Bike advice

[BlueChampagne]

Currently looking at Triban RC 500 flat bar and Ridgeback Speed, for 15 mile (round trip) commute, and with an eye to longer rides. Any comments on either?

My very basic analysis from not knowing much about bikes but having recently done a fair amount of browsing for something similar (with input from bike knowledgeable people):

• The ridgeback comes equipped with mud guards and pannier rack. If you need these that will add to the cost on the Triban. My mud guards were about £45 fitted, pannier racks are about the same so you've got the best part of £100 of that bike in accessories, which suggests the Triban should be a better quality bike.
• The Triban has disc brakes and the Ridgeback doesn't. Apparently these are better as they don't need adjusting and it's really easy to take quick release wheels off with disc brakes.

I was looking to spend a bit less than you but my shortlist included the Trex FX2 which comes in ladies frames and option of cross bar or "step through" design. You can also get it "equipped" like the ridgeback. Also the Boardman HYB 8.6 ladies. I ended up buying the Trek purely due to stock availability!

yes to mudguards.
absolutely essential.

also have a look at ergonomic handle bars (higher up and at an angle, dutch style). much easier on your back and arms.

whatever bike you end up with, add extra reflectives to make it as visible as possible in the dark/rain.

tbh for that distance I would consider an electric bike. but they are a lot more pricey.

I wouldn't bother with an electric bike for a 15mile round trip, particularly if you're looking at it as a means of exercise. I think it's the perfect distance for a cycle commute - far enough to make it worthwhile getting your bike out but not too far that you can't manage both ways or it takes up too much time.

The Triban I'm looking at isn't the E version - no, I don't yet need an Ebike for 15 miles! Maybe in another 15-20 years ...
However my elbows aren't what they were, and the lightness of the Triban is what is attractive.

I'd go with the Triban then if it's lighter and got disc brakes.

Apparently Triban RC 500 is almost 2 kg lighter.

Good review for it at CW.

bikeRadar weren't as impressed by Ridgeback Speed.

What is terrain like, OP? Flatish or many hills?

Ha - I'm in Cambridgeshire! There is a hill on my commute but it's about 60m height gain - probably nothing to some of you. I'm leaning towards the Triban too, but some reviewers have reported problems getting the tyres off, so will have to ask about that.

tyres or wheels?

I struggle to get tyres off every wheel so can't let that stop me
Wheels: sometimes you need a special key/tool to get them off

, so I'm not sure how that's the same as tubeless as stated.

Pretty sure it was tyres. Have a good set of tools having done bike maintenance evening classes back in the dim & distant past.

www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/hybrid-bikes/triban-rc500-flat-bar

gets a decent write up in cycling weekly as a commuting bike

looks neat with all the points for rack and mud guards

tbh great value for money