Test: New entry-level gravel bike from Decathlon - Triban RC 520 Gravel from Decathlon on test

The Triban 520 RC Gravel is a gravel bike with an attractively painted aluminium frame, disc brakes and externally routed brake and gear cables. At first glance, the only complaint is that the mounting standards for discs and hubs are no longer state of the art. In the long term, this could become a problem with the supply of spare parts.

The 105 gears from Shimano with 2 x 11 gears and hydraulic, but cable-operated disc brakes from TRP are also fitted to much more expensive bikes. The 35 millimetre wide tyres are from Hutchinson, wider tyres do not fit on the bike. Nevertheless, comparably equipped gravel bikes are at least 200 euros more expensive, even from other direct distributors; the price difference is even greater in specialised shops.

On the test lap, the 10.5-kilo bike picks up speed noticeably sluggishly. It's a different kind of lively, you think briefly, but you can get used to that too. On the other hand, there would be no forgiveness for functional or even safety-related shortcomings. The adrenaline level rises briefly when we activate the brakes on the descent into the Isar valley. The pads only gently caress the discs, you don't want to have to make an emergency stop right now. However, this problem is not exclusive to the Triban; even the disc brakes on expensive bikes have to be slowed down before they can deliver their full power. However, we believe that this is a process that should not be the responsibility of the buyer.

Otherwise, the Triban rides inconspicuously in the best sense of the word. The long stem puts the rider in a relatively stretched position. Thanks to the long wheelbase and extreme riding stability, the bike rolls straight ahead. You quickly get used to the high steering forces; they don't bother you any further. The three-bar tyres, which are diamond-treaded in the middle and have short, closely spaced lugs on the sides, roll reasonably well and only reach their limit in fast corners on loose surfaces; in such situations you would wish for more traction. There is also a slight imbalance on the front wheel at high speeds.

Nevertheless, the thumbs are pointing upwards at the end. As an unpretentious, robust bike for many occasions, the Triban RC 520 Gravel is a really fair offer.

Triban RC 520 Gravel

Price 1,000 Euro >> available at Decathlon
Weight of complete bike 10.5 kilos
Weight frame/fork/headset* 1,879/689/89 grams
Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XXL Seat/top/head tube 520/560/188 mm Stack/reach/STR*** 600/380 mm/1.58
Wheelbase/caster 1,020/66 mm

EQUIPMENT

Drivetrain Shimano FC-RS510 (50/34, 11-32 t.) Brakes TRP HyRd (160/160 mm) Gearshift Shimano 105 Wheels/tyres (weights) Triban Tubeless Ready/Hutchinson Overide 35 mm (f./h.: 1,656/2,190 grams)

You can find the complete test with overall score and all test data in TOUR 01/2020