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Post by tribanman on Aug 16, 2019 8:24:59 GMT
Cheers Paul lol re: narrow bars an XS I had assumed I was being dense not that you'd got it wrong.
Thought vaguely about second hand but not much, what older models would be the equivalent of what I'm looking at at the moment?
Not sure if they all have the same comfort/relaxed geometry and high clearance that the current crop does? The first bike I had actually googled assuming it was still in stock in the/a current range (there are XS online and in stores but other than that they're gone) was the previous B'Twin Triban 500 which looked like quite a sexy number (and I guess previous version of RC500). Has/had rim brakes on that one, flat and drop bar options, good clearence iirc.
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Post by Paulinblack on Aug 16, 2019 13:51:09 GMT
I think the most recent Tribans have the same geometry and tyre clearance.
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Post by tribanman on Aug 16, 2019 20:03:59 GMT
Noted thanks Paul. Had a v brief go on the 120 in the Kensington Hi St store this eve, v diff experiece to Canada Water store, I guess because he had the capacity at the tailed of the day whereas the staff at Canada Water superrstore on a Sunday afternoon are trying their best looking after several sets of customers at once, often comprising whole families bugging them! No complaints from last weekend when I was there but the chap serving tonight was v helpful and took his time setting me up and assessing whether a medium or large frame would suit, tried both but only for 30-60 secs max as with a friend and the store is small(er), so not enough to get a good second impression.
He seemed to think large would be better which I'll be reflecting on and bear in mind. But bonus - found out that Decathlon actually do allow you to leave bank card /passport and take the bike out for a 24hr test! Will definitely be making use of that, probably from this store as I'm a sucker for the streets of posh houses in the area be great to test round there rather than the 80s dockland's housing of Rotherhithe (no offence SE16). It's got a bit of varied topography in the form of Campden Hill Road behind the store too, whereas all flat in vicinity of Canada Water. Royal parks round the corner from Hi St Ken store to boot.
Lastly, found out Decathlon take part in the cycle to work scheme! For some reason had been under the impression they didn't, no idea why maybe they didn't used to, or I had been entirely misinformed. Probe the next test sessions will be happening either this weekend or next Fri eve in store before a gig round the corner.
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Post by Paulinblack on Aug 16, 2019 20:26:57 GMT
Sizing: You have looked at this page haven't you? There is a size guide on the bottom right. www.decathlon.co.uk/rc120-road-bike-grey-id_8554264.html#I think you said you were 5ft 11' so that would surely put you on a M. I'm 6ft 1'. When I first started I was advised go smaller rather than bigger. I ignored it on my first bike and have regretted it. My subsequent bikes have been smaller and feel better (Nippier, lighter, easier to control). Your size appears well in the M range. I think you are trying to go bigger to have the same feeling that you are used to, rather than what you will become used to. I base this on what you have said and my own personal experience of my first BTwin where I was trying to compare with my MTB (mountain bike).
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Post by tribanman on Aug 17, 2019 8:21:27 GMT
Yeah I've seen the size charts/specs, need to measure myself.
I did say 5 11, and that that put me near (if not on) the upper boundary of M/L. Interesting re: your experience buying too big inc. for first bike, would say do note though I'm not 'trying' to go bigger, rather just mentioned that the bloke in the shop was pretty convinced that L would suit (as would M ofc, he just thought that L be better) albeit acknowledging the longer reach (which I don't necessarily feel I want at this point considering I'm going for comfort relaxed geometry etc etc).
I reckon I'll take both out the shop for tests shortly but my instinct lies to M, but would like to give shop man's opinion/assessment some consideration, in addition to yours which I much appreciate you relaying.
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Mel-in-Red
Peloton Rider
Not so overweight now....π
Posts: 275
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Post by Mel-in-Red on Aug 17, 2019 8:40:38 GMT
If it is any help i am 5'11" and i am on a M frame, my last T3 was a size 54 (M) and i have no height problems on any of the bikes, but it will be down to personal preference, i like the idea of try before you buy, at least you will know for sure.
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Post by tribanman on Aug 17, 2019 9:56:20 GMT
Cheers Mel yes seems M will likely be what I end up going for all things considered so far
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Post by Paulinblack on Aug 17, 2019 11:32:47 GMT
An L might 'feel' more stable to begin with. But you'll be able to throw a 'M' around much more in no time.
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Post by tribanman on Aug 18, 2019 14:40:41 GMT
Stability and 'throw-around-ability,' two attributes I hadn't wondered about when it came to frame size, noted thanks for the tip again.
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Post by Scott M on Aug 19, 2019 8:36:47 GMT
I started out on a hybrid, initially around parks and cycle paths, gradually building up to 50/60 mile rides, as well as commuting in all weathers for a couple of years. Three years ago, I decided it was time for my first road bike, so splashed out on a 2015 Triban 520: (the naming convention of the Triban bikes can be confusing, with the same numbers being re-used for different bikes, but it's a Shimano Sora triple, 9 speed, and precursor to, I guess, Triban RC500 in the current range, although that now has disc brakes) When the old hybrid was beyond economical repair, I wanted a new winter/touring/general domestic duties bike, so went for a 2018 Triban 500 (Microshift triple, 8 speed, and precursor to today's Triban RC120) I now cover about 7,000 miles per year, split evenly across both bikes, including a few short tours of around a week carrying all my gear, tent, etc. The Shimano equipped bike definitely feels more refined in terms of shifting, etc. but both bikes are absolutely fine for the job so I don't think you'd regret going for today's Microshift equipped RC120 over the RC500. When I was buying my 500 I had a look at what's now called the RC100, and it just felt a bit too cheap and basic. I think you've already concluded this?
Scott.
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Post by tribanman on Aug 19, 2019 21:13:28 GMT
V helpful comments on the 120 and 500 and their precursors Scott, cheers, nice to know the 120 (or older equivalent 500) has served you well with the miles you do. I can't see myself doing more than a couple of 1000 per year tops in all honesty but who knows.
Yes 100 did seam like a right ol' cheapo piece of kit that I don't think will do what I want comfortably so probs not going to retain that as an option. Shop man in decathlon said he rode one for a few months and did fine for what it is, but is just noticeably not that much that'd the issue. One comment the decathlon man did say re: the 120 is that it'd probably do fine for the longer leisurely/weekend rides I intend it for if I stick to the Brompton for the commute as he didn't seem to think the 120 would hold up very well for regular use as a commuter I guess because the parts are cheaper so would wear much quicker.
Now I know you can take them out the shop not sure I'll bother going to Canada Water on Fri eve to test as might as well test when I know I can get a better, fuller impression out on the road.
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Post by tribanman on Aug 21, 2019 11:48:38 GMT
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Mel-in-Red
Peloton Rider
Not so overweight now....π
Posts: 275
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Post by Mel-in-Red on Aug 21, 2019 18:22:45 GMT
Certainly looks a clean cycle, if he is leaving soon you might even get it a bit cheaper.
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Post by tribanman on Aug 21, 2019 18:44:46 GMT
On my way to have a look now, another chap going to be viewing tonight also so likely to go up if anything!
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Post by tribanman on Aug 21, 2019 19:29:09 GMT
Had a quick go, frame was M apparently but did seem quite small and bars seemed quite narrow, just as well as how I'd noticed they seemed too wide on the RC500! Bloke only cycles a mile round the corner on it for work so been well kept and not seen the wear from the milage, unsure but seems like too good a bargain to let go! Will have to see
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