Planet X RT-58 Alloy review

South Yorkshire-based Planet X has developed a reputation for jaw-dropping value for money. But, for a bike like the Planet X RT-58 Alloy that costs £750, does this mean you get a second-rate frame? That’s what I wanted to find out.

Frame

The frame is handbuilt 6061-T6 heat-treated alloy with a full carbon fork. It is available in the black/white you see here as well as a blue option. Possessed of a relatively short reach and high stack, the geometry is described by Planet X as being ‘endurance’.

Specification

Our Planet X RT-58 Alloy came with a complete SRAM Rival groupset, high quality finishing kit from San Marco, plus a few bits from Planet X results in an impressive package. The standard version of this bike comes fitted with lower spec Campagnolo Khamsin wheels and is available for £599.

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However, when you buy a Planet X, the website allows you swap out and upgrade components at bargain prices at the point of purchase. We decided to go up to £750 and upgrade the wheels to Vision Team 35s. This wheel has a 35mm deep profile, offering a slight aero improvement and some bling.

It’s worth spending more time talking about the specification on Planet X bikes because so many options are available. You can choose different stem lengths, crank lengths and gear ratios, depending on your preference, and at no extra cost.

Thinking of buying a new bike?

Being able to swap components creates a bike that can be different things to different riders. This is great because the demands of a more experienced rider are often different than that of someone buying their first bike.

At the £750 price point some people will be buying their first bike, while more experienced riders might be looking for a solid training or winter bike. Being able to specify different chainsets and stems at no extra cost is big selling point to the veteran and beginner alike and it is a shame that other big brands do not offer this level of service.

Ride

Despite being hailed as an endurance package, the Planet X RT-58 Alloy is less compliant than the Giant Defy of a similar price and I found road imperfections much more noticeable.

I would suggest that while the geometry is suited to long days in the saddle, it didn’t feel like an out-and-out sportive bike. This is a bike that will hold its own on the local chaingang and is more than capable of fast paced efforts and darting through corners.

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Having tested many bikes around the £750 price mark, this is has been the lightest, which was particularly apparent when accelerating hard up steep climbs. The SRAM Rival offers very crisp shifting.

Value

Planet X is a brand famed for offering excellent value for money and the RT-58 is no exception.

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The Vision Trimax wheels are superb on a bike that costs £750 and you get quality kit throughout, including a complete SRAM Rival groupset. The bike is also the lightest I have ridden at this price point too. By comparison an equivalent £750 Specialized Allez weighs 9.45kg on our scales. The option to swap bits or add on upgrades at the point of purchase is a massive plus too.

For more details visit the Planet X website.