The Triban RC500 Bib Shorts are an impressive package, especially at this price point. Well made and extremely comfortable, they also feature some touring-friendly tweaks that I wasn't expecting.
- Pros: Great fit, solidly made, extremely comfortable
- Cons: Sizing slightly off – they're a little short in the leg
The build quality feels reassuringly solid – better, in fact, than several I've got commanding twice the money – with neatly executed and unobtrusive stitching and seams. I would happily choose these for a gravel-biased ride. Besides, I doubt Decathlon would whack on a two-year warranty if it wasn't confident they'd last.
> Find your nearest Decathlon store here
The legs are made from 80% polyamide, 20% elastane, while the mesh bibs are 77% poyester, 23% elastane, designed with easy movement and efficient moisture management in mind.
Plenty of smiles per mile here. The stretchy bib sections offer unhampered movement without any distracting slip on longer rides, while the relatively thin panels do an excellent job of trafficking moisture from the skin and, conversely, trapping some welcome warmth when the temperatures dipped unexpectedly, late evening.
Sure, a mild mistiness will creep in given 40 minutes or so at a decent tempo, but this is spirited away soon afterward. Odour management is good too – even after a day's steady riding, nasty niffs were a moot point.
According to the blurb, there's no fatigue-cheating 'compression' technology, although, like for like, they were on a par with a couple that do. This may be partly attributable to the broad silicone gripper. For me this was on the snug side but hasn't presented any problems, and is infinitely preferable to a loose-fitting example that can permit the fabric to ride up, inducing chafing/similar discomfort.
Though they did 'creep' slightly as the miles racked up, I concluded that the mediums were slightly shorter in the leg than ideal for me. (It's not me in the photos.)
Pad
Arguably, pads are the most crucial determinant of shorts' comfort. Most are very good by degrees, these days. Decathlon describes it as being a 'gel' design. It is, in fact, polyamide sandwiched between a polyester/elastane mix with a variety of densities to provide optimal support and minimise chafing.
Like many others, it initially felt like the proverbial loaf of bread, especially post-washing. However, it quickly morphed to my shape and went unnoticed, regardless of whether I was doing a sub-30 minute 10 on my TT bike or indulging in an 80-mile mixed terrain meander on my tubby tourer.
The outer fabric permits subtle shuffling/shifting position without distracting slip, irrespective of saddle cover type.
Other features
Unusually, the right leg has a pocket – something of a rarity, although I have a pair of Polaris Challenge Nexus shorts which also have this feature, as do, at the other end of the scale, Rapha's Core Cargo bibs. It's a welcome plus, provided you load it sensibly – cash/patches and other little valuables you might need easy access to. (They're available without, too, if you prefer.)
The backs feature a smattering of discreet retro-reflective detailing.
Sizing/fit
Ours were medium and, on balance, I think I might be between sizes. These were slightly shorter in the leg than I'd prefer. Decathlon's sizing chart is reassuringly accurate, so in all probability online purchases shouldn't present any unexpected surprises.
Value
At a penny under £40, these shorts are really good value for what you get. They're not alone at this end of the scale – dhb's lowest priced bib shorts come with a Cytech pad and silicone leg grippers and, at £35, could give the Tribans a good run for your hard-earned.
> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best cheap cycling shorts
Caratti's Sport Bib Shorts are £40, though the test sample's stitching lacked the Triban's refinement.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Triban RC 500s represent excellent value for money and are, thus far, on a par with some in my collection costing twice as much. A lot of thought seems to have gone into their design. Just beware you might have to go up a size if you have sprinter-esque thighs or fall between sizes.
Verdict
Really good, competitively priced riding staples – but check the sizing
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Triban RC 500 cycling shorts
Size tested: Medium
Tell us what the product is for
Triban says: "Our team of road cycling enthusiasts has worked tirelessly to develop, test and hone these cycling shorts to make them the most comfortable in our range.
"These new RC500 cycling shorts are super comfy thanks to the mesh straps and ergonomic pad with gel inserts. Very practical pocket on the outside of the thigh that is easily accessible while riding."
They're high performance and generally very comfortable bib shorts.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Decathlon:
COMPOSITION
MAIN FABRIC
80.00% Polyamide, 20.00% Elasthane
YOKE (GENERAL)
77.00% Polyester (PES), 23.00% Elasthane
PADDING - INNER FABRIC
100.00% Polyamide
PADDING - OUTER FABRIC
77.00% Polyester (PES), 23.00% Elasthane
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Well made and built to last.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Very comfortable in all contexts. Mesh panelling does a good job of regulating temperature on hotter days, too.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Very solidly made and backed with a two-year warranty.
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Generally excellent fit. Figure-hugging, yet tactile and compliant.
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
Slightly shorter in the leg than ideal for me. You might need to go up a size.
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Very comfortable in all contexts, despite being slightly shorter in the leg than ideal for me.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Much as any other bib shorts: pop in the wash, minimum detergent, 30 degrees and line dry.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Deliver phenomenal bang for very modest buck and have performed consistently well, regardless of what machine and type of riding. The pad is particularly good, offering just the right blend of comfort and density. Large silicone grippers keep the shorts from gathering, without encroaching. Moisture management is similarly good, mesh bib panels trafficking moisture very efficiently.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Specification and comfort very high, relative to the price point.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Not a dislike per se, just a caution re the sizing.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
dhb's Bib Shorts come with a Cytech pad, silicone leg grippers and, at £35, could give the Tribans a good run for your money.
At £40, Caratti's Bib Shorts are arguably their closet rivals, although the test samples' stitching lacked the Tribans' refinement.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, but double check the sizing.
Use this box to explain your overall score
Great bib shorts for a modest price. A really good wallet-friendly staple for general summer riding.
Overall rating: 8/10
About the tester
Age: 45
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb FramesetMy best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Most daysI would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking
FAQs
Is triban rc500 a good bike? ›
It's stable, comfortable and the geometry is ideal for year-round extended commuting, aided by its rack and mudguard fittings, as well as for loading up with shopping or embarking on more adventurous trips away.
How tight should bike bibs be? ›The Right Bib Shorts Checklist
The right fitting cycling bib short should feel like a 2nd skin. On the bike, it should feel non-existent. Too tight, the stitching will bite into the skin. Too loose, the chamois will run about during the ride.
The Triban RC120 is way better than you'd expect, and hits all the right marks on its way to being a perfect first road bike for new riders.
Where are triban bikes made? ›Triban bikes are produced by Decathlon, a France-based sporting goods manufacturer that prioritizes affordability in its products (be it tennis racquets, camping gear, or bicycles) to lower the cost of entry for outdoor activities.
How do I know if my bike shorts are too tight? ›Seams are a good thing because they're made for a close fit, but the stitching should not rub uncomfortably against your skin while riding. Bike shorts should be looser while standing. They're made to fit best while cycling, not walking, so there should be a little room for stretching on the saddle.
How do I know what size cycling shorts to buy? ›Proper cycling shorts are cut high in back to keep skin covered in the bent-over riding position. Likewise, they are low in front so you can bend forward without restriction. The front shouldn't be so low, though, that it's below your hip bones with nothing to help hold it up.
How are cycling shorts supposed to fit? ›Fit. Bike shorts should be tight when you first put them on, but not so tight that you're cutting off circulation. Make sure they're snug enough that they remain in place while you bike. Also keep in mind that as you move, they'll stretch slightly.
Is Microshift better than Shimano? ›Shimano gears are more powerful than Microshift – They Can handle bigger gears with more torque. All the components of Shimano gears such as derailleurs, shifters, drivetrain and cassettes provide an excellent experience while riding a bicycle.
How good are decathlon road bikes? ›Are Decathlon Bikes Good? Decathlon bikes have their place within the cycling world as a good entry level bicycle which for anyone who is looking for a reliable and durable well-priced commuter or first bike, it's a good option.
How do Microshift gears work? ›MicroSHIFT: The basic explanation is that the clutch resists movement in the tension pulley of the derailleur (the bottom pulley). If that pulley doesn't move back and forth as much, the chain tension will stay more uniform over rough terrain and the chain will stay on the bike better.
Is btwin owned by Decathlon? ›
B'TWIN is a trademarked brand of bicycles as well as bicycle parts and accessories marketed by Decathlon.
Is btwin a Chinese brand? ›5. Btwin Cycles. Btwin is a cycling brand owned by a French company Decathlon.
Are triban bikes any good Reddit? ›It's a good entry level bike for the money, however I personally felt I needed to upgrade quite fast. The tourney/microshift groupset it's kind of inadequate for hilly terrain, and the brakes could be stronger (yet they're still fine overall).
Do you wear pants under padded cycling shorts? ›And why do cyclists wear padded shorts anyway? Padded cycling shorts can help make your ride much more comfortable, but should you wear underwear underneath them? The short answer is no – you do not wear underwear or knickers under padded bike shorts. The pad is designed to sit next to the skin.
What is the difference between bike shorts and cycling shorts? ›Cycling shorts need to be comfortable on a bike ride, which is different than comfort from a compression standpoint. When looking at bike shorts, we like to really focus in on three things. Cycling shorts are often just a bit looser, and have the all-important bike pad along with stronger thigh grips.
How do I stop my butt from hurting after cycling? ›Emollient/Chamois Cream:
You apply chamois cream directly to the pad in your shorts and to your perineum before riding and, although it might initially feel a little strange and squishy, its effectiveness in preventing saddle soreness is almost miraculous. It reduces friction, hydrates the skin and prevents cracking.
Padded cycling shorts aren't just for hard-core roadies—any cyclist can benefit from riding in shorts with a high-quality chamois (pronounced "sha-mee"). The chamois is the padded crotch piece on biking shorts that can help reduce pressure points, prevent chafing and disperse road vibration.
What's the difference between 3D and 4D cycling shorts? ›Thickness is the only difference. 3D Padded shorts have 3-layer foam cushions and 4D Padded shorts have 4-layer foam cushions. 4D padded short gives you extra protection. But 3d Padded short is comfortable for cycling.
What are the most comfortable cycling shorts? ›- Assos Equipe RSR Superléger S9. The best cycling shorts for indoor - or heatwave - use. ...
- Assos Mille GTO C2. The best bib shorts we've tested, but they do come at a price. ...
- Trek Circuit. ...
- Endura Pro SL. ...
- Albion Cycling ABR1. ...
- Castelli Free Aero Race 4. ...
- Castelli Premio Black. ...
- Velocio Luxe.
We'll keep it simple: don't wear anything under your bike shorts. The chamois inside of your shorts was made to fit next to your skin to prevent chafing, and it's built from fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly.
Why are cycling shorts so tight? ›
Aerodynamics. One of the reasons that cycling shorts are so tight is for aerodynamics. It goes without saying that the closer something is to your body, the less air-resistance there will be, therefore allowing you to ride further, faster and with less effort.
Do you wear anything over bike shorts? ›Can you wear shorts over bike shorts? Wearing shorts over bike shorts can be ok, but we don't recommend it. More layers can lead to more chafing, so the extra shorts aren't a good idea for long rides.
Should bib shorts fit tight? ›The bib shorts fit
In terms of overall fit, however, you should aim for your bibs to be like a second skin, worn tight to the body. Loose material or gaps can cause chaffing and put an end to any ambitious rides over long distances.
Should be skin-tight so the padding doesn't move around, and so the moisture-wicking function of the fabric does it's job, but shouldn't cut off circulation/make you go numb anywhere. Looks okay from the pic. I have the same shorts in medium and I'm the same weight and height.
Do cycling bibs shrink? ›Cycling jerseys do not usually shrink easily but if they are constantly exposed to heat in a wash, they will shrink. Heat is particularly hard on synthetic fabrics such as lycra and polyester.
How tight should a chamois be? ›Your shorts should fit tightly—not so much that they restrict your breathing, but also not so loose that the chamois moves under you. A chamois with too much wiggle room can create that dreaded friction, and loose seams in shorts can cause chafing.
What do you wear under bib shorts? ›The chamois inside of your shorts was made to fit next to your skin to prevent chafing, and it's built from fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly. Wearing underwear under your bike shorts adds seams that chafe and fabric that holds in moisture, so your best bet is to go commando when you're in the saddle.
Do pro cyclists wear bib shorts? ›Many serious cyclists opt for bib shorts, but waist shorts are becoming increasingly popular for indoor riding. We run through the pros and cons of both of these options, to help you find the style of shorts that will best suit your needs.
How long should your cycling shorts be? ›You'll need your tape measure to adopt Phinney's formula for the perfect short length. “Take the length of your femur, divide it in five,” he says. “Wear your shorts one-fifth of your femur above the knee.”
How tight should road bike jersey? ›Your cycling jersey should fit snugly, with the cuffs fitting close enough to avoid chafing but also not digging into your arm—think tighter than a t-shirt, but less tight than a base layer.
How tight should bib shorts be Reddit? ›
If you are uncomfortable, you should try a size up. But they are supposed to be skintight and not at all loose. If possible use them for a bit and probably wash them. Then see if it's still uncomfortable, usually it would fit you better after a few more uses.
How often do you wash cycling shorts? ›If you tend to sweat like a pig, wash your gear after every ride. But if your clothes still smell okay and you're all about conserving water, wash them when you feel it's necessary. 2.
Can you put cycling shorts in the washing machine? ›1. Get your cycling kit ready for washing. Before you just toss your gear (bike shorts, jersey, socks, gloves, shoe covers, etc) into the washing machine, you'll want to zip up and turn your shorts and jersey inside out, and anything with hook-and-loop closures should be placed in a zipper mesh bag.
How do you wash bike shorts with padding? ›How To Wash Your Cycling Kit | Care For Your Cycling Shorts And Jersey
Is Vaseline good for cycling? ›Don't use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline); use a high-quality chamois cream instead. As a chamois cream lubricant, Petroleum Jelly is cheap. Some people love it, but it tends to keep heat in rather than release it. Heat and friction are your enemy with saddle sores.
What is the difference between bike shorts and cycling shorts? ›Cycling shorts need to be comfortable on a bike ride, which is different than comfort from a compression standpoint. When looking at bike shorts, we like to really focus in on three things. Cycling shorts are often just a bit looser, and have the all-important bike pad along with stronger thigh grips.
Do pro cyclists use chamois cream? ›Assos Chamois Creme is the choice of many pro riders. It comes in an easy access jar and is quick to apply.