[Jedi.Knight]

Originally Posted by Jedi.Knight

• Started cycling from 2021
• Have done couple of 50+ kms (non-ghat section) rides with much ease
• Currently using a basic non-geared Raleigh cycle (still waiting for the hybrid stocks to arrive)

Borrowed a Merida MTB from a friend for few days and was successfully able to complete the "mandatory" trip to Lonavala

Transitioning from a non-geared bike to a 3 x 8 drivetrain was a revelation in itself. As advised, the plan now is to practice some ghats sections and improve the speed.
And the wait for my pre-booked Trek FX 1 still continues...

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Jedi.Knight

Borrowed a Merida MTB from a friend for few days and was successfully able to complete the "mandatory" trip to Lonavala

Transitioning from a non-geared bike to a 3 x 8 drivetrain was a revelation in itself. As advised, the plan now is to practice some ghats sections and improve the speed.
And the wait for my pre-booked Trek FX 1 still continues...

That's a very strong ride buddy. Here is my first Lonavala back in 2016 ...



You will only get better and stronger from here.

Cheers, Doc

[Jaguar]

Hi guys,
After about 20 years since I last had a bicycle, I am thinking about getting a cycle. This is purely from a fitness angle since I don't feel comfortable going to a gym anytime soon. I am not very confident in riding through main roads in traffic and therefore only see myself riding around the by-lanes during the week and some trail riding on the weekends. So I suppose I will go for an MTB.

Last weekend, headed to Decathlon, Sarjapur road for seeing what is on offer and that ended in disappointment. There were not many models and the couple of bikes me and another guy managed to pull out from the rack were damaged. There was nobody to help or explain about the models. Complained to the staff at the billing counter who tried his best to call the manager, who was busy on phone and just walked away. So there is that.

Explored a couple of other shops around HSR and came across the following models SDX YX300, Java Moca, NinetyOne Invictus 29T and Firefox Firestorm 27.5 D. TBH I've only heard of Firefox before and not sure how good or bad the other brands are. One shopkeeper advised me to concentrate on the components instead of the brands as they matter most. How true is that statement?

Of all the models, Ninety One Invictus seems to have the best specs.
Frame - Aluminum Alloy 6061 with Internal Cabling
Fork - SUNTOUR Hydraulic Lock - In / Out 100 mm Travel
Shifting - 24-Speed SHIMANO EF-500 2 Finger
Derailleur - SHIMANO Acera RD-M360-8S & FD-TY700-3S
Brakes - JAK 7 F/R Alloy Mechanical Disc Brakes
Freewheel - SHIMANO HG20-8 8 Speed Hyperglide Cassette Sprocket
Weight - 15.5 Kg. Is this light enough by MTB standards?

It is priced at 33k which is around what I am comfortable paying. I don't mind paying more but putting a hard stop at 50k. Please suggest what I should look for as there are too many options and information overload on the net, even this thread being over 350 pages long. The last time I bought a cycle, I just went to one of the nearby shops and picked a Hercules cycle purely based on its macho looks. The thing was damn heavy and had no gears. I ended up pushing it more than riding and don't want to make the same mistake this time.

Bangalore folks, are there any trail riding groups or any trail riding courses for beginners around town? Would like to be part of some group and learn the ropes. I tried searching but couldn't find anything specific to trail riding.

[damanbir]

Hello,

At the age of 28, I've been in this urge to get back to cycling. As a school kid, Cycling was an integral part of each day. Whether it be going for tuitions, to play football with friends or running errands for the house, all was done on cycles.

I've owned a variety of old Gen cycles and some being revolutionary in their own respective times. At the time, knowledge was very limited on the technical specs and most if not all depended on looks. Here's a list of a few revolutionary cycles I had as a kid:

1. Calvin Country (2002): This was an single speed bike, All Aluminum frame, finished in a shiny chrome-ish finish. It was a 26 Inch with a thick triangle frame and knobby tyres.
I still have this cycle with me and has been left exposed to the weather gods. Till date there is no sign of rust to the frame, which does justify the claim of being an Aluminum Frame.

2. Hero DTB (2006): Another cycle very unique because of its Y Frame with an integrated Carrier and mid-frame suspension. The first geared cycle I owned and it was very heavy even for its time. The extremely rounded tyres were a first with unique leaf pattern Thread.

3. Hero Hawk (2010): This wasn't the common single speed hawk, rather had a 21 Speed Shimano system. The downswept Handlebars with arm rests and an extremely skinny profile helped get from place to place at amazing pace.

Come 2021, a decade and a quite a few gained Kgs later, I made up my mind to get on the saddle again.

As per my Research it was Only Trek and Giant who provided the XL Frames. Trek seemed more value for Money but the waiting period is seriously frustrating.

Ive booked myself a Trek Marlin 4 in XL Size after referring the size charts for my 6'6" height. I booked the cycle in January and The waiting period was till the end of Feb but there is still no signs of the cycle. The dealer here in Chandigarh informed me the postponed timeline of End March, saying the Feb shipment still hasn't made its way onto the Indian Shores. Is this usually the case with brands like Trek and Giant? Isn't there any other good Manufacturer who makes the XL frame in the budget of under 30k.

Also looking for reviews on the Marlin 4, and what are the basic accessories i should be considering.

[TSIVTEC]

Originally Posted by ringoism

Serviced this trio today, and find them to be very smooth-riding bikes... Not too heavy (aluminum frame), decent Acera/Altus derailleurs, powerful rim brakes, quite plush adjustable/lockout forks, grippy Kenda's, and that super-gear 1st out back that makes even extreme inclines easy.

After 7.5 years and probably around 12,000kms of riding the Target, I can say that it used to be one of the best bikes available in the 20-25k range compared to the montra or hero equivalents.The only negatives i can think of is the FD which takes a lot of time shifting up and becomes annoying if you are trying to ride fast.I am pretty sure its just an adjustable fork and can't be locked out fully.

Originally Posted by damanbir

Trek seemed more value for Money but the waiting period is seriously frustrating.Ive booked myself a Trek Marlin 4 in XL Size after referring the size charts for my 6'6" height. I booked the cycle in January and The waiting period was till the end of Feb but there is still no signs of the cycle. The dealer here in Chandigarh informed me the postponed timeline of End March, saying the Feb shipment still hasn't made its way onto the Indian Shores. Is this usually the case with brands like Trek and Giant? Isn't there any other good Manufacturer who makes the XL frame in the budget of under 30k.

The waiting period is quite acceptable going by the current scenario.I've been waiting for my Merida road bike since almost 11 months now and hopefully will take delivery in april.I think the 2021 Scott MTB range is already available in the market and they might have XL size bikes too. I think most brands aren't really sending out bikes to india because of the low volumes they do here and are focusing on exporting to Europe & USA for example Specialized which has no plans of bringing the 2021 bikes here.

[amvj]

I just bought a Triban RC100 road bike
The urge to buy a road bike become irresistible. I headed to Decalthon, Carmelaram, Bangalore and bought it today. I paid around 27K including accessories such as side stand, rechargeable rear light, ass saver, water bottle and a helmet.


Mine is getting assembled:




Demo RC100 bike along with a mountain bike




I live in a flat part of the Earth, so gearing is not that important for me. Also, I will not take it to any hills.


Only RC100 road bike is available in the Decathlon at the moment, but there are tons of mountain and hybrid bikes available. Also, only size M is available in the store. People are not interested in road bikes I think.











RC100 now joins the Firefox Volante in my garage. Which is 1+ year old.





Initial impressions:
1. I need to get used to the road bike handlebar. This is my first road bike. It feels quite different compared to my hybrid.
2. I felt slightly faster while on the way to my home.
3. Tires are slick and I am not sure about the traction in the wet and loose surface.
4. Clean design compared to my Firefox. I like the silver colour too.
5. I find the brakes are not adequate. May be the brake pads need to bed in. Firefox Volante brakes are simply phenomenal compared to this.
6. This is the very basic road bike one can buy. Many will not even consider this as their first bike. However, I had lots of difficulties convincing my wife to get one.

I will compare the Firefox and I will post a detailed review later this weekend.

[Jaguar]

Originally Posted by amvj

I headed to Decalthon, Carmelaram, Bangalore and bought it today. I paid around 27K including accessories such as side stand, rechargeable rear light, ass saver, water bottle and a helmet.

Only RC100 road bike is available in the Decathlon at the moment, but there are tons of mountain and hybrid bikes available. Also, only size M is available in the store. People are not interested in road bikes I think.

When did you go and how was your experience with the staff? I had a disappointing time at the store last week. See my post

[amvj]

Originally Posted by Jaguar

When did you go and how was your experience with the staff? I had a disappointing time at the store last week. See my post.......

Bangalore folks, are there any trail riding groups or any trail riding courses for beginners around town? Would like to be part of some group and learn the ropes. I tried searching but couldn't find anything specific to trail riding.

I went to the store yesterday evening. I find the staffs courteous and willing to help.

Although the staff who came to assist me was a newbie, he checked with his superiors and clarified my doubts and helped me to get the accessories.

You can find lots of groups in Strava. Sign up and check it.

[amvj]

Today I did a 25KM ride in the morning with the Triban RC100.






Just 3-4 Km from my home and the road looks like this. Location is Chambenahalli. I missed this all these years. This does not look like Bangalore at all. The last few places in Bangalore that are devoid of garbage, pollution, traffic and a lot of houses. I am sure in few years builders will ruin this area as well.

So what I think about the Triban RC100: It is certainly better than my expectation. It certainly does not feel cheap or nasty. It feels like Volkswagen up!. They made it cheap by skimping components rather than cheap materials. It is unbelievable that even Indian manufacturers are unable to bring a road bike at this price point.

[amvj]

Adding few close up photos:




I like the minimal design and metallic paint







Brakes are average





Seat clamp requires tool to adjust. Which is not ideal. Need to buy one like this:
https://www.decathlon.in/p/3640502/b...-mm-seat-clamp



Average saddle









Does not feel like a cheap bike.



Gears could have been better



No front derailleur



Paint has a metallic finish. Quite surprised for a metallic paint at this price point.
Welding could have been better (I am nitpicking).







Slick tyre







I will compare it with my Firefox Volante and update it later.

I find difficult to ride without a mirror. Are there mirrors available for road bikes ?
I see some Zefal brand mirrors but are not available at the moment.

[itisravi]

Originally Posted by amvj

Location is Chambenahalli. I missed this all these years. This does not look like Bangalore at all.

You could explore Sarjapur Road all the way to Bagalur or even Berigai which is down further on your longer rides. Very serene village roads!

Seat clamp requires tool to adjust. Which is not ideal. Need to buy one like this:
https://www.decathlon.in/p/3640502/b...-mm-seat-clamp

Road bikes don't usually have a quick release seat post clamp, the idea being that once the bike fit is dialed in, you shouldn't need to adjust it. Nevertheless you can adjust it easily with a multi tool (which is a must have accessory).

I find difficult to ride without a mirror. Are there mirrors available for road bikes ?
I see some Zefal brand mirrors but are not available at the moment.

Sprintech drop bar mirrors are available but expensive. Perhaps a helmet mounted mirror like https://www.amazon.in/Schrodinger15-...dp/B01N5H404B/ might be useful for you.

[roy_libran]

Originally Posted by amvj

...

Congratulations, but is that a side stand on your roadie!

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by roy_libran

Congratulations, but is that a side stand on your roadie!

Why not? A road bike isn't any different than a hybrid bike when evaluated from the lens of having the benefit of accessories. I find these stands very useful on a daily basis every single ride (be it a 20 km ride or a 200 km ride), and they are actually quite light-weight.

[roy_libran]

Originally Posted by ninjatalli

Why not? A road bike isn't any different than a hybrid bike when evaluated from the lens of having the benefit of accessories. I find these stands very useful on a daily basis every single ride (be it a 20 km ride or a 200 km ride), and they are actually quite light-weight.

Yeah I guess why not... The main thing that rattles me though is the rattle they all eventually make. After all there is quite an easy way to prop up any cycle next to a pavement using just a pedal.

[Fillmore]

Originally Posted by amvj

I went to the store yesterday evening. I find the staffs courteous and willing to help. ....

Congrats on the Triban

I have a couple of novice questions for folks who have experience with both road bikes and hybrids.

How different does a BTWIN Triban feel in comparison to BTWIN Riverside 500 in terms of
1. Ride comfort (especially the vibration on your arms when riding though usual tarmac roads that are not upto the mark with uneven patches ? )
2. Effort on the pedal (eg: does 70% of the effort on the Triban give the same level of acceleration as when on a Riverside)
3. I don't prefer the drop handle, can I switch it with a straight handle like a Hybrid ?

I currently own an MTB, which I have now relocated to a vacation house that we have on the outskirts of Bangalore (rather the border into TN). Have been shuttling between this place and Bangalore since COVID.

But once I am back permanently in BLR plan to get a Hybrid or a Road bike.

Note: I am going to use the bike just for some morning / evening rides within the city less crowded roads. I dont see myself doing any long marathon kind of rides. My typical ride distance would be <= 40km at max.