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Triban RC 520 Bicycle (Shimano 105, Disc Brakes) $990 + Delivery ($0 C&C/ in-Store) @ Decathlon

1780
TOWNHALL10

The Triban RC 520 is being discounted by Decathlon to $1100. By using the code 'TOWNHALL10' the price drops further to $990.

This is an absolutely incredible deal for anyone looking for a road bike.

The bike comes with a Shimano 105 drivetrain, hybrid disc brakes which going by reviews perform almost as well as a full hydraulic system, tubeless ready tyres and a carbon fibre fork. An equivalent bike from another brand would cost around $2000-2500.

The bike also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame as well as free lifetime returns.


Attention to everyone who purchased a bike from my post!

I just found out that each of you has earned 990 Decathlon points (1 point for each dollar spent)! If you already have a few extra points in your account or if you spend just $10 more, you'll hit 1,000 points - enough to redeem a $50 Decathlon gift card through Decathlon Rewards! That effectively lowers the cost of your bike by $50, bringing it down to just $940!

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closed Comments

  • +22

    Now THIS is a genuine bargain. A big-store backed bike with full 105 for under a grand? Get on it.

    • +27

      Not full 105. Only shifters and derailleurs. Cassette is microshift, chain kmc, crankset rs510, brakes TRP.

      • +1

        Not full 105. not a deal

        • +5

          Seems a reasonable price if people don't want to hit the second hand market, don't know if cycling is for them, and wouldn't mind something versatile (think this could take a pannier rack, could make for a good commuter). Noting it's on the heavy side (albeit maybe not that uncommon at that price point) and I don't love the idea of hybrid brakes (but surely they'd perform better than rim?). I'm a bit ignorant of this (my bikes are both Ultegra, 11s mech and 12s Di2) but is the full group set important? Like the cassette and chain are pretty cheap (assuming you need them for better shifting), and cranks are cranks?

          Also looks like external cabling - could be a pro or con (probably a minor con if you don't do your own servicing).

    • +1

      Old 105 too.

      Not a bargain.

      • +2

        Still post shadow. How many people would honestly care?

        • -2

          True, but combined with the fact that it's not even full 105, makes it a non bargain.

      • with trp brakes. so not full hydro

  • +1

    Specs are good! I don't really know how they can give you a whole 105 drive chain bike for what is under the groupset price alone!

    FWIW I still have my 105 groupset bike from 2010 that cost me $2700 in 2010 dollars (bike market has seen similar inflation to the housing market in that time).

    • +1

      Not full 105 by any stretch

      Even full mechanical 105 groupset with hydraulic brakes costs less than this bike.

      Not a deal

  • +8

    Decathlon is the ALDI of sport goods.

  • +8

    Great price! I bought mine for $1,280 almost 2 years ago when it was 20% off the RRP 1,599 (post-covid prices..). For under $1k this is a great bargain and I hope to convince others at work to get Decathlon bikes too.

    As mentioned by OP the brakes aren't actually fully hydraulic though as it's a 'hybrid' wire-pulled hydraulic pistons. For me it was a huge upgrade from rim brakes, without the need to bleed braking lines myself.

    The stock wheels are also a pain to change because they're tubeless ready. Apparently there are new wheels: New RC520/500 wheels 19c internal width with grey highlights but the bike I got still had the old ones with orange highlights on the rim.

    Wheels can be easily changed in the future tho, as can many other things. I've upgraded plenty of parts already, and added Bontrager NCS Mudguards during the winters.

  • +3

    I'd buy it but would be scared to leave it anywhere for dessert of it getting stolen by either parts at a time or in full.

  • +3

    from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/road-bikes/unmatched-v…

    "New Triban Evo frame in 6061 T6 aluminium, comfort-oriented geometry with adapted sloping Weight: 1780 g in size M.Strong, versatile frame: can be fitted with a mudguard and pannier rack Compatible with tyres up to 700x36 or 650x40"

    This can be a cheap gravel bike and maybe just spend on an FSA gravel crankset so you have the 46/30 ratio for some climbing assists!

  • 190cm tall rider with long legs - L or XL would be better?

    • +1

      someone commented that the sizing guidelines can be misleading… maybe visit a store to try it in person?

      • +1

        Fair call, better be safe before plonking almost 1k on an impulse buy.

        • +4

          in general, its better to size down as if it's too small, you can just buy a longer stem but not when the frame is already too large for you

          bike size guide from the website:

          L 175 - 184
          XL 185 - 194

    • +3

      I'm the same size and have the XL. Fits great

  • +6

    Just impulse bought 2 of them 😂. Road bikes have been on the cards for my wife and I for ages, but I couldn't be bothered with all the research (I'm all over mountain bikes but the world of road bikes is very different). For commuting and casual rides, this seems great from the reviews.

    • +1

      change the tyres and you can have the best of both worlds = gravel!

      • +1

        More like the worst of both worlds.

        • yeah maybe haha

          you cant do jumps on gravel and cant go fast either 😅

      • +1

        I currently have a cheap HT and a good FS. I may end up changing the tyres on this and getting rid of the HT.

  • How hard is it to get accustomed to the rams head handles? Do you have to lean forward to ride?

    • +1

      Yes a bit, because that makes you faster (aerodynamic), but this is a comfort geometry frame so you'll be more upright than a really aggressive racing frame.

    • +2

      Its takes a couple of rides ngl.
      Im not the biggest fan of them for poking around town on.

      • +2

        Thanks, pulled the trigger. Figure I'm not getting anything near the quality for $1k anywhere else.

    • +10

      You can sit fairly upright with your hands on the upper part at the top of the shifters

  • +1

    No delivery or stores in Perth! :(

    • Having that issue too

  • +1

    Hybrid brakes are nowhere near as good as hydraulic brakes.

    I've got both, and hydraulics are a lot better. It's not even close.

    It's using an old version of 105, and not all components are 105. They've really cheaped out in places.

    Better off getting a secondhand bikes.

    You can't compare this to a bike you'll pay $2500 for.

    • +1

      Recommendations for seeking second hand bikes?

      • -2
      • Facebook market place is where the most listings are, atleast in Sydney. I recently picked up a 2019 Trek Emonda SL6 disc for 1300. Full carbon frame and ultegra components and was practically new - had warning stickers all over it and no wear and tear. Used bargains are out there, just gotta wait for them and be quick when you do see them.

    • +2

      Bought Mrs W a $580 used Giant Defy Aluxx with Tiagra and mech disc brakes. Quick tune and they're absolutely fine.

      Comparison is my Di2 Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes.

      • -1

        They're fine for about 200km

        • +1

          I've done 30,000km on a Reid with TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes, many of that touring or towing a child. Only problematic if they're not setup correctly or maintained.

    • Have you even checked the price of 2nd hand bike with Shimano 105 lately?

      • -1

        Yeah, I'm looking to sell one. I'll be asking $300

        • +1

          share the link or its hoax

    • +1

      It all depends what the buyer needs. I have both rim brake and disc brake bikes and I still prefer rim brake cos first I don't ride when is wet, I don't do group rides or follow closely to a group. Fast braking is always good to have but not too important for my case and is easier to service the bike and weight a little lighter for similar price bikes. Also if you don't clean your disc rotor and pads, they makes really unbearable noise under braking.
      For $1K, I think it is a good deal for people don't much about bikes or how to service them, for people who know bits more about bikes and components, it won't be a deal comparing to a good second hand bike.

    • +1

      I have both too and cable actuated hydraulic discs brakes are great and fit-for-purpose on a road bike.
      The technical specs specifically mentions anti-compression JAGWIRE housing which is essential to getting cable actuated hydraulic discs brakes to perform well and close to full hydraulics .

      Also, as I take my bikes overseas and much prefer cable actuated hydraulic discs brakes over full hydraulics.

      $990 for frame/stem/handlebars (+warranty) + blend of 105s + wheels + finishing kit vs a unknown cared for 2nd hand bike with similarly classed specs ? No way you are serious.

  • Xl and L already sold out?

    • -4

      Wear something less tight like normal people.
      Gotta admit - it looks funny on men.

    • +12

      How old are you? I'm 41 and I stopped care at whatever people can say to me? I've had and have women, house, car, play videogames, travelling - why care at randoms out there? You try to respond and they quickly drive off scared… It is just a white noise around you - ignore it and do what you love

    • -8

      I never understand why guys feel the need to wear the most aerodynamic clothing for a casual ride. Even if you’re training for a race, surely the drag off looser clothing would be beneficial. Mamils are ridiculous

      • +12

        What about girls?

        They wear the most aerodynamic Lorna Jane yoga pants just to go to Woollies

        • +6

          Yea, apparently it's ok for women, basically full camel on display, no imagination needed. I guess for aerodynamics when walking on a treadmill or when shopping at Woolies pushing a trolley. And the world is ok with that. But for a dude with a bulge, nah the sky will fall and you will go to hell.

      • +7

        It's all not about aero. I would happily wear the baggiest shirt and parachute in a heartbeat, and do, but keep the bib shorts. I want shorts rubbing against shorts, not my crotch rubbing against shorts on a long ride. There's some science behind the mechanics of the butt-and-crotch interaction that goes beyond micro gains of aero.

        • +2

          Definitely knicks for longish rides. Loose top works fine. Preferably fluoro

      • +3

        I used to wear cotton shorts, after 5000 ks the crotch wore out on them.

        Now wear bib shorts, done 20 000 ks in them, still fine.

      • +1

        It's nothing to do with aerodynamics

    • +8

      I think more people should approach cycling as a tool rather than a hobby from the get-go. In many places around the world, bikes are for you to explore, do groceries, commute around town etc. I do all of that on my bike and occasionally fang it with a couple friends on the roads.

      If you don't know what to look for secondhand, this bike is a solid entry into doing basically all that I described. No need to rush out and buy lycra or dive on Strava; most of the time, riding a bike is a way to explore and connect with your environment and community.

    • +1

      You know i like wearing my cycling lycras, but if I'm gonna be cycling to the nearest cafe i just put a short over it no one can see my bulge

      • -5

        But that's an extra 150 grams of baggy shorts you are carrying in your backpack. The difference between a $5000 bicycle and a $10,000 bicycle is 150 grams and slightly better components but mostly the weight. Also advisable to take a sh*t before you ride, you lose an extra 200grams of weight if it's a big load. That makes your bicycle twice as valuable due to less weight. If you don't believe this, go any live in the world of cycling on Youtube for 2 weeks, you will get sucked in. You will obsess about grams, wind resistance, drafting, energy in watts expelled, etc etc. I got sucked in hard but then yea, I managed to leave this 'cycling world' after nearly getting side swiped a few times to an early grave. Sydney is so bad for cyclists.

        • +3

          I have 3 bikes, and at some point 5 bikes.

          You can be obsessed about bikes without being obsessed about grams.

          Just shut up and ride your bike, man…

          • +1

            @meong: Same here, I have a few and I care their looks more than their weight as some aero bikes are heavier than racing one like TCR, Emonda etc

    • +3

      Kind of agree with you but that’s a big wall of text

      • -2

        Agree, but Apple mobile phones do not have AI summarization feature yet. Waiting for the roll out of AI integration on the Apple mobile phones over the next few months. Hopefully it will help me to reduce the word count and still convey what I want to say much better. I know Google Android mobile phones have had this feature for many years but I don't have access to Android operating system mobile phones. Thanks.

        • Summarized using Apple AI Summarization:

          Carrying extra weight, such as baggy shorts, can significantly impact the value of a bicycle. Cycling enthusiasts often obsess over weight and other performance factors, but safety should always be a priority.

        • +1

          Chatgpt and Copilot have been available for a very long time and are device agnostic. No need to wait for Apple to play catch up

    • +5

      That comment about someone pointing and laughing at your junk seems unhinged for the nature of the conversation here. Consider bringing it up with your psychologist rather than the comments section for a value bike

      • -1

        You might be right. It has made a lasting impression on my mind and I do wake up often in the middle of the night seeing the girls mom laughing and looking at my bulge. I mean who does that, young girls I can understand, but a grown ass woman behaving like that is seriously deranged.

        • @Dollar Dreamer so what did you do with your bike and all your gear in the end?

          • @Lord Ra: It's hanging from the ceiling in the garage in all of it's carbon lightweight glory.

            • @Dollar Dreamer: So you didn't just leave it under your bridge?

            • @Dollar Dreamer: Awww mate, what a shame! Hope you get some good results from trying what is recommended on these comments and get back on the bike again.

              I'm looking for fellow riders so dm me if you're keen. I'm less than a beginner, so happy just for the company. 😁

    • Why everyone is so serious? Isn't that just a self deprecating joke?

    • +3

      Jeeze mate perhaps you should have just eased into it? And not worried so much about what people think of your appearance.

      But I do agree about riding on Sydney roads, it's best avoided or at least done strategically (eg early weekend mornings and in a group).

      However, you can find lots of good riding in Sydney away from the roads, there are a heap of trails all over the place. String a few together, make use of trains, and you can explore a different part of the basin on every ride. That's what I do on my hybrid and I see quite a few of the lycra crew on their road bikes, but not using the roads.

      As for obsessing about weight, personally I find aero is what limits my speed most of the time. But fighting both things is an exercise in money, diminishing returns, and a compromise in appearance (if that matters), so why do it if it causes psychological grief? Ride recreationally, not seriously, as it's a shame to give up on the health benefits.

      • Hi Play,
        Which hybrid bike do you own? I need one with a relatively upright position (sore back), and attachments for panniers. I was thinking this Decathlon gravel bike, GRVL 120 CN , but maybe hybrid will be more comfortable for me, as I have a similar attitude of stringing rides together with the train (but in Melbourne). I currently have a single speed, but want to try some small hills.

        • +1

          Get a Norco Search A1 Flat Bar and they're usually cheaper than the drop bar version

          • +1

            @meong: Looks pretty cool!

        • +1

          Gday Vomo,

          I have a Polygon Path 3 which I reckon is great value for what you get, and I've previously recommended here.

          The $699 price is still available but XL is out of stock.

          Even on a hybrid/commuter like this I found the stock bent over position not relaxing for recreation, but a stem riser fixed that. By design any road or gravel bike would force you to be even more bent over. Best to try out a few frames in a bike shop before committing to that style. Personally I couldn't be in that bent over position for hours, for me it's my neck that gets sore from looking up. Great for sustained speed but I can still get to 30km/h on the flat which on a trail is enough frills for me. The chunkier tyres are also great for kerb hopping and broken surfaces, or going off trail to overtake people.

          • @pressPlay: Thanks Play, that looks perfect for me! I have a Brooks seat and a Soma Sparrow cruising bar I can transfer from my single speed, then use the riser you mentioned. Hopefully that works.
            I’m 182cm so I could probably go the L frame although I currently have an XL frame on my Samson single speed which feels right to me - I will need to do some measurements.
            Thanks for your link to your other post, I only ever remove the front wheel, so leaving the rack on works for me.
            Can’t see any reason not to get it! Thanks for your advice mate!

            • +1

              @Vomo: No worries Vomo glad to be of help. And I think an L for your height is correct. As they say, if between sizes it's easier to make a slightly smaller frame fit you than a bigger one.

              You'll enjoy the flexibility of the 3x9 groupset compared to your fixie. The granny ratio is crazy low and I've hardly ever had to use it, whilst wind resistance restricts me from using the top gear combination for very long.

              Also a suggestion if you value comfort, I recently installed this cheapish suspension seat post. Surprisingly effective, feels like my rear tyre is suddenly at 10psi. Time will tell about the longevity at this price, but always fun to tinker and upgrade.

              • @pressPlay: Thanks again! Lots to learn about, coming from a single speed. I like the 3 x chainring even though they seem out of favour these days by some people. Actually quite important for hills and heavy bike packing loads.

    • Hahaha…this is funny and stupid at the same time. Stupid because it is a first world problem. Why care so much what people think? Just think about your heart, being healthy and loose weight (hopefully)

    • Despite being a strange story, I do agree with you. Australians don't respect cyclists, they hate them. It's different in other countries; in Europe they have Tour de France where people love the sport.

      Anyway, actually the most important part is that road cycling is highly dangerous and absolutely not worth your safety. I've found it better to ride inside with a stationary bike and watch youtube. Also it's better for your skin re: UV exposure.

  • -4

    Weird bike. Clone name taken from the legendary and sadly discontinued Trek 520 touring bike, but unlike the Trek 520 it's not actually a touring bike. I guess you could make it into one because of the more upright geometry. Some nice parts, but they're on an alloy frame with a carbon fork of unknown quality. Many people would prefer to start with a quality frame and fork, and build on that. But it's cheap.

    • +4

      You're overthinking it.

      This is just a continuation of Triban RC500.

  • Any good deals on entry level bicycles ? Around 600. thanks in advance

    • +2

      Depends what your use case is. Getting around your city/commuting? Hauling groceries? Slowly exploring on shared paths or off-road gravel/mountain bike? Or getting the pace up with friends on tarmac?

      Regardless of your answer, I would recommend keeping an eye on Marketplace. My first bike was a $600 secondhand bike carbon fibre road bike which I love to bits. $600 won't really get you anywhere 'new'.

    • +1

      Agree, consider what you need it for. In my case I need to get fit, accompany the kid, and get around town for errands and events, so I have a cheap ALDI mountain bike - I get a decent workout because it's not very light and has a fair bit of rolling resistance from the chunky tires, and it can go off road whilst I don't have to worry about dinging it on a dropoff or in a pothole — or worry about having it pinched (professionals wouldn't bother stealing it). The only thing it can't do is keep pace in a group ride - but then again, I couldn't do that even if I had a better bike. Maybe if I did manage to get up to that level, then I can get myself a very nice bike as in this posting.

    • Try and stretch to this. Honestly its a good deal.

      Avoid anything with a suspension fork. Avoid second hand carbon, if you can.

      The 105 groupset that this bike has is a good balance bw price and performance.

      As others have said, gumtree/fb is best for a budget.

  • +4

    It's a reasonable deal. I actually posted a deal for this exact bike for $999 back in 2021 (?) I believe, so now with inflation the price is good compared to what else you get for the $1K mark and is a good contender vs getting used. However, as others have said, the groupset tech has moved on since and the mechanical 105 R7000 is a bit dated, and also its not full 105 with a slightly heavy frame thats the drawback.

    I have mine set up as a touring bike - the 105 rear mech can (unofficially) support a much bigger cassette (i have a 11-40T) and it can accommodate 38mm tyres running tubeless.

    • Hi, thanks for commenting! I'm thinking of buying Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres which are 38c for this bike. Decathlon says that the bike officially supports up to 36mm tyres, however it's been suggested that it can go higher. Do you think that 38c (tubed) will be ok? I'm also interested in hearing more about your experience running 38c tubeless. How was the fit and the ride, Thanks.

      • +1

        I wouldnt. I made this exact mistake recently. Bought 38mm thinking it would fit - the tread pattern on marathon plus tyres is quite bulky and rubbed against the stays. 38mm gatorskins were okay in the past but not marathon plus.

        I ended up putting them on my son's hybrid and buying gatorskins for my road bike.

        • Thanks for replying, I think I'll try 35mm instead

      • I guess with tyres there's a bit of trial and error as there are other real world influences like tread pattern that's difficult to express as a single spec number. The tyres I have are Panaracer Gravelking SK and I'm using 38mm front 35mm rear (I had a defective front tyre and had to buy replacement whilst awaiting warranty, and they only had 38mm in stock). There's also a blog post where the author has tested to 700x40mm with photos for.

        There's also the option of changing to a 650B wheelset (although 650B with QR may be hard to find) and decathlon in Europe has a spec with 650B wheels running 42mm tyres called the RC520 GRVL

      • Marathon Plus are bulletproof, but very very slow

  • Is it cheaper to hunt for a similar one on the marketplace? Casual cyclists.

    • Yes - if you're somewhere vaguely urban you will find decent deals on Marketplace. Ask a friend who's familiar with bikes to keep an eye out on listings/give feedback on the value of them.

  • theres some cheaper bikes here, big size though:

    https://www.progearbikes.com.au/collections/dropbar-road-bik…

  • This is a good deal, however I just put $500 into maintainence on my 10 year old commuter so I think I will abstain

    • that's a lot if money for maintenance of an old bike

      • +2

        Depends - if it's a good quality bike and they're replaced several parts, that's not bad! Beats spending $5000 on a fkd gearbox/brake/clutch/battery or plugs etc. on a 10yo car tho 😅

        • Hmm that one, I've definitely spent more maintaining it than I did buying, but it still works and it's still a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a new equivalent bike. Lots of parts replaced, so may be approaching a Theseus's ship problem eventually but I like the idea of keeping something mechanical running and in operation for a very long time. If it makes it to 20 I'll consider a new commuter.

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