Decathlon’s Triban GRVL 500 sneakers also go by the fewer snappy identify of RC500 Street and Gravel Biking Lace-up SPD shoes.
These lace-up footwear could arrive in at a super-finances value, but you are getting a total raft of options for your dollars.
Designed for the leisure and conditioning conclude of the sector somewhat than aggressive driving, they have a nylon sole reinforced with fibreglass, a deep rubber sole and fittings for SPD (and SPD-compatible) cleats.
Triban GRVL 500 specs
Decathlon’s Triban GRVL 500s are a pair of all-spherical, SPD-appropriate sneakers with a lace-up-only closure, a polyurethane and polyester upper that has huge perforations along either aspect for ventilation, and a mesh tongue.
The rubber sole has deep grips with a tread for going for walks and a deep heel. The metal SPD cleat is recessed entirely in just the elevated sole. My measurement 42 (Uk8) shoes weighed in at 630g for each pair, which is a negligible 18g heavier than claimed, and they are accessible in eight dimensions from 40 (6.5) to 47 (12).
There are reflective information on the lace eyelets, as a result of perforations on the higher, tongue and heel loop.
Triban GRVL 500 efficiency
I rode these on my former 16-mile commute along Sustrans’ Bristol-Bathtub bicycle path, as nicely as on roadways, canal towpaths and light-weight gravel tracks, which is specifically the type of driving the GRVL 500s are intended for.
The GRVL 500s have the appear of a budget instruction shoe and never clearly shout ‘bike’ when you’re with your non-cycling pals. Having said that, they’re a excellent deal more outlandish in their fluoro orange and yellow finishes.
These have rather a deep rubber sole and a deep heel too, and although I identified them ok for strolling, they’re however most likely most effective suited to shortish mid-journey walks alternatively than prolonged rambles.
Which is due to the fact the fibreglass-reinforced nylon sole is reasonably rigid, and about the only concern I had with them is that I could come to feel my heel soaring slightly when going for walks or using difficult out of the saddle.
Whilst I’m a significant lover of laces, I do experience that a major buckle or dial could have reduced this. In truth, I’ve used time carrying Triban’s RC 520 shoes, and these have a one buckle in addition to laces, which overcomes the heel raise issue.
Lace-up footwear have some other drawbacks – they get extended to put on (a rather minimal problem) and unlike Boa or Atop dials, you just can’t change them on the fly, which might be additional of a dilemma. And even though laces can snag in your chain, the GRVL 500s occur with an productive elasticated loop to secure the lace properly.
During working day-very long rides, the GRVL 500s distinguished by themselves with outstanding ease and comfort. The sole is rigid more than enough for rather productive biking – it doesn’t give the impression of riding in flexi-soled trainers – but with ample give so it does not come to feel punishing.
In spite of the price range rate, there are no obvious areas that appear badly finished all the bonds and stitching are accomplished thoroughly clean and tidily. The toes are toughened for further sturdiness, and a mesh part in front of the laces and numerous perforated big vents hold the sneakers very well aired.
To bolster the GRVL 500s’ all-rounder commuter-using enchantment, they are properly served with reflective products, which I come to feel strongly is anything additional of the ideal highway cycling sneakers should characteristic.
Competition
Most likely the closest competitor to Triban’s GRVL 500s are Shimano’s lace-up XC5s. They have comparable positives, notably convenience and practicality, and very similar downsides – they get longer to place on and you can not alter them when driving.
But when you consider we favored the Shimano XC5s at their £120 selling price, this puts the GRVL 500s’ £49.99 charge into an even far more favourable gentle.
If you are seeking for better protection than laces, you could go for Triban’s RC 520s. These leather-based SPD sneakers price only £20 more, but they arrive with a buckle-and-lace closure. They’re fantastic for gentle gravel and all-roading – if not quite rating among the the greatest shoes for hardcore gravel using and mountain biking.
Triban GRVL 500 bottom line
It is really difficult to fault Triban’s GRVL 500 footwear. They are very well produced, relaxed and sensible.
The GRVL 500s will be ideal if you are wanting for a single shoe for all types of riding, from day-to-working day commuting to light-gravel excursions.
Excluding additional tough off-road forays, where by they won’t have sufficient stiffness, these Triban footwear constantly arrived up trumps, bar the slight heel elevate.