Triban RC500 Microshift Disc road bike review

A handsome and comfortable, entry-level bike that’s ideal for newcomers to road cycling or those looking for a durable weekday commuter hack

Triban RC500
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Whether you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive way to get into road cycling, want a tough bike that will take the rough with the smooth en route to work, or an unfussy N+1 for winter, the versatile Triban RC500 is well-worth considering. The 100% use of in-house components may be a deal-breaker for some but this approach keeps the price stupendously low and allows it to punch well above its weight.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Great value for money

  • +

    Comfortable on long rides

  • +

    Will inspire confidence for newcomers to road bikes

  • +

    All-round potential for different needs and uses

  • +

    Mechanical disc brakes are smoothly efficient

  • +

    Lifetime guarantee on frame, handlebars and stem

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Less mechanically adept or experienced customers will need help building and setting the bike up

  • -

    Limited support network for in-person advice, spares and servicing

  • -

    Only one color option

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Decathlon’s renowned Triban range (formerly known as B’twin) has long offered decent quality bikes without the higher prices more commonly associated with, and expected of, ‘sexier’ brands.

However, what some leading manufacturers term as ‘entry-level’ is probably still beyond the financial wherewithal of a significant section of their potential customer base. Especially in a cost-of-living crisis. Roll forward then the latest iteration of the highly-rated Triban RC500, which retails at just £649.99 (or $1,199.00 in the US with Shimano's reliable Sora groupset specced instead) - we take a look at how this latest model stacks up against the best cheap road bikes

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