Guide to Road Bikes in India. Under 35k?

It's the weekend and the time is about 6:00AM, you're off on your car/bike to a quick getaway from the city. There is a real good chance you will drive/ride past a peloton/cyclists from local clubs.

There is no denying cycling has become one of the most sought after things to do in our post COVID world! More and more people are taking cycling seriously, various governments around the country are taking steps to make cities cycle-friendly (hopefully 😅) 

This is going to be a 3 part article (Road, Hybrid & MTBs), In this let's look at road bikes to consider when you have less than Rs.35,000 to cough up for a new bike! I'm keeping it simple, in the below list will cover bikes that are a bang for your buck. 

Before we proceed I would like to mention this not sponsored by any individual/brands to have them mentioned in the list, just my opinion :)

We all know the higher we spend superior the bike we get, right?! So you may wonder why under 35,000? not 50k? 80k...? We are basing this around a recent survey, that the Indian market spends an average of 37k on a bicycle.

 ROAD BIKES 

First, let's understand what sets apart a road bike from the other category of bikes.

• They are known to have very light frames
• Skinny tyres
• No suspension(s)
• Drop bars
• Aggressive geometry 
• Fast on the road over other types of cycles 

Now that we have listed the most glaring differences between a road bike and other types of bikes, remember not all road bikes are built alike with just different components there are subtle differences in their geometry & frame materials.

Performance/Race Geometry

Usually preferred by riders into competitive riding, aggressive riding posture for minimal air drag, very lightweight frames with high-end components. 

Comfort/Endurance Geometry

These bikes sacrifice some amount of aerodynamics to have more relaxed frame angles, the riding position is a bit more upright and designed for comfortable long rides.  

Frame Materials: Steel, Aluminium, Titanium & Carbon Fiber. 

• Steel was the most sought after material for frames until the 80s. Even today a good amount of entry-level bikes are made of steel. Steel is stronger and comfortable than aluminium.

• Aluminium is the go-to material for most bike manufacturers these days. It costs cheaper, weighs lighter yet stiff frames. The quest for lighter bikes led designers to other exotic materials like Titanium & CF.

• Carbon Fiber: When we mention carbon fibre bikes most cyclists drool, it has become the most desired material to manufacture high-end bikes simply because it is lighter and strong as it's heavier counterpart aluminium. That said these cost a bomb. Often makes sense to own a CF bike if you are into the competitive world of bike races.

Usually, road bikes are pretty expensive even the entry-level bikes can cost a fair bit! Thanks to stiff competition, brands are fighting it out like never before for a market share. Thus offering bikes and a relatively low price point. There are a couple of points to consider when choosing a road bike

• Triban RC100

Observations:

1. Costs 23,000/-
2. It weighs about 11.3kgs w/o pedals
3. 6061 frame, steel fork
4. Minimalist looks (pretty subjective)
5. 7-Speed, single chainring
6. Assured after-sales support by Decathlon
7. Comfort Geometry meant for beginners
8. 12-28T
9. 700x32 tyres (mostly hybrid/Gravel tyres)

Verdict: If you are buying your first road bike and don't wish to spend much, this bike surely where your money is better spent. Also, decent after-sales support by Decathlon.

• Triban RC120 

Observations:

1. Costs about 34,999/-
2. It weighs about 10.3kgs w/o pedals
3. 6061 frame, carbon-aluminium fork
4. Minimalist looks (pretty subjective)
5. 8-Speed, microShift groupset, does a good job.
6. Stopping power does not inspire much confidence 
7. Relaxed Geometry
8. 11-34T
9. 700x28 tyres 

Verdict: Great entry-level road bike. The microShift system does a good job with shifts. International credible bike reviewers have given the RC 120 good ratings for bikes within its price range. Wide gearing range.  Also, decent after-sales support by Decathlon.

• Montra Celtic 2.1

Observations:

1. Costs about 35,800/-
2. 6061 frame, alloy fork
3. Weight not mentioned, most often on a road bike weight is a dealbreaker but it weighs about 11.8kgs on a 54cm which I feel is slightly on the heavier side.
4. Attractive looks, paint job quality is good (pretty subjective)
5. Shimano Claris micro groupset, to keep the cost low, the chainset is of Tourney & brake callipers are Tektro
6. 11-28T
7. 700x25 tyres

Verdict: Overall workmanship on the bike is fine. Smooth operation with the Claris system, wished Montra could have provided chainset from the Claris group. The bike is slightly heavier compared to the other bikes mentioned here. 

• Firefox Aeron 700

Observations:

1. Costs about 34,800/-
2. 6061 frame, alloy fork
3. Weighs about 11.5kgs on a 54cm which I feel is on the heavier side.
4. Shimano Claris groupset and again to keep the cost low brake callipers are from Tektro however unlike the Montra Celtic the chainset here is Shimano RS200 of the Claris groupset.
5. 11-28T
6. 700x25 tyres

Verdict: Decent bike for its price, the Shimano Claris performs more than enough for most casual riders who are into cycling for fitness, cafe rides and weekend riders.

Conclusion: There are not many options at 35k for a road bike, but nonetheless the above-mentioned bikes will surely get the wheels rolling for beginners and intermediate riders and before you even know you would have crunched many 100s of kilometres.

Honourable mentions: If your budget permits you another 15/20k below are some considerations.

• Polygon Strattos S2 - (Rs. 43,000) Shimano Claris, 11-30T, 10.3kg, Carbon fork.
• Fuji Sportif 2.3 (2017) - (Rs. 53,000) Shimano Claris, 11-32T, 10.2kg, Carbon fork
• Triban RC 500 - (Rs. 55,000) Shimano Sora, 11-32T, 10.6Kg, Carbon fork, 166mm disks

Regardless of how expensive a bike you buy, getting your bike fit right is a paramount aspect that most often gets ignored, leading to a sore back, quads, neck in some cases permanent injuries. 

Finally, on the saddle, you may ride half-hour or a couple of hours, for your safety always follow the traffic rules and wear personal protection gear!

(Feel free to leave a comment about your thoughts, or queries)

Ride More & Ride Safe! 🚴🏻 🚴🏻‍♀️ 👍🏻

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Nelson John 

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