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B'twin Ultra 900 AF or B'twin Triban 540?

by Barzi
Mon, Nov 26, 2018 16:42
4

Hi all,

I'm looking for my first race bike and I found two interesting bikes which suit my budget. 

The first bike is the B'twin Ultra 900 AF (with Shimano 105 group).

https://www.decathlon.nl/p/racefiets-ultra-900-aluminium-frame-zwart-gri...

Second bike is the B'twin Triban 540 (also with Shimano 105 group).

https://www.decathlon.nl/p/racefiets-triban-540-shimano-105/_/R-p-152351...

 

Both bikes are 799 euro in my country (The Netherlands) but I can't figure out which one suits my purposes better.

 

I want to just have regular tours with friend, for example ride of 50-70 km. 

Could you maybe help me? Which one is better for me (and why)?

 

Thanks in advance!

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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4 comments

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chocim | 5 years ago
0 likes

The Triban RC520 review is already on road.cc if you're interested:
https://road.cc/content/review/252475-triban-rc-520-disc-road-bike

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bikezero | 5 years ago
1 like

I’d go with the Ultra. The UCI approved frame is a full half a kg lighter than the Triban 540 frame (as is overall bike weight, which makes sense when both of these have almost all the same identical components).
Ultra will be faster on the flats and slightly less fatuiging on uphill stretches. The positioning on the Triban might be slightly more comfortable for long touring but I have a hankering that would likely be weighed out by the fact the Ultra would be more comfortable in terms of slightly less road buzz.

Bear in mind the Ultra has no luggage rack mount fittings like the Triban, and as pointed out above, the Ultra might not be able to accept as large hybrid tires as the Triban. I would still guess you could at least fit very thin hybrid tires on it, but then I may be wrong (probably the answer to that question could be found if you scour through Decathlon customer questions on the Ultra model pages).

Avatar
Joe Totale | 5 years ago
1 like

If you're planning to use the bike rain and shine then I'd get the Triban. 

However, if you'll mainly be out when the weather is good I'd get the Ultra. It's a better performing bike for the same amount of money, it's just not quite as versatile as the Triban. 

I have a friend who's done 600km audaxs on an Ultra 900AF so they're certainly comfortable enough for all day riding. 

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chocim | 5 years ago
1 like

If you're really looking for a race bike, go for the Ultra - the Triban is not really intended for racing, but rather as a dependable commuter. The Ultra has a UCI-approved frame which will allow you to enter any race, the Triban does not.

On the other hand, if you only want to tour with your friend and want a more relaxed position and the ability to mount a rack or mudguards, go for the Triban. The Triban should also accept slightly wider tyres than the Ultra if you want some more comfort. You could also wait for the Triban RC 520, which is not yet available outside the UK, but should be in the spring - for 50 euro more you will get disc brakes and the ability to fit really wide tyres. The groupset is the new Shimano 105 (7000).

https://www.decathlon.nl/p/racefiets-triban-rc-520/_/R-p-308072?mc=85544...

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