Choosing my (gravel) bike


Which Gravel Bike Did I Choose, and Why?

When it comes to finding the perfect (first) gravel bike for me, the search felt like an adventure in itself. After weeks of researching and evaluating various options, I’ve finally made my choice: the TRIBAN Men's Gravel Bike GRVL 520 Subcompact from Decathlon.

Note that I chose a gravel bike over a road bike primarily because I know that we'll definitely *not* be on nice smooth roads all the time on LEJOG. Gravel bike forks allow for wider tyres than road bikes, which is important for more stability and control on off-road surfaces.

The Very Close Contender: TRIBAN Gravel Bike Triban GRVL 520 Sram Apex

During my search, the Triban GRVL 520 Sram Apex caught my attention as a strong contender. Its lightweight frame, SRAM Apex groupset, and thoughtful design made it a tempting option. I actually preferred the grey color of the Sram Apex over the burgundy color of the Subcompact, but the former only has a single chainwheel.

Why I Chose the TRIBAN Men's Gravel Bike GRVL 520 Subcompact

Several factors led me to this decision:

  1. Gear Ratio for Long Distances

    • The deciding factor was functional: the dual chainwheel on the Subcompact provides a wider range of gears compared to the single chainwheel on the Sram Apex. This is particularly important as I’m planning to complete the Land's End to John o' Groats ride in just 11 days, requiring versatility across varied terrains.

  2. Value for Money

    • Both these Triban bikes fall into the budget price category, but the quality of components (e.g., Shimano 520 groupset) is impressive and would typically be found on bikes priced 30%-50% higher. Given that money is a factor, the GRVL 520 Subcompact offered the perfect balance of performance and affordability.

  3. Practicality for a New Gravel Cyclist

    • As someone new to road and gravel cycling, I didn’t want to overspend on a bike that—after LEJOG—I might not ride as frequently. There’s a chance I’ll revert to riding my beloved mountain bike more often. We shall see!

  4. Durability and Comfort

    • Built for gravel adventures, the Subcompact features robust components designed to handle rough paths and unpredictable weather. Additionally, it’s engineered with rider comfort in mind—a significant factor when covering over 1,000 miles.

  5. Availability and Accessibility

    • Decathlon’s reputation for reliable customer service and the bike’s widespread availability gave me confidence in after-sales support and access to replacement parts if needed.

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