Bikes + Gears: B’Twin Riverside 500
Value-for-money, great starter bike
Back in November, I got an offer from friends at Decathlon Alabang to test Decathlon’s B’Twin Riverside 500 for our essential urban trips. It’s a generous offer that we couldn’t pass so we were more than happy to make the trip to Filinvest and pick up the bike. This is my second time to review a pedal bike with suspension fork and the first one for a manual or regular MTB. Previously, we were able to ride an electric-assist MTB which is a unique experience altogether.
As always, I’ll give you a complete rundown of the bike’s specifications, share with you what was it like to ride the B’Twin Riverside 500 and let you know of our thoughts about it.
What you need to know:
- 13 kg in size
- Aluminum frame, optimized frame geometry
- Semi-raised aluminum handlebar (620 mm)
- 1–1/8" aluminum stem, 75 mm long
- Aheadset semi-integrated 1–1/8" headset
- 2 aluminum 5 mm adjustment spacers
- Ergonomic B’Twin handles
- Kogee Odessa OS suspension fork with pre-adjustable spring (1–1/8" steel pivot); 63 mm of travel; compatible with disc brakes
- B’Twin Hybrid road/trail tires — 700 x 1.50 (38–622)
- Anodized black aluminum rims with machined walls for better braking, double-walled for added durability
- Wheel diameter = 28" (21–622)
- Aluminum front and rear hubs with quick-release to make it easy to take wheels off
- 32-spoke wheels in front and rear
- B’Twin Sport 500 Ergofit ergonomic foam saddle
- Aluminum seat post with graduations for easy adjustment
- Collar clamp diameter = 32 mm; seat post diameter = 27.2 mm
- Tool-free height-adjustment of the saddle (quick-release saddle)
- Front/rear quick-releases
- Tektro mechanical brake (front and rear)
- 9 indexed speeds, B’Twin by Microshift SL759 shifters
- Microshift H090 9-speed cassette; KMC X9 chain with quick release
- Rear derailleur: B’Twin by Microshift RD M46-L
- Chainring: 36 teeth
- Cogs: 11 / 36; anti-derailment ring mount
- Wellgo M239 flat pedals
- 170 mm long aluminum cranks
- 36-teeth aluminum chainring with plastic chain guard
How did it go:
I enjoyed riding the B’Twin Riverside 500 on the roads of Metro Manila. It is a comfortable hybrid bike with a low design for easy mounting. The B’Twin Riverside 500 really works because it can cater to people of all ages and abilities.
At first, I thought the 700C tires were a bit intimidating but quickly found out it wasn’t the case. I am a small-ish person (at 5 feet tall) but still, the low step-through frame of the Riverside 500 greatly compensates for the large tires.
From a pragmatic perspective, bikes like the Riverside 500 is a really good starter bike for anyone. It has good value-for-money because you get a bike designed for all-terrain cycling on paths and rough terrain just like on Metro Manila roads.
The semi-raised wide handlebar gives you good control. The bike design also allows for a bit upright riding position which is really important on urban rides where you need to see more of your surroundings.
The tires have a good grip and perform nicely with low rolling resistance. Having the suspension forks also give you stable and comfortable ride when you hit a rough patch.
In terms of components, I can easily say that what B’Twin has put in this particular bike are good for a price tag of Php 14,600.
The Tektro mechanical brakes does it job ably. The grips and saddle are quite right to my liking and riding style. Again, small details like having a quick-release seat clamp (that helps adjust seat height) makes this bike a good choice for any households because anyone can use it without worrying fit and comfort.
The 9-speed cassette and 11–36 cogs are perfect for urban riding and occasional trips on trails. The Microshift shifter is responsive and should be helpful on your commute whether you're riding to work or doing an errand.
Our verdict:
B’Twin Riverside 500 is a value-for-money, great starter bike for everyday riding on pavement and trails.
#BetterByBicycle #CyclingIsTransport #DecathlonAlabang #RideMoments #DecathlonPH #SportsForEveryJuan #ActiveTransport #MNLMoves
