The Triban RC120 has long held the position of the first affordable road bike at Decathlon. With an aluminum frame, a carbon fork, and a Microshift 2×8-speed drivetrain, it offered a coherent package for starting out on the road or commuting.
The question now arises differently: the RC120 is no longer produced, and Decathlon’s range is being reorganized around Van Rysel. Comparing this model to alternatives in the same price range allows us to measure what each option concretely brings.
Drivetrain, Fork, and Brakes: Comparison Table of Affordable Bikes
| Criterion | Triban RC120 | Triban RC500 | Triban GRVL 120 | Van Rysel EDR AF (Claris) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum 6061 T6 | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Fork | Carbon | Carbon | Aluminum | Carbon |
| Drivetrain | Microshift 2×8 | Shimano Sora 2×9 | Microshift 2×8 | Shimano Claris 2×8 |
| Brakes | Rim (calipers) | Rim (calipers) | Mechanical discs | Varies by stock |
| Main Use | Road, commuting | Leisure road, progression | Light gravel, commuting | Road, entry-level Van Rysel |
When observing the Triban RC120 compared to others in this range, the dividing line appears on three points: the drivetrain, the type of brakes, and the fork.
The RC120 and the GRVL 120 share the same Microshift drivetrain. However, the GRVL 120 features mechanical disc brakes, a clear advantage in rainy weather or on wet paths. The RC500, positioned a notch above, switches to Shimano Sora 2×9 speeds, which offers finer gearing and better long-term mechanical reliability.
Triban RC120 and End of Production: What the Transition to Van Rysel Changes
The RC120 is no longer manufactured. Since 2025, Decathlon has initiated a reorganization of its road and gravel range. The Triban brand is gradually disappearing in favor of three entities: Van Rysel for road and gravel, B’Twin for urban bikes, and Rockrider for mountain biking.
The announced successor to the RC120 is a Van Rysel EDR AF model equipped with Shimano Claris 2×8. This replacement comes with a price increase compared to the original price of the RC120. For a beginner, this changes the calculation: Decathlon’s entry-level road bike now costs more than it did two years ago.
The transition is not uniform. Users report receiving frames still marked Triban even though they ordered a Van Rysel, and vice versa. The frame branding varies by stock and country, but the geometries remain very close, even identical in some cases.
What is Also Disappearing from the Decathlon Catalog
The Triban GRVL 120, RC 520, and GRVL 520 have been removed from the catalog and replaced by Van Rysel GRVL AF models. Essentially, if you are looking for an entry-level Decathlon gravel bike in 2026, the name Triban will no longer appear on the label.
Microshift vs. Shimano Claris: A Real Gap in Durability
The drivetrain is the component that most differentiates the RC120 from its successor, the Van Rysel EDR AF. The Microshift 2×8 on the RC120 works adequately out of the box, but the precision of gear shifting deteriorates faster than with a Shimano group. The cables stretch, and the derailleurs require frequent adjustments.
The Shimano Claris offers broad compatibility with aftermarket parts. A Claris rear derailleur can be easily found in stores or online. A Microshift derailleur, less distributed in Europe, sometimes imposes delays or requires ordering online.
- Microshift 2×8: adequate shifting initially, frequent adjustments after a few months, parts less accessible in stores
- Shimano Claris 2×8: stable precision over time, extensive compatibility, parts available at most bike shops
- Shimano Sora 2×9 (RC500): finer gearing, smoother shifting, suitable for regular climbing use
For daily commuting with minimal maintenance, the reliability of the Shimano group represents a concrete advantage. For occasional weekend rides, the Microshift on the RC120 remains sufficient.
Road or Gravel Under 700 Euros: Choose Based on Terrain
The RC120 is a road bike. Its thin tires and rim brakes are intended for asphalt. The GRVL 120 (or its replacement, the Van Rysel GRVL AF) accepts wider tires and brakes better on soft ground thanks to its discs.
The question of terrain cuts the choice more effectively than price. A Parisian cyclist who rides exclusively on road and bike paths does not need disc brakes. A user who alternates between road and light paths gains safety with mechanical discs.
Comfort also comes into play. The carbon fork of the RC120 absorbs vibrations better than an aluminum fork. On a commuting route of several kilometers with cobblestones or degraded pavement, this difference is felt in the arms and shoulders after a few weeks.
Budget and Resale of the Used Triban RC120
The used RC120 is still circulating on resale platforms. Its resale price is below the original new price, making it an interesting option for a first road bike. A well-maintained used RC120 remains functional for beginners, provided that the condition of the cables, brake pads, and headset is checked.
The transition to Van Rysel makes the new RC120 unavailable in stores. Remaining stocks are being sold online and second-hand. For a buyer who is hesitating between a used RC120 and a new Van Rysel EDR AF, the price difference may justify one or the other depending on the available budget and tolerance for maintaining a Microshift bike.
