikes.

[@PeterisSudakovs]

I have been riding the rc520 for almost 3 years now and it has been very good. Bent the frame but Decathlon did the replacement with 50% discount. I am riding 11-42 with a longer adjustment screw so that the 105 rear deraileur can fit the larger cassete. I do not think that you can go bigger that 42 though as the shifting with the extension is at the limit of smooth... Also Schwalbe G-one 35mm with TPU tubes - awesome.

[@wonkygaestgl7390]

Hey Francis, I love your videos. I think that an alternative to the rc520 could be buying an rc120 and fitting it with Sora or 105 as it works out to be around 350 for the bike and 250 for the upgrade at a shop and if you don't mind rim brakes, it works out to around £200 less, which you could spend on some upgrades such as tyres or wheels or aero bars, which I think would create a better overall experience.

[@jonathanvince7374]

I brought the sora 10 speed version of the 520 about 2 years ago. Upgraded it to hydraulic disc brake 105 last winter (when they were knocked out cheap) and a new set of wheels and tyres over the summer.

[@TehNubTwinz]

I got my disc break rc 120 about a month ago and it’s my first bike. I’ve put about 250 miles on it already and I’m just in love, I’ll probably upgrade in another year or so

[@Juma81]

I purchased the RC520 in July as my very first road bike, had a fitting from bike fit James, to get it dialed in and it's been wonderful. I have had two crashes (thanks TFL busses) and the bike has held up like a champ. Highly recommend. Looking forward to getting my fitness up and possibly grabbing something a bit lighter in spring.

[@johnnunn8688]

If you intend to race, go lighter but otherwise, don’t bother.

[@chetmanley1885]

Maybe change the wheels, you'll feel more difference than a new bike unless you're paying big money

[@Chaddledee]

@@johnnunn8688 Yeah fr, at best you'll be shaving 2.5kg off it unless you spend silly money, and 2.5kg is honestly negligible compared to the rider's weight unless you are using it competitively and you're already in the best shape you can be.

[@Idyll_Insomniac]

I bought mine about a month ago now, getting 105 at this price point is practically a steal. Also had very good reviews. Can always get a different frame etc. in the future and move the 105 parts over along with buying the rest of the 105 parts (cassette and crank)

[@johnnunn8688]

I know this doesn’t have a complete 105 set, but with 105 @ £500, it’s deffo a steal anyway.

[@kierenkd]

Great video. Im only riding as im injured from running. Aiming to average 90 minutes a day (10 hours a week) so can't compete with the big boys nor do I want to. A bike like this is perfect. I actually have a Cadd12 that was reduced from £1500 to £999 when I bought it. I can't believe today's prices

[@ah-64apache84]

i feel like if you have the money and the geometry fits for you, this is a great value. The 105 will be shifting a ton nicer than the

[@high.fly.4949]

as always great video :) could you review the grvl 520 next :D

[@kylew1358]

I love Decathlon and that same store you guys go to! I have the their Van Rysel Aluminium EDR Ultregra and got it for 1200 but selling for 1500 now. I'm a beginner so it's great for me!

[@Octoknight64]

I have 2 of them, you can’t be wrong with this one ! The gravel version is awesome although a bit more expensive.

[@benws8246]

Good video and I'm pleased that you are covering bikes at this price point. I think that people don't need to spend thousands on a bike and the industry is taking the p**s with their pricing. Glad to see that you echo my thoughts in that there is good stuff out there at budget prices.

[@jamesgodwin6484]

I got this bike from my GF as my second more "trashable" bike choice instead of using my Carbon (i was eyeing it up myself). I cannot disagree with anything in the video and for normally 850£ (which should be pointed out) its a FANASTIC bike. I changed the tyres for more gripper road ones for more all weather and i would change the cassette but I tried it out on 200m long max 12% local hill and it was fine. if you live near more hills then save yourself the effort and get that 11-34 but if its flat or less than 200 meters elevation over say 30+ km don't bother. I personally changed the crank arm from 170 to 165 and for me it feels better. One thing i have to point out is there is very little adjustment to shorten so fit smaller if in-between sizes, for example the stem is 80mm on the small etc etc.

[@m.k.4046]

I owned a RC520 for a bit over a year now, and I have to admit that the stock Decathlon tires weren't that great in the end. They're rather heavy and I think they wear out really fast especially when exposed to the sun. They're not really that puncture resistand either. The ones I replaced them with are the Panaracer Gravelking slick, I think 32, and they work much much better. Better at cornering, tubeless compatible, faster and lighter than the original ones, and you can easily go on hardpack dirt roads without fear.

[@_________4292]

New content is nice, but I miss old vlogs

[@chetmanley1885]

I was looking for a relatively inexpensive road bike I can ride through winter might be a good shout. I'd change the chainset and front mech for GRX, I like the 46/30 a lot, stick some 32mm tires on and good to go.

[@shivsnorman]

I have the Triban RC520 Women - it easily matches my Cannondale Synapse. I changed the saddle though. Fantastic bike all round!!

[@AlarmedJuggernaut8]

Bought this bike a few years ago, still love riding it everyday till now!

[@20dpb]

Great cause and video

[@andras.89]

Wohoo, "my" bike - I am kinda worried before watching this ep :D (bought it last year when it came with 105 crankset back then) Bought it with M-size which is a bit too big for me, so I pushed the seat forward and changed the stem from 100mm down to 80mm. Also I have bought a "true" Shimano R7000 105 crank with 165mm lenght instead of the factory 172,5mm length, love it with my short legs. I bought a Shimano cassette 11-34t so I have 1to1 ratio for climbing as well, instead of the factory Microshift branded cassette 11-32t. Using it RN with 32mm wide Panarecar Gravelking slick tyres with Vittoria latex inner tubes, it got very confortable with these small changes, I am going to go only for endurance road bikes when I look for a future upgrade, for sure

[@kevinlyon9501]

That is a lot of bike for the money, I have the TRP Spyre cable brakes on the road bike and when I was building the gravel bike bought a pair of the cable hydraulic ones pretty good option compared to the price of a full hydraulic set-up. I like that it's a honest review so Decathlon actually get quite a good add and somebody who can't afford a bike will get a nice bike, good job lads.

[@domonkosscheiling5809]

the achilles heel of all triban bikes are the rims. at some (not too distant) point, they start to crack at the spoke holes. if you want to use them on a daily basis, get a proper 32 spoke wheelset built in your local bike shop. :)

[@anthonylloyd6094]

Great vid. It's shows Decathlon are giving thought to the bicycles they produce. Please can you do a best entry level gravel bicycle?

[@HUNHali]

Crazy value for money, couple things that would hold me back from buying: 1) Quick release frame: You basically have to adjust the brakes every time you swap the wheels, you cannot put them back in exactly the same position. 2) IS/PM rear brake mount: Once you decide to upgrade to hydro GRX/sram, you cannot put a standard flat mount rear brake caliper on it unless you use exotic adapters. Also I used to be a fan of 11 speed 11-34, but 11-32 is a much better option imo. The teeth counts: 11-12-13-14-16-18-20-22-25-28-32 11-13-15-17-19-21-23-25-27-30-34 The smaller gaps at high speeds for me is worth using the 11-32, the range is almost as good as the 11-34.

[@cruciforme2]

I have put and removed the wheel multiple times and never had to adjust the brakes. For the rear brake it's true but on the other hand of you paid the extra for those hydromec brakes, upgrading to full hydro is not a nice move but as I understand some mtb calipers are compatible. The only thing I don't like is that I would prefer a 46/30 chainring.

[@HUNHali]

@@cruciforme2 I have the GRVL 120, and there's usually a bit of brake rub when swapping wheels, certainly more compared to my thru axle bikes. Yeah the HY/RD brakes might be alright, but on the 120 there were Promax mechanical brakes, which were worth swapping for GRX hydro ones, but I had to buy a funky IS-FM adapter (which is quite funky, it's harder to adjust compared to regular FM or PM brakes. Now basically the only original component on the bike is the frameset :)

[@cruciforme2]

That makes sense :).

[@davidwhite5522]

I have the RC520 , lockdown purchase I won’t lie but o love it . Got me into cycling and watching great Channels like this . Wheels and tyres are awful so changed for some hunt wheels

[@goodcompanycoffee]

Fantastic road bike. Best bang for bang your buck and also looks good! Ride the hell out of it.

[@Mclovinthedank]

This is all the bike the average person needs.

[@tehdopefish]

They have this at Decathlon in Canada, but it sells for the equivalent of over 1000 GBP. There are definitely a lot of competitive bikes from major brands at that price point.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@leonardsasse1817]

thanks for the review, i would also love to see a review for decathlons elops ld900

[@NathanRodger]

I love that you keep in mind that for many, it's hard to afford things: "It's an 800 quid bike, which is obviously a lot of money" Whilst there are indeed markets that a 10000 quid bike is researched, made, and taken to market and sells well... it is not so for many. I appreciate it!

[@fooboomoo]

I always seem to come back to Decathlon when lokking at bikes. Great values across the board and they often have sales. Fir example I bought the Rickrider AM 50 S for 1200€ earlier this year.

[@KopfKino901]

I got the gravel version (GRVL 520) of this bike and I love it

[@cneubert28]

Love giving it to a bike project. We have The Urban Bike Project here that I gave a couple bikes to.

[@ashleymilns5143]

Disclaimer, I work for Decathlon. BUT I love my RC520! It's done me perfectly as a fair weather cyclist and commuter. The Decathlon bikes around this price point are always exceptional value.

[@MTBScotland]

wheels and tyres are pretty heavy. changes to those two after a while would make a big difference to the bike. I got a set of Vel 28 alu wheels that weight in at 1590g I bought for £200. I considered that bike before I got my ribble endurance AI.

[@famoterlhh4993]

I love this bike, bought it in April, and I managed to ride my longest ride of 80km It fits me almost perfectly in size small, however a bike fit to fine tune the fit would be a nice to have

[@gvnshtn]

I just picked up one of the last few 105 RC520's in the UK for £670. I was looking at an alloy Synapse 2 reduced from £1600 to £1075 but £670 for one of these has to be an absolute steal! Thanks for the recommendation, I'm not sure I'd have even looked at Decathlon 🤘

[@Musketman84th]

520 is a great bike...i have one here in Canada. I did some upgrades like switch the casette to a 11-34, raised the bars with a new stem, replaced the saddle with a brooks and added clipless peddles. I also switched the tyes to Gator Skins but omg they're horrible to get off...but that good be the tyres fault. I also use it for gravel with a separate wheel set with 37mm tyres.

[@lucalorenzetti9905]

Out of curiosity, what wheels did you mount for gravel?

[@Musketman84th]

They are Bontrager wheels..not sure the particular model...just says Bontrager TLR as they can be tubless

[@MrBillboeing]

I owned it for a year, it was my commuter bike, in the end also my gravel bike. Solid bike for the money.

[@ShareKoLangPh]

I got the RC500 which has the Shimano Sora groupset. Pretty much the same geometry as tghe 520 but has different components. Which serves its purpose well since Im only a weekend biker. Changed my wheels to 35C but since you said it can fit a 40C, next time I’ll put a 40C. Changed my brakes also to a Tourney mech brake. The ProMax was slippery from the get go. Happy to see you review the Decathlon bikes. Its a nice brand for those who are just starting to ride bikes.

[@Truesilverful]

In manual it says 32 is max, I put on 38 and I feel that is already a bit dangerous, I would not put on 40. Esspecialy as with gravel you tend to ride mud and it is not good for the frame.

[@King_K_Rool_]

105 and carbon fork for £800 when most brands give sora and full aluminium for a grand plus..

[@chetmanley1885]

I saw a Salsa for £1800, and it's single speed.

[@jdmcdorce876]

Some name brands are still selling Claris with rim brakes for over a grand.

[@FDMedic78]

QR wheels are definitely becoming harder to find. Unless you build your own wheels. I am doing that right right now with my Salsa Journeyman. It is QR and I wanted to build 650b wheelset for bike camping. I love the bike and refuse to get rid of it. I am from the US and love the channel. I like what you guys are doing. Keep up the great work!

[@Missinglink3003]

Double this. May it beeing used or new, basically every Wheelset is TA. Was looking for a second set for my GRVL120, and it is really hard to find...so I gave up 😛 I'd go for a slightly more expensive bike for future proofing.

[@aleman4ever]

Buy a dt swiss TA wheelset. The dt swiss axles can be converted to QR by changing the endcaps easy.

[@FDMedic78]

@@aleman4everI'm currently building up a set with Sun Ringle Inferno TR 650b rims with Bontrager XLR disc QR hubs.

[@FDMedic78]

@pieterstablein1043 that's why I'm building up a set. Sun Ringle Inferno TR rims with Bontrager RLX QR hubs. I can't find anything decent that isn't beat up.

[@user-lx6dk2ir4g]

Love this video! Anyway we can get a full comparison between all the entry level bikes from Decathalon? RC 120, RC 500, RC520 etc? Would love to see your thoughts and purchase decisions on the different bikes?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

That Triban looks really cool. That's half the battle 😀

[@DavidtheDoom]

I have this bike, it is really solid. Only the brakes leaves more to wish for.

[@watchesnwheels]

Those Hy-Rds are really underrated. Not only do most of them perform better than Spyres (sometimes even Growtacs), they are an upgrade from the Aliexpress hybrid brakes, and they were designed such that changing oil/ maintenance is easy. If Decathlon updated their frame to be like the Poseidon family of gravel bikes (to have interchangeable dropouts) and kept this price, these bikes will be a proper sleeper/ fly off shelves.

[@Wichyn1]

For those that might not use it before, let me say that I can confirm that Shimano 105 are WOW!!! Chef kiss!! I've have another bike with that set and it just goes and goes!!! After 2000-3000 km (1000-2000 miles) everything it's still great with them. Just until now, after 5years I need to replace the chain because of wear and that's it I've been looking for a commute bike with drop bar just because I like them better but at this moment, they're usually "gravel" so cost to much for my like and also don't have mounting points for paniers and mudguards. Even if you find a good hybrid, the cost of the conversion might be quite significant Even though this is not completely intended to be a commute bike, for me, is perfect for my riding style and also with a a nice price given the groups set and other specifications. The tire clearance it's perfect!!! I'm ok with going with 35mm but it's good to know that it goes up to 40mm I find it funny that here in Mexico, it's advertised with Shimano RS 510 crank so it's slightly different but still with Microshift cassette and Shimano 105 I think I just found my perfect bike!!!!

[@__uorson]

this is awesome. do you know of any equivalent brand/offer in the north american market, by any chance? also: i got my bike from recycle a bicycle in new york almost exactly 20 years ago. these programs’ impact on communities is HUGE. still riding it! 1980s panasonic with a million little updates now. the program totally worked. i wouldn’t have been able to get into cycling in the city properly if these guys didn’t guide me. thank you gentlemen. ❤

[@bikingchupei2447]

8:15 all that work fitting a 40c tyre and not even including a shot of the clearance.

[@mozzarella2261]

Love the decathlon videos

[@stanley3647]

Sturdy, durable frame and fork plus 105's groupset is perfect combination. Anything else like: chain, casette, crakns, brakes, wheels or tyres are easy replaceable to customize bike to Your pereferenes. Big OK for this price and don't forget about long Decathlon's warranty.

[@samcross5350]

Love the fact you gave them away at the end but would have been good to see what improvements you could have got from the bike with the money saved by not going with a big brand first.

[@Alex-to8es]

Its funny, in 2017 I brought an £850 in the sale, it is full Carbon, full 105 bike, with sealed integrated cable routing, which can take 32mm tyres and is disc brake compatible (though came with rim brakes), it weighs 8.5kg. The groupset apart from the chain is the same 8500km and 7 years later. What have we got in 6 years other than a similarly priced but objectively worse bike here? While the £350 Btwin's are good value, this just begs the question why are road bikes are so expensive now because while there is nothing wrong with this frame or bike, it is basically just an entry level aluminium one from 2010 with discs slapped on and more tyre clearance (a good thing), it has similar features to a Trek 1.5 Alpha, and I literally brought tone of those frames second hand in 2015 for £30 with the final bike build there coming in around 10.5kg. Maybe you should do a video with Nick the bikeshop guy where you try and buy decent second hand road bike that competes with this one and then he prices up how much it would cost for a bike shop to get it back to 95% condition...if you even can! What can you get for £600 plus £200 in repairs/replacements at a bike shop, with the assumption being maybe a person can change a tyre or wheel set, but might be less capable/unwilling/safe in setting up a bike fully. I found the disc version of my bike, in my size, which had been used as a commuter for a bit on Ebay for £400...no one bid at that price, but if the frame was okay which it looked to be let alone the other parts, it is equivalent of a £1800 bike these days.

[@emm75]

love those Decathlon reviews, could you review their Van Rysel range in the future? I'm really wondering if they offer the same value