The Btwin Riverside 500 Review | Decathlon Bicycle in India

Everyone these days is looking to buy the best hybrid bicycle. But, they all have budget constraints which restricts them from buying something that they truly wish. As a result, they sacrifice on some of the features of the bicycle and settle for something decent. However, with some of the brands like decathlon understanding the Indian market, it is possible to get all these features at a lower price. This is what decathlon did when they came out with the Btwin Riverside 500.

So we got in touch with them to present you the Btwin Riverside 500 review.

Frame:

The Btwin riverside 500 comes with a complete aluminium 6061 frame. But before you get lost wondering what 6061 means, let us tell you.

It is a form of an alloy that is extensively used and offers medium to high strength. Besides, it also provides good toughness, smooth surface finish and is resistant from corrosion.

The bicycle frame comes with a low design that makes it easy for the rider to get on and off the bike. Hence, it is suitable for men and women making it a unsex bicycle. The frame is such that it offers comfort while riding on different terrains. So don’t expect it to go fast as well, it is more on the leisure side and not speed.

The Btwin Riverside 500 is available in three sizes, Small, Medium and Large!

Ergo Fit saddle:

When you pair the frame along with the Ergo fit saddle, the comfort is even more optimized. It’s comfortable, reasonably lightweight, comes with a narrow nose that ensures no rubbing on the inner thighs, pleasing to the eye and remarkably good value.

A slim and narrow seat with minimal padding might not suit everyone, but this style will be ideal for sportive or training bikes.

Gears:

Unlike the other bicycles in the market, Btwin Riverside 500 has taken a different route. The bike comes with a single speed chain ring in the front and a 9-speed drivetrain at the rear (ranging from 11/36). With this combination you can ride with ease on flats, climbs and even your bathroom walls;)

While we all know that Shimano and SRAM are world leaders in gear systems. But to cut down on costing and to still offer you the same experience, Decathlon decided to settle with Microshift.

Mind you, microSHIFT was founded in 1999 by a team as the founders of the company, the members of the team came from different parts makers with the experience in bike industry for more than 20 years.

Now you can guess which company they were working for before the started off more than a decade ago.

Disc Brakes:

Placed at just INR 22,999, we were surprised to find tektro disc brakes (front and rear). The brakes were really good but we feel it added to the extra weight of the bicycle. You will feel the difference on long rides.

If you want a hybrid bicycle with disc brakes that are good, The Btwin Riverside 500 is worth it. However, we honest feel if you are going to use this or any bicycle for city riding, commute and a bit of light touring, power brakes or V -brakes would just be fine.

You can also check out the review on our Youtube channel.

Wheels:

The bicycles comes with double walled aluminium rims. Double walled rims have a wall between the two sides of the rim for extra support that makes it strong, durable but on the heavier side. However, if you consider the Indian roads filled with potholes and craters, the wheels are best suited.

Suspension:

The between riverside 500 comes with a Suntour suspension fork that comes with a pre adjustable spring that make riding super comfortable.

Besides that above, the Riverside 500 weights 13kg in size S 13.2kg in size M 13.3kg in size L. It also comes with flat pedals that offer enhanced grip while peddling.

You can get more information about the bicycle here.

Special Thanks to Meherab Bhaya and Bobby Raj (Decathlon Sports India)

Btwin Riverside 500 Review — Photography by Kyle J Dsouza