Decatlon is cheap but the quality is not very good. If you’re looking for good $$/quality I would recommand a bike like ‘‘Canyon Endurace CF 7’’ (shimano group). Keep in mind that the average price for a road bike is 3k, It can go over 10k for the bests ![]()
Canyon is probably the mustachian choice. Direct to consumer model so cuts out the store and with German engineering. Phil’s suggestion looks a good one if you don’t want to invest in carbon
If you will go on rides weekly or more frequently the 10.8kg bike is a false economy in my view. You will end up buying a new bike
Did you mean Canyon(?)
100% correct, Canyon. Brainfreeze on my side. Have 3x of them, solid stuff.
The whole weight is always an indication only, often measured without pedals or even saddle, in medium size.
Get a used bike. Yes prices for new, “state-of-the-art” bikes have gotten crazy, but at the same time previous-generation road bikes (11-speed, and especially rim brake equipped ones) are changing hands at huge discounts. People trying to sell such setups as NOS bikes are having a really hard time, even and particularly for high-end brands and models.
Figure out what size you need and I’ll be happy to point out some good deals on Ricardo.
Examples from my watchlist (some still active, some ended – all rather small):
https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/rennvelo-cad-12-groesse-50-1248545742/
https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/time-fluidity-rennvelo-1247676346/
https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/rennrad-scott-addict-r2-mit-dura-ace-1245072864/
https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/scott-addict-team-issue-1244936628/
https://www.ricardo.ch/de/a/corratec-carbon-rennrad-mit-dura-ace-1245426072/
I bought the Triban 520 Subcompact last year. I mainly use it for commuting.
In general, I am very satisfied. It’s for sure good value for money. Be aware that the tyres are 40mm wide, which is fine for gravel, but not ideal for paved roads.
Furthermore, I am struggling with climbing steep ascents, even though the crank is subcompact.
Wow. Some good deals on there!
It looks nice. Now I’m tempted to spend 1250. Why the difficulty with climbing? Just the slightly wider tires?
Unless you want to race, a Decathlon road bike works well and is durable.
Difference in weight is significant if you want to race, but for standard tours it does not make that much of a difference, you will end up doing the same tours with maybe a few minutes more.
I would suggest the one with the disc brakes though. It makes a significant difference in difficult conditions.
No, the lowest gear is simply not low enough. Somebody told me that I have to work on my shape ![]()
I got my gravel bike in 2021 and I am super happy with it (it’s a Trek because nothing else was available back then). Since there are already many tips regarding the bike itself, I want to list some frugal advices regarding the hobby: (maybe some of them only applicable on gravel)
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do not “over gear” - start with your current equipment you already have or use for other sports (e.g. shirts, bottles, glasses, gloves)
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bike computer is not needed IMO - use you smartphone with the free version of Strava
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use the routes from Schweiz Mobil map.veloland.ch so you do not have to waste time in planning and you can cycle by using the roadsigns
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keep in mind that maintenance and spare parts (tyre, breaks, chain) cost money
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take care of the chain to extend the lifetime
I agree with this. I got my bike to do a few triathlon competitions, but tried to avoid getting sucked into the gear trap.
$300 rimless sunglasses for the bike? Nope, $10 safety glasses off amazon worked even better
$150 for a bike jersey? Nope, $20 off wiggle.co.uk will do fine
$200 Bike computer? Aliexpress $10
etc.
This cannot be overstated. Not counting my floor pump, I don’t think there’s another tool I use more often than my trusty chain wear indicator.
https://www.decathlon.ch/de/p/kettenlehre/_/R-p-120530
Another one, especially since you write about going to the mountains: Don’t cheap out on tires.
I would say, Decathlon bikes are just fine. I bought the cheapest commuting bike at the time, 5y outside in all weathers, and it is still working just fine (with a 60CHF service every year because I am too lazy do to it myself).
Since I am thinking of doing a bike travel, I am looking sometimes for a trek bike, but only second hand. You can find crazy good bikes in good conditions there, for like half the price (the typical high earner who thought doing road biking would be something for them and bought some crazy shit, but in the end he discovered he does not like biking…)
And you can still buy something cheaper and upgrade components later btw.
Thanks all for the feedbacks. Definitely interesting insights from each comment.
I eventually exaggerated saying I need to go on the mountains…the classic hills on the Mittelland, eventually, at best the Jura.
I would like to climb the Alps, but I am definitely faraway to be able to even approach them
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As a good mustachian, I would definitely take care of not over investing in something I have very pow probability to success. But I see your points. I know many guys that just spent over 10k to finally give it away for less than the half in less then 6 months and eventually put another 20k to buy a more comfortable bike.
1k is my psychological limit for the entire equipment. Better if less.
Is there anyone there having any idea on where a road bicycle could be eventually rent for a day? I could find many e#bike rent, but no road bike.
I was yesterday by Decathlon and found out that in these days the 520 (not the gravel, the classic road bicycle with a Shimano 105) is at 600 chf, since it is the end of the serie. What do you think guys? Good value for money?
Equipped like this?
Solid option for chf 600. You get a new bike with a warranty after all.
The only thing I don’t like is their choice of brakes with mechanical levers (difficult to upgrade, but of course also easy to service).
exactly. you sometimes see 8k bikes selling for 1k. a friend of mine did the same thing. high earner spent $$$ on a bike, but rode it maybe 3 times over 2 years.
yup. one time i didn’t and had to replace the chain and cassette.
for 600chf it is a steal. as for fully hydraulic brakes, cable actuated is fine. i actually prefer it for reduced maintenance (but that’s just my own lazy preference).
I have a Triban RC120 for almost daily commuting which is about 200-300km per month. Half of it on road and half on dirt, with a steep ascent too. It’s almost 3yr old and still going perfect. I changed the rear tire once, front one is still the original one, and the brake pads. One thing is the brakes (cable actuated disc brakes) since the beginning are not the strongest brakes but nothing unusable . I would go for it again for this scope.