It’s incredibly versatile and rides really well for a mid-range to entry-level bike. Setting off, it doesn’t take long for the bike to pick up speed, and the aluminium frame feels pretty darn comfortable on our increasingly awful roads. The carbon fork definitely makes it feel a little lighter on the uphills and, combined with the 28mm tyres, helps to absorb some of the vibrations from the road. Other specs include hybrid TRP HY/RD disc brakes, which provide an element of hydraulic stopping power combined with the simpler maintenance needs of cables. They’re quite unwieldy to look at, but their performance is well regarded and the Shimano-compatible brake pads mean spares are easily obtained. It’s this passion and expertise that are helping to put Van Rysel on the map, creating high-quality road bikes and clothing for all types of cyclist.
All frames, whether aluminium or carbon fibre, are assembled at the Lille factory after manufacture with global partners. Equipped with 11-speed Shimano 105 drivetrain, TRP HY/RD disc brakes and a retail price of $899 the RC 520 is easily one of the best values for a new bike on the market today. Unlike the typical 8 or 9 speed drivetrains available at this price range, the Shimano 105 R7000 series components offer crisp and responsive shifting. Decathlon’s Ultra Evo Dynamic carbon fibre frame, which Decathlon claims weighs just 850g in a size Medium, and the fork 320g, builds into stiff, light performance bikes with internal cabling. In terms of road bike wheels, they don’t need to be as wide as MTB wheels, meaning they tend to have fewer spokes and lighter rims. Many road bikes have drop handlebars, but flat handlebars are an option as well.
Rather than the typical 8 or 9 speed entry-level components, the RC 520 comes with the latest 11-speed Shimano 105 R7000 series. With each release, Shimano trickles down the advancements from the Dura-ace and Ultegra series down to the 105. As a result the latest R7000 Shimano 105 is crisp and responsive which is a big step up from the previous generation. If you’re new to cycling you think an extra gear or two isn’t worth the cost, but as you ride more miles you’ll come to appreciate the wider gear range and reliability the 105 and higher-tier components offer. Also, the fact that it is a modern 11-speed drivetrain means future upgrades or replacements will be readily available. Ask other riders you know if you may have a try of their bike.
I think he was just unlucky as I’ve not heard of anyone else having such problems but it’s nice to know that if you do they’re happy to help sort it out ASAP. Sometimes a stunning bike with good set up for not very much at all. This one seems to fit the bill so I was wondering if anyone on UKC has experience of Decathlon’s bikes. I don’t have any personal experience, but generally speaking Decathlon bikes are regarded as being pretty good value for money. I haven’t heard any horror stories, but I do know plenty of people who are very happy with Decathlon bikes and other bits of kit.
For the extra $200 you get a different paint scheme , Hutchinson Override 700×35 tires and flared handlebars. If you plan on doing gravel riding I would recommend buying the gravel version as you would end up spending about that much to buy the decathlon bike tires/handlebars. The RC 520 is Decathlon’s house brand bike but don’t write it off just yet because of it. Department store bikes like the $80 specials in Walmart or Target have a bad rap due to their bargain bin parts and lack of reliability.
That’ll make it straightforward to tackle just about any climb you’ll find in the UK. All of Triban’s road bikes are built around the same TIG-welded aluminum frame. The straight-gauge tubes sport prominently geometric cross-sections arranged in a contemporary silhouette with modestly sloping top tubes and slightly dropped seat stays.
The light attaches via rubber O-rings, which means it’s easy to switch between bikes and the onboard battery lasts for around 140 hours and is recharged by USB. The ride of the RC 520 Disc is surprisingly great, considering the price of it. Geometry-wise it feels really comfortable, the reach works well for my slightly short torso and arms; something I’ve found with a lot of women’s specific bikes. This decathlon road bike does mean, however, that if you have a longer torso and shorter legs, proportionally, then you may want to look at sizing up or increasing the length of the stem to give yourself a little more room. Aesthetically the Triban RC 520 Disc is simple, if not a little bland, with its subtle but metallic dark blue paint, white lettering for the logo, small red-painted accents and all-black components.
There are three main manufacturers of groupsets and bike components. Shimano is the largest and best known, while the other two of the “big three” are Campagnolo and SRAM. All three manufacturers offer a range of groupsets at competing price points. You can easily find manufacturers groupsets hierarchy online. The high majority of built road bikes come with a primarily Shimano groupset, though you’ll sometimes find they include some components from other brands to keep costs down at similar quality – such as TRP brakes or FSA chainsets.