Triban RC500
£44.99 ★★★★✩ A lot of shoe for the money
WEIGHT 315g (Size 42) SIZES 40-47 WOMEN’S No COLOURS Orange/grey; black; grey/navy blue; bordeaux charcoal; lime/black
These are the outsiders in this line-up. They’re at a super-budget price, they’re the only lace-up shoes and they’re also the only ones here that are a two-bolt-only SPD-specific design, so they’re very much aimed at the leisure, commuting and gravel rider. But Triban being a Decathlon brand, the RC500s do give you a lot of shoe for your money. The Tribans have the look of a budget training shoe and don’t obviously shout ‘bike’ when you’re with your non-cycling friends – though they’re a good deal more lairy in their fluoro orange and yellow finishes. These have quite a deep rubber sole so that the metal SPD cleat is entirely recessed, and
the deepest heel too, and though they are better for walking in than any of the other test shoes, they’re still probably best suited only for shortish walks. That’s because the fibreglass-reinforced nylon sole is reasonably stiff – it can’t compete with carbon soles for all-out efficiency but there’s not that much give, which actually makes them a very good choice for long-distance riding.
About the only issue I had with these shoes is that I could feel my heel rising slightly out of them when walking or when riding hard out of the saddle. And while I’m a big fan of laces, I feel that a buckle or dial closure at the top may have reduced this.
In spite of the budget price, the finish quality is very decent and there are no obvious areas that look poorly finished; all the bonds and stitching are clean and
tidily done. The toes are toughened for extra durability, and a mesh section in front of the laces and numerous perforated large vents keep the shoes well aired. The tongue has a pleasingly large elasticated loop to secure the lace when you’re riding and, also showing the Tribans’ all-rounder commuter-y appeal, they have more reflective detailing than the other shoes here, with reflective materials on the lace eyelets, tongue and heel tab. I do feel this is something that more dedicated road shoes should also feature, so top marks to Decathlon for leading the way here.