Roadbikes are a new fad. Especially when it comes to newbies. They all want lightweight, good-looking and fast bikes. And road bikes offer exactly that. However, these sleek machines cost alot. To purchase a road bike one had to spend a good fortune to get a basic entry level bicycle. But with decathlon’s RC 100, this is not a problem anymore.
However, if you wish to buy a roadbike and have a small budget, worry not. The decathlon’s Triban RC 100 will just cost you INR 29,999. (without accessorises). Besides, the bicycle weights around 11.3 kgs on.y.
We recently purcahsed the RC 100 limited edition in a fantastic blue to rent out. And so we decided to give you a detailed review. Read on to find out what the bicycle feels like.
Frame:
The RC 100 frame is built from 6061 T6 aluminium. The comfort-oriented frame geometry offers a more upright position than a classic road frame. Besides, it also comes with a higher steering socket and a shorter top tube that offers an upright position to the rider.
The sloping frame with semi-integrated headset that gives the bike a nice smooth looking front end. We really liked the alloy frame. The welds were seamless and weighing just around 1800 grams puts this frame in our list of top quality frames.
The frames are available in orange and blue if you are buying the limited edition version. Besides, if you are buying the normal version of the RC 100, it is available only in silver.
What we really liked about the bicycle was that the brand has provided a cable guide for you to install a front derailleur later on.
Handlebar:
The RC 100 comes with a standard 420mm Handlebar that’s made from aluminium. This makes it lightweight. We found it a bit too thin. We’d prefer a much more masculine handlebar. If you have big hands, this might not be the right one for you, however, it gets the job done.
Drivetrain:
While you might be expecting Shimano groupset on this entry level bike, micro shift won’t disappoint you. The bicycle comes with a decent micro shift 7 speed shifter that gives you a pretty good feel just like the ones equipped with Shimano.
This shifter is pretty easy to use as well.
Rear Derailleur: The 7 speed micro shift shifter is paired with Shimano tourney RD and they work really well with one another. That being said, the bicycle does not have gears in the front. So if you are looking for a road bike with more bicycle gears, this might not be it. However, the brand has made a provision so you can install an FD in the future if required.
Nonetheless, you will be required to install a FD and replace the crank and the left shifter as well. Do keep in mind, with a bigger crankset you might be rewired to replace the bicycle chain as well.
Brakes:
As expected, this road bike comes with Aluminium brake levers equipped with cartridge brake pads for increased braking efficiency. These types of brakes have been used for years and are sturdy, durable and easy to maintain.
Wheels and tyres:
The bicycle is parked well with 700c double walled rims that come with quick release on the front and rear wheel. These rims are ideal as they offer way more tolerance and offers a much better riding experience as compared to single walled rims.
Inspite of the shortage of bicycle tyres, the brand has done decently well to offer Hartex 700 x 28 tyres. The tyres are pretty lightweight and do a very good job on Indian roads.
Saddle:
Just like any other decathlon bicycle the Triban also comes with an ergo saddle. However, the road bike comes with a much better quality saddle that’s designed in a hammock shape that is mounted over a 27.2 mm diameter seat post.
So if you are looking for a roadbike that gives you a feeling of a roadbike, the Triban Rc 100 is just for you.